corvette

That's a good definition of a corvette, however that particular definition is probably more true of World War 2 and post-WW2 era corvettes. At the time this was photograph was taken - let's say 1880 to 1900 perhaps - submarines were in use, but were rare. Ther fore the antisubmarine role of corvettes had not yet come into being. I think that Britannica online gives a useful and brief definition of old-time corvettes here: www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/138995/corvette There is no denying that this is quite a magnificent photo of a corvette, though.

BobMeade Thanks for adding this definition. I've copied part of it here for everyone: "corvette, small, fast naval vessel ranking in size below a frigate. In the 18th and 19th centuries, corvettes were three-masted ships with square rigging similar to that of frigates and ships of the line, but they carried only about 20 guns on the top deck. Frequently serving as dispatchers among ships of a battle fleet, corvettes also escorted merchantmen and showed a nation’s flag in distant parts of the world." [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/138995/corvette] AB

The late David Brown in one of his many tomes says the term corvette - in use in the Napoleonic era was adopted for small escorts such as the Flower class immediately prior to WWII. so I wonder whether this ship is a corvette or a screw frigate.

iain stuart The plot thickens! David Bromage Thanks for adding those links, I've replaced the photo with a larger version; it might provide some more clues. AB

The location of this photo is a bit of a puzzle to me. The improved hi-res version enables scrutiny of the background. It doesn't appear to be Elizabeth Bay. Nor Garden Island. Nor Kirribilli. Nor Balmain. Nor Blues Point. I can't figure out where it is.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXoacp-0sco Built by George Brown of Greenock, her keel was laid down 21 November 1940, launched 6 November 1941, completed 29 April 1942. Ex HMS Borage, handed over to the Naval Service at Davonport on 15 November 1946 was commissioned by Lt Walter Reidy on the same day. Sold to Haulbowline Industries on 2 November 1970 and scrapped at Passage West. www.military.ie/naval-service/history/fleet-history/ Fascinating post as always National Library of Ireland on The Commons.

One possibility for the date is March 1968, at the time of the Tuskar Rock Crash: Aer Lingus Flight 712, the St Phelim, crashed in the sea near Tuskar Rock on the 28 March 1968 with the loss of all 61 people aboard. None of the Naval Service's ships were available to aid in the recovery of bodies. The only active ship, LE Macha, was in Killybegs, the furthest port from the area of the crash.

Another possiblility: Derry Journal - Friday 10 August 1951

An immense crowd was resent at the Killybegs annual regatta. Fine weather favoured this popular fixture and full advantage was taken of the sunshine. The Corvette “Macha” dropped anchor in the harbour early and decorations appeared almost miraculously. Reception party went on board< to welcome the officers and men who were afterwards entertained by the Regatta and Sports Committee.

The Macha was also at Killybegs on a coastal patrol in January 1954 (but the clothing of the civilians on deck looks particularly unsuitable for January). A football team from the Macha played a local team at Emerald Park, Killibegs, and won by 5 goals to 4. Mr Daniel Campbell was the referee.

The Macha also visited Killibegs Regatta in August 1954 (Derry Journal - Friday 06 August 1954).

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Goulburn