Images(3)

Burns Philp Line MV BULOLO ashtray

Maker Burns, Philp & Company Limited (Australian, 1884 - 2006)

Date1938-1968

Object number00003261

NameAshtray

MediumMetal, enamel

DimensionsOverall: 120 x 120 x 91 mm, 0.15 kg

ClassificationsTableware and furnishings

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

HistoryThe shipping line Burns, Philp & Co Ltd was incorporated in 1883. The company's early operations included running small stores on Queensland's Gympie goldfields and shipping goods between Brisbane and Sydney. The company expanded and began shipping between Australia and the South East Pacific running numerous plantations and warehouses overseas. In the interwar period of the 20th century Burns, Philp & Co became an established name in Australia; their ships were clearly recognisable by their Scotch Thistle flag. They operated on the Australian Stock Exchange until December 2006 when they were divided and sold. HMS BULOLO was a passenger and cargo ship of the Burns, Philp Shipping Company operating in the South Pacific. In 1939 it was converted into an Armed Merchant Cruiser, then a Landing Ship Headquarters (LSH) in 1942 taking part in landings in North Africa, Sicily, Anzio and Normandy during WW II. In 1945 BULOLO became the Headquarter Ship off Malaya commanding the Allies in South East Asia and in September, was used to accept the Japanese surrender at Singapore. SignificanceThis ashtray is a souvenir of the merchant vessel MV BULOLO, flagship of one of Australia's most established merchant companies, Burns, Philp & Co Ltd. It was active in the development of trade networks between Australia and the South East Pacific.