Unloading the TOBRUK at Mogadishu wharf, Somalia

Artist George Gittoes (Australian, born 1949)

Date1995

Object number00019961

NamePainting

MediumOil paint, canvas

DimensionsOverall: 825 x 1170 x 20 mm, 4.3 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThe painting depicts Australian Army and Navy troops alongside local Somali volunteers unloading urgently needed relief supplies from HMAS TOBRUK onto waiting trucks.TOBRUK (pennant number L50) is a 6,000 tonne troopship, launched in Newcastle, New South Wales in 1980 as a carrier of helicopters, troops, landing craft, armoured vehicles and supplies.HistoryThe Museum commissioned this oil painting from prize - winning artist George Gittoes.The subject chosen - Unloading the TOBRUK at Mogadishu Wharf, Somalia - was in keeping with the Museum's view that our maritime heritage doesn't just have to look at the past. What is happening today is just as relevant. In this particular case, the painting shows the modern changing role of the Royal Australian Navy - no longer just a colonial or Commonwealth military force but also a tool used in peace keeping and disaster relief programs. SignificanceThis painting depicting Australian army and naval troops unloading relief food supplies with local Somali volunteers from HMAS Tobruk (Pennant no.L50) shows part of the modern changing role of the Royal Australian Navy. No longer a colonial or Commonwealth military force but a tool used in peace-keeping and disaster relief programs.