was launched during Navy Week Victoria
on Trafalgar Day 21 October 2015 in the Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne by Admiral C.A. Barrie AC RAN (Rtd.) former Chief of the Defence Force.
BOOK CONTENT
Chapters
Foreword
Preface
1. Glasgow Life, Scotland
2. Bound for South Australia
3. The Victorian Naval Forces
4. Off to the War in China
5. Homeward Bound to a New Nation
6. The Australian Commonwealth Naval Forces
7. A Berth by the Ocean
8. The Royal Australian Navy
9. The Australian Fleet Unit
10. Australia at War
11. After the Great War
12. The Later Years
Epilogue
Postscript 2013-2014
Appendix
References
Index
Book Details
Narrative non-fiction
A4 368 pages, hardback,
over 100 images including
unpublished Cerberus
photographs, maps,
Day Log extracts,
newspaper reports,
Diary & Letter excerpts.
ISBN: 9780646946870
Two Photos and a Medal
… 'a Cerberus story'
is a not-for-profit publication.
The net profits from the sale of the book will be used to foster the recording, acquisition, preservation and public display of Victoria's naval history and artefacts relevant to the period 1871-1924.
It was an exciting time to join the Victorian Colonial Navy when William George Monteith enlisted in March 1886. He was assigned to HMVS Cerberus, a state of the art vessel of her time, iron clad, powered by coal fired steam and built with rotating gun turrets fore and aft. Monteith was to serve with the Victorian and later the Australian Navy during a career stretching well into the 20th century. His years of service covered some of the most significant naval events in the history of the country : the participation of its sailors in the China War 1900-01, the Federation of the Australian colonies, the USS Great White Fleet's visit to Melbourne, the creation of the Royal Australian Navy, the nation's involvement in World War One and the opening of HMAS Cerberus, Westernport in 1920.
This meticulously researched and engagingly written book is not just about Monteith and the Cerberus. He also served as Warrant Officer Gunner in two sea-going training ships HMAS Protector and Pioneer. Federal politicians Deakin, Fisher and Reid parried Defence debate in Parliament while naval officers Creswell and Tickell strove to establish a modern Fleet Unit. At every point, naval events are set in the context of key developments in the emergence and shaping of the new nation. 'Two Photos and a Medal' is as much a naval family story as it is an account of a naval man, ships and an institution.
REVIEW 1 - The story is much more than a biography because it weaves the account of Monteith’s life and service into the backdrop of many events of world importance and paints a vivid picture of the birth and development of the Royal Australian Navy. This book will be an invaluable contribution to our maritime history, enthusiastically welcomed by a wide range of people inside as well as outside the service. Commodore Jim Dickson RAN Rtd
REVIEW 2 - ‘Two Photos and a Medal’ is a lively and engaging examination of the life of William George Monteith and his involvement with the Victorian and later Australian Navy. It would be a valuable resource for teachers and lecturers in Australian History, particularly those focusing on the early years of the new nation and Australia’s participation in World War 1. The text is enhanced by an abundance of primary documents which provide excellent material for source analysis. ‘Two Photos and a Medal’ richly deserves a place on the shelves of university and school libraries and local resource centres.
Geraldine Carrodus Historian, author and teacher
REVIEW 3 - ‘Two Photos and a Medal’ is an authoritative record of what all serving and ex-Navy personnel and historians recognise as a remarkable era of transition and Naval achievement. Although it is “woven” around the life of Warrant Officer Monteith, it is nevertheless a very accurate account of the Navy History around Port Phillip, the Western District and Westernport during that extremely interesting period of transition from the time he joined the Victorian Colonial Navy (in 1886) to the Commonwealth Naval Forces (in 1901) and then ultimately to the formation of the Royal Australian Navy in 1911. In fact the ‘personal’ flavour of the book makes the reading of what could otherwise have been a rather bland summary of historical facts a much more interesting and enjoyable pastime.
CAPT David Garnock CSC RAN retired
REVIEW 4 - 'Two Photos and a Medal … a Cerberus story' is a major work of Australia's naval history and its wider role in our nation's protection in peace and war. I have found it fascinating and a model for anyone thinking of a similar work. The photos are very, very good and I admire the scholarship, detail and human interest that has gone into it. My congratulations on an outstanding publication worthy of everyone's bookshelf.'
Allen Callaghan, Media Exec. National Servicemen's Association, Australia
[See published Review]
REVIEW 5 - Royal Historical Society Victoria: Google: RHSV History News, November-December 2016, p.5
REVIEW 6 - It was a pleasure to read Two Photos and a Medal - a Cerberus Story written by Janette Williams. It has been well researched and contains valuable historical material. The author's dedication to tell her story follows a pathway from humble beginnings and captures the reader's interest to know more throughout the book. It is extensively supported by photographs that certainly would enthuse the younger readers. I feel this book should grace as many library shelves as possible to allow our up and coming historians an insight into our naval history as told, in this case, by a family member. The attention to detail within the well written chapters supports my recommendation for a wide audience of readers.
Wendy J. Takos, Port Adelaide Historian
Two Photos and a Medal is available for distribution only within Australia and New Zealand.
Purchase On-Line:- The Book may be purchased On-Line.
Purchase direct at current outlets selling Two Photos and a Medal:- Australian War Memorial, Canberra; HMAS Cerberus Museum, Westernport; Warrnambool Maritime Museum, Flag Staff Hill; Port Fairy Historical Society; Drill Hall, Victoria Hotel, Port Fairy; Melbourne - Hylands Military Bookshop, MidCity Arcade Level 1, 200 Bourke Street; Thesaurus Bookshop; Brighton; Readings, St Kilda; Dymocks, Myer Centrepoint, Albury, NSW; Edgars Books & News, Wangaratta; Myrtleford Newsagent.
Purchase by Mail:- Please send cheque payment orders only, payable to Janette Williams (to address shown below) and enclose your Postal Address, Post Code, Phone or Email contact together with Number of Copies required.
RRP: $ 45.00 + Postage & Handling on current postal rates 2017
Australia ... Express Mail: $16.50 Parcel Post: $15.00
All prices in AUS.$
District purchase/pick up centres ... cash payment only:
J. Williams,
U2 64 Prince Street,
MYRTLEFORD, Vic. 3737
HMCS Protector: Pictures Collection, State Library of Victoria.
HMAS Pioneer Sea Power Centre - Australia
World War 1
So effective was the Nation's push to establish its own navy
that all its warships were 'ready aye ready' and off on active
service on 6 August 1914.
Chapter 10 'Australia at War' details a number of RAN Centennial incidents commemorated during 2014-2018:
WW1 sees the 'blooding' of the Royal Australian Navy during the Pacific defence of Australia: the Bita Paka land conflict in German New Guinea and the loss of the first Australian Servicemen and the AE1 submarine and crew (September 1914).
Monteith serves as WO Gunner in the light cruiser HMAS Pioneer: During its deployment the ship participates in a solo Patrol of the north-west coast of Australia; the SMS Emden threat; the departure of the first AIFNZ Convoy; the blockade and battles of SMS Königsberg (July 6 & 11 1915), coastal bombardment activity where her shallow draft was an invaluable asset, and the fight on land at Bagamoyo (August 1916) … German East Africa.
