MARTIN WILLIAMS
In Defence of our Shores
Acrylic on Board
122 x 92cm
The painting is a memory of our Sydney defence lines, particularly our Middle Head Fortifications. These were upgraded in the 1880s and following 1915 and the beachheads of the Straits of Gallipoli, they were enhanced to thwart attack from enemy ships as they attempted entry into Sydney Harbour. This painting commemorates the brave efforts of our defence forces through those times, continuing through WW2 and beyond reminding us of our vulnerability from possible incursions, including those by Japanese submariners in 1942. At the same time, we reflect on the debt we owe our soldiers, sailors, airmen, in war and peace and the contributions made by their families and particularly the importance they placed on protecting the freedoms we enjoy to-day.
