Anonymous Seaman

Collection relating to the interwar and Second World War experience and service of an unknown seaman, HMAS Perth (previously SS Autolycus), Royal Australian Navy, Australia, South Africa, United Kingdom, America, Jamaica and Tahiti, 1939–1941.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of one diary relating to an unknown seaman, with contents dated between 1939 and 1941. The diary contains entries dated 13 May 1939 to 26 March 1940, as well as loose pages of written personal experiences, a photograph, maps, a letter and embossed sketches on paper.

This diary was written by the unknown seaman while he was aboard SS Autolycus, and later HMAS Perth, from 13 May 1939 to 26 March 1940. In this diary he records his experiences as SS Autolycus departs from Sydney, Australia, sailing through to South Africa, England and New York for the New York World Fair. He writes about the declaration of the Second World War, when he and the crew of the HMAS Perth were sent to patrol British oil routes off the South American coast. He continues to write about HMAS Perth's arrival in Kingston, Jamaica, and duties in the Caribbean from 26 November 1939 to 28 February 1940. On 29 March he records that HMAS Perth departs for Tahiti, sails to Suva and finally returns to Sydney on 31 March 1940. Throughout the diary entries the unknown seaman records his personal experiences, official duties and recreational activities. This diary also contains a 'Log Distances of Entire Cruise'.

This diary also contains a printed photograph depicting The Dutchess of Kent's official renaming of SS Amphion to HMAS Perth on 10 July 1939 [undated], two embossed sketches in pencil on paper [undated], a map outlying a direction of travel along Panama [undated], and a map outlining the journey taken of Bermuda, [undated]. Additionally, this diary contains one letter from Captain P. Bowyer-Smyth, dated 2 September 1941. Addressed to 'Officers, Petty Officers and Men of HMAS "Perth"', Captain Bowyer-Smyth says farewell and wishes his crew luck as he returns to England.