Interior conning tower, showing periscope controls Japanese midget submarine

Date1942

Object number00015237

NamePostcard

MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper.

DimensionsOverall: 89 x 140 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionPostcard of the conning tower of one of the Japanese midget submarines that attacked Sydney on 31 May 1942 during WWII. It is part of a series of cards from an exhibition commemorating the event.SignificanceThe attack on Sydney Harbour by the Japanese midget submarines on the night of Sunday 31 May 1942 was the first attack on Sydney by a foreign power, and brought the war home to the east coast of Australia.

This postcard is an example of the fundraising efforts for the Royal Australian Navy Relief Fund and the King George Fund for Merchant Sailors. It was sold along with souvenirs from the wrecks during the tour of a composite midget submarine made from the recovered parts of the two wrecked submarines in 1943.