ISSUE 139

MARCH 2011

Future – A Growth In Australia’s Navy’s Capability. Some Implications For The RAN ’Winston Is Back” – Churchill & The Naval Empire Future Submarine – A Growth In Australia’s Navy’s Capability New Entry Officers Course & Sailor Transfer Trainees Splash-Dot Warriors – Raise, Train, Sustain RAN Cyber Skills

Supporting Breastfeeding Journal of the Women in the ADF Workplace

139 March 2011.indd 1 12/12/10 11:03 PM 139 March 2011.indd 2 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 3 Letters to the Editor Contents

lease may I respond to the article flourishes in Sydney. Future Submarine – A Growth In arguing for spirituality to have a Equally intolerant, Catholic doctrine Australia’s Navy’s Capability. Some moreP prominent part in Navy life – and holds the rights of God over the rights Implications For The RAN 4 a particular part in programmes of of man – a peculiar dogma which character development. diminishes the status, dignity and Our Navy, and the people who rights of those who may be female, Future Submarine – A Growth In serve in it and in the wider Australian practice their religious devotion under Australia’s Navy’s Capability 8 Defence Force, stand severally and the doctrine of another faith, enjoy individually in defence of human rights same sex partnerships or perhaps ’Winston Is Back” – Churchill & The and freedoms. even heterosexual sex outside the Naval Empire – The Vernon Parker Much discourse of human rights boundaries of marriage. Oration, 16 September 2010 10 is found in the various spiritual and The article published in Headmark religious traditions. was obviously sincere, but it was New Entry Officers Course & Sailor However, there is an equally intolerant, inconsistent in its use of Transfer Trainees 18 compelling case to be made that terms and evangelical in its admiration spiritual and religious traditions of all for the chaplaincy – which has a place, Bridging Oceans: The Philippine Coast kinds in many generations, have been but not the place for which this article Guard Auxiliary & the Australian responsible for the obliteration of lobbied. Volunteer Coast Guard 22 human rights and dignities. from correspondent Matthew 10:36 The evangelical Christian church Splash-Dot Warriors – Raise, Train, would be a particular case in point. Letter to the Ed Sustain RAN Cyber Skills 26 This institution was responsible for the was most interested in zealotry and butchery of the crusades. Withers “Fuel for Thought: Nuclear I PLA Navy Sea Ride – 15-20 Sep 10 In recent times, those of the evangelical Propulsion and the RAN” (September stamp – particularly those Anglicans 2010). It seems to me that a crucial – A summary of experiences with the indoctrinated at Moore College in question is the attitude of the US Chinese Navy 32 Sydney – have emphasised duties, towards Australia acquiring nuclear rather than rights. For these people, . Supporting Breastfeeding Women in the Bible imposes duties upon us, and I have heard that the US pays the ADF Workplace 37 these duties very often expunge the Australia a large amount not to go claim of the Universal Declaration of nuclear, but I emphasise that this is Qualities of Leadership – Human Rights which, in Article One, simply scuttlebutt. Can anyone say with Sir 42 Front cover argues that all people, being endowed authority what US policy is? photograph: Members from with reason and conscience, are free Dr Hal G. P. Colebatch Pavlova and Vindaloo: Australian Clearance and equal in dignity and rights. Natural Partners 64 Diving Team Four Not for the evangelical Christian, Clarifications conduct dive train they are not. Because were equality a wynn Boyd advises that in Issue UK defence review should be about during workups. reality, then spiritual women would be G137 the top photograph on more than just cutting 70 ordained and consecrated as bishops p56 shows Sir William in that church. But they are not, and Creswell, DW Grant and Book Reviews 72 neither are gay men. Even Anglicans several officers, together with what can

from the quieter, more liberal and presumably only be lady guests, at the Issue Number 139 intellectual tradition are marginalised Passing Out parade on 10 December Visions from the Vault 75 Printed by Everbest by the intolerant Anglican cult which 1917. Printing Company ANI On-line Guide 76

ISSN 1833-6531 Style Notes for Headmark 77 - RAYTHEON AUSTRALIA - BOOZ & COMPANY - AUSTAL - THALES NAVAL GROUP - DEFENCE MARITIME SERVICES - QINETIQ Design & DTP: ANI Membership Application Form 78 Diane Bricknell - AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE CREDIT UNION - ATI - LOPAC - SAAB [email protected] Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 3 12/12/10 11:03 PM 4 Future Submarine – A Growth In Australia’s Navy’s Capability. Some Implications For The RAN BY REAR ADMIRAL PETER BRIGGS RAN RTD

