Large naval vessel at sea

Date1945 - 1946

Object numberANMS1490[010]

NamePhotograph

MediumPhotographic print on paper, black and white

DimensionsOverall: 270 x 318 mm,

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Collection Gift from Ian Lawson

Terms

DescriptionThe British Pacific Fleet entailed an immense deployment of naval strength in the Pacific Ocean theatre, from 1944 until 1946. Spanning the end of the Pacific War, the fleet was based in Sydney for maintenance, refitting and recreation. These 14 black-and-while photographs illustrate the British Pacific Fleet’s impressive presence and capabilities in Sydney Harbour over 1945-46. Their composition and framing indicates the propaganda role of the deployment in reminding Australians that they remained part of the British Commonwealth, despite the US Navy’s overwhelming role in defeating Japan.HistoryThe British Pacific Fleet (BPF) was the final wartime Royal Navy deployment to Pacific Ocean, seeing action against the Japanese during the final phase of the Second World War. It was active between 1944–46, with its main base being in Sydney. Significant campaigns that the fleet participated in were the Battle of Okinawa and naval bombardments of the Japanese islands in 1945. The fleet itself comprised a mixture of battleships and aircraft carriers, supported by smaller warships and auxiliary vessels. The photos in this collection mainly show the fleet during Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day on the 15th of August 1945, after the Japanese had unconditionally surrendered. VP Day was a significant moment in Australia’s history as it meant the end of the war. The Royal Australian Navy served within the British Pacific Fleet, operating under the British Commonwealth operational force. The presence of the BFP was also a clear show of military power in the theatre, even though the United States Navy had a formidable – indeed, overwhelming – dominance in the Pacific after the end of the war. Britain believed that it was essential to be seen on the frontline of its most eastern provinces during the war. Furthermore, Britain still wanted to show that it had a presence by staying based in Australia from 1945-46. There were 274 ships in the fleet during its time based in Australia, which included the following: 4 King George V class battleships, 6 armoured aircraft carriers, 4 light fleet carriers, 10 maintenance carriers, 10 cruisers, 40 destroyers, 29 submarines, 64 escorts, 30 auxiliaries and 79 vessels of the fleet train that were essential to keep the fleet operational without stopping. Not all these vessels were in Sydney harbour at once. In 1946 the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious undertook transported approximately 700 Australian war brides to join their new husbands in Britain.SignificanceThese images are significant as they indicate the strength of British naval deployments to the Pacific late in World War II, particularly in Australian waters. The images illustrate a variety of warships, aircraft and personnel, including their interaction with harbour facilities and Australian personnel in Sydney. The images are carefully framed and served an imperial propaganda purpose in demonstrating that the US Navy was not the only significant force deployed in the Pacific theatre. Subject to further research, the photographs may also be associated with the early career of an important Australian news photographer who later specialised in sport, Warwick ‘Wocka’ Lawson.