British White Ensign
Date1939-1945
Object number00056593
NameEnsign
MediumLinen, wool, dye, copper-alloy
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Naida Isenberg
DescriptionBritish White Ensign souvenired by Royal Australian Naval Reserve Able Seaman (Radar) Kaye Burton Smith, who served aboard HMAS Australia (II) during the Second World War. It is manufactured from dyed and undyed linen and measures 2.65 metres long by 1.3 metres wide. The flag is significant due to its association with Australia (II), a heavy cruiser that served with distinction during some of the most pivotal naval battles in the Pacific Theatre involving Australian naval assets, including the Battle of the Coral Sea, Battle of Savo Island, amphibious landings at Guadalcanal and Leyte Gulf, the New Guinea Campaign, and the invasion of Lingayen Gulf.SignificanceThis collection of objects is significant due to its association with HMAS Australia (II), one of the RAN’s capital warships during the Second World War. The heavy cruiser served with distinction during some of the most pivotal naval battles in the Pacific Theatre involving Australian naval assets, including the Battle of the Coral Sea, Battle of Savo Island, amphibious landings at Guadalcanal and Leyte Gulf, the New Guinea Campaign, and the invasion of Lingayen Gulf. During the latter engagement, Australia was forced to withdraw due to extensive damage caused by a series of kamikaze attacks. Some scholars have argued that a Japanese aircraft collision with Australia on 21 October 1944 (during the amphibious landings at Leyte Gulf) was the first documented instance of a kamikaze attack on an Allied warship. AB Smith was present during most of these campaigns and events, as were his hammock, winter uniform, and—assuming family lore of their origin is true—the British White Ensign and Australian national flag, which only enhances their collective historical significance.
1925-1956
1939-1945