Sailors holding demolition charges on HMAS Australia

This image depicts two sailors holding demolition charges on the deck of the former HMAS AUSTRALIA I in preparation for scuttling on 12 April 1924, some 24 miles from inner South Head of Sydney.
An article in 'The Sydney Morning Herald' explained who was onboard:
'It is by no means surprising that there was a rush of volunteers for the naval party which is to accompany the HMAS AUSTRALIA to her sinking place... a large number of naval ratings and officers volunteered for the work, but a very happy selection was made by those in high command. It was decided that only men who had served on HMAS AUSTRALIA would be eligible, and so 15 petty officers and stokers with long service on the vessel were chosen for the work.'
[‘Desolate Scene’, The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 12 April 1924, p 17]
This photo is part of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Samuel J. Hood Studio collection. Sam Hood (1872-1953) was a Sydney photographer with a passion for ships. His 60-year career spanned the romantic age of sail and two world wars. The photos in the collection were taken mainly in Sydney and Newcastle during the first half of the 20th century.
The ANMM undertakes research and accepts public comments that enhance the information we hold about images in our collection. This record has been updated accordingly.
Photographer: Samuel J. Hood Studio Collection

Object no. 00034974