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Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Functional object - Signal Lamp
This signal lamp was originally fitted on the steam tug 'Wattle'RAN Career 1932 to 1969: Wattle's construction and career as a non-commissioned vessel of the Royal Australian Navy. Saved from the Scrapyard 1969 to 1979: Sydney-based enthusiasts rescue Wattle from the scrapyard, forming an association with Sydney Heritage Fleet. Melbourne Pleasure Steamer 1979 to 2007: A volunteer group brings Wattle to Melbourne to restore, then sails Port Phillip on outings and excursions. Restoration Journey 2007 to 2015: Wattle is hoisted onto the hard to undergo major restoration work. Back in the Water, 2015 to present: Wattle returns to the water for further restoration, and in 2019 sails again on Port Phillip.Brass candle powered signal lamp with a lens circumference of 14cm, mounted on a timber plinthSundercombes Patent Eclipsesignal light, marine fittings, steam tug 'wattle' -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Destination Roll, Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board, 1960s
In an era predating the computerisation of equipment on public transport, where trams in Melbourne were driven by drivers and conductors sold fares, destinations were shown at the front and rear of the tram within a glazed box. A driver adjusted the roll to select each new trip destination. Given the length of rolls, in this case approximately nine metres, this could be a time consuming process. In addition to the named destination roll, each tram included a separate roll listing the route numbers.The roll was purchased at a Leski Auction in Armadale as part of a large group of tramways memorabilia including tram 'rolls' from New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The auction house described the collection as "The collection of destination blinds or rolls that forms the core of the Railways Trams & Buses Section (Lots 655 – 732) is the best we have ever offered and represents a life-time of collecting by an Adelaide enthusiast, now deceased." Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board Tramways Destination Roll. Black and white paint on linen roll. Forty-eight named destinations including four depots - Camberwell, Hanna Street, Hawthorn, Kew. Multiple destinations in what is now the City of Boroondara (Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell); including East Kew, Kew, Kew Post Office, Kew Depot, and Cotham Road.Named destinations beginning to end: “Olympic Park / Special / Football / Racecourse / Richmond / Burnley / Riversdale / Wattle Park - Warragul Rd / Wattle Park - Elgar Rd / City / Burwood / Hartwell / Bowen St / Camberwell Depot / Camberwell Jucn / Leura Grove / Gardener / Glenferrie Rd / Chapel St / St Kilda Rd / Camberwell / City / Lonsdale St / University / City via William St / Domain Rd / Hanna St Depot / South Melb & St Kilda Beach / Prahran / North Richmond / Windsor / Hawthorn Depot / Hawthorn / Spencer St / Toorak Rd / Swan & Church St Cnr / North Balwyn / City Flinders & Spencer Sts Corner / City - Market St / Swanston St / Simpson St / East Kew / Kew / Kew Post Office / Kew Depot / Cotham Rd / Malv Tn Hall"melbourne & metropolitan tramways board -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Australian Ski Year Book
"The Australian Ski Year Book" was first published in 1928 by the Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia, which with the Kiandra Ski Club, were the oldest organisations for skiing in Australia. In later years organisations from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand were included. And it was published on behalf of N.S.W. Ski Council, Ski Club of Victoria, Ski Council of Tasmania, Ski Council of the Federated N.Z. Mountain Clubs. It aimed to provide an annual record of the sport of ski running in Australia, and of events elsewhere which would be of interest to Australian ski enthusiasts. The first edition included an account of the first journey across the mountain range on skis from Kiandra to Kosciusko in 1927 by the party led by Dr Herbert Schlink, a former resident of Wodonga. Other editions included contributions from Tom Mitchell, a pioneer of Falls Creek.A collection of six issues of the Australian Ski Year Book. The publications contain articles and images related to the Ski Industry in Australia and overseas."The Australian Ski Year Book" was first published in 1928 by the Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia, which with the Kiandra Ski Club, were the oldest organisations for skiing in Australia. In later years organisations from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand were included. And it was published on behalf of N.S.W. Ski Council, Ski Club of Victoria, Ski Council of Tasmania, Ski Council of the Federated N.Z. Mountain Clubs. It aimed to provide an annual record of the sport of ski running in Australia, and of events elsewhere which would be of interest to Australian ski enthusiasts. The first edition included an account of the first journey across the mountain range on skis from Kiandra to Kosciusko in 1927 by the party led by Dr Herbert Schlink, a former resident of Wodonga. Other editions included contributions from Tom Mitchell, a pioneer of Falls Creek.australian skiing, australian ski publications, tom mitchell, herbert schlink -
