HMAS Tobruk
The painting depicts Australian Defence force troops unloading supplies from HMAS Tobruk onto waiting trucks in Jervis Bay, New South Wales.
- About John Heffill
This biography is abridged from the Australian Society of Marine Artists:
In his early working years John trained in survey drafting and land surveying followed by employment in private practice, local government and the mining community. These pursuits required production and submission of plans and original fieldnotes to the relevant state authority. Drawing/painting endeavours commenced with a series of courthouse paintings for a local law firm.
John joined the Royal Australian Naval Reserve and extended his passion into drawing and painting ships, seascapes and maritime images. He cruised extensively over many years to many ports which again brought together this interest in maritime scenery.
John is a member of the National Maritime Museum and has participated in many land and sea functions. Museum cruises on Sydney Harbour were always a favourite and created new ideas for artwork.
John is most interested in his ongoing membership of The Australian Society of Marine Artists which initiates inspiration, ideas and the endeavour required for exhibitions.
- About HMAS Tobruk (ll)Sailors at work
Since entering World War 1 in 1914 with 16 ships, two submarines and 3800 RAN personnel (including 850 from the Royal Navy) the number of serving personnel in the Royal Australian Navy has fluctuated depending on the strategic and shifting financial environment. Over more than a century, the RAN’s and people have seen action in every ocean of the world.
Of the tens of thousands who have served, 2658 members have made the ultimate sacrifice defending Australia’s interests in warlike and peacetime operations across the globe.
Fortunately, for the vast majority who served in periods of peace or survived periods of hostilities the experience was positive.
In addition to their service in a particular category which involved specific duties, they also participated in communal duties such as coaling ship. Thus, the artworks included in this section relate to a mix of specialist and communal activities.
More reading
- Additional resources for John Heffill
- Additional resources for HMAS Tobruk (ll)Sailors at work
