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Sydney Fleet Celebrations
Sydney Fleet Celebrations

Sydney Fleet Celebrations

Date1908
Object number00004075
NamePostcard
MediumHand coloured photograph
DimensionsOverall: 90 x 140 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionAustralia welcomed the United State’s Great White Fleet in 1908 and produced souvenir items such as this postcard. The hand coloured photograph commemorates the visit and depicts the celebrations being held in Sydney to mark the occasion. The naval review held in Centennial Park was the largest military display to have been held in Australia at the time. A crowd of up to 250,000 watched the Royal Navy, American Navy and commonwealth naval and military forces of New South Wales in the public display.HistoryIn 1907 American President Roosevelt ordered the Atlantic Battle Fleet of the US Navy on an ambitious voyage around the world. In December 1907 led by the flagship CONNECTICUT, the Atlantic Fleet consisted of 16 battleships painted white as all US Navy ships were in times of peace. The ships sailed in four divisions of four ships each and visited six continents, 26 countries and 32 ports. It carried 614 officers, 13,504 other crew and consumed 435,000 tons of coal, more than any other naval expedition. It was the largest fleet to ever accomplish a circumnavigation. Led by the flagship, USS CONNECTICUT, the Great White Fleet as it became known, consisted of 16 battleships painted white, as was the practice of all US Navy ships in times of peace. The ships sailed in four divisions of four ships each. Early in the voyage the order of the ships was altered to allow the best-looking vessels to be at the front of the fleet. The cruise incorporated six continents, 26 countries and 32 ports with 614 officers and 13,504 crew. It consumed 435,000 tons of coal, more than any other naval expedition and was the largest fleet to ever accomplish a circumnavigation of the globe.SignificanceThis postcard demonstrates the excitement the Great White Fleet visit generated in the Australian public, highlighting the prolific production of souvenir postcards at the time.