Sydney Morning Herald Collection

The Sydney Morning Herald Collection from SuperStock is a unique gallery of vintage Australian photos. This exclusive collection offers a glimpse into the past, with images that capture the essence of Australia's history and culture. From iconic landmarks to everyday scenes, these images provide an insight into the country's ric...Read more

On arrival at Crete, Australian troops made their way across the fields from the harbour which was subjected to heavy dive bombing. June 12, 1941.

Athenia Survivors Landed At Galway -- Pathetic scenes were witnessed at Galway yesterday when 430 survivors from the Athenia, rescued by the Norwegian tanker "Knute Nelson" were landed. They were survivors of the first German submarine outrage, and many heart rending ***** were told by them as they were brought ashore. The picture shows ***** clothes being brought ashore at Galway. September 06, 1939.

Once they have overcome their shyness, children are very fond of Australian troops. Here a group of soldiers stop to talk with one at the Shrine entrance. September 17, 1947.

R.S.L.V.L.E -- Officers Reporter course at Exhibition Building.L to r: L. Death Goodooga, W. O'Toole - ***** Garah. June 15, 1940.

Orcades - New Orient Liner - Merchant Shipping. November 16, 1937.

53rd Birthday Party -- A guest shows her new hand bag to the Japanese ambassador Shunichi Matsumoto and his wife.A large garden party was given by the Japanese Ambassador, at the Japanese Embassy, Kensington-gardens this afternoon, to celebrate the 53rd birthday of the Emperor of Japan. April 29, 1954. (Photo by Daily Mail Contract Picture).

Two women taxi-drivers who have replaced men on the Melbourne Yellow Taxi Service. Another 12 women are soon to be employed by this company. July 09, 1942.

Gothenburg, Sweden. April 19, 1940.

Lightweight Jeep Displayed -- A new lightweight jeep, small enough to be carried easily in an Airplane, is displayed beside a weighs 1,475 pounds. That's three feet shorter and 1,200 pounds lighter than the regular jeep. The lightweight version, called the "Bobcat" by its designer, has an Aluminum body, Magnesium wheels and a plastic Windshield. December 15, 1953. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

Members of a machine-gun unit man twin vickers on a radial ack-ack mounting. December 18, 1944. (Photo by Australian Official Photo).

The launching of the new P & O cargo liner, s.s. "Ballarat" on 6th April, 1954, at Alexander Stephen's yard in Glasgow.The Launching of the P and O cargo steamer Ballarat at Glasgow on April 6. Designed for the Australian wool trade, she bears the name of the famous P and O Branch liner Ballarat which carried thousands of British migrants to Sydney after World War I. April 28, 1954. (Photo by W. Ralston Ltd.).

Aorangi. July 3, 1950.

Carriers and trucks lining up for fuel at a refuelling dump during battle exercises at Haramura Japan. Troops of 3 Bn Royal Australian Regiment stationed in Japan were put through their paces last week in final preparation for their entry into the Korean war. Wartime conditions were intensified by typhoon Kesia which struck the training area soon after the bivouac started. Despite the adverse conditions, the troops came through admirably in their first experience in Japan of the type of tactical conditions likely to be found in Korea. September 29, 1950. (Photo by Public Relations Section HQ BCOF).

Britain's Queen Of The South Atlantic -- The Royal Mail Lines flagship "Andes" at sea on the way to Southampton.The "Andes" (26,000 tons), flagship of the Royal Mail Lines, Britain's largest luxury liner for the South American run, arrived at Southampton to-day (Thursday) from Belfast, where she has been converted after war service. She commences her maiden voyage to South America on January 22nd. Completed in 1939, the "Andes" before her maiden voyage, was stripped of her luxury fittings and taken over as a war transport. She carried 109,000 men 165,000 miles without loss of life during the war. January 15, 1948.

Grant Grab mid to main lead & Copper ***** from S/S Cumberland. January 8, 1952.

Ship Building. September 19, 1946.

Two native girls dressed in their best finery took part in the welcome to the Royal Family Grahamstown.***** with shouts and dances by ***** when they visited Grahamstown, ***** their South African tour.***** Xosa and Fingo tribes had gathered ***** area of 100 square miles.***** salutations with native chiefs, ***** Pa Sozizwo (Father of the Nations) ***** 'Rain Bringer' because the Royal visit ***** the first rain for six months. March 10, 1947.

