HMHS KAROOLA, A63, about to leave Port Melbourne with medical staff
Model Maker
Josiah Earl Barnes
(Australian, 1858 - 1921)
Date1916
Object number00027609
NamePhotograph
MediumPhotographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 109 x 154 mm, 1 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis black and white photograph by Melbourne photographer Josiah E Barnes depicts an elevated view of the accommodation quarters and the bridge of the steamship KAROOLA. The vessel is about to leave the wharf and the accommodation ladder is still in place. A board at upper left reads: 'A63', identifying the vessel as the hospital ship KAROOLA. Soldiers crowd on the deck with arms and legs over the side, throwing streamers to the crowd of civilians on the wharf below.HistoryMelbourne based photographer Josiah Barnes had two sons, Norm and Victor, who left for war in 1916 (both returned to Australia after their service). Barnes appears to have taken an interest around this time in photographing the troopships as they departed for war from Melbourne.
The liner KAROOLA was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast for McIlwraith McEacharn. KAROOLA was mainly used for the Fremantle and west coast passenger services until 1915 when the Australian Government requisitioned the ship as a troopship. In August 1915 the vessel was converted to a fully-equipped hospital ship and transported sick and wounded troops between England and Australia. The vessel returned to work as a passenger liner after the war, working along the east coast of Australia. KAROOLA was sold for scrap in 1937.
