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Statue of the Dying Achilles, in the garden of the Achilleon Palace in Corfu

Date1905

Object number00015782

NamePhotograph

MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper.

DimensionsOverall: 105 x 105 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Jennifer Smyth

Terms

Corfu

DescriptionStatue of the Dying Achilles in the garden of the Achilleion Palace in Corfu, from from Commander Geoffrey Haggard's log book of HMS IMPLACABLE. Taken in Corfu in August1905.HistoryHMS IMPLACABLE was Geoffrey Haggard's second posting after originally being assigned to HMS BRITANNIA where he served 2 years. He would go on to serve aboard SWIFTSURE, EXCELLENT, FOAM and MERCURY before transferring to submarines in 1910. Geoffrey Arthur Gordon Haggard was born in London on 4th May, 1888. He was transferred from the Royal Navy to the RAN in 1913 with the rank of Lieutenant. He was awarded 'Submarine Pay' from this date. He was based at the PENGUIN from this date before being posted to the AE2. Haggard was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery during the action and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1918 and discharged in 1919. In 1928 he was promoted to Commander on the Emergency List. Haggard was said to have planned to re-enlist when the Second World War broke out in 1939, but was killed in an accident before he could assume his post.SignificanceThe story of the AE2 and her infiltration of the Dardanelles in World War I is a highly significant Allied military and Australian naval episode. Although the event did not ultimately alter the course of the war it did demonstrate to Britain that Turkish waters could be breached. Subsequent submarine activity there by E11 and E14 severely hampered Turkish efforts to reinforce and supply their troops engaged at Gallipoli by forcing them to take the more arduous overland route.