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These cartoons were drawn on board SS STRATHALLAN between Aden and Bombay
These cartoons were drawn on board SS STRATHALLAN between Aden and Bombay

These cartoons were drawn on board SS STRATHALLAN between Aden and Bombay

Date1939
Object number00040050
NameHandkerchief
MediumLinen, ink
DimensionsOverall: 275 x 275 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Lud Krastins
DescriptionThis handkerchief is decorated with cartoons hand-drawn in green ink by passengers E Jones, E Smith, M Lines and H Carter on board the STRATHALLEN in 1939, between Aden and Bombay. This was during one of the last voyages made by the liner before it was requisitioned as a troop ship during World War II. The cartoons include caricatures of Hitler, Popeye and other figures.HistoryThe P&O liner SS STRATHALLAN was launched at London in 1938 for the passenger service between Australia and England. It completed only a few trips before being requisitioned as a troop transport by the British Ministry of War in September 1939. A short time later STRATHALLAN sank after it was torpedoed by a German U boat (U562) on 21 December 1942 near Oran, off the coast of North Africa. Out of 4000 troops only 3 on board lost their lives.SignificanceThe handkerchief represents souvenirs, friendships and diversions for ship passengers during the first half of the 20th century. The caricatures reflect the political climate of the time, demonstrating that tensions in Europe were on people's minds.