HMAS Tattoo certainly had an eventful albeit short-lived career. Built during the tumult of WWI as part of the British emergency war programme, the ship’s service history reflects the rapid changes and realignments of naval forces during and after the conflict.

It’s intriguing how she spent such a brief period in British service before being transferred to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The decision to transfer her, along with four sister ships, speaks to the strategic considerations and evolving priorities of the post-war naval landscape.

The planned renaming to HMAS Moresby adds an interesting layer to the ship’s story, indicating the potential for shifts in identity and purpose even after her initial commissioning.

Ultimately, her decommissioning and sale for ship breaking in 1937 to Penguins Limited mark the end of her active service, but her legacy lives on through records and accounts, providing valuable insights into naval history during the early 20th century.

No penguins were hurt as a result that we know of.

THE PRINT
This edition print recorded on fine art stock via a large format mimeograph and generally referred to as Giclée prints of premium quality. The paper is white 100% a-cellulose with a distinct textured surface and the premium matt inkjet coating more than meets the highest industry standards vis-à-vis density, colour gamut, colour graduation and image sharpness, while preserving the extraordinary touch and feel of genuine art paper.

The editions depicted on Iconic Reserve are not representative of scale and solely for the purpose of suggestive display and not supplied framed.