The Bos'n
Artist
Robert Thomas Boland
(Australian, 1922 - 1985)
Date1942 - 1945
Object number00000662
NameCartoon
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 208 × 168 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionCartoon drawn by Stoker R Boland of The Bos'n - the ship's bosun (boatswain). The boatswain supervises seamanship activities and manages major ship activities. He is featured sitting on an upturned bucket, pipe in hand with his bare back to the viewer - showing his myriad of tattoos.
Robert Thomas Boland enlisted in the RAN in November 1942 at the age of 18 and remained in naval service until May 1950. At the time of his discharge he was serving aboard HMAS KUTTABUL as a stoker mechanic.
SignificanceThis cartoon is part of the Boland collection offering a small glimpse into the life of a sailor aboard a World War II Australian naval ship.