The Celtic Club
Book, Michael Dames, Mythic Ireland, 1992
Ireland, more than any other country in Europe, has retained its mythological heritage, which lives today in the oral tradition of folk tales, in literature, in place-names and language, in ceremonies and monuments. Mountains and loughs are the homes of gods and goddesses, of saints and monsters, and pattern, beauty and cyclical logic are revealed in their stories. Michael Dames, whose previous works have won him a wide and enthusiastic following, has walked through each.Index, bib,notes, maps, plates, ill, p.258.non-fictionIreland, more than any other country in Europe, has retained its mythological heritage, which lives today in the oral tradition of folk tales, in literature, in place-names and language, in ceremonies and monuments. Mountains and loughs are the homes of gods and goddesses, of saints and monsters, and pattern, beauty and cyclical logic are revealed in their stories. Michael Dames, whose previous works have won him a wide and enthusiastic following, has walked through each.1. spirituality, 2. irish myths. -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Manual - Aircraft design, Aircraft Detail Design Manual
Overview of aircraft design for light aircraft enthusiasts, circa 1971Manual in spiral bound book formOverview of aircraft design for light aircraft enthusiasts, circa 1971aircraft design for light aircraft -
Victorian Railway History Library
Book, David Cable, Rails Across Australia - A Journey Through the Continent, 2015
Rails Across Australia is an album of photographs taken by David Cable, a well-regarded British author of several albums of train pictures throughout the world. The photos were taken initially during the period between 1967 and 1973 when David lived in Adelaide, and then during several visits around the Commonwealth during the twenty-first century. The photos cover a wide variety of trains in the mainland states, from Queensland to the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and include pictures showing trains in the landscapes, as well as close-up photos of locomotives for the modelling enthusiasts. The well-known problems of different gauges originally established in the various states are illustrated by the individual classes designed for them, in addition to the newest designs for the standard gauge tracks now linking them.ill. p.258.non-fictionRails Across Australia is an album of photographs taken by David Cable, a well-regarded British author of several albums of train pictures throughout the world. The photos were taken initially during the period between 1967 and 1973 when David lived in Adelaide, and then during several visits around the Commonwealth during the twenty-first century. The photos cover a wide variety of trains in the mainland states, from Queensland to the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and include pictures showing trains in the landscapes, as well as close-up photos of locomotives for the modelling enthusiasts. The well-known problems of different gauges originally established in the various states are illustrated by the individual classes designed for them, in addition to the newest designs for the standard gauge tracks now linking them.railroad trains -- australia -- history -- pictorial works., railroad trains -- australia -- history. -
Victorian Railway History Library
Booklet, Stichbury, John L, Steam Through the Karangahake, 1963
A short illustrated history of the railway to Tauranga in the North Island of New Zealand.ill, p23.non-fictionA short illustrated history of the railway to Tauranga in the North Island of New Zealand.railroads - new zealand - north island - history, railroads - new zealand - history -
Victorian Railway History Library
Booklet, The Railway Enthusiast's Society Incorporated, Steam Through the Karangahake, 1963
A short illustrated history of railway locations with trains running down the street, in New Zealand.ill, p22.non-fictionA short illustrated history of railway locations with trains running down the street, in New Zealand.railroads - new zealand - history, railroads - new zealand - pictorial -
Victorian Railway History Library
Booklet, The Railway Enthusiast's Society Incorporated, Steam Through the Karangahake, 1964
A short illustrated history of railways in the Thames district in the North Island of New Zealand.ill, maps, p24.non-fictionA short illustrated history of railways in the Thames district in the North Island of New Zealand.railroads - new zealand - history, railroads - new zealand - pictorial -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Slide - 35mm slide/s - set of 2, Eldon Hogan, Tram tour - Sturt St West, Oct. 1966
