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Defence series No. 103: HMAS PERTH, cruiser of the modified Leander class, was originally HMS AMPHION, but was purchased from the British Government and rechristened PERTH
Defence series No. 103: HMAS PERTH, cruiser of the modified Leander class, was originally HMS AMPHION, but was purchased from the British Government and rechristened PERTH

Defence series No. 103: HMAS PERTH, cruiser of the modified Leander class, was originally HMS AMPHION, but was purchased from the British Government and rechristened PERTH

Photographer
Date1939
Object number00030060
NamePostcard
MediumPhotographic print on card
DimensionsOverall: 85 x 139 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis black and white aerial photographic postcard shows HMAS PERTH sailing in New York Harbour during the world fair of 1939. The image depicts Liberty Island off the port side, with the Statue of Liberty visible. The caption at the base of the postcard explains that the cruiser was originally HMS AMPHION and rechristined HMAS PERTH. Produced by the Rose Stereograph Company in Armidale, Victoria, this postcard is number 103 in a series of cards featuring Royal Australian Navy shipsHistoryHMAS PERTH I was a light cruiser from the modified Leander class and was originally commissioned as HMS AMPHION at Portsmouth on 15 June 1936. AMPHION spent two years as Flagship of the Africa Station which was based at the Cape of Good Hope. When refitted in early October 1938, AMPHION was fitted with a heavy catapult to accommodate a Seagull V amphibian aircraft along with twin 4-inch anti-aircraft mountings in place of the original old single guns. Following an agreement between British and Australian Governments, the RAN purchased AMPHION in 1939. On 29 June 1939, the cruiser was commissioned in the RAN at Portsmouth as HMAS PERTH under the command of Captain Harold B. Farncomb MVO RAN. During peacetime, PERTH visited New York to represent Australia at the World's Fair. When war broke out, PERTH was in the West Indies and was ordered to protect the oil tankers operating between Trinidad and Venezuela. PERTH was part of many escort and refuelling duties as well as taking part in the reinforcement of forces before returning to patrol duties. During March 1941, PERTH played a minor role in the Battle of Matapan. On 29 April 1941, PERTH's aircraft was shot down off Suda Bay, Crete, with three of the crew rescued and PERTH damaged. After urgent repairs were carried out in Alexandria, PERTH sailed for Crete to assist with the evacuation of allied troops from the island. During the evacuation it was attacked five times and on 30 May, was hit by a bomb in a boiler room. After repairs, PERTH was relieved by HMAS HOBART and returned to Australia on 12 August 1941 for an extensive refit at Cockatoo Island Dockyard. In February 1942, PERTH sailed for the Java theatre and was attacked by Japanese aircraft without sustaining damage.SignificanceThis postcard is an important record of HMAS PERTH's visit to New York to represent Australia at the World Fair of 1939. The open day on board PERTH allowed visitors to view the ship, and was an important opportunity for the Royal Australian Navy to show the world its new modified Leander class cruiser.