| Place | Asia: Netherlands East Indies, Sumatra |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART92744 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Framed: 73.8 cm x 73.8 cm x 5 cm; Unframed: 61.5 cm x 61.5 cm |
| Object type | Painting |
| Physical description | synthetic polymer paint on canvas |
| Maker |
Hanley, Peter |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | 2005 |
| Conflict |
Period 2000-2009 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: © Australian War Memorial
This item is licensed under CC BY-NC
|
Shark Zero Two coming home
Description
The Australian Naval Sea King helicopter, call sign Shark Zero Two, coming in to land on the HMAS Kanimbla. This crew of this helicopter were involved in the operation Sumatra Assist and were providing aid to the island of Nias. On Saturday 2 April 2005 the helicopter was involved in an accident and nine members of the crew were killed.
This painting was done after the crash and the artist's intention was to represent 'the lost comrades of Shark Zero Two being welcomed home with open arms onto the deck of HMAS Kanimbla. Which to some may also be symbolic of selfless sacrifice'. Hanley painted the artwork in tribute to Squadron Leader Paul McCarthy, who was a friend of his brother. A doctor from the Royal Australian Air Force, McCarthy was one of the nine Australians killed in the crash.