ROYAL ARTHUR Waltz
Composer
May Berckelman
Publisher
Elvy & Co, Sydney
Datec 1900
Object number00018495
NameSheet music
MediumInk, lithograph on paper
DimensionsOverall: 340 x 250 mm, 0.03 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis sheet music features a lithographic print of HMS ROYAL ARTHUR beside a lifebuoy and anchor. It was dedicated to the Australian Squadron by 15 year old May Berckelman and contains a musical score, lyrics and advertisements. HMS ROYAL ARTHUR was the flagship for the Australia Station between 1900 and 1904.HistorySheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of its production. The widely distributed pieces were sold fairly cheaply, making them popular purchases for the general public. Music was an integral part of people's social life in the home and at public outings including balls, recitals, taverns, concerts and theatres. It was often collected or given as gifts to friends or family.
In the 19th century the British Royal Navy (RN) divided the world into strategic zones or stations. Each station had a squadron of warships to cruise its waters and protect British interests. Until the 1850s Australasia was covered by the East India Station. But in 1859 after pressure from the colonial governments in Australia and New Zealand, the RN formed the Australia Station as a separate command. Most Australian colonies had their own volunteer navies to form coastal and harbour defences from the 1850s, but they also received support with Royal Navy ships.
In 1900 the Squadron based in Sydney consisted of HMS ROYAL ARTHUR a first class cruiser, PORPOISE and ARCHER (torpedo cruisers), PYLADES, (composite steam corvette), RINGDOVE (composite steam gunboat) and TORCH, (sloop). The Australian Auxiliary Squadron, also based in Sydney, consisted of HMS KATOOMBA, RINGAROOMA, TAURANGA, WALLAROO, and MILDURA, KARRAKATTA (Phoebe 3rd class protected cruisers), BOOMERANG (Sharpshooter class torpedo gunboats), DART (screw schooner), LIZARD (1st class gunboat) and PENGUIN (composite screw sloop).
HMS ROYAL ARTHUR was built at Portsmouth Dockyard, England and launched on 26 February 1891. It received its first commission to the Australia Station where it served from 1893 to 1896. In 1897 ROYAL ARTHUR was made the flagship of the station and was present during the 1901 visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to Australia. The ship's Australian duties ended on 6 April 1904 when it returned to Great Britain.SignificanceThis sheet music represents a significant period in Australian naval and political history. It reflects the growing sense of national identity and pride in the Australian community for ships of the Australia Station.
