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Royal Australian Navy hammock

Date1939-1945

Object number00056595

NameHammock

MediumLinen, wool, dye, copper-alloy

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Naida Isenberg

Terms

DescriptionHammock used by Royal Australian Naval Reserve Able Seaman (Radar) Kaye Burton Smith, who served aboard HMAS Australia (II) during the Second World War. It is manufactured from one piece of rectangular heavy natural (sailcloth?) canvas and measures 1.79 metres long by 1.14 metres wide. Each of its two short ends was originally pierced with 16 copper-alloy grommets, each of which has a corresponding nettle (the length of cord that emerges from the hammock’s end). The 16 nettles at either end of the hammock are gathered and partially braided to a steel clew (ring). The hammock is significant due to its association with AB Smith and Australia (II), a heavy cruiser that served with distinction during some of the most pivotal naval battles in the Pacific Theatre involving Australian naval assets, including the Battle of the Coral Sea, Battle of Savo Island, amphibious landings at Guadalcanal and Leyte Gulf, the New Guinea Campaign, and the invasion of Lingayen Gulf.SignificanceThis collection of objects is significant due to its association with HMAS Australia (II), one of the RAN’s capital warships during the Second World War. The heavy cruiser served with distinction during some of the most pivotal naval battles in the Pacific Theatre involving Australian naval assets, including the Battle of the Coral Sea, Battle of Savo Island, amphibious landings at Guadalcanal and Leyte Gulf, the New Guinea Campaign, and the invasion of Lingayen Gulf. During the latter engagement, Australia was forced to withdraw due to extensive damage caused by a series of kamikaze attacks. Some scholars have argued that a Japanese aircraft collision with Australia on 21 October 1944 (during the amphibious landings at Leyte Gulf) was the first documented instance of a kamikaze attack on an Allied warship. AB Smith was present during most of these campaigns and events, as were his hammock, winter uniform, and—assuming family lore of their origin is true—the British White Ensign and Australian national flag, which only enhances their collective historical significance.