The troopship NESTOR underway from Melbourne
Photographer
Josiah Earl Barnes
(Australian, 1858 - 1921)
Date11 October 1915
Object number00027606
NamePhotograph
MediumPhotographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 117 x 154 mm, 1 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionPhotograph by Melbourne photographer Josiah E. Barnes of the troopship NESTOR departing Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The reverse has a handwritten inscription in lead pencil reading: `NESTOR 11/10/15'.HistoryMelbourne based photographer Josiah Barnes had two sons, Norm and Victor, who left for war in 1916 (both returned to Australia after their service). Barnes appears to have taken an interest around this time in photographing the troopships as they departed for war from Melbourne.
11 October was the day Victor Earl Barnes, embarked on HMAT NESTOR for overseas service with the 14th Battalion. Victor Barnes transferred to the 46th Battalion in March 1916, and was injured while serving with this unit in France in June 1917. While recovering at the 11th Casualty Clearing Station, the site was bombed and Barnes received further injuries. Like his younger brother Norman Clarence Barnes, Victor survived the war and returned to Australia in July 1919.
The twin screw steamer NESTOR was built in Belfast in 1912 and was part of the Blue Funnel Line's fleet working the England to Australia passenger service. NESTOR was requisitioned by the Australian Government in 1915 as a troopship and returned to passenger services in 1920. In June 1936 NESTOR was involved in the salvage rescue of MUNGANA which had drifted close to rocks at Cape Jaffa. Both vessels sustained damage during the rescue operation, however NESTOR was able to attach a line and tow the disabled MUNGANA to Port Adelaide. NESTOR was sold for breaking at Faslane in 1950.
Josiah Earl Barnes
2 October 1916