Colour slide of a line-up of 8 Ballarat trams in Sturt St west on an ARE tour, 2 Oct 1966, lead by No. 39. The second photograph shows No. 34 as the second tram. Photographer Eldon Hogan, The tours database lists the Ballarat trams as Nos. 39, 34, 40, 36, 42, 38, 37 and 21. Yields information about the nature of a tram tour undertaken by the Association of Railway Enthusiasts in Oct. 1966 and the number of trams used for the trip.Set of two colour slides - AGFA Slide, blue plastic with white plastic on reverse.tramways, trams, ballarat, sturt st west, special trams, tram 39, tram 34, are -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Tour notes, Keith Kings, Adult Education Association, 9/1971
Set of tour notes using tram L class 104. Gives details of the tram used, South Melbourne depot, cable trams, the route - Spencer St, Bridge Road Richmond, Hawthorn, Malvern, Queensway, Ackland St, St Kilda, and return to South Melbourne depot. Prepared by Keith Kings and the TMSV.Demonstrates a set of tour notes for a non-tramway enthusiast group,Tour notes - two Foolscap sheets for a tour by the Adult Education Association Historical Group of Vic - 12-9-1971trams, tram tours, tours, tour notes, south melbourne depot, adult education assoc -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Tour Circular - LGR Lunch Time tram tour, LGR Travel Association, March 1970
Tour circular invites participants in a lunch time tram tour using a single truck tram (X2 676) on Thursday 12 March 1970, arranged by LGR Travel Association. Outlines fares, times and departure point. Invites people to advised the organiser by mail.Yields information about a lunch time enthusiast tram tour.Tour Circular - LGR Lunch Time tram tour - duplicated onto a pink foolscap sheet.tram tours, lgr travel, x2 676, trramways, trams -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Black & White Photograph/s, Peter Duckett, late 1890's?
Yields information about the appearance of Bendigo Birney trams during the 1950's, possibly during enthusiast tour.Black and White Photograph of Bendigo steam tram motor No. 2 and bogie trailer No. 5, 1890's?, photographed with a building marked "Dining Rooms" in the background. Has the driver in the steam tram motor and the conductor standing alongside. Trailer marked "B.T.Co. Ltd", possibly around the turn of the century. Earlier photos have the full company name. Trailer has roof advertisement "Buy your Lamps at Faull's" - oil? or electric? Taken from a postcard or a magazine - has the caption "Street Railway Train in Bendigo, Victoria", possibly North American origin given the language. Peter Duckett Collection.On the front, top left hand corner of the print "26" in ink within a circle. On rear, stamped in black ink "Photo supplied from P.W. Duckett Collection, All Rights Reserved, 69 Howitt Rd. Nth Caulfield 3161." On rear in ink "Motor 6 and Trailer 5" and a "William F Scott" address label.trams, tramways, bendigo, steam tram motors, trailers, tram 6, tram 5 -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Document - Letter/s, Dave Macartney, Nov. 1970
Yields information in the form of a letter from an active tram enthusiast at the time recommending that part of the Ballarat system be retained for heritage tramway operation by the TMSV.Two typed A4 size sheets, photocopied, undated, early 1971 written by Dave Macartney of Albert Park to a number of people recommending that the TMSV establish a tramway museum in Ballarat around the shores of Lake Wendouree. Includes a map showing a possible track layout. Gives supporting cases, issues, problems, notes tourism potential, street running and other matters. Has been hand address to "Graeme". Dave Macartney advised 6/10/2007 that written November 1970, 50 copies made."Graeme" in blue ink.trams, tramways, ballarat, preservation, tmsv -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Newspaper, The Melbourne Times, "Ride of a lifetime", 14/06/2006
Article titled "Ride of a lifetime" about the retirement of Norm Cross from Preston Workshops. Features a photograph of Norm standing in the doorway of W7 1010. Gives the story of Norm and his work at Preston Workshops, life at the Workshops, story's, W class trams, and United Group the then current occupier. Has a number of photos including tram 504, Clifton Pugh, workshop buildings, trams on jacks (W7 1031) and power lines on a pole.Yields information about Norm Cross, a well known tramway enthusiast and author, who passed away during 2024.Newspaper cutting from The Melbourne Times, 14/6/2006trams, tramways, preston workshops, substation, retirements, w7 class, tram 1010, tram 1031, norm cross -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Document - Form/s, Ballarat Tramway Preservation Society (BTPS), BTPS VRI Meeting, Jun. 1971
