Historical information

In January 1923, 5 years after the end of WWI, the two French cruisers Jules Michelet and Victor Hugo went on a tour in South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand consolidating the friendship between the countries.
The cruisers arrived in January 1923 and Melbournians were invited to visit the ships. Amongst them the ladies from the Guild.

In the "Jottings from Our Log"number 69 dated from January 1923 we can read:
Our French Visitors

The French cruisers, “Jules Michelet” and “Victor Hugo”, each with a complement of 26 officers and 747 men, paid a visit to this port towards the end of the year. Many of the sailors made good use of our institute, and were supplied with French magazines and papers, and were delighted to find that quite a number of ladies could speak French fluently.
Over one hundred men were present at the Institute on one of our special nights during Christmas week, when each French visitor was supplied with refreshments and a cigar. Through the great kindness of some of our ladies, each man aboard the two cruisers was supplied with a packet of cigarettes. These were greatly appreciated by the men, and a warm letter of thanks was received from each of the captains."

Significance

Reflects strong community and LHLG links via the Mission and as a result of WW1 support and fundraising efforts.

Physical description

Sepia tone blurry photograph with a white frame depicting two French seafarers with their traditional uniform and beret on shore near a pier shed children or women in the far distance at lwr right.

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten at the back in pencil: New Year 1923 Jules Michelet