The Defence White Paper released Australia’s strategic options. not assured and to gain access to areas in May 2009 calls for a doubling of A capable Australian Submarine denied to others. Large submarines, Australia’s submarine capability, with Force will be able to operate in these such as Collins, are able to operate at 12 submarines of greater range and difficult strategic circumstances, long range for weeks. They can carry providing a ‘strategic sting’ that would a flexible payload of sensors, weapons capability than today’s Collins class. make a potential aggressor avoid a and specialist personnel. A capable Why is the growth required? How might military confrontation with Australia. Australian Submarine Force creates it be achieved? What are some for the There are two critical parts to this great uncertainty: countering them personnel implications for the RAN. strategy. Firstly, as for all forms of is difficult, expensive and cannot be deterrence, the perception of the guaranteed. Strategic Rationale capability in the eyes of the adversary More than just a good insurance y 2030, our region will be is critical. Secondly, if put to the test, policy, submarines are unique in many dominated by the growing the sting must be able to deliver the ways, able to: Bpolitical, economic and strategic promised outcome –unbearable pain. • Loiter without replenishment power of China and India, constraining ‘It would be in our strategic interest and simultaneously observe Australia’s choices. There will be an in the decades ahead that no power activities under water, on the increasingly fierce global competition in the Asia Pacific region will be able surface, in the air and over the for resources: energy, minerals and to coerce or intimidate others in the electromagnetic spectrum in water, made more important by the region through the employment of areas denied to other eyes and alteration in the strategic balance force, or through the implied threat ears including satellites. between China, India and the US of force, without being deterred, • Deliver the most potent in terms of political, economic and checked or, if necessary, defeated by antisubmarine capability. strategic reach. Australia has many of the political, economic or military • Covertly position precision the resources that will be critical to the responses of others in the region,’ land attack missiles, retire if new powers’ economic prosperity. according to the 2009 Defence White not required, or launch and This is not a ‘business as usual’ Paper (DWP), Force 2030. 2 withdraw undetected. scenario – nor should we presume it • Assist in the protection surface will be a smooth, linear process, free of Why submarines? naval operations. confrontation and crisis. Submarines are the ultimate stealth • Covertly launch and recover Collins Weapon ‘For Australia, foreign affairs and platform, able to operate without fuss special forces. Compartment (RAN defence policy are getting serious again’. 1 in areas where sea and air control is • Lay sophisticated, precision photo) Australia is an island: the maritime environment will continue to be increasingly important to our economic well-being. Significant growth in regional Navies, including use of advanced military and commercial surveillance systems will make it more difficult for our Navy to operate freely in the region. There is also a growth of modern European and Russian designed submarines and advanced military technologies being deployed in our region. China and India are also developing nuclear powered and armed submarines. This developing situation will constrain Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 4 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 5

mines to deny access to The strategic sting of the Submarine a capability has significantly less selected facilities and areas. Force is underpinned by stealth. deterrent value. Australia should avoid a dependency The strategic setting and the In situations short of conflict, on forward bases to conduct unique contribution that Australia’s submarines are able to provide submarine operations; access to such submarines can make in these unique indications of another’s long bases cannot be guaranteed. The circumstances are discussed further in term intentions, facilitating counter reduction in operational security the Submarine Institute of Australia’s measures via diplomacy and force through the use of such bases would (SIA) submission to the DWP. 3 preparation that will hopefully avoid reduce the submarine’s freedom of Keeping this starting point firmly an escalation to conflict. To be able to action and add to the hazards faced in mind let us turn to consider how exploit the initiative gained from their by our submarines. The use of a depot Australia can achieve the capability. stealth, Australia’s submarines must be ship, requiring a forward base with able to covertly reach sensitive areas appropriate protection to support it What Are The Options? throughout our region with sufficient suffers from similar limitations with the It is worth reviewing what the DWP mobility, operational radius of action, added disadvantages of the diplomatic analysis concluded: payload and habitability for the long and strategic indication provided by its ‘8.40 In the case of the submarine duration missions involved, frequently deployment. The capital, sustainment force, the Government takes the view in or through hot tropical waters. and personnel costs entailed in a that our future strategic circumstances Some explanation of these terms is depot ship also make this an expensive necessitate a substantially expanded appropriate: option. submarine fleet of 12 boats in order • Mobility is the capacity to A submarine’s stealth and access to sustain a force at sea large enough complete the long transits confers significant initiative; they in a crisis or conflict to be able to required expeditiously and should be employed proactively to defend our approaches (including at discreetly, ie with low chance exploit this. Where appropriate, they considerable distance from Australia, of counter detection. are best employed offensively to if necessary), protect and support other • Operational radius of action maximise the benefits gained from this ADF assets, and undertake certain is a measure of the practical advantage - one of the few weapons strategic missions where the stealth and endurance of the submarine, systems in Australia’s orbat with this other operating characteristics of highly- fuel, food and habitability to characteristic. capable advanced submarines would complete the mission in an Arguments that Australia’s be crucial’. operational setting. submarines should be used defensively ‘9.3 ….. The Future Submarine • Operational radius of action is and constrained to defending the will have greater range, longer a more demanding regime than sea approaches to Australia would endurance on patrol, and expanded maximum range frequently deny Australia the initiative, priceless capabilities compared to the current quoted in specifications. Such intelligence and ability to influence Collins class submarine. It will also be figures tend to be based on the development of a situation that equipped with very secure real-time a non-operational scenario can be gained by imaginative use of a communications and be able to carry with transits completed at capable Submarine Force in situations different mission payloads such as an optimum, low speed with across the whole spectrum of likely uninhabited underwater vehicles’. prolonged and predictable contingencies rather than simply the ‘9.4 ….. capable of a range of tasks periods for recharging least likely, ‘last-ditch, defend the such as anti-ship and anti-submarine batteries. moat scenario’. There is a significant warfare; strategic strike; mine • Habitability over the long possibility that submarines deployed detection and mine-laying operations; missions is important not only under such a strategy will be in the intelligence collection; supporting for crew effectiveness but also wrong place at the wrong time and special forces (including infiltration to ensure an acceptable quality lack the ability to quickly reposition and exfiltration missions); and of life for crews; a key factor – it surrenders the initiative to the gathering battlespace data in support of in attracting and retaining opponent who may well calculate operations’. personnel. that he should be able to avoid ‘9.5 Long transits and potentially the defending submarines. Such short-notice contingencies in our Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 5 12/12/10 11:03 PM 6 Future Submarine – A Growth In Australia’s Navy’s Capability. Some Implications For The RAN

primary operational environment developed the Length Submerged Submarine Overall Pressure Hull Displacement Relative demand high levels of mobility and A-310, A-320, (m) Diameter (m) (tonnes) Volumes endurance in the