This photograph depicts the troopship QUEEN MARY and what is probably the tug SS HEROIC on Sydney Harbour on 6 May 1940. The recently refitted Cunard liner was departing Sydney on the first of many troop-carrying voyages undertaken during World War II. The ship is painted grey, and its anchors have not been housed. The HEROIC is pushing QUEEN MARY with its bow to help the ship turn to port out of Athol Bight where it was anchored. The tug's funnel billows smoke which is blown over the QUEEN MARY's foredeck and in front of its bridge.