Seaman's jumper : Stoker J Robb, HMAS Sydney I

Place Approximate locations: At sea
Accession Number REL32533.002
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Uniform
Physical description Wool serge; Gold bullion lace; Cotton
Maker Unknown
Date made c 1913-1919
Conflict Period 1910-1919
First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Blue serge seaman's square rig jumper with a v-neck and large square collar. There are two lengths of blue cotton tape at the base of the 'v' for attaching the cotton collar (REL32533.005). Stitched to the upper left arm is a Leading Seaman's badge of an anchor and cable embroidered in gold thread. Below this is a good conduct chevron in gold lace. The right arm has a gold bullion embroidered leading stoker's badge of a ship's propeller with a star above. The wrist of the right sleeve has four blue chevrons and a red chevrons denoting service in the First World War from 1914 (red) to 1918.

History / Summary

This jumper was worn by 3541 Stoker John Robb of the Royal Australian Navy. He was born in Ultimo, Sydney in December 1895 and aged 18, joined the Navy on 31 December 1913 as a Stoker, 2nd Class. He joined the crew of HMAS Sydney in February 1914 and was promoted to Stoker in October. While serving in the Sydney during the First World War Robb took part in the capture of German New Guinea in September 1914 and in the successful engagement with the German raider SMS Emden off the Cocos Keeling Islands in November 1914. In January 1918 he joined the crew of HMAS Encounter and, at his request, was discharged from the RAN on 9 June 1919 with the rank of Acting Leading Stoker.