HMAS AUSTRALIA : A dreadnought cruiser. Length, 578 ft; Beam, 79 ½ ft.; 44,000 H.P.; Speed 25 Knots and carries 8 12 inch and 20 / 4 inch Guns and 3 21 inch Torpedo Tubes

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HMAS AUSTRALIA : A dreadnought cruiser. Length, 578 ft; Beam, 79 ½ ft.; 44,000 H.P.; Speed 25 Knots and carries 8 12 inch and 20 / 4 inch Guns and 3 21 inch Torpedo Tubes

Publisher Valentine & Sons Publishing Company Limited (Scottish, 1900 - 1963)

Date1914

Object number00003395

NamePostcard

MediumColoured black and white photographic print on paper

DimensionsOverall: 139 x 87 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA finely coloured postcard that features Australia’s first flagship, the Indefatigable class battle cruiser HMAS AUSTRALIA.HistoryHMAS AUSTRALIA was the RAN’s first flagship having been launched in 1911 and commissioned in 1913. Built by John Brown and Co Ltd, Clydebank, Scotland, the battle cruiser led the ships of the Australian Fleet Unit – the embodiment of Australian sea power. Some time was then spent on port visits, showcasing the cruiser to the nation. Service in WWI included patrol and escort duties firstly against the Germans in the Pacific region and then in the North Sea. AUSTRALIA returned safely to Australia in 1919 where her career was shortlived. Under the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 the ship was prepared for scuttling. After the removal of equipment for use in other naval ships, much of the remainder was allocated as teaching aids to various universities and technical colleges around the country. A syndicate was awarded the contract to remove all remaining material of value prior to sinking. They sold parts of the vessel to the public as souvenirs. AUSTRALIA was sunk off Sydney Heads on 12 April 1924.SignificanceThe formation of the Royal Australian Navy in 1911 was a significant step forward in Australia’s nationhood. HMAS AUSTRALIA was the flagship of the RAN.