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James Conder and fellow cast members of HMS Pinafore
James Conder and fellow cast members of HMS Pinafore

James Conder and fellow cast members of HMS Pinafore

DateDecember 1917
Object number00016918
NamePhotograph
MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 162 x 208 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert Murphy
DescriptionThis portrait features James Conder and his fellow cast members of HMS Pinafore at the first passing out of cadet midshipmen at the Royal Australian Naval College in December 1917. According to an original program (00017856) the cast includes (from left): Standing - O S Hamerton as Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter; James Conder as Bill Bobstay; S A J Franklin as Dick Deadeye; I SS A Mcalpine as Captain Corcoran; R E H Drewitt as unknown character [either Bob Becket or Ralph Rackstraw]. Seated - unidentified woman as Miss Josephine; Mrs Vasey as Mrs Cripps (or Little Buttercup); Mrs Holliday as Cousin Hebe. Seated ground - unidentified man as an unknown character [either Bob Becket or Ralph Rackstraw].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 photograph depicts James Bryance Conder, whose naval career spanned four different navies in the service of Australia between 1891 and 1937.