Holiday greeting card, HMAS MORESBY
Datec 1936
Object number00055158
NameGreeting card
MediumPaper, ink, cloth ribbon, photograph, glue
DimensionsOverall: 123 × 90 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Rachael Russell
DescriptionOfficial Holiday greeting card from HMAS Moresby (I). Card comprises two (internal and external) layers of light blue paper cardstock held together by a dark blue cloth ribbon. The handwritten notation 'From Harold E. Fletcher' appears inside the card, as does a black and white photograph of a hand-drawn map of part of northern Australia's coastline, including Bathurst Island, Melville Island, and Van Dieman's Gulf. An area is delineated in the waters off Darwin, and the notation 'HMAS MORESBY SURVEY 1936' appears below the hand-drawn map.SignificanceHMAS Sydney (I)'s loss in an engagement against the German auxiliary cruiser HSK Kormoran is one of the most significant in the history of the Royal Australian Navy, and until its discovery was one of two enduring Australian naval mysteries (the other being the submarine AE1). As a consequence, items associated with the vessel have considerable historical importance and sentimental value. This greeting card from HMAS Moresby (I) is almost certainly associated with an HMAS Sydney crewman, Steward Ernest Verdun Ryding, who served aboard the vessel for four years and was discharged shortly before its loss. The card appears to have been given to Ryding by Moresby crewman Harold Fletcher during the Holiday Season in 1936. HMAS Moresby played lesser-known--but no less important--roles in the Second World War, including hydrographic surveys, anti-submarine and minesweeping patrols, and convoy escort duties. Consequently, objects associated with Moresby are relatively rare and unique.
2016