[World War II] NSW Artillery on Parade 1901 / US White Fleet… - Militaria - Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

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Description:

[World War II] NSW Artillery on Parade 1901 / US White Fleet 1901 (2), the first 'A' Field Battery, the oldest permanent unit of the Australian army. Before 1870 each of the major ports in colonial Australia were defended by the British garrison troops from the Royal Garrison Artillery. At the end of 1871 the Royal Garrison Artillery was withdrawn from the colony of New South Wales and the colonial government passed an act allowing for the raising of a Permanent Military Force to provide the coastal artillery. A Battery, New South Wales Artillery, was formed in August 1871, and was trained and organised to replicate the Royal Artillery. In 1885 A Battery was sent to the Sudan, as the New South Wales Battery, and 14 years later it was sent to the Boer War, as part of second contingent from New South Wales. The second photo is of arrival into Sydney of the United States (US) Navy's 'Great White Fleet'. At the Timethe largest gathering yet seen in Australia, it far exceeded the numbers that had celebrated the foundation of the Commonwealth just seven years before. Indeed, the warm reception accorded the crews of the 16 white-painted battleships during 'Fleet Week', was generally regarded as the most overwhelming of any of the ports visited during the 14 month and 45,000 mile global circumnavigation. The NSW Government declared two public holidays, business came to a standstill and the unbroken succession of civic events and all-pervading carnival spirit encountered in Sydney (followed by Melbourne and Albany) severely tested the endurance of the American sailors. More than a few decided to take their chances and stay behind when the fleet sailed. Back to back mounted photos on board, yellowing and foxing with age. Provenance: Peter Nathan Militaria

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Category:

Unclassified