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Cunard Line Australasian Service at Sydney Wharf

Date1916-1918

Object number00055513

NamePhotograph

MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper.

DimensionsOverall (framed): 390 × 830 × 23 mm, 2232 g

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection gift of Leonie Winlaw

Terms

DescriptionPanoramic photograph, silver gelatin. Cunard Line Australasian Service - Sydney Wharf - SS PORT MELBOURNE, SS PORT NAPIER. Woolloomoolloo, possibly WWI 1916-1918.HistoryThe SS PORT MELBOURNE was also known for part of the war as Star of Victoria and given the troopship designation A-16. It was owned by the Commonwealth and Dominion Line and requisitioned by the Commonwealth in 1914, spending August to September being converted to carry 1,000 troops. Under both names, the vessel made eight transport voyages from Australia commencing with the first convoy, carrying the 1st Light Horse Brigade. The renaming occured in 1916 when its ownership was taken back by the Commonwealth and Dominion Line Ltd of London. The vessel remained under lease with the Commonwealth until 2 Oct 1917 after which it came under the control of the British Admiralty. In 1919 SS PORT MELBOURNE was converted for normal commercial trade. Following lengthy periods laid up in the 1930s, during WW2 it was used as a carrier of chilled meat, and survived to eventually be broken up in 1948. The SS PORT NAPIER was built as the SS HAWKES BAY in 1914 and was transferred from the Tyser Line, and in 1916 renamed Port Napier. In 1932 it was laid up, and in 1936 transferred to Brocklebank Line and renamed Martand.SignificanceThis image provides a detailed view of the Sydney waterfront in the late 19th and early 20th century during a time of when activity on the waterfront was still a defining activity.