Proud Entry

Artist Margaret Hadfield

Date2013

Object number00053735

NamePainting

MediumOil on Canvas

DimensionsOverall: 750 x 1000 x 40 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionMargaret Hadfield's painting ' Proud Entry' captures the moment on 4 October 2013 when HMAS DARWIN passed under the iconic structure of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, leading other vessels of Australia's modern Navy to their berths in Darling Harbour. The International Fleet Review was further marked by a spectacular light show and fireworks display watched by millions of people in Sydney. Hadfield's commemoration of the centenary of the Royal Australian Navy in a painting, mirrors the painting of HMAS AUSTRALIA by Frederick Elliot done in 1913.History"The arrival of the Australian fleet unit is not only an historic event, it is one of supreme significance. It marks a new era in Australian development. By the establishment of the Commonwealth the old colonial regime came to an end. We had created the means by which we could become a nation." So said Mr William M Hughes MP of the formation and arrival of the new Royal Australian Navy fleet in Sydney on 4 October 1913 ('Mr W M Hughes's View', The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 6 October 1913, p 8). Tens of thousands of people flocked to Sydney Harbour to witness the arrival of the fleet just after 9:30am, led by flagship battle cruiser HMAS AUSTRALIA, and followed by light cruisers HMA Ships MELBOURNE, SYDNEY and ENCOUNTER, and destroyers YARRA, PARRAMATTA and WARREGO. In the 100 years since the establishment of the Royal Australian Navy, RAN ships have protected Australia through two world wars and formed an integral part of Australia's strategic alliances with first Britain, and later the United States in maintaining a strong and effective presence in the Asia Pacific Region. The RAN has also grown significantly since its formation and 19 RAN vessels took part in the International Fleet Review in Sydney in October 2013. A further 18 naval vessels from other countries participated in the celebrations. SignificanceThe painting depicts ships of the RAN, led by HMAS DARWIN, passing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the International Fleet Review held in 2013 to commemorate 100 years since the establishment of the Royal Australian Navy in 1913. The painting is significant as a visual memento of the event by an artist whose work is closely associated with Australian military service and history.