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Interior conning tower showing periscope controls : Japanese midget submarine
Interior conning tower showing periscope controls : Japanese midget submarine

Interior conning tower showing periscope controls : Japanese midget submarine

Date1942
Object number00038518
NamePostcard
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 140 x 90 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from John Corry
DescriptionThis black and white photographic postcard depicts the remains of the periscope controls in the interior conning tower of one of the Japanese midget submarines which attacked Sydney Harbour on 31 May 1942. It is one in a series of cards produced illustrating the submarines. The reverse of the card features the coat of arms of the Royal Australian navy, and briefly describes the submarine attack on Sydney Harbour.SignificanceThe attack on Sydney Harbour by the Japanese midget submarines on the night of Sunday 31 May 1942 was the first attack on Sydney by a foreign power, and brought the war home to the east coast of Australia.

This postcard is an example of the fundraising efforts for the Royal Australian Navy Relief Fund and the King George Fund for Merchant Sailors. It was sold along with souvenirs from the wrecks during the tour of a composite midget submarine made from the recovered parts of the two wrecked submarines in 1943.