SS BOMBALA from Howard Smith Line
Datec 1900
Object number00037528
NamePainting
MediumBoard, oil paint, wood
DimensionsSight: 297 x 450 mm
Overall: 483 x 643 mm, 2.38 kg
Mount: 47 mm
Image: 297 x 450 mm
Overall: 483 x 643 mm, 2.38 kg
Mount: 47 mm
Image: 297 x 450 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Wesfarmers Limited
Collections
DescriptionAn oil painting of SS BOMBALA from the Howard Smith Line.
The SS BOMBALA was used by the Howard Smith Line for the east coast trade between Sydney, Melbourne and north Queensland.HistorySS BOMBALA was a steel steamship built in 1903 by J Laing & Sons, Sunderland, for Howard Smith & Co’s Fremantle service.
It was 3,540 gross tons and would mostly service the Melbourne – North Queensland passenger route. The ship was not requisitioned during the war and was one of the few ships that continued its coastal service run in Australia.
In 1919 SS BOMBALA ran aground on Salamander Reef off the coast of Townsville in Quensland. Although no one was hurt, the ship salvaged and returned tro Sydney for repairs, the cost to Howard Smith Line was extensive and BOMBALA was out of service for nine months. It was a difficult time for coastal shipping in general as demand had decreased significantly due to the advent of train services.
BOMBALA was used intermitantly during 1921 - 1922 for the Sydney - Townsville route and in 1923 used on the Melbourne - Townsville run. But it was a slowing business and BOMBALA had already cost the Howard Smith Line a significant amount of money. It was sold in 1929 to London based group and renamed ASPASIA but later scrapped 1935 at Savona, Italy.
SignificanceThe SS BOMBALA was one of the most popular coastal ships on the east coast run and maintained her route throughout WWI. But, as with others in the trade, the BOMBALA could not compete with the faster train service and ended her career overseas.
