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James Conder in his Navy uniform
James Conder in his Navy uniform

James Conder in his Navy uniform

Photographer
Subject or historical figure (1872 - 1954)
Datec 1907
Object number00005668
NamePhotograph
MediumPhotographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 188 x 135 mm, 50 g
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert Murphy
DescriptionThis studio photographic portrait depicts James Conder in a naval uniform. The photograph is mounted on cardboard, which features a handwritten note on the reverse: 'with fond love from jim 5.1.07' The photograph was taken around 1907 during which time Conder was serving in the transitional Commonwealth naval defence forces which had been formed after Federation. During this time he served aboard HM Ships KATOOMBA, CHALLENGER and PSYCHE.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 portait depicts James Bryance Conder, whose naval career spanned four different navies in the service of Australia between 1891 and 1937.