iberia

The first named ship should be "AUSTRALASIAN". This correct name is visible on the bow of the ship through the zoom feature available at the Persistent URL. We also know that this event occurred at Circular Quay on 3 March, 1885. For reference, see this plate from the Illustrated London News: www.old-print.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=MAR1042211# and this site: www.firstbattalion.au.com/Our Heritage.htm

Of course it is understood that the original caption is retained for historical value. So, you would not be inclined to add a note to your catalogue information at the persistent URL correctly identifying the ships then? Would not such a notation assist researchers seeking a photograph of the actual AUSTRALASIAN? [ Note added 2 May 2013: For some reason the comments by the Powerhouse Museum to which I am responding here has been deleted. The comment by the Powerhouse Museum immediately preceding this one was something to the effect that the caption of this photo "Departure of troopships 'Australian' and 'Iberia' for the Soudan" has been retained because it was on the original plate negative. I'm just adding this note for clarity, because it helps to make sense of how I begin this comments.]

See newly posted related image here: www.flickr.com/photos/powerhouse_museum/2633058828/

The Australasian, and the ship behind it, the Iberia are at the Orient Line Wharf. This photograph is in the collection of the Australian War Memorial at P00640.001, and it states at the AWM "original in Mitchell Library". However you can't get any more original than the glass plate negative in the collection of the Powerhouse Museum.

Wow I am really happy to find this picture. Sometimes I feel the New South Wales contingent in the Sudan is an overlooked part of our history.

MSN 312 First flight : 5th March 1992 Delivered the 12th May 1992 as EC-884 Rereg EC-FMN the 28th july 1992 and EC-ICV the 20th May 2002 Sold to Clickair in February 2007 Sold to Vertir Air as EK-32312 in February 2009 Sold to Iran Air in August 2009 as EP-IEF