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Defence Series No.102 HMAS CANBERRA, Cruiser of the Kent Class. 9,850 Tons.
Defence Series No.102 HMAS CANBERRA, Cruiser of the Kent Class. 9,850 Tons.

Defence Series No.102 HMAS CANBERRA, Cruiser of the Kent Class. 9,850 Tons.

Publisher
Date1939-1945
Object number00000486
NamePostcard
MediumBlack and white half-tone photo-mechanical photographic image on paper.
DimensionsOverall: 87 x 140 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis black and white photographic postcard features HMAS CANBERRA (I) in Sydney Harbour. Produced by the Rose Stereograph Company in Armadale, Victoria, this postcard is number 102 in a series of cards featuring Royal Australian Navy ships.HistoryHMAS CANBERRA was a Kent sub-class design of the County class heavy cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy, built by John Brown & Co Ltd at Clydebank, Scotland in 1925. After spending its first five months in British waters CANBERRA transferred to Australia and acted as flagship of the Australia Station on a number of occasions. When World War II broke out HMAS CANBERRA conducted patrols and escorted convoys in Australian waters and the Tasman Sea from 1939-1940. In 1940 it began escort services in the Indian Ocean. In May 1942 CANBERRA was stationed in Sydney to undergo refitting and was present during the Japanese midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour. In August 1942 CANBERRA was used to support American troop landings in Guadalcanal and Tulagi. It was during this period that the cruiser was torpedoed twice and sunk in the midst of fierce fighting during the Battle of Savo Island, 9 August 1942.SignificanceThis postcard of HMAS CANBERRA is a pictorial record of a vessel that holds a significant place in Australian maritime history having served in the Royal Australian Navy.