French warship BELLATRIX in Morts Dock in Balmain, 1930-1932

This image depicts the French naval sloop BELLATRIX docked at Morts Dock in Balmain, Sydney. The vessel visited Sydney in December 1929, December 1930 and July 1932 and was commanded by Commander Jells, Captain M Bastard and Commandant Constantan respectively. Each time, it docked in Morts Dock in Balmain for its 'annual overhaul' (The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 February 1931). Newspapers provided photographs of French and Pacific Islander sailors and crew at work during each stay in Sydney...This photo is part of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Samuel J. Hood Studio collection. Sam Hood (1872-1953) was a Sydney photographer with a passion for ships. His 60-year career spanned the romantic age of sail and two world wars. The photos in the collection were taken mainly in Sydney and Newcastle during the first half of the 20th century. ..The ANMM undertakes research and accepts public comments that enhance the information we hold about images in our collection. This record has been updated accordingly. ..Photographer: Samuel J. Hood Studio Collection..Object no. 00034666