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Image Not Available for HMS SUSSEX in Sydney Harbour during the visit of the Duke of Gloucester in 1934
HMS SUSSEX in Sydney Harbour during the visit of the Duke of Gloucester in 1934
Image Not Available for HMS SUSSEX in Sydney Harbour during the visit of the Duke of Gloucester in 1934

HMS SUSSEX in Sydney Harbour during the visit of the Duke of Gloucester in 1934

Photographer (Australian, 1899 - 1953)
Date22 November 1934
Object number00034963
NameGlass plate negative
MediumEmulsion on glass
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis photograph depicts the starboard view HMS SUSSEX in Sydney Harbour during the visit of the Duke of Gloucester, Prince Henry, in 1934. The photograph was taken from Fort Denison during the vessel's arrival on 22 November 1934.HistoryUnder the command of Captain S S Bonham-Carter, HMS SUSSEX of the Royal Navy steamed into Sydney Harbour on 22 November 1934. On board was Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester, visiting Australia to participate in the centenary celebrations of the state of Victoria and unveil Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance and Sydney's Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park. The 'Sydney Morning Herald' reported on 23 November 1934: 'The day was perfect for the welcome. It was a sunny morning, with a thin veil of cloud tempering the warmth, and just enough wind to lift the bunting bravely, to give a sparkle to the blue water of the harbour, and to waft away the smoke from the guns firing. Sydney's favoured approach being by the sea, this was a marine welcome. The warships coming up the harbour were met by boats of all kinds. People were clustered on the prominent headlands. The city began to fill with people, and the general trend was towards Macquarie Street and the Botanic Gardens. At about 10 o'clock the crowds became dense everywhere, many people taking up positions in the streets to await the procession. Farm Cove was a glorious picture ... White yachts were gathered in the bay, behind the two lines forming a lane through which the Royal barge was to travel, and close by were the naval vessels, in all their majesty and imposing might, with sailors landing in lines on the decks and officers in cocked hats moving about. Yachts flecked the picture as they moved among the big grey ships. At the landing place, the rising ground, crowded with people among the trees built up a background. The guard of honour was waiting, distinguished personages were at the reception platform, bands played at intervals till half past 10. Then there was a lull. A sense of expectancy came over the scene, and the hubbub of the throng died to a dull murmur ... After an official welcome, the Duke, in an open carriage, went through a gaily-decorated city, the route being lined by cheering crowds. The Duke smilingly responded to their greeting by frequently raising his gloved right hand to his cap.' "DUKE OF GLOUCESTER." The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) 23 Nov 1934: 11. Web. 9 Sep 2013 .SignificanceThe Samuel J Hood photographic collection records an extensive range of maritime activity on Sydney Harbour, including sail and steam ships, naval vessels, crew portraits, crews at work, ship interiors, stevedores loading and unloading cargo, port scenes, pleasure boats and harbourside social activities from the 1890s through to the 1950s. They are also highly competent artistic studies and views - Hood was regarded as an important figure in early Australian photojournalism. Hood’s maritime photographs are one of the most significant collections of such work in Australia.