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James Conder in his Victorian Colonial Navy uniform
James Conder in his Victorian Colonial Navy uniform

James Conder in his Victorian Colonial Navy uniform

Subject or historical figure (1872 - 1954)
Date1892-1896
Object number00005663
NamePhotograph
MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper, mahogany wood frame.
DimensionsOverall: 278 x 228 x 25 mm, 350 g
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert Murphy
DescriptionJames Conder wearing the uniform of the Victorian Colonial Navy, in which he served from 1892 - 1896. During this time, he was posted to the turret ship HMVS CERBERUS, the battleship HMVS NELSON and the gunboat HMVS ALBERT.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 photographic portrait depicts James Bryance Conder, whose naval career spanned four different navies in the service of Australia between 1891 and 1937.