Summary

Black and white photograph of Gladys Leichti, standing by the ship rail on board the SS Bendigo in 1924. The image was taken during her voyage as an assisted immigrant from England to Australia.

Description of Content

Gladys Leichti, standing by the ship rail on board the 'Bendigo'.

Physical Description

Black and white image with black border.

Significance

Gladys Leichti's objects and story represents the push to attract young British girls for domestic service in the 1920s and the role of philanthropic organizations such as the Salvation Army in meeting this demand. The story is also interesting for its cross-cultural marriage and the bringing together of two very different migrant stories from different periods in time.

Johannes Stegelman's story is a great example of more unorthodox migration. Jumping ship was a common way to start a new life in Australia, especially for sailors on merchant ships, and dates back to the 1850s gold rush with sailors jumping ship to head for the goldfields (John Simpson Kirkpatrick of 'Simpson and his donkey' fame arrived in Australia by jumping ship). Stegelman's objects all relate to his career in both the German Navy and the merchant navy including the hire document that brought him to Australia.

More Information