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Australian Navy on locomotive No. 6021 King Richard II, 1945
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Australian Navy on locomotive No. 6021 King Richard II, 1945
A group of visitors from the Australian Navy pose for this photograph on top of locomotive No.6021 King Richard II. The officers and sailors from H.M.A.S Australia were on a visit to Swindon Works on July 13th 1945 whilst their ship was docked at Plymouth awaiting repairs. Their ship was heavily involved in the war effort throughout South East Asia until she was forced to withdraw for repairs in early 1945. She arrived at Plymouth on July 2nd 1945 for a major refit and remained there until December of that year. In this formal photograph the locomotive is decorated with both the British and Australian flags and standing in the centre of the group in the trilby hat is the GWR Chief Mechanical Engineer F. W. Hawksworth
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19938937
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
King Class Plymouth Swindon Works World War 2 Hawksworth King Richard Ii
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a moment in history when a group of distinguished visitors from the Australian Navy gathered atop locomotive No. 6021 King Richard II. Taken at Swindon Works on July 13th, 1945, this snapshot immortalizes the officers and sailors from H. M. A. S Australia during their visit while their ship awaited repairs in Plymouth. Having played a crucial role in the war effort across South East Asia, H. M. A. S Australia was forced to withdraw for much-needed repairs early in 1945. Arriving at Plymouth on July 2nd that same year, the ship underwent an extensive refit until December. It was during this period that these brave servicemen took time out to explore Swindon Works and pay homage to British engineering excellence. In this formal photograph, locomotive No. 6021 stands proudly adorned with both the British Union Jack and Australian flags as symbols of unity between nations fighting side by side against tyranny. Standing prominently amidst his naval comrades is F. W. Hawksworth, Chief Mechanical Engineer of GWR (Great Western Railway), sporting his signature trilby hat. This image serves as a poignant reminder of camaraderie forged through shared sacrifice during World War II—a testament to the enduring bond between two great nations separated by vast oceans but united in purpose and resolve.
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