"You'll be shot if you don't tell us within five minutes" Lieut. A. P. McDonald, 45, *****., Ashbrook, Queensland, was told when he was being grilled by a Communist interpreter in *****. Lieut. McDonald refused to answer the questions.. and was not shot, but he was placed in a trench for five days and nights as a punishment. After a course in Communism he was set free by the enemy and is now recovering his strength in BCOF hospital, Kure, Japan. March 8, 1951. (Photo by Public Relations Section, HQ BCOF Japan).

East-West Nelywedes Cut Cake -- Carroll Klotzbach of Washington and his bride the former Mitsue Shigeno of Tokyo, Japan, pose happily at a reception following their marriage here today. Fumiko Sato Dixon (left) and Toshiko Morgan (right), both Japanese wives of Americans, are members of bridal party. Atop the wedding cake are a Japanese and a United States flag. The couple met in Tokyo, where Klotzbach formerly worked. Congress had to pass a special bill, which President Truman signed on St. Valentine's Day, before Mrs. Klotzbach could become a U.S. resident. March 19, 1950. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

Swedish Guns - General - Guns War File. April 18, 1938.

Aussies Land On Labuan - Supported by heavy armor, Australian infantrymen come ashore from landing craft on D-day on Labuan Island. The beachhead was established in the mouth of Brunei Bay, on the northwest in the Pacific. June 18, 1945. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

Anti-Aircraft Camp of Narrabeen -- Protection from Suburban while using the "sight to discuss whether an approaching plane is force land. February 01, 1939.

Ricksha BoyMangwazan Ngobo won the first prize at Durban with this magnificent head-dress of Turkey feathers, Sparrowhawk wings, and beads, topped with a heron's head.The beadwork extends even to bowl of the pipe he smokes. Thousands of people turned out to watch the first ricksha parade in Durban recently. The prize was four guineas. July 25, 1950. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

The newest of German's "secret weapons". The smoke screen thrower or "Nebelwerfer" in action against the Russians on the East Front. This, end the other pictures given here, have just arrived in London "through a neutral source". December 18, 1943.

A.I.F. For Korea - Prisoners Returned To Australia Etc. - AustralianTroops. August 18, 1953.

An Australian convoy passes through a war-torn Greek village.***** Convoy passes through a war-scarred village in Greece on the road back to the coast. January 01, 1941.

Menacing Barrel of an anti-air-craft gun points to the sky as the gun crew swings it round. Picture at the Maribyrnong anti-aircraft camp. August 05, 1940.

There is one Digger aboard without his headgear. A US soldier waves a cheery farewell with a slouch hat, as the SS New Australia prepares to pull out from the Warf at Pusan. The ship is taking 2nd Bn The Royal Australian Regt home to Australia, after twelve months service in Korea. April 15, 1954. (Photo by Brit Com PR Photo).

Stowaway George Randell, 29, former US serviceman, who stowed away on the Swedish fregher Stratus to rejoin his wife in Melbourne. February 19, 1949.

Winston Churchill. January 07, 1947.

Mrs. Keith Miller on arrival, at Curtiss Field.Mrs. Keith Miller Lands with New Air Record - Another record for women pilots was established on Oct. 26th., when Mrs. Keith Miller, Australian an aviatrix, arrived at Curtis Field, long Island, from Los Angeles, Cal., in the actual flying time of 21 hours and 47 minutes. Her Rival, Laura Ingalls, recently made the same flight in 25 hours and 35 minutes. December 22, 1930. (Photo by Pacific & Atlantic Photos, Inc.).

More Japanese brides here. Amongst the fifteen Japanese brides of Australian servicemen to arrive this morning on the Changte was Sumako Arnold and daughter 8 months old Ann, Photographed here with husband Sgt. J. Arnold, of Hobart. October 21, 1953.

Cranel Method of Crossing the Waikato River at Obakel-Korako ***** pens at RacHend of the Boat catches the snuff current in the same was as a sailing boat catches the mind & farces the hunt across *****. June 08, 1951.

