The Flag’s Up

by Peter Poland

In the early days of the colony, ships from Russia, France, America and Spain anchored alongside British convict vessels in Sydney’s renowned harbour. Many famous figures sailed through the heads, such as Bligh, Bennelong, Flinders and Macquarie. The South Head Lookout Post which recorded these arrivals and departures has been manned since January 1790, making it the longest permanently manned site in Australia.

It saw the passage of political prisoners, daring escapees, navigators charting new lands, governors travelling to and from their difficult postings, Aborigines travelling to Europe and Maoris coming to Australia for the first time. This illustrated book reveals the first years and the various voyages that began and ended on the shores of the bright young Sydney colony.

“a well researched and most readable account of the early days of the colony” —Peter Campbell, Afloat magazine

“a delight to read” —Maritime Journal

“a nicely polished gold nugget of Australian history in the early 19th century” —Kevin Rickard, Naval Officers Club Newsletter

About the author

Peter Poland was born in 1932 to a naval family. Between 1846 and 1976 there were 21 related Polands in the Royal Navy including Peter’s father and grandfather. Peter went to Dartmouth Royal Naval College at the age of 13 and in his 30 year naval career he commanded 4 ships including the frigate HMS Zest, which he brought into Sydney Harbour in 1968. Peter retired to Sydney from the Royal Navy in 1971 as a Commander.

Paperback, $29.95

Published in conjunction with the Woollahra History and Heritage Society