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Departure of the troopship NESTOR
Departure of the troopship NESTOR

Departure of the troopship NESTOR

Photographer (Australian, 1858 - 1921)
Datec 1916
Object number00027622
NamePhotograph
MediumPhotographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 122 x 167 mm, 1 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionPhotograph by photographer Josiah Barnes of the departure of the WW1 troopship NESTOR, Melbourne. The black and white image depicts groups of civilians moving along a wharf toward an unseen vessel. Railway coal wagons can be seen at left and a tug sits at the wharf at right. The tug is attached to an unseen vessel, presumably NESTOR, of which only the tip of the stern or bow can be seen at upper right. The reverse of the print has a lead pencil inscription reading `NESTOR punch 16'.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 twin screw steamer NESTOR was built in Belfast in 1912 and was part of the Blue Funnel Line's fleet working the England to Australia passenger service. NESTOR was requisitioned by the Australian Government in 1915 as a troopship and returned to passenger services in 1920. In June 1936 NESTOR was involved in the salvage rescue of MUNGANA which had drifted close to rocks at Cape Jaffa. Both vessels sustained damage during the rescue operation, however NESTOR was able to attach a line and tow the disabled MUNGANA to Port Adelaide. NESTOR was sold for breaking at Faslane in 1950.