Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Image Not Available for Part of a commemorative gong made from a shell fired by the SS WANDILLA during its war service in WWI
Part of a commemorative gong made from a shell fired by the SS WANDILLA during its war service in WWI
Image Not Available for Part of a commemorative gong made from a shell fired by the SS WANDILLA during its war service in WWI

Part of a commemorative gong made from a shell fired by the SS WANDILLA during its war service in WWI

Maker (1875 - 1977)
Date1915 - 1918
Object number00048169
NameGong Striker
MediumWood, varnish
DimensionsOverall: 365 x 65 mm, 107 g
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Svitzer Australasia
DescriptionA varnished carved wooden striker for the gong (00048170) made from the artillery shell fired by the SS WANDILLA during WW1.HistoryThe Adelaide Steamship Company was formed by a group of South Australian businessmen in 1875 with a view to monopolise goods transportation between Adelaide and Melbourne and profit from the need for an efficient and comfortable passenger service. The company expanded to include shipping operations on the Australian coast, primary products, consumer cargoes and extensive passenger services. Services were extended to Sydney and Queensland and the passenger fleet of the Adelaide Steamship Company became widely known across the country. Many of the company's ships were requisitioned during the First World War. The WARILDA was sunk by a submarine on the 2nd of August 1918. In the 1930s and 1940s, the company diversified into airline operations, towage, shipbuilding, and the shipping of salt, coal and sugar. Adelaide Airways was formed in 1935, which continued in Australian National Airways (ANA) in 1936 and Ansett in 1957. During World War II the Company owned thirty ships, many serving with distinction during the war. In 1964, the Interstate fleet merged with McIlwraith, McEacharn & Co, and the partnership developed the world's first purpose built container ships. However, in 1973, the company ceased its shipbuilding operations, and in 1977, in its 103rd year of operation, sold its shipping related businesses, and ceased its connection with ship owning and operating, retaining interests only in tugboat operations. In the 1970s and 1980s the company became a thriving and successful 'corporate raider'. The recession of the early 1990s forced the company's liquidation In June 1997, the tugboat operations were floated on the Australian Stock Exchange under the name Adsteam Marine. In 2006, Adsteam Marine was acquired by AP Moeller-Maersk, removing the Adelaide Steamship name from the Australian Stock Exchange and Australian Company registers. Adsteam Marine Limited was acquired by Svitzer Australasia in 2007. SignificanceThe Adelaide Steamship Company was a prominent Australian shipping line from the 1870s to the 1970s.