Visit of the American 'Great White Fleet' to Australia 1908 - Postcard 2

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Robert Jolley

1908

Overview

Colourful postcard depicting the visit of the American 'Great White Fleet' to Australia in 1908. There are many patriotic motifs from both countries portrayed on the card.
Uncle Sam is on the left holding the Star Spangled banner, the apex of which is touching the Australian flag being held on the opposite side by an 'Australian' figure - a man carrying a stock whip and wearing riding boots and a hat. Each man is standing on a bed of vegetation forming a wreath - Uncle Sam on autumnal leaves and the Australian on wattle blooms.
Under the arch formed by the two flags is a naval scene showing vessels of the Great White Fleet powering through the water. At the bottom of the card are the words 'Australia greets America'.

The reverse of the card is blank but has the maker's details printed on it.

Historical information

The Great White Fleet was the name given to the group of United States Navy battleships that completed a journey around the globe from December 16, 1907, to February 22, 1909, by order of President Theodore Roosevelt.
It comprised 16 white-painted battleships divided into two squadrons, along with various small escorts.
The fleet visited three ports in Australia - Sydney, Melbourne and Albany - before departing on the next leg of their journey to Manila.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00164

Item type

Themes

Defence > Navy
Social History
Transport

Material

Card