Historical information

Padre Oliver served aboard HMAS Australia 2 and visited several African ports including Aden and was a first hand witness to the battle of the Coral Sea in WW2. Given the tropical dress being worn by the seafarers this photograph may have been taken near one of these two theatres of conflict or on return to Sydney.

Significance

Padre Oliver's service during both world wars and his experience as a newly ordained minister with the RAN made a significant impact on his life and forged close bonds with both the merchant and naval services.

Physical description

Large group of seafarers in tropical uniform aboard a battleship assembled beneath two large gun barrels with robed padre facing away from the photographer at what appears to be an improvised altar.