Has a strong association with the formation of the BTPS and the involvement of Melbourne based tramway enthusiasts - first meeting of the BTPS in Melbourne.Single page - quarto size green coloured paper, printed using the Gestetner wax stencil process advertising a public meeting to be held of the BTPS at the VR Institute, Flinders St on 21 June 1971, signed by Paul Nicholson. Second copy from donation of the Tom Murray Estate added 20-11-2016.trams, tramways, btps, meetings -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Craft - Ship Model, Sovereign of the Seas, Made between 1930-1955
This meticulously hand crafted ship model is one of the most intricate and challenging projects for a ship modeller to create. Jim Williams took up the challenge, choosing to make all of the components by hand, following a plan of the ship rather than purchasing a pre-made kit. He even made his own tools specifically for working with this model. The “Sovereign of the Seas” 1637-1697 - The magnificent ship “Sovereign of the Seas” was ordered by Charles I of England, who desired a giant Great Ship to be built. It was built by Peter Pett under the guidance of his father Phineas, the King's master shipwright, and launched with 102-guns at Woolwich Dockyard on 13th October 1637, as the Navy’s second three-decker first-rate ship. It was the most extravagantly decorated warship in the Royal Navy, bought with the help of a special 'Ship Money' tax imposed by the King. Soon afterwards the ship was remodelled and cut down to a safer and faster ship. Over the ship’s lifetime it was renamed “Commonwealth”, then in 1650 it became simply “Sovereign” then again after a rebuild in 1660 it was named “Royal Sovereign”. By 1642 the ship’s armament had been reduced to 90 guns. In 1651 Sovereign was made more manoeuvrable by reducing the upper works. It served throughout the wars of the Commonwealth and became the flagship of General Robert Blake. It was involved in all of the great English naval conflicts fought against the United Provinces and France and was referred to as 'The Golden Devil' by the Dutch. By 1660 the armament was changed attain to 100 guns. After the English Restoration, it was rebuilt as a first-rate ship of the line, with flatter gun decks and 100 guns, and most of the carvings were removed. During the First Anglo-Dutch War, in a secret session on 21 October 1652, the States-General of the Netherlands announced reward money for the crews of fire ships that succeeded in destroying enemy vessels; the Sovereign was singled out with an extra prize of 3000 guilders to sink or ruin it. Although repeatedly occupied by the Dutch, the Sovereign was retaken every time by the British and remained in service for nearly sixty years as the best ship in the English fleet. The Sovereign was in regular service during the three Anglo-Dutch Wars, surviving the Raid on the Medway in 1667. After a second rebuild in 1685 the Sovereign was relaunched as a first-rate ship of 100 guns, before taking part in the outset of the War of the Grand Alliance against Louis XIV of France, venturing into the Irish Sea, and later participating in the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690 and the Battle of La Hougue. At this time she was more than fifty years old. It was the first ship in history to fly ‘royals’ above the topgallant sails and a top gallant sail on the jigger-mast. The Sovereign eventually became leaky and defective with age and was laid up at Chatham when, on 27th January 1697, the famous ship caught fire, burning to the waterline. Jim Williams, the model’s maker - Jim (James Bernard) Williams was born in 1888 at The Forth in Scotland. He lived in Tasmania for some time and enlisted to fight in France in WW1. After the war he moved to Warrnambool, Victoria, where he worked at the Cramond & Dickson clothing store until the Great Depression in the 1930’s. He was later employed at Fletcher Jones Menswear, where he worked for 27 years until just before his death in 1959. Jim was a passionate ship model builder. He worked on his model ships between 1930 and 1955, including The Endeavour and The Sovereign of the Seas, which was one of the most intricate historic ship models to build. He had a table set up in a bay window and worked on them on and off using a jeweller's eye glass on the finer pieces. Jim’s long-time employer, Fletcher Jones, knew of Jim’s hobby and skill as a ship model builder and requested Jim to describe the model, Sovereign of the Seas, with the view of putting it on display. When the model was finished there was a full article and photo in The Standard newspaper. Jim described his work on the ship mode “Sovereign of the Seas” in correspondence to his then employer, Fletcher Jones. The document gives us an insight into his skill, patience, and regard for replicating the details of the original ship. Some of the details are: "In making the model the time taken to make certain items might be of interest. For instance "The Great Lantern" on the stern, four weeks, a similar time for the figurehead of St George & the Dragon. "The lower shrouds three to each side about six weeks & the rigging as whole