HMAS MORESBY refitting at Garden Island

Artist Frank Norton (1916-1983)

Date14 March 1935

Object number00033508

NameDrawing

MediumPencil on paper

DimensionsOverall: 247 x 320 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis drawing of HMAS MORESBY being refitted was drawn when artist Frank Norton was a student. It demonstrates his competency in technical drawing, an ability that was well-suited to maritime subjects.HistoryHMAS MORESBY began life as HMS SILVIO in the British Royal Navy. It was laid down in Glasgow in 1917 by Barclay Curle and Co Ltd and was commissioned in 1918. SILVIO was converted into a survey ship in 1924 and was lent to Australia to undertake survey work along the Great Barrier Reef. At this point it was renamed MORESBY in honour of British Admiral John Moresby (1830-1922). At the outbreak of World War II, MORESBY was used as an anti-submarine training vessel until January 1941 when once again it was assigned survey duties in northern waters. From January 1942 to November 1943 MORESBY was used as an escort vessel along the east coast of Australia during a particularly active period of Japanese submarine warfare. For the rest of the war, MORESBY resumed her survey duties and was the platform for the Japanese surrender of Timor in October 1945. She arrived in Sydney in December 1945. MORESBY was decommissioned in March 1946 and was sold for breaking up in February 1947.SignificanceThis drawing represents the work of artist Frank Norton and the significance of HMAS MORESBY to the Royal Australian Navy.