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Dinner Plate

Date1945-1987

Object number00056151

NamePlate

MediumCeramic (fine china/porcelain)

DimensionsOverall: 230 × 230 × 18 mm, 390 g

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Ann Varley

Terms

DescriptionEnglish-manufactured naval officer's tea set belonging to LCDR Michael Varley, RANR, for use aboard ship. The set consists of cups, saucers, plates and one butter dish (25 pieces total).HistoryMichael William Varley was born in Melbourne, VIC on 29 September 1933, and entered naval service as a Cadet Midshipman on 1 January 1947. He was promoted to Midshipman in September 1951 and loaned to the Royal Navy for service and training the same year. He was seconded to the RN again in 1953, was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant the following year, and received his officer's commission in 1955. He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) in 1964 and received his first naval command (as Executive Officer) aboard HMAS Moresby in 1967. Varley served primarily as a Hydrographic Officer and Assistant Surveyor during his term of service, and was assigned to the following vessels between 1947 and 1972: HMA Ships Lonsdale, Australia, Gladstone, Woomera, Quiberon, Penguin, Paluma, Kuttabul, Oberon, Warrego, Diamantina, Moresby. He also served aboard the British naval vessels HMS Devonshire and HMS Victory. It is likely that he would have worn the boat cloak aboard most, if not all, of these ships, and would have used the ceramic and silver tea/coffee service to entertain while in command of five different RAN vessels, including HMAS Moresby, HMAS Diamantina, and HMAS Paluma. Varley retired from naval service in 1987.SignificanceThe ceramic tea/coffee set was used by LTCDR Varley aboard every HMA ship that he was assigned to during his naval career. The RAN insignia present on each of the 17 ceramic teacups and saucers reflects the social status and on-board life-style of an officer in the RAN/RANR of the Cold War-era, and also provides a snapshot of (predominantly British) traditions maintained in the Captain’s cabin or Wardroom during this period.