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Image Not Available for Souvenir of the visit of the Special Service Squadron to Hunters Hill
Souvenir of the visit of the Special Service Squadron to Hunters Hill
Image Not Available for Souvenir of the visit of the Special Service Squadron to Hunters Hill

Souvenir of the visit of the Special Service Squadron to Hunters Hill

DateApril 1924
Object number00034289
NameBooklet
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 120 x 185 mm, 20 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Peter Collins AM RFD QC
DescriptionFrom 27 November 1923 to 28 September 1924, the British Royal Navy’s Special Service Squadron cruised around the world visiting and thanking those countries and allies who had offered their support during World War I. It was an opportunity to show naval strength and renew alliances. This souvenir commemorates those of the Squadron who visited Hunters Hill in Sydney, New South Wales on 10 April 1924. The back of the souvenir features a few lines from the collection of verses titled 'The Old Clay Patch' by author Seaforth Mackenzie. The verses were first published before 1923. The extract reads: "Englath [sic] saith "I love your wake lines, / And your hulls on the sea sky ridge, / For ye are the wefts of our family web, / The spans of our Empire-bridge.' The souvenir was published by the 'Hunter's Hill reception committee', which included solicitor and Mayor of Hunters Hill Council, Chairman William Archibald Windeyer, MBE and the town clerk and Honorary Secretary, William C Wise.SignificanceThe Special Service Squadron stopped at eight Australian ports during February, March and April 1924 during its World Cruise. Souvenirs detailing the day’s events and the region’s history were produced as mementoes for those who attended. The days were organised to show the officers and sailors a slice of Australian life and to offer thanks for alliances and comradeship.