Of Tragedy and Valor
Hubert James Rumbelow

Hubert James Rumbelow (Hube) was born at Victor Harbor on 12th November 1902 and married Kohinoor Grickson Adcock (Korry) on 5th August 1933. 

Hube, his wife Korry and their family moved into the Haven when Annie became bedridden, and stayed on when she died to care for Cain. 

The Haven was sold when Cain died. Hube contracted infantile paralysis when about 4 and this left him with a withered foot and a permanent limp that was a problem all his life, particularly later in life when rheumatism set in.

After a time on George Battye’s farm, Hube joined Cain on the Swallow as a partner. From time to time fishing was augmented by other work – he worked for the council on the sea wall on Franklin Parade and for his cousin, Alf Tugwell, a Wood Merchant. 

Sometimes, when fish were scarce near home, he fished along the Coorong, at Goolwa and in the Mundoo area. Korry died on 24th September 1983 and Hube 3 years later on 27th August 1986. 

They had four children; Phylis, Janet, Elwynne and Kevin.

NAVAL PATROL FORMED.

•  Victor Harbour Times (SA : 1932 - 1986) 

•  Fri 9 Oct 1942 

On a recent visit to Victor Harbour by officers of the Navy Department and the Naval Auxiliary Patrol, it was decided to form a patrol and the following were medically examined and enrolled: Messrs. W. Jeffery (skipper), C. J., H., and L. Rumbelow.  Mr. C. J. Rumbelow's well-known fishing cutler, "Swallow," has been mobilised as the official boat. Another visit is to be paid here again shortly when several more persons will be examined and enrolled if fit. Any information required in connection with the patrol can be obtained from the Harbour Master (Mr. Walter Jeffrey), Victor Harbour.

Cain Jelliff Rumbelow purchased the Swallow in 1907. He sailed the Swallow to victory in many of the sailing races at Victor Harbor on New Years Day, as well as many fishing trips to Kangaroo Island, and along the local coast.  His son, Hubert James Rumbelow (Hube) joined Cain on the Swallow as a partner.

During the Second World War Cain Rumbelow and his son Hubert were an official part of the Naval Auxiliary Patrol. The Swallow, normally painted white with the registered number “28” was repainted battleship grey and renumbered “82” for wartime service. They patrolled the coast from the Bluff to the Pages and on his return would signal the “all clear” with flags to the Voluntary Defence Corps volunteers standing sentry duty on the Bluff.  

His cousin, Ken Rumbelow was often on this duty.

 Fierce Blow at Victor Harbour Victor Harbour

The fiercest wind experienced here for many years prevailed throughout to- day. Starting about 2 a.m., the wind gradually increased in velocity, its strength at times making it difficult for people to maintain their feet. Many houses had roofs damaged, and large trees were uprooted. The Casino had several sheets of iron torn off, and verandahs were blown off buildings be-longing to Mrs. H. M. Trotter and Pear-son Bros. boathouse. The bowling green clubhouse and croquet shadehouse had tiles removed, and other properties suffered minor damage. At Hindmarsh Valley a galvanized house belonging to Mr. E. H. Bulling was partly unroofed. 

At Encounter Bay, Messrs. Cain and Hubert Rumbelow, fishermen, in their boat Swallow, were caught in a gale and had difficulty in anchoring, but finally sought refuge at Depledge's Beach. Ewen Bros, also experienced difficulty in combating the heavy seas in a flat bottomed boat. The Girl Guides, who were in camp at Glenbrook, under Commissioner Miss May Douglas, had to return owing to the boisterous weather.

FISHERMEN SEEK SHELTER 

Fears were entertained at V;ictor Harbor for the safety of Cain and Hubert Rumbelow, father arid son respectively, fishermen, of Encounter Bay. who, with George Attisi.; of Adelaide, were at sea in the cutter Swallow. 

They attempted to reach the nachorage at.Encounter Bay, but failed to make .h;eadway around the Bluff. It was learned this afternoon that the Swallow was safely sheltering at Depledge Beach, between King's Beach and Petrel Cove. 

A fierce gale at Victor Harbor lashed the waves into a frenzy. The whole sea, as far as the eye could see, was one mass of spray. 

George and William Ewen, fishermen, this morning were caught by the blow at Seal Rock. It was with great difficulty after a two hours' pull in a flat-bottomed dinghy, that they reached home safe, but exhausted. 

Body found

• Victor Harbor Times (SA : 1932 - 1986) 

•  Wed 2 Dec 1981 

The body of Victor Harbor fisherman Kevin James Rumbelow was found at Shannon's Gully Beach, about 5km west of Parson's Head, on Saturday.

Mr. Rumbelow, who was the subject of an extensive search after being reported missing in his fishing boat on Monday, was spotted by the Rescue One helicopter. The helicopter had been called to Victor Harbor to investigate boat wreckage 30 miles east of the Murray Mouth. The sighting was identified as a catamaran which had broken its moorings nine months ago.

Sgt. John O'Dea, of the Victor Harbor Police, thanked those who took part in last week's search.