| Place | Approximate locations: At sea |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/18531 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Coal clinker; Copper; Paint |
| Location | Main Bld: World War 2 Gallery: Gallery 4: RAN |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | At sea |
| Date made | 1940 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Sculpted head of Josef Stalin : Chief Petty Officer J D K Radley, HMAS Adelaide
Description
Carved charicature head of Josef Stalin made from clinker produced as a by-product of coal burning in the ship's boilers of the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide. The head has been painted after carving and is attached to a length of copper wire.
History / Summary
Associated with the service of 13592 Chief Petty Officer Stoker John Douglas Key Radley who was born on 1903 and joined the RAN in 1922. Stalin's head was made in 1940 by a stoker from the boiler room of the light cruiser HMAS Adelaide, using a cold chisel and blow torch, to celebrate the entry of the USSR into the Second World War, on the Allied side. The head was hung in the boiler room and whoever passed Stalin patted his head and said 'Thanks, Mate'.