| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART23685 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Overall: 28.8 x 39.1 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | watercolour over crayon on paper |
| Maker |
Ashton, Richard |
| Place made | New Guinea1: Papua New Guinea, Papua, Port Moresby |
| Date made | 1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
The bombing of the Macdhui
Description
Japanese bombs are shown exploding around the Burns Philp liner MV Macdhui in the first bombing attack on the vessel at Port Moresby. On the 17th of June, 1942 the Japanese launched this first air raid attack, causing some damage and several casualties, and killing the ship's surgeon Dr C. Tunstall. The following day, the Japanese bombers returned and continued the attack, with several bombs hitting the vessel. Fires broke out and Captain J. Campbell, the ship's commander gave the order to abandon ship. The crew were evacuated with the help of three RAAF medical officers who had been watching the attack from the shore. Still on fire, the Macdhui drifted to the shallows where she grounded.