French warship BELLATRIX in Sydney

The French naval sloop visited Sydney in December 1929, December 1930 and July 1932 and was commanded by Commander Jells, Captain M Bastard and Commandant Constantan respectively. Each time, it docked in Mort's Dock in Balmain for its 'annual overhaul' (The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 February 1931). Newspapers provided photographs of French and Pacific Islander sailors and crew at work during each stay in Sydney.

Photographer: Samuel J Hood Studio