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Amphibious biplane wrecked on HMAS AUSTRALIA (II)

This image provides a view of two funnels at the right with derricks between, part of HMAS AUSTRALIA (II). At the centre is a small two-winged aeroplane upside down. Men in naval uniform are adjacent to the plane and the number '6' is marked on the side of the plane near the front. At the lower left corner the deck and canvas covered objects are visible.

 

On the reverse of the photograph is typed: "As we rounded Cape Leeuwin in '34 we caught a terrific gust of wind, which blew the plane off its mount wrecking it. As its flying time had only some 16 hours to go, it was decided to destroy it on Dirk Har-tog [sic] Island."

 

During a voyage of HMAS AUSTRALIA from Devonport, Tasmania to Bunbury, Western Australia in 1934, gale force winds tore the eyebolt which was anchoring the Seagull III A9-6 plane to the ship. It was overturned onto one of the ship's a 4-inch guns, and was wrecked. The plane was taken to Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia, and destroyed on a beach at Shark Bay.

 

The ANMM undertakes research and accepts public comments that enhance the information we hold about images in our collection.

 

ANMM Collection Gift from Phillip Stafford Jay

 

Object number: 00029058

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Uploaded on August 8, 2012
Taken on August 25, 1934