RHMS AUSTRALIS Chandris Lines
Maker
Chandris Lines
(Greek, 1960 - 1996)
Artist
Derrick Oswald Smoothy
(British, 1923 - 2009)
Date1965 - 1977
Object number00004920
NamePoster
MediumColour lithograph on paper
DimensionsOverall: 620 x 815 mm
Display Dimensions: 620 x 820 mm
Display Dimensions: 620 x 820 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Nico Peters
DescriptionPoster 'RHMS Australis, Chandris Lines', by Derrick Smoothy, 1960s.HistoryAUSTRALIS
The AUSTRALIS was originally named the AMERICA and was launched in 1939 ( with accommodation for 1,202 passengers in three classes) for service between Europe and the United States. During World War II the vessel was requisitioned by the US Navy, converted to a troop ship, and renamed USS WEST POINT.
After resuming service on the North Atlantic trade for 12 years after the war, AMERICA was sold to the Greek shipping line Chandris. The vessel was refitted to carry migrants to Australia and renamed the AUSTRALIS. Between 1965 and 1977 the vessel made 62 voyages to Australia. AUSTRALIS was the last ship to carry government - assisted migrants to Australia and boasted the largest passenger capacity of any post World War II migrant ship to regularly visit Australia. After its final voyage to Australia on 18 November 1977, the AUSTRALIS was sold to Cruise Lines and reverted to its original name.
