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Collection of 20 photographs belonging to Captain Robert McKilliam

Date1861-1936

Object numberANMS0226

NameArchive series

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionThis collection of 20 photographs and one postcard belonged to Captain Robert Basil Vincent McKilliam. They feature a number of group, studio and outdoor portrait shots including of members of McKilliam’s family. The collection spans the period 1861 – 1936.HistoryScottish-born Captain Robert Basil Vincent McKilliam served in the Aberdeen White Star Line between 1876 and 1908. A native of Aberdeen, he was apprenticed at 14. He served under famous clipper captains like Robert Kemball and on famous clippers like THERMOPYLAE and SALAMIS, mostly in the Britain-to-Australia service. He also served in the modern steamers of the day. After 32 years he retired from the sea and soon after, in 1910, he married. In 1913 he brought his family to live in Sydney. Appointed Assistant Manager of Darling Island Wharf, he worked as a superintendent stevedore in Sydney from World War One up to the Great Depression. He died at his home in North Sydney in 1934.