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Handwritten reference for James Conder
Handwritten reference for James Conder

Handwritten reference for James Conder

Author
Subject or historical figure (1872 - 1954)
Date1890
Object number00005666
NameReference
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 181 x 229 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert Murphy
DescriptionThis reference for James Conder was written by the Chief Officer of ELLORA, W Meldrum. It refers to James Conder's conduct and attention to duty while serving on ship ELLORA between 16 November 1889 and 29 March 1890. It states: 'I hereby certify that the bearer James Conder has been with me for six months as Ordinary Seaman, during which time I have always found him attentive to his duty, and can recommend him to any one, as a good seaman and strictly sober.'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 written reference relates to James Bryance Conder, whose naval career spanned four different navies in the service of Australia between 1891 and 1937.