HMT CANBERRA one hour Zig-Zag (for the Convoy over 12 knots)
Date1918
Object number00044346
NamePlan
MediumPaper, ink, pencil
DimensionsDisplay dimensions: 590 × 435 mm B Fini
ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Leila Dilley
HistoryThe Howard Smith Limited passenger liner TSS CANBERRA was requisitioned for the Allied war effort on 18 of October 1917 in Sydney, leaving with troops for Egypt in November 1917 as HMT / HMAT CANBERRA. Thereafter it was used to transport troops and stores between Mediterranean ports and the Persian Gulf, and to transport troops from Egypt to France to fight on the Western Front during the major German Spring offensive that started in March 1918 and ended in July at year. The Signal Log 00044336 in the ANMM's collection indicates that between June and November 1918 HMT CANBERRA was part of convoys between Alexandria, Taranto, Port Said, Aden and Salonika (Thessaloniki, Greece). The Armistice of Mudros, signed on 30 October 1918, brought and an end to hosilities between the Allies and the Ottoman Empire. In December 1918 HMT CANBERRA was involved in Allied post war operations at Beirut, Lebanon, and Mersina (Mersin), Turkey. At Mersin HMT CANBERRA embarked released British prisoners of war taken by the Turks at the seige of Kut al-Amara in April 1916. Thereafter it was involved in returning British troops from India and Australian troops from Europe until 27 April 1920 when the CANBERRA was returned to Howard Smith Line.SignificanceThe Signal Log provides an account of the day to day operations of an Australian merchant liner used during wartime. The associated papers provide an insight into the movements of the 'flying convoy', used to move troops and release allied prisoners at Mersina, including 'zigzag' formations and coastal mapping.
