Rabaul harbour after the eruption of the Matupi Volcano
Date1937
Object number00029072
NamePhotograph
MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 124 x 91 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Philip Stafford Jay
Description'We had been sent to Rabaul to assist in rescue work after the volcano Matupi had erupted, and an earthquake has caused a lot of damage. The earthquake has thrown up an island overnight composed almost entirely of pumice dust. This island was right at the entrance to Blanch Bay, Rabaul's harbour, and each time the tide came in it undercut the island causing tons of pumice dust to float away on the incoming tide, the entire surface of the bay was covered by about two inches of pumice dust. So, as we lay at anchor, the shadow of the ship was thrown onto the pumice, as can be seen by the photo. Normally, irrespective of how still the surface of the water was, an effect such as this could never be achieved. When our motor boats went on trips their wake was like bicycle track on a beach'.
Philip Jay, ex Petty Officer, RAN
Philip Jay was aboard HMAS MORSEBY when it was sent to Rabaul after the eruption in May 1937 to offer assistance.HistoryIn May 1937 the eruption of volcanoes at Vulcan Island and Matupi, near Rabaul, caused the evacuation of the town's inhabitants to Kokopo. HMAS MORSEBY then in the Gulf of Carpentaria, was ordered to proceed to Rabaul and render assistance where it supplied provisions.SignificanceNOTES BY MR. P. JAY ON FILE. THE NEW ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA. 1986.
