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Crew of HMAS KANIMBLA during World War II

Date1939-1943

Object numberANMS0297

NameArchive series

MediumSilver gelatin print

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

Australian Naval History

DescriptionThis archive collection consists of ten photographs relating to the service of Donald Cooper Blunsden in Royal Australian Navy during World War II. The photographs are of the ship's company of HMAS KANIMBLA and other RAN ships in uniform either in group photos on deck or on recreational leave.HistoryDonald Cooper Blunsden was born on 19 June 1906 in England and migrated to Australia with his parents, living in Enmore, New South Wales. In 1920 at the age of 15 Blunsden tried to register with the Australian Military Forces but was deemed unfit for service. His record shows a request by his father not to let him be enlisted because of his fractured skull. By the age of 33, Blunsden was married and World War II had broken out. With a second sucessful attempt he enlisted with the Royal Australian Navy and was mobilised on 2 September 1939. Blunsden served as a shipwright and achieved the rank of Leading Seaman. He served aboard HMA Ships PENGUIN II, HOBART and WESTRALIA, with the greatest time aboard HMS KANIMBLA from 23 September 1939 to 25 May 1943. Blunsden was demobilised on 22 March 1946 having been Mentioned in Despatches on 9 October 1945 for his actions aboard HMS KANIMBLA in the Persian Gulf.SignificanceThese photographs are a pictorial record of the ship's company aboard Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS KANIMBLA.