Invitations and programs relating to Royal Australian Navy events
Date2007-2009
Object numberANMS1360
NameArchive series
MediumCardboard, paper
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mary-Louise Williams
DescriptionIndicative of the close associations between the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Royal Australian Navy, these invitations document various naval ceremonies from commissioning to remembrance.
Four invitations are from the Royal Australian Navy, including the commissioning of HMAS WOLLONGONG, Garden Island, NSW, 23 June 2007; a Memorial Service for Japanese Midget Submarine M24, HMAS KUTTABUL Memorial Site, Garden Island, Sydney, 6 August 2007; a Navy Week reception on board HMAS MELBOURNE, Garden Island, Sydney, 4 October 2007; and a National Memorial Service for HMAS SYDNEY, St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, 24 April 2008.
Also included is an invitation from the Lord Mayor of Sydney (Clover Moore MP) to view the Freedom of Entry March by the Royal Australian Navy, Sydney Town Hall Steps, 14 March 2009.HistoryThe traditions of the navy are most obviously reflected in the many ceremonial events associated with the life of a ship. While a modest collection, these invitations are indicative of the strong role of ceremony in naval life. They relate to Mary-Louise William's role as Director of the Australian National Maritime Museum.SignificanceThe invitations are of value as a historical record of ceremonial events held by the Royal Australian Navy in the early 21st century.