HMAS AUSTRALIA's final moments before sinking (8511643256)

This image depicts HMAS AUSTRALIA I upturned with the bottom surface of hull exposed. The fore and aft midship line of the vessel is the only visible section above the water. The ship was scuttled on 12 April 1924, some 24 miles from inner South Head off Sydney.
An article in 'The Sydney Morning Herald' described the momentous event:
'With the Australian flag flying at her bow and the white ensign at the stern she sank in a little more than 21 minutes. A thunderous Royal salute was given by HMAS BRISBANE as the AUSTRALIA rolled right over and then plunged stern first into the deep. The sinking provided one of the most deeply impressive scenes in Australian history.'
['HMAS AUSTRALIA Sunk', The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 14 April 1924, p 10]
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. 00034969