Migrants standing on the deck of the MV CASTEL VERDE leaving for Australia

Subject or historical figure Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (1952 - 1988)

Date1950-1957

Object numberANMS0214[024]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print on paper

DimensionsOverall: 155 x 240 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Barbara Alysen

Terms

DescriptionA black and white photograph showing migrants standing on the deck of the MVCASTEL VERDE, most likely departing from the port of Trieste. The inscription on the reverse reads 'A group of happy migrants waving "Good bye" To friends and relatives on the pier'.History"In 1952 an agreement had been signed between the Australian and west German Governments that would allow 4000 German immigrants a year to travel to Australia. Of these, 3000 would be uner an assisted passage scheme while the other 1000 would pay their own fares. CATEL VERDE was selected to transport the first complement of Germans from Bremerhaven to be accepted by Australia under the new agreenment. On 2 June 1953 the rebulding work on he CASTEL VERDE was completed at LA SPEZIA, and the vessel voyaged to Bremerhaven, departing there on 10 June 1953 on a migrant voyage to Australia. In all 964 immigrants boarded the ship, including the largest number of Germans to be transported to Australia by any one ship" (page 55, Plowman, Peter. 'The Sitmar Liners - Past and Present', Rosenburg Publishing, 2004). " CASTEL VERDE made a further three voyages to Australia between MArch and October 1954, arriving in Melbourne from Bremerhaven on 11 April and 9 June, then leaving Naples on 14 September and reaching Sydney on 14 October on its final trip to Australia. (page 26, Plowman, Peter. 'Australian Migrant Ships 1946 - 1977'. Rosenberg Publishing, 2006).