Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Image Not Available for Four men on the deck of a warship
Four men on the deck of a warship
Image Not Available for Four men on the deck of a warship

Four men on the deck of a warship

Datec 1919
Object number00056612
NamePostcard
MediumInk, paper
DimensionsOverall: 86 x 137 mm,
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Jan Motbey
DescriptionPostcard chronicling the post-First World War operations of the battle cruiser HMAS AUSTRALIA (I), c. 1919. It features a black-and-white photograph of four men on Australia's weather deck. The third man standing (at image far left) is Officer’s Cook David Ronaldson, who served aboard Australia and was the postcard’s original owner. SignificanceThe postcard is of national significance to Australia due to its association with HMAS AUSTRALIA (I), the flagship of the Royal Australian Navy’s first Fleet Unit and the only capital ship to serve the RAN over the course of its existence. Australia’s commissioning signalled the arrival of the newly appointed RAN as an independent naval force with international status. The postcard is also the personal possession of a RAN sailor (Officer’s Cook David Ronaldson) who served aboard Australia during the First World War, and is particularly significant because it depicts him in his cook’s uniform.