Sailing Ships (See Also: Merchant Shipping - Files For Barques, Brigantines, Clippers Early Ships & Shipping Galloons Schooners) - Merchant Shipping. August 25, 1934. (Photo by International News Photos Inc.).

A family of walruses gather on the ice-floe. The Midnight Sun of the Arctic Looks Down On A Family of Walrus - In the comparatively warm climate of Chicago's field museum of natural history lie a family of huge Pacific walrus such as inhabit the icy islands of the arctic ocean. This family shown above, are seen in their native habitat, accurately reproduced by Charles A. Corwin of the museum. With the midnight sun in the background, the above scene seems one really made in the far north instead

Carrying members of the Australian Victory Contingent HMAS Shropshire Arrived at Fremantle today -- Diggers line up "at ease" below the radar-cluttered tower cruiser is eased into her berth. Below them, ship's crew haul in a hawser. August 8, 1946. (Photo by The Daily News).

Attracted Attention -- Painted a brilliant yellow, Captain Matthews' Puss Moth was a centre of interest after the aviator landed at Eagle Far yesterday.January 20, 1931. (Photo by Brisbane Daily Mail Ltd.).

Heaving The Lead At The Port Today: A seaman taking soundings as the big liner, Strathaird, drew alongside the pier at Port Melbourne today. December 21, 1933.

"I wonder where my watch is now" says Pte. R. Light Eaplanade, Cairns, Queensland. A prisoner of the Communists in Korea for three weeks, and had his watch taken from him by a Chinese officer. Set free by the enemy he is recovering in the BCOF hospital, Japan. The attractive nursing sister is Lieut. Anne Skinner, Narrow Lane, Ramsey, England. March 8, 1951. (Photo by Public Relations Section, HQ BCOF Japan).

In their sandbagged pit on a forward position South of a river a mortar crew of 3 Bn., The Royal Australian Regiment are seen busily cleaning their mortar. Pte J (Bluey) Karrelly 229 Barkly Street, East Brunswick, Victoria and Pte S Waterfield, 15 Sussax Street, Coburg, Victoria give the barrel their attention whilst Pte R W Fewson, 8 Alexander Street, Rivervale, WA. July 12, 1951. (Photo by Public Relations Section, HQ BCOF Japan).

"City of Flint" - American Freighter Seized By Germans - Merchant Shipping. October 26, 1939. (Photo by Acme Photo).

Show Ship of the London-Australia service, the 29.734-ton P and O liner Arcadia is shown setting out majestically from Tilbury, London, on her maiden voyage to Australia which will be completed in Sydney tomorrow morning. Even the double- tug seems impressed with the dignity of the occasion. March 27, 1954.

Launching the first post-war ship built in Trieste-the motorship Australia. June 8, 1950. (Photo by E. Mioni).

"Prevention Is Better Than Cure" - Particularly where the health of front line troops is concerned. Cpl. J. Webster, of Leichardt, (NSW) is examining a shell crater for signs of the malarial mosquito. January 16, 1945. (Photo by Department Of Air).

Supersize Guns Fire Salvo -- Two supersize guns which the army asserts will shoot atomic artillery fire a salvo during a demonstration of the weapons here today for visiting military officials, congress members and other observers. Army Secretary Frank Pace said the 280- millimeter weapon has not fired an atomic shell, but he indicated that firing is planned. The gun also can fire standard high-explosive shells. October 15, 1952. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

Southern Command Battle Training: Manhandling Anti-Tank Guns Through A River -- Hauling one of the guns out into the river, two crews being needed to handle one gun.A bridge has been blown up but anti-tank guns must get across the river. In sprit of a fast current, the heavy guns, sometimes completely submerged were safely man-handled through the river and went into action on the opposite bank. August 23, 1942. (Photo by British Official Photograph).

Gary Cooper and George Raft in "Souls At Sea," with Frances Dee, Henry Wilcoxon, Harry Carey, Olympe Bradna, Robert Cummings, Virginia Weidler, Porter Hall and Joseph Schildkraut. Directed by Henry Hathaway. March 14, 1938. (Photo by Paramount Films Service Limited).

Australian troops evacuated for Crete disembarking at Alexandria, they are being served with enfort by member of the Red. June 20, 1941.

