Busy day on Bunbury Jetty

Date1920-1940

Object number00013944

NamePostcard

MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper

DimensionsOverall: 89 x 139 x 1 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Michael Waterhouse

Terms

DescriptionThis black and white postcard shows a bustling Bunbury Jetty, riddled with railway tracks and surrounded by docked ships. The image depicts jetty workers, steaming trains and empty freight cars.HistoryThe Bunbury Jetty is located in Koombana Bay in Bunbury, Western Australia. Built from timber using convict labour in 1864, the Bunbury jetty was continually lenghtened due to increased shipping until it was closed in 1982 when the inner harbour was built. Norman 'Gus' Warren Waterhouse was born in Sydney in 1899 and joined Royal Australian Naval Reserves (RANR) in 1916. He transferred to adult forces in July 1917 as ordinary seaman and became rated as a signal man on 1 December 1917, and later as a Leading Seaman and as Petty Officer (Yeoman of Signals) on 1 July 1919. As a trained engineer, Waterhouse was Appointed Engineer-Lieutenant in the RANR with effect from 1 February 1927 and later as Appointed Engineer-Lieutenant Commander in 1935. This same year he was awarded the Volunteer Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. In 1944 Waterhouse was transferrd to Retired List which he held until July 1955 when he became a permanent resident of the United States . In 1926, 'Gus' had proposed the erection of a National Sea Memorial on Sow and Pigs Reef using the tripod mast of HMAS SYDNEY, which had sunk the EMDEN at Cocos Island on 9 November, 1914 . He had proposed a concrete superstructure in the shape of a cross with the lower end in the form of steps and a landing stage to enable small craft to berth. The suggestion was aired in the media and eventually the mast was erected on Bradley's Head, Sydney Harbour in 1934. Gus also wrote many articles on naval issues, particularly drawing on his engineering background .SignificanceThis postcard is an excellent illustration of the important role that jetties played in the shipping industry. Connected to the main railway line, the Bunbury Jetty was a vital intersection between the shipping and railway industries during the early 20th century.