“Make and Mend”, HMAS Kiama, New Guinea, 1945
The painting depicts the crew of the corvette HMAS Kiama swimming in the sea.
Following is a description of the painting entitled “Make and Mend”, HMAS Kiama, New Guinea 1945. This is part of a family photo collection.
- About Keith Swain
Keith was born in Brisbane, Queensland and enlisted in the RAN as an Able Seaman on 25 March 1943. He was discharged from the RAN on 10 May 1946.
The only details I have been able to obtain about Keith is that in 1972 he approached the Australian War Memorial with a sketch for a large-scale painting based on the depiction of HMAS Katoomba, in dry dock in Darwin, under aerial attack on 19 February 1942. The Australian War Memorial accepted the proposal and provided photographs to Swain, including images of Australian vessels and aerial shots of Darwin Harbour, as well as topographical maps of the area. Keith completed the painting and it was accessioned into the collection of the Australian War Memorial in 1975. (AWM ART 28075).
From obituary records Keith’s death was recorded as 31 December 1994 (aged 70) and his remains are at Monument Queensland Garden of Remembrance Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane City.
More reading
- Additional resources for Keith Swain
- Additional resources for HMAS KiamaSailors at rest