Engineers of 2/48th Australian Infantry Battalion crouching behind Matilda Tank of "C" Squadron, 2/9th Australian Armored Regiment moving up to Sykes Feature to support troops already in action but weakened owing to casualties. May 06, 1945. (Photo by Australian War Memorial Canberra, A.C.T.).

With The British Troops In France -- More camouflage.A Bren carrier being heavily camouflage in a ploughed field behind the lines somewhere in France. October 26, 1939. (Photo by London News Agency Photos Ltd.).

On The Cup, A Hammer And Sickle -- Jacob Malik, the Soviet ambassador, pours tea into a hammer-and-sickle cup for Shunichi Matsumoto, the former Japanese ambassador to London, at the Soviet Embassy in London, August 30. The two men have been meeting at intervals over the past two months in discussions aimed at the restoration of normal relations between their Countries. Their talks have now reached the stage of a draft treaty. August 31, 1955. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

Sea School -- Making harbour at Abersoch, the midshipman (professional) heaves the lead line partly recovered boys look on. January 12, 1949. (Photo by Pictorial Press).

"City of Flint" - American Freighter Seized By Germans - Merchant Shipping. February 26, 1940. (Photo by Acme Photo).

They're Home! -- Australian Fighting Men from Korea came home to Melbourne today. Royal Park, where they got their pay and leaves passes, saw many touching reunions. None was more joyous than this - when Janice Parker, 5, spotted her uncle, Pte. Kevin Falkingham, of Bayswater. April 15, 1953. (Photo by Bruce Reddaway).

After a day's arduous patrol duty these three Australians utilise their leisure hours to do essential washing in one of the many creeks in the Area. Reading from left to right: Corporal E. Cox of Manangatang, Vic.; Corporal N.B. Shorrack, Manly, N.S.W. and Lieutenant Clugston of Rainbow, Vic. May 24, 1945. (Photo by Australian Official Photo).

A Great Splash By The British Jeep -- Indian And Pakistan Defence Chiefs Watch -- Being demonstrated over rough ground at Bagshot, Surrey, is the new British Jeep, similar in function to the American Jeep but with an improved all-round performance. It has high cross-country mobility and can land from assault craft- the engine continuing to run while under water. It has a four-cylinder 80 horse-power engine.The demonstration was watch by British Government officials and "defence" chiefs from India and Pakistan. The new jeep will probably be available to India, Pakistan and other countries for local manufacture. July 26, 1950. (Photo by Paul Popper Ltd.).

Jeep-Of-All-Trades -- Aviation Aide -- Airport can use the jeep profitably for towing planes on the ground in and out hangars or from one part of landing strips to another, eliminating need of starting plane's own engines to do the job. September 16, 1945. (Photo by C.J. Nichols, International News Photos).

$Annette Mills returns to broadcast a programme of her own songs in the BBC Forces Programme, on November 3rd, 1943. C.F. Meehan, BBC Producer, welcomes her to the microphone. Annette Mills, the dancer who introduced the Charleston to Great Britain, and the composer of 'Boomps-a-daisy', has been in hospital for a year following a serious motor accident which occurred while she was driving between two R.A.F. stations to entertain the airmen. She suffered eight fractures, and is still dependent upon crutches and a sling. On November 4th, the day after this broadcast, she returns to hospital for what she hopes will be her final operation. November 03, 1943. (Photo by BBC).$

There men C Coy of 3 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, celebrated Melbourne Cup Day by advancing against the North Koreans under the wing of escorting United States tanks. November 22, 1950. (Photo by Public Relations Section, HQ BCOF Japan).

Covering Infantry Advance: Self-Propelled 105mm howitzers, camouflaged by spreading branches, ready to support infantry troops advancing through Southern Luzon. March 5, 1945. (Photo by USA Signal Corps).

The U.S. Army Jeep.... A Militarist's Dream Come True -- Laying a smoke screen against enemy tanks. October 03, 1942.

With Elsa in Command - Elsa Maxwell, wearing comic Naval Uniform, welcomes film star Olivia De Havilland aboard the yacht at Venice ...Maxwell, one of the ***** are sailing from Venice to Greek and the Green Islands ... The guests include people and film stars from many Parts of the world ...People in the know Estimate that the parts course is going to cost at least ***** some party ... . August 30, 1955. (Photo by Paul Popper).

