HMS Victory Tapestry
1916Framed tapestry depicting a life ring with HMS Victory around edge and inside are furled the Union Jack and a second flag with blue, white and red horizontal stripes. Logic says that the second flag should be a French flag but the French republican flag always had vertical stripes, so either this is a mistake in the pattern or maybe it is some lesser known French naval ensign from the time.
HMS Victory is a 104-gun first-rate ship of the line of the British Royal Navy. She was ordered in 1758, laid down in 1759, and launched in 1765. With 246 years of service as of 2024, she is the world's oldest naval vessel still in commission. She is best known for her role as Lord (Horatio) Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.
Details
Details
For many returned WWI soldiers, learning a new skill whilst convalescing provided a lifeline. Embroidery was a perfect outlet for many as it offered a quiet, portable and intimate activity which could be done with minimal movement and helped promote focus and dexterity.
This tapestry was donated by Busselton resident Eileen Dunkley who said that it was made by Len Dunkley in 1916 while convalescing in hospital from his war injuries. In the Australian National Archives there is a listing for Len Dunkley (Service No 2594) who served in the 11th Battalion AIF and previously served in the Royal Naval Reserve which lists his mother Eileen, who lived in Perth, as his next of kin.
The tapestry was reframed by Lucy Samiles@Lush Frames Vasse W.A.
Busselton Historical Society
Busselton Historical Society
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