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Patrick Francis (Paddy) Collins (Aust., 1863–1934).

The “Sydney’s” Victory: How She Beat The “Emden” [WWI]

c1914. Letterpress text with poet’s name and publisher’s line “People’s print, City”, 25.6 x 8.5cm. Slight foxing, old folds, creases.

The poem is by “Sydney’s best-known street poet” Patrick Francis Collins, and celebrates the Royal Australian Navy’s first victory of WWI; the 1914 battle between HMAS Sydney and the SMS Emden at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

During the early 20th century “there were several street balladists to be found in Melbourne and Sydney…[including] Patrick Francis Collins. ‘Paddy’ wrote many ballads about disasters, murders and war, but commented particularly on social affairs and politics from a labour perspective.” Ref: Anderson, “‘Paddy’, the Sydney Street Poet,” Labour History, No. 82, 2002; State Library of NSW; National Library of Australia.

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Item #CL202-24

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