Vintage WW2 Photograph Bulldog Mascot and Sailor HMS Aurora C 1939

We could not help but be very moved by this poignant military photograph, especially as we have just celebrated Remembrance Day (Veteran's Day). A day when we can all step aside from our busy lives, and reflect on all of those servicemen and servicewomen who have gave their lives during military conflicts in order that we can maintain our freedom. For this we salute them.

This charming photograph was taken around the 1939 to 1945 period. The photograph features a sailor sat alongside his English bulldog in a Naval Dockyard entrance setting. The bulldog was/is a prominent and popular choice for ship mascots, particularly within the Royal Navy. These dogs served to boost morale, provide companionship, and became beloved members of the crew.

HMS Aurora was an Arethusa-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy. She was built by Portsmouth Dockyard, with the keel being laid down on 27 July 1935. She was launched on 20 August 1936 and commissioned 12 November 1937. She participated in the operations hunting for the German battleship Bismarck!

In 1948 HMS Aurora was given to the Nationalist government in China and served as the flagship of the Republic of China Navy, being renamed Chongqing. In February 1949 its crew mutinied and defected to the Communists. She was scrapped at some point during the Cultural Revolution.

The photograph is housed behind glass under gold mount in an early 20th century, Hogarth style frame. This is the perfect item for anyone looking for a unique conversation piece. We cannot help wonder what happened to the young sailor in the photograph and of course their beloved bulldog.

Measuring: Frame width 9 ½ inch (24 cm) by height 11 ½ inch (29 cm). Aperture width 5 3/8 inch (14 cm) by height 7 5/8 inch (19 cm).

Condition: Surface wear commensurate with age. There are sections of touched up loss to the beaded detailing, around the edges of frame. The photograph has a fold line to the centre and a few creases, probably from being stashed in a kit bag.

Item id:16216