SS LIGHTNING
Photographer
Royal Australian Air Force
Date18 June 1940
Object numberANMS1492[007]
NamePhotograph
MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 135 x 213 mm,
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Patrick Grant
DescriptionThis series of photographs illustrates Australian and Allied vessels, plus some potential enemy vessels, in the years around the beginning of World War II. The photographs were created by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which was tasked with maritime patrol and escort duties. These images contributed to accurate and often split-second identification of both friend and foe by RAAF aircraft and Royal Australian Navy warships. The collection is significant as it represents a comprehensive, named and dated selection of the many vessels found in Australian waters at a time when shipping operated under considerable threat from German and Japanese submarines, warships and disguised commerce raiders.HistoryDuring World War II, coastal patrol and maritime reconnaissance was a major role of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), including aviation units attached to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). These tasks included search and rescue, convoy shadowing, vessel identification and – when warranted – action against enemy submarines, warships and commerce raiders. Therefore the ability to identify vessels from the air was a critical skill for aircrew, in order to protect Allied vessels, prevent friendly fire incidents and correctly target hostile or suspect vessels.
These photographs form part of a series of official identification images, some taken pre-war but the majority shot during 1941–42. They were largely managed by 6 Squadron RAAF, which was primarily based on east coast of Australia, operating maritime patrol aircraft. They were also apparently shared with the RAN for vessel identification purposes. The images include Australian and Allied warships and commercial vessels, as well as those of neutral countries, including a Japanese vessel (SS Hasimi Maru) photographed prior to the outbreak of the Pacific War.SignificanceIdentification of both friendly and enemy vessels was a critical intelligence function for both the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) during World War II. Accurate identification ensured the safety of Australian and Allied vessels from attack, and appropriate investigation and targeting of enemy vessels after the outbreak of hostilities. These images are therefore an important record of wartime maritime patrol, convoy protection and fleet cooperation duties. They furthermore provide clearly identified and dated images of numerous ships operating in Australian and regional waters.
Although some of these images are duplicated in other national collections, this series is significant in terms of providing a comprehensive sample of vessels identified by RAAF during the critical early years of World War II.
