From this place, in August 1908 you would have seen two lines of eight American battleships making up the Great White Fleet. at the mouth of the Yarra. The Great White Fleet visited Melbourne in August 1908.as part of a world cruise to demonstrate American naval power. The purpose of the voyage was to counter growing Japanese power in the Pacific. The ships visited Melbourne at the invitation of Alfred Deakin. The ships were painted white with gold trim. There were 14,000 sailors on those ships.
by cityofportphillip on March 23, 2016Please login to comment on this item