several months. There are nearly 300 blocks and pulleys ranging from nearly 1 / 16 inch in diameter. Dead eyes were bored with 3 to 5 holes. To do this needles of different sizes, set in handles & ground to wedge ends were used. Glass cut and ground to shape were used windows. All gun-port covers (74) hinged. "All guns and anchors made of wood. Nothing for the model was purchased ready-made; everything hand made." Jim’s family donated the ship model along with many associated tools, accessories and papers. The model represents the Sovereign of the Seas. The Royal Navy ship of the line launched in 1637 has a significant British maritime heritage. These days the Sovereign of the Seas still remains one of the most intricate historic ship models to build, representing to the model enthusiast a true challenge to the art of model shipbuilding. The model of Sovereign of the Seas in Flagstaff Hill's collection is an exemplary example of a ship model built and hand crafted from a plan with the making of every item on the model, not a model kit with prefabricated parts. It was made by a local Warrnambool man Jim Williams as a leisure activity in the mid 20th century. The hobby and craft of ship model making has resulted in visual representations of the changes in maritime technology and advances in world-wide navigation. Ship model of HMS Sovereign of the Seas, a 17th century British warship. The handmade model is in wooden framed, airtight glass case. All components were hand crafted. Many of the tools used were made by the model maker, Jim Williams. An inscribed plaque is within the case. Inscribed on plaque "SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS / 102 GUNS - 1634"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, model ship, vessel sovereign of the seas, jim williams, james bernard williams, the forth tasmania, freda williams, heather williams, phyllis bowditch, fletcher jones staff 1936, 17th century sailing ship, cramond and dickson, sovereign of the seas, royal sovereign, sovereign, charles 1, ship model -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - "Sovereign of the Seas" book or manual for the ship model hobby enthusiast, Harold T. Bodkin, 1933, "Sovereign of the Seas", Popular Mechanics Press
Jim (James Bernard) Williams, who was the owner of this manual, was a long-time resident of Warrnambool having the opportunity to work at two notable historical businesses of the town. The first, Cramond & Dickson a drapier store established around 1852-1855 and which remained a store that traded under the same name for the longest in Victoria, before it closed its doors in 1974. The second business was Fletcher Jones a highly successful textile and clothing Australian business. Some of Jim’s spare time was devoted to the model ship making which would conjure up many fascinating stories of maritime history. In addition to Jim witnessing the tail end of ships at port in Warrnambool, his "father was as sea captain and operated his vessel in Bass Strait coastal trade between Tasmania and Victoria". The intricately detailed model made by Jim is full of precise detail. The manual and the blueprints held by Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village also reflect the intricate process and devotion to the task completed by Jim. The history of the shipwreck and maritime stories of the Victorian Southwest coast surrounding Warrnambool would have continued to inspire his passion. Three photos of the model and Jim, like the photo of Harold T. Bodkin in the manual, attest to the enthusiasm and enjoyment that was gained by him through this hobby. The manual opens to a photo of “Mr. Harold T. Bodkin adding finishing touches to model of the “Sovereign of the Seas”. The “Forward to Reader” which is on the next page is written by “E. R. HAAN, Technical Editor, Popular Mechanics Magazine. The forward explains the methodology used to achieve the fine detail that is part of the body of the model, by “applying imitation carvings”, and is cited as “a museum type of model”. The following page “Blueprints and Craftmats on the ‘Sovereign of the Seas’” discusses the availability of a set of blueprints to purchase separately. Followed by a description of the moulding process for the “miniature carvings”. “Historical Notes of Interest on the “Sovereign of the Seas (1637)” follow on the next page. The manual is divided into the following parts from pages 8 to 71: “Part I – Shaping the Hull/Part II – The Rudder, Quarter Galleries and Gunports/Part III Wales, Gunport Covers and Initial Ornamentation/Part V – Beakhead Decoration, Bulkhead and Rails, Etc./Part VI Carvings, Lanterns, Knights, Bitts and Painting/Part VII – Details of Mast Construction/Part VIII – Standing Rigging/Part IX – Running Rigging and Final Details. All of these instructions include photographs and detailed graphs. Then instructions on “How to Read and Use Ship-Model Drawings”, “The Shop-Model Maker’s Tools”, and “Simplified Ship-in-a-Bottle”. This is finished off with “Helpful Hints….” And numerous pages of advertising. Some adverts include aids for completing the “Sovereign of the Seas” model. Part I uses blue and black ink to illustrate a dramatic picture of the “Sovereign”, otherwise all print is in black ink on buff paper. This book in significant to the collection as it was donated along with other tools and blueprints which have been used by the donor of the "Sovereign of the Seas" model ship. It also connects with the wider community in that it is related to historical maritime interest and the donor, Jim Williams is also connected to other significant retail and manufacturing businesses of the past in Warrnambool. This manual has been covered with brown paper, including an extra strip for the spine. The front has a watermark at the top middle, some pencilled compass circles segmented into eight parts across the area and a small amount of script writing. The back also has the same type of compass circles and some other small shapes. There are also grease marks. The cover has a patina adding to variations of colour to the paper indicative of the book being handled often. The title page reads “Sovereign of the Seas” in an Old English font. This is followed by a lithograph print around 1 inch square of a ship at full sale. By HAROLD T. BODKIN/Charter President of the Ship Model Club of Chicago/Copyright, 1933, By Popular Mechanics Company/POPULAR MECHANICS PRESS/CHICAGO/Printed in the U.S.A. By HAROLD T. BODKIN/Charter President of the Ship Model Club of Chicago/Copyright, 1933, By Popular Mechanics Company/POPULAR MECHANICS PRESS/CHICAGO/Printed in the U.S.A.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, model ship, vessel sovereign of the seas, jim williams, james bernard williams, the forth tasmania, freda williams, heather williams, phyllis bowditch, fletcher jones staff 1936, 17th century sailing ship, cramond and dickson, sovereign of the seas, royal sovereign, sovereign, charles 1, fletcher jones, warrnambool breakwater -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Pelorus Publications, Seagulls, cruisers and catapults : Australian naval aviation, 1913-1944, 1989
In 'Seagulls, Cruisers and Catapults' Ray Jones has written an authoritative account of the technical, operational and political aspects of Australian naval aviation from Admiral Creswell's 1913 plan for naval aviation until the last aircraft catapult was removed from an Australian cruiser in 1944.The Navy's role as catalyst in the formation of the Air Force is outlined for the first time and details of the sometimes acrimonius struggle between Navy and Air Force over naval aviation are provided. No serious work of RAN history can deal with the mid-war years without taking account of advice from London and the Admiralty's influence on RAN aviation planning is made clear. Operation of aircraft, such as the Seagull III and Seagull V amphibians, from Australian warships are described and the rationale of cruiser aircraft operations are illustrated by the number shot down or damaged performing their essential task in wartime. The vital role of aircraft operating from cruisers searching for raiders and taking part in fleet operations defending Australia in 1942 is stressed. Extensive archival research in Melbourne, Canberra and London, combined with hours of interviews with the men who flew aircraft from cruisers and carrier, has ensured a balanced and well-rounded narrative which is an essential addition to the library of any naval or aviation history enthusiast.Index, notes, Appendices, ill, p.134.In 'Seagulls, Cruisers and Catapults' Ray Jones has written an authoritative account of the technical, operational and political aspects of Australian naval aviation from Admiral Creswell's 1913 plan for naval aviation until the last aircraft catapult was removed from an Australian cruiser in 1944.The Navy's role as catalyst in the formation of the Air Force is outlined for the first time and details of the sometimes acrimonius struggle between Navy and Air Force over naval aviation are provided. No serious work of RAN history can deal with the mid-war years without taking account of advice from London and the Admiralty's influence on RAN aviation planning is made clear. Operation of aircraft, such as the Seagull III and Seagull V amphibians, from Australian warships are described and the rationale of cruiser aircraft operations are illustrated by the number shot down or damaged performing their essential task in wartime. The vital role of aircraft operating from cruisers searching for raiders and taking part in fleet operations defending Australia in 1942 is stressed. Extensive archival research in Melbourne, Canberra and London, combined with hours of interviews with the men who flew aircraft from cruisers and carrier, has ensured a balanced and well-rounded narrative which is an essential addition to the library of any naval or aviation history enthusiast.airplanes - military - australia, world war 1939-1945 - naval operations - australia