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Special Service Squadron entering Sydney Harbour 9 April 1924
Special Service Squadron entering Sydney Harbour 9 April 1924

Special Service Squadron entering Sydney Harbour 9 April 1924

Photographer
Date1924
Object number00054404
NamePhotograph
MediumPhotographic print
Dimensions1225mm x 226mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from James Warrand
DescriptionPanoramic photographic print of the Special Service Squadron consisting of HMS HOOD, HMS REPULSE, HMS DEHLI, HMS DANA and HMS DUNEDIN entering Sydney Harbour 9th April 1924. Marked 'EB Studios 278 George St Sydney'. Inscription on back of photograph reads "Souvenir of Sydney to Commander Moore from J H Sanders. Box 3219 29/6/26". The photograph is taken from the Hornby Light at South Head, looking across to Middle Head. The railing of the lighthouse can be seen in the bottom right corner of the print. A crowd of spectators gather on the clifftops to watch the ships as they arrive in Sydney Harbour. Shot from the top of the Hornby Light, it provides an uncommon view of North Head and across to Middle Head. John Enemark established the commercial art and photographic business, EB Studios around 1918. The company was well known for producing panoramic photographs using the Cirkut camera, which were widely available until the late 1920s. HistoryDuring 1923-1924 the British ship HMS HOOD was flagship of the Special Service Squadron, a world tour that stopped at many countries who fought and held allegiance with Britain in World War I. The squadron embarked on the tour on 27 November 1923 visiting Canada, United States and most of the large Australian cities. The squadron was led by the flagship HMS HOOD and returned to the UK on 28 September 1924. The tour was primarily a public relations exercise for the Royal Navy, but also a training voyage for young sailors. The men received an enthusiastic reception in Australia. Official receptions, theatrical performances, public marches and events took place in all the Australian ports visited. SignificanceThe photograph produced by EB Studios provides the viewer with a clear and dramatic vista of HMS HOOD and five of the six accompanying light cruisers that comprised the Special Service Squadron. Shot from the top of the Hornby Light, it provides an uncommon view of North Head and across to Middle Head. John Enemark established the commercial art and photographic business, EB Studios around 1918. The company was well known for producing panoramic photographs using the Cirkut camera. The Cirkut cameras were widely available until the late 1920s.

During 1923-1924 the British ship HMS HOOD was flagship of the Special Service Squadron, a world tour that stopped at many countries who fought and held allegiance with Britain in World War I. The squadron embarked on the tour on 27 November 1923 visiting Canada, United States and most of the large Australian cities. The squadron was led by the flagship HMS HOOD and returned to the UK on 28 September 1924. The tour was primarily a public relations exercise for the Royal Navy, but also a training voyage for young sailors. The men received an enthusiastic reception in Australia. Official receptions, theatrical performances, public marches and events took place in all the Australian ports visited.