tps.org.au

"S.S. Sydney at Stanley, Tas." - photographer / publisher not identified
Probably from c.1910 - printed in Germany with index #142385

NAVAL and PASSENGER/MERCHANT SHIPS AT HOBART - 1930s ?

This real photo card is by an unidentified photographer. There is a large warship
moored in the river (Hobart Regatta flagship?) and three more smaller naval vessels
docked together at King's Pier. In addition, there are four passenger/merchant vessels
tied up at various wharves.

Can anyone suggest a definite year and/or names of some of the ships?

Late 1930s.

The easy one is D69 in the foreground which is HMS VENDETTA acquired by RAN
1933, sold 1946. One of her three sisters (all lost 1941-42) is alongside.

Then a light cruiser, one of HOBART (1938)/PERTH(1939)/SYDNEY(1935).

First cargo liner looks like Shaw Savill & Albion's MAHANA 1917-53. Might
be able to read name on original.

Cruiser in the background is either HMAS CANBERRA or AUSTRALIA (both built
1928).

Large steamer with two funnels is an Orient Liner, one of ORAMA, OTRANTO,
ORONSAY, ORONTES or ORFORD built 1924-29.

Regards

Graeme

Prior to the second world war the RAN had annual Easter naval exercises in Norfolk and Frederick Henry Bays. With the large fleet of RAN ships in the port it could well be for an Easter maneuvers

I will also add the coal hulk, (bottom right nearest to photographer) is the former Barque Jessie Craig. Another item of interest is the 1896 steam crane, which today is still there.

Card 1 Rose Series. Appears to have the second funnel rubbed out in the negative. Same view as your card Ross.

Card 2 By DIC. I have not seen to many cards by DIC (Fellows) from Northern Tasmania. 2 Funnels.

Card 3. By Spurling. 2 funnels. All 3 cards are unused.

TSS Loongana

The postcard is No 13 of the Beautiful Tasmania series, printed in Germany and postmarked 1909.

THE NAVY IN HOBART - MAYBE 1937?

For a range of reasons did a bit of research on a copy of this photo a little time ago.

I found:

1. The Royal Hobart Regatta was held on 23 February 1937, and the Flagship was HMAS Canberra

2. A news item in “The Mercury” dated 3 March 1937 advised on page 3:

FLEET NEWS

Ships Leave for Exercises
HMAS Sydney and Swan, and the destroyer flotilla, comprising HMAS Stuart, Waterhen and Vendetta, left Hobart yesterday for Storm Bay, where the vessels will engage in exercises during the next few days. It is expected that the ships will return to Hobart on Friday. Ratings from HMAS Canberra began musketry practice at the Sandy Bay rifle range yesterday morning.

4. From the above I came to the conclusion that the photo was possibly taken somewhere around the time the above item appeared in “The Mercury”

I identified the RAN ships in the photo as certainly “Vendetta” (D69) and most likely HMAS Stuart alongside, with HMAS Sydney being dockside on Kings Pier.

I have had a very quick look at the “Shipping Arrivals” and find that based on the “Vessels Expected” notices it is possible that the single funnel ship on the western side of Queens Pier is the “Zealandia” and on the eastern side the “Brisbane Star.”

The two ships on Ocean Pier are most likely the Orontes (west) and the Orama (east)

I do intend to work through the TAHO files on shipping arrivals and departures which should confirm or otherwise indicate what adjustments need to be made to the above.

I also agree that it is the coal hulk Jessie Craig in the RH foreground of the picture.

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Footnote - link to real photo postcard to which 'Barence' refers is http://tps.org.au/bb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=50&p=4605#p257

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