SS HOBSONS BAY Melbourne

Date1920s

Object number00040694

NamePhotograph

MediumPaper, silver gelatin

Dimensions250 x 375 mm
Image: 161 x 267 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Moss Hunt

Terms

HistoryHOBSONS BAY was one of a fleet of five 'BAY' ships built for the Commonwealth Government Line in the early 1920s, to engage in the emigrant trade between Britain and Australia. They were considered luxurious in crew accommodation and appointments, having been built according to Australia's new Navigation Act of 1921. HOBSONS BAY made its first voyage from London in 1922. In 1923 the line was renamed Australian Commonwealth Line. The line was unprofitable because of the government's inexperience in operating commercial shipping, and because of continuing union action. The ships were sold in 1928 and continued to operate in the Australia to London trade as the Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line. HOBSONS BAY's name was changed to ESPERANCE BAY in 1937. It served as a troopship in World War II. It was scrapped in 1955. The crew photographs, menu and ship portrait date from the ship's earliest years. The donor's father, Scottish born Grant Rougvie, appears in the Hobart photograph as third officer, second from left in the second front row. The Captain is Robert Moodie-Heddle.SignificancePeter Plowman, Passenger Ships of Australia and New Zealand, volume II, 1981, pp 52-58