Official Holiday greeting card from HMAS SYDNEY

Images(4)

Official Holiday greeting card from HMAS SYDNEY

Datec 1940

Object number00055155

NameGreeting card

MediumPaper, ink, cloth ribbon, photograph, glue

DimensionsOverall: 120 × 155 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Rachael Russell

Terms

DescriptionOfficial Holiday greeting card from HMAS Sydney (II). Card comprises two (internal and external) layers of cream-coloured paper cardstock held together by a red cloth ribbon. The interior of the card features a black and white photograph of HMAS Sydney's launch at Wallsend-on-Tyne.SignificanceHMAS Sydney (I)'s loss in an engagement against the German auxiliary cruiser HSK Kormoran is one of the most significant in the history of the Royal Australian Navy, and until its discovery was one of two enduring Australian naval mysteries (the other being the submarine AE1). As a consequence, items associated with the vessel have considerable historical importance and sentimental value. This greeting card appears to be part of a set, which makes it incredibly rare--more so given that each card in the set is different in appearance and two contain photographs of HMAS Sydney that are relatively uncommon in existing archival collections. Additionally, the card was never used, and is almost certainly associated with an HMAS Sydney crewman, Steward Ernest Verdun Ryding, who served aboard the vessel for four years and was discharged shortly before its loss. Indeed, this card may represent three of the four years Ryding served aboard Sydney, which reinforces the possibility that it is part of a (very rare) set.