HMAS STUART during power trial
Date1936
Object number00055160
NamePhotograph
MediumPhotograph, paper
DimensionsOverall: 86 × 64 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Rachael Russsell
DescriptionBlack and white photograph of HMAS Stuart (I) conducting a power trial between Jervis Bay and Sydney in 1936. A massive frothing wake is visible behind Stuart's stern, suggesting the vessel's engines are operating at full power. In the bottom left corner of the photograph's reverse side is a handwritten notation that reads: 'H.M.A.S. "STUART" POWER.TRIAL. JB [Jervis Bay]. TO. SYDNEY. 1936.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 photograph of HMAS Stuart (I) is almost certainly associated with an HMAS Sydney crewman, Steward Ernest Verdun Ryding. Ryding served as a Steward aboard Stuart between August and December 1936, which correlates with the vessel's power trial between Jervois Bay and Sydney. He was later transferred to HMAS Sydney, served aboard the vessel for four years, and was discharged shortly before its loss in November 1941.
