Program for a performance of HMS PINAFORE

MakerAttributed to James Bryance Conder (1872 - 1954)

DateDecember 1917

Object number00017856

NameProgram

DimensionsOverall: 328 x 110 mm, 11 g

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Patricia Conder

Terms

DescriptionThis program was handmade for a performance of HMS PINAFORE, celebrating the first passing out of cadet midshipmen at the Royal Australian Naval College in December 1917. It belonged to James Conder, who served as Study Corporal at the College until 1937. A photograph (00016918) depicts the cast members in costume, including James Conder as Bill Bobstay.HistoryJames (Jim) Bryance Conder was one of thousands of Australian sailors who helped to shape Australia's naval history. His naval career, interspersed with periods ashore, illustrates all stages in the transition from British control of Australia's naval defence to full local responsibility with the formation of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It also shows what a strong imprint the Royal Navy had on the RAN. Conder joined the Royal Navy in Australia in 1891 aged 19 having sailed in the merchant ships ELLORA and AVENGER over the previous two years. He served on HMS ORLANDO, HMVS CERBERUS, HMVS NELSON, gunboat HMVS ALBERT, HMS KATOOMBA, HM Ships CHALLENGER and PSYCHE.SignificanceThis program relates to James Bryance Conder, whose naval career spanned four different navies in the service of Australia between 1891 and 1937.