HMAS Diamantina
Diamantina was heavily involved in patrolling Australian waters and convoy escort duties during the Second World War. In this painting Phil Belbin has set a dramatic scene where she is operating in heavy weather.
- About Phil Belbin
Phil Belbin was interested in art from a young age and a prolific drawer. He is said to have produced his first comic book at the age of eleven and had his first published work, a calendar for a metallurgist, at the age of thirteen. He studied art for two years at East Sydney Technical College. In 1942 Belbin had further training for one year at Sydney's The Sun newspaper as an intern in the art department.
In 1943 Belbin enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force and served as an armourer in the Pacific Islands. Following his demobilisation in March 1946, Belbin found work at Frank Johnson Publications as an illustrator. In 1947 Belbin went to work for K.G. Murray Publishing Company. He created cartoons, comic strips and artwork for the company over the next 30 years.
Throughout his time at the publishing house Belbin also worked as a freelance illustrator for other publications and illustrated campaigns for advertising agencies and numerous private commissions. Belbin's list of commercial art clients grew to include local and international engineering, aerospace, and transportation companies.
In 1974 Belbin was awarded a 'Citation of Merit' by the New York Society of Illustrator and in 1984 he was elected as a fellow by the Royal Society of Arts, London.
Throughout his life Belbin had maintained a keen interest in steam transport - ships and trains. In addition to his print illustrations, Belbin also painted scenes of shipping and steam trains whose accurate details were highly regarded.
Belbin was asked to illustrate the book “The Royal Australian Navy: the first seventy-five years”. This book contains twenty-six outstanding ship paintings and several drawings by Phil Belbin. The text was by Ross Gillett. It was published by Child & Henry in 1989.
Phil Belbin passed away in 1993, succumbing to motor neurone disease.
- About HMAS Diamantina (l)
HMAS Diamantina is a River Class, Frigate/Oceanographic Research Ship.
Ordered as part of Australia's shipbuilding program during the Second World War. Twelve of these Australian built frigates served with the Royal Australian Navy. Commissioned late in the war Diamantina served in the western Pacific including the official Japanese surrenders of Nauru and Ocean Island. She paid off into Reserve on 9 August 1946.
Following a period of almost 13 years in Reserve, Diamantina recommissioned on 22 June 1959 as an Oceanographic Research Ship. Between survey cruises, Diamantina assisted in the Royal Australian Navy training program by giving junior recruits from HMAS Leeuwin training at sea.
More reading
- Additional resources for Phil Belbin
- Additional resources for HMAS Diamantina (l)