[Editor: This postcard, sent with birthday greetings, is from the era of the First World War (1914-1918). The postcard is undated.]
[Front of postcard]
ADVANCE AUSTRALIA
Here’s a Token of Hearty Good Fellowship True,
A Hand from the Land of the Kangaroo;
No matter the distance, for Old Sake’s Sake,
Just Tip us your Flipper and Shake, Shake, Shake.
[Description: The words “Advance Australia”, placed above a shield with a Southern Cross, with (underneath) two hands clasping, a ship on the sea, and a poem.]
[Reverse of postcard]
POST CARD
[Handwritten text, in italics]
Dear Mac
To wish you many happy returns of the day & best of luck
Frank
[Addressed to:]
M Wecks
Telegraphist
H M A S Melbourne
[Manufacturer’s information:]
B. B. London Series No. A.56. Printed in Germany.
Source:
Original document
Editor’s notes:
Dimensions (approximate): 90 mm. (width), 140 mm. (height).
The phrase “many happy returns of the day” indicates that this is a “happy birthday” message.
flipper = (in the context of humans) a hand
H M A S = “Her Majesty’s Australian Ship”, or “His Majesty’s Australian Ship”, depending on the sex of the ruling monarch; a designation given to a base or a ship of the Royal Australian Navy (the designation can be rendered as “HMAS” or “H.M.A.S.”)
Dear Ed. I was interested in trying to pursue more information on the publication details: “B.B. London Series …”. An internet search found this excellent site, and more information on those details.
https://postcardhistory.net/2021/10/odds-and-ends-part-2/
Of course, this is merely the opinion of one of that site’s followers, and may well be incorrect, but it at least starts a research path for any who have a bent to delve deeper — knowing that you, my dear Ed, do not have the time to do so.