Captain Phillip formerly "Captain Cook" pilot steamer Scotland 17 miles off Heads. October 4, 1947.

A young Cadet-Sergent of the scots' college, shows members of the R.S.L. defense corps at Rose Bay, the finer points in presenting arms. February 9, 1941.

Shipping - Wrecks. September 1, 1938.

Mountain OF Water -- A passenger's camera caught this picture of a huge wave lashing at the Liner Vulcania which docked in New York Jan. 19 after undergoing a big storm off Azores. Six were injured, many more bruised. "We never expected to live through it," said one traveler. January 19, 1939. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

The christening ceremony on the occasion.Since the Manchurian incidents of 1931, the Japanese Navy Office has been receiving an enormous sum of dedication funds to be used for manufacturing the various navy defence machineries. Many of them were recently completed and their dedication and christening ceremony was held at Hibiya Park, attendee by the public and Navy Minister Admiral Mineo Osumi, representing the Office. December 02, 1934. (Photo by Shrimbun Rengo News Photos Service).

At The Sign: Lance Bombardier R. Tonge, Gunner T. Thompson and Lance Bombardier C. Howlett have their first drink at the British Maritime Artillery Recreation Club at Schnapper Island, which was officially opened by Rear Admiral Muirhead-Gould today. May 19, 1944.

German Heavy Artillery -- Even these heavy caliber guns are transportable in every terrain. April 04, 1940. (Photo by Japan Photo Library).

U. S. Anti-Aircraft Battery - Shows Teamwork In Action -- This is picture B of the loading sequence. The loader (nicknamed "The Dancer" because of his agility) is laying the round in the breech and the gunner (left) prepares to ram it home with his left fist. The gunner's right hand is reaching for the trigger. Meanwhile, another shell is being passed by the ammunition relayer to have the fuse cut by the automatic cutter, which must be synchronized with must the rangefinder so that the shell will burst at the right height. February 08, 1943. (Photo by Interphoto News Pictures, Inc.).

Anti-Air Craft - Military Guns. November 17, 1948.

Father & Son (William Paynter) at work Prince Alfred Park (Parramatta). December 12, 1938.

This alived ships was run aground after hitting a reef near Shell Harbor. November 15, 1943.

The New .280 Machine Gun On Show: The new .280 sustained fire machine gun being demonstrated before members of Parliament and high-ranking British and Overseas officers at the school of infantry, Warminster, on the edge of Salisbury Plain. The new machine-gun is air cooled and is lighter and more portable than the Vickers machine-gun at present in use. August 10, 1951.

Open air shower in Aust. Army camp in D.N.G. Sgt. H.B. Kirkpatrick (N.S.W.) enjoys a shower. April 10, 1944.

Contrast in Funnels.The peculiar shaped funnel of the S.S. Chusan, the flagship of the P & O line, in her berth in King George V Dock.Gone are the days of the 'old fashioned' standardised ships funnels. Nowadays with stream lining and the many new Innovations incorporated in the design of the various funnels, they have as much individuality as.. ladies hat fashions and great contrast in design can be seen in the funnels of ships in dock. March 27, 1953. (Photo by Fox Photos).

Sailing Ships (See Also: Merchant Shipping - Files For Barques, Brigantines, Clippers Early Ships & Shipping Galloons Schooners) - Merchant Shipping. October 9, 1946.

David Taylor Model Basin 600,000-pound Universal Testing Machine at the David W.Taylor Model Basin.The ¾ inch steel plate in this machine is being tested in connection with a study of the causes of structural failures of welded merchant ships at sea. May 13, 1947.

The Land Army girls are now being issued with uniforms. This one is used for work. February 17, 1943.

At least 14 Japanese fighters and bombers were shot out of action when 49 enemy planes raided Darwin on March 15. Spitfires manned by the R.A.A.F. and R.A.F. went into action for the second time in Australia. In this picture Pte. F. Conlin of Sydney, Driver J. Hankin of Sydney, and Sergeant Babb of Balgownie N.S.W. are holding parts of Japanese bombs dropped during the raid. April 08, 1943.

