Description
Object description
Loose prints and leather bound album depicting service of CPO J W Cocker. Album contains record of HMS CUMBERLAND as part of the 5th Cruiser Squadron in the China station between 1936-1938. Mostly tourist shots including: Gibraltar, Malta, Port Said, Suez canal, Aden, Colombo, Singapore, Honk Kong, Wanchai, Manila, Borneo, Labuan, Penang, Amoy, Putu Island, Shanghai, Hangkow, Kiang, Wei-Hai-Wei, Tsingtao, Jahore, Chinwangtao, Peking
The album depicts the deteriorating situation in the Far East as the Japanese campaign grows apace. Scenes include: Japanese warships at Woosung; US liner accidentally bombed by the Chinese; various Japanese warships and merchant ships; downed chinese aircraft; Japanese naval vessel in Shanghai harbour; ruins of Woosung; Anglo-American Oil Company tanks on fire; attack on Chapei: fires and resulting ruins; Japanese soldiers in China across the barricade from British defensive line; ruins of Hong Kew and the attack on Pootung.
It also shows the British preperations for war including: Gunner exercises off the coast; paintwork to the ship as anti-bombing precautions; defensive measures around the British sector 'B' of Shanghai(?). Featured notable figures include Admiral Sir Charles Little and Admiral Sir Percy Noble successive Commander in Chiefs to the China Station 1936-1938 and 1938-1940 respectively.
Also witthin the collectiona re a number of loose prints featuring subjects away from the China Station. Framed image of HMS CUMBERLAND. Loose prints of chinese casualties of Japanese bombing; HMD DIDO and the surrender of the German Fleet at Copenhagen, 1945 (duplication of those in the 'A' Series); HMS ORION (various): Mediterranean fleet at Gibraltar; scuttling of GRAF SPEE (duplication of those in the 'A' Series) and various Squadron manoeuvres at sea.