Scrapbook compiled by Captain Eric Beeham on the Royal Australian Navy
Compiled by
Eric Bolton Beeham
(Australian, born 1917)
Subject or historical figure
Eric Bolton Beeham
(Australian, born 1917)
Date1937 - 1989
Object number00033009
NameScrapbook
MediumPaper, cardboard, cloth
DimensionsOverall: 510 x 440 x 60 mm, 2.66 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Elaine Beeham
DescriptionContents of scrapbook collated by Captain Eric Beeham include Royal Australian Navy 75th Anniversary calendar 1986; scenic Sydney calendar 1989; various documents; newsclippings relating to Bi-Centennial Naval salute 1988; Royal Australian Navy golden jubilee souvenir booklet 1961; "Our Australian Navy" booklet c. 1937; "The Royal Australian Navy's chapel on the cliffs" booklet c. 1961; Various photocopied charts of Sydney harbour; P&O ship's list; dates of wars; various other calendars and newsclippings; and six large colour photographs of naval vessels in Sydney harbour.HistoryEric Beeham became involved in the Second World War when the STRATHNAVER was commissioned as a troop ship. He qualified through the Merchant Navy Officers' Defence Course in London and was appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant, minesweeping around the Australian coast on HMAS SAMUEL BENBOW, HMAS WARREGO, HMAS WARRAWEE and HMAS NAMBUCCA. He subsequently commanded the patrol boat NEREUS. Beeham also served on the HMAS COOLEBAR, HMAS KANIMBLA, HMS SPRINGDALE in the Pacific, New Guinea, Milne Bay and Columbo, and on the aircraft carrier HMS RAJAH in the Mediterranean, Indian Oceanic and Atlantic. Beeham passed his masters examination in 1945 while on HMS VICTORY in London. He served on HMS ROYAL ULSTERMAN for the Normandy landing and on several ships demobilising troops at the end of the war.
Beeham left the Navy in 1948 and returned to work as a merchant mariner. He continued to serve in the naval reserves.