I was amazed that the Australian Women's Land Army had been granted permission to join the march on Anzac Day by the State Congress of the RSL. Why, after 40 years, do they condescend to recognise us November 19, 1942.

That " Halr-Way-Round-The-World" Kiss -- British Jack Tar, Fred Pomfield of Middlesborough greets his 16 year old Australian bride after a chase half way round the world. The couple married in Sydney after a lightening romance and When Mrs. Pomfield sailed for England she had a 9 days start of her husband. But Fred beat her - and arrived home to find his bride "lost". She had waited for him in London. A call to the press from frantic Fred ended in the couple being reunited. July 04, 1946. (Photo by Mirror Features).

Third of Eight -- Nothing shy about this fun-loving porpoise as he takes the ball from diver Jake Jacobs. These clever mammals display ***** intelligence and delight in performing ***** of their audience. They're ***** of the Marineland of the *****. March 18, 1955. (Photo by United Press Association).

Australian - Made Naval Vessel. August 12, 1941.

The U.S. Army Jeep.... A Militarist's Dream Come True -- For quick, surprise attacks on the enemy. November 02, 1942. (Photo by Interphoto News Pictures, Inc.).

Medical Series: Giving local anesthetic. January 12, 1944. (Photo by Official U.S. Navy Photograph).

Verey Pistols - Guns - War File. September 27, 1941. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency Limited).

Impressive display of Australian-made anti-aircraft guns at the Commonwealth Ordnance factory, Maribyrnong, Victoria. The guns have been tested and are ready for immediate use. September 04, 1940.

Officer of the Watch carefully checks the gun-lays before giving the order to "load" and "fire.""The Bring to Record" Every thing is reads at a Courts notice but the officer of the watch carefully checks the layers before giving the order to "Load" and "fire". July 15, 1940.

Every available boat was into service to evacuate troops and British subjects. These Australian troops and member of the British Legation staff landed at Crete from a British armed trawler. The first part of their voyage was made on a tiny Greek coastal vessel, which also carried 150 German prisoners. June 12, 1941.

These AIF "veterans" reached Sydney today to join the London contingent. They are: Left to right, Sgt. Bruce L'Estrange, MM (Condobolin), Sgt. C.J. McGavin (Warren), Pte. V. Holstein (Dungog), Sgt. J. Dickie (Perth), Cpl. T. Conner (Adelaide), and Cpl. R. Fletcher (Merriwa). April 5, 1946.

The Power of France -- A line of 25mm Hotchkiss guns ready to leave for the army zone of the French army "somewhere in France". Note the long row of ambulances in the background. June 03, 1940. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

Wash And Brush Up - Workmen busy on one of the giant screws of the "Queen Elizabeth" in the King George V Graving Dock at Southampton to-daay (Thursday).The 85,000-ton Cunard-White Star liner "Queen Elizabeth" undergoing conversion at Southampton from a war trooper to a luxury peacetime passenger vessel, is now in the King George V Graving Dock for cleaning and overhaul of her hull and propellers. August 08, 1946.

Women Tradesmen (Replacing Men Called Up For War Service) - Australian War Service. November 30, 1942.

Six Hour Day - Procession - Celebrations. October 12, 1938.

Troops of 3 Bn Royal Australian Regiment mounted on Us tanks, take up their position in the vanguard of the United Nations forces in Korea. November 6, 1950. (Photo by Public Relations Section, HQ BCOF Japan).

At the moment of firing one of the great railway guns, the Germany gunners put their hands to their ears and open their mouths to relieve the pressure on their ear drums caused by the detonation. This picture gives an excellent view of the recoil jacks. One left centre and the other right. The growth of heavier defenses such as the maginot and siegfried lines have had their natural result in an increase in the size of offensive artillery. The German Army has developed a great railway gun which is an advance on anything known before. August 12, 1940. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).

Aust Troops In Singapore/Malaya - Australian Troops. February 8, 1942.

Coastal Guns. July 05, 1942.

Stripped to the waist, gunners of the 31st Medium battery, CMF, fire their 25-pounder on the artillery range at Puckapunyal. Here the gun is at full recoil after firing. In this practice the gunner fired 800 rounds. April 30, 1953.

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