Images(2)

Bridge, RMS NARKUNDA at sea

Artist Frank Norton (1916-1983)

Date1939

Object number00027985

NameDrawing

MediumPencil on paper

DimensionsImage: 152 x 217 mm
Sheet: 196 x 251 mm
Overall: 196 x 251 mm, 0.007 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThe image depicts the interior of the bridge of the RMS NARKUNDA. A row of windows appear at right, a small room appears at the center left, and the engine order telegraph appears at the center. This Royal Mail ship was involved in the transportation of passengers and mail to Australia during the first half of the 20th century.HistoryNARKUNDA was a 16,500 ton gross steamer that was active on the Australian passenger service run. It was built by Caird & Co at Greenock for P&O in 1920 and was capable of accommodating 650 passengers and 277,090 cubic feet of grain and 103,000 cubic feet of insulated cargo. During the Second World War the vessel was used as a troop transport. On 14 November 1942 it was sunk by German bombers after it left Bougie, Algeria having delivered troops for the campaign in North Africa.SignificanceThis drawing demonstrates the role of Royal Mail ship NARKUNDA in Australian trade and communication during the first half of the 20th century.