State Library of New South Wales

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The State Library of New South Wales' major subject strengths are Australian history, culture and literature, including Aboriginal studies, Antarctic exploration, family history and genealogy, business and management, social sciences, applied science, biography, health and law. The State Library is home to one of Australia’s most significant historical and heritage collections. As well as nearly 11 kilometres of manuscripts – from nine 1788 First Fleet journals through to the archives of contemporary organisations and writers – the Library holds more than one million photographs. From the earliest surviving photograph taken in Australia – in January 1845 – through to digital photographs taken last month, the Library’s unrivalled photographic collections document with powerful clarity the way Australians have lived their lives over two centuries. You can find out more about the State Library's photographic collections on our website: www.sl.nsw.gov.au/research-and-collections

When were these photos taken?

341
1825
2025

 

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Photographer, Kiandra, New South Wales, 21 June, 1941

  • 12 older comments, and then…
  • Blue Mountains Library, Local Studies said:
    Cool!
  • Flickr said:
    Congrats on Explore! ⭐ January 7, 2026
  • Michael Gschwind said:
    Glückwunsch zu Explore !
  • Sigurd Krieger said:
    Congrats on Xplore!!
  • gato-gato-gato said:
    Super Bild, sehr gelungen!

Composite image of airman and De Havilland DH 61 Giant Moth biplane 'Canberra'

  • covid convict said:
    trove.nla.gov.au/work/154910284 - the chap in overalls who's been cut and pasted into this pic also appears in this SLNSW A.J. Perrier pic...which looks to have been taken on the same occasion...

    Just going on the SLNSW's caption, my guess is he's Dr George Hamilton, who together with Les Holden, etc helped organise the search for Charles Kingsford Smith and the crew of the Southern Cross, when they went missing in the Kimberley coast region of Western Australia in March/April 1929, whilst attempting to make a record flight to England (the 'Coffee Royal Affair')...

    Hamilton appears in photo No. 9 in this series...

    There are several good pics of Hamilton in the NLA's Fairfax Collection...but they don't show his face from this same angle...so it's difficult to be certain it's him...

    trove.nla.gov.au/work/185373747 - pic of Hamilton taken in early April 1929 whilst he was preparing for the search for Kingsford Smith, etc...

    trove.nla.gov.au/work/184464177 - L-R: Frank Mitchell (NSW Aero Club ground engineer and pilot)...John Stannage (wireless operator)...Les Holden (pilot)...Dr George Hamilton...the crew of the Canberra that found Charles Kingsford Smith etc in West Australia in April 1929...
  • State Library of New South Wales said:
    covid convict I think that is a good call. Looking at the photos it seems likely it is George Hamilton and the composite is definitely from the other slnsw pic. On a sad note I noticed in the search Sep 18, 1932 De Havilland DH.80 Puss Moth While cruising at a height of 100 feet over the Burringbar Mountain Range, the pilot encountered strong winds and turbulences. He initiated a turn to the right when the left wing and the rudder detached. Out of control, the aircraft crashed and was destroyed. All three occupants were killed. Crew: Ralph Virtue, pilot. Passengers: Les Holden, Dr. George R. Hamilton. www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-de-havilland-dh80-puss-moth...
  • covid convict said:
    State Library of New South Wales yes the crash was a tragedy...flying wasn't exactly safe in the 1930s...
  • Brian Gordon said:
    Hi, State Library of New South Wales that is Dr G. HAMILTON ..
    I was a good friend to hus son who was also a pilot.
    I gave a reasonable collection of Dr Hamiltons photos if your interested please email me at:
    brianpgordon57@gmail.com

Merewether Beach, Newcastle, 28 January 1952

  • beachcomber australia said:
    I don't think this is Merewether Beach. More likely the southern end of Newcastle Beach.
    maps.app.goo.gl/whdCJSntefmYa8vg8

    28 January 1952 was a Monday ...

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