HMT QUEEN MARY assisted by a tug, probably SS HEROIC

Photographer Samuel J Hood Studio (Australian, 1899 - 1953)

Date6 May 1940

Object number00020473

NameNitrate negative

MediumCellulose nitrate negative, black and white

DimensionsOverall: 80 x 105 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Terms

DescriptionThis photograph depicts the troopship QUEEN MARY and what is probably the tug SS HEROIC on Sydney Harbour on 6 May 1940. HistoryThe recently refitted Cunard liner was departing Sydney on the first of many troop-carrying voyages undertaken during World War II. The ship is painted grey, and its anchors have not been housed. The HEROIC is pushing QUEEN MARY with its bow to help the ship turn to port out of Athol Bight where it was anchored. The tug's funnel billows smoke which is blown over the QUEEN MARY's foredeck and in front of its bridge.SignificanceThe Samuel J Hood photographic collection records an extensive range of maritime activity on Sydney Harbour, including sail and steam ships, crew portraits, crews at work, ship interiors, stevedores loading and unloading cargo, port scenes, pleasure boats and harbourside social activities from the 1890s through to the 1950s. They are also highly competent artistic studies and views - Hood was regarded as an important figure in early Australian photojournalism. Hood’s maritime photographs are one of the most significant collections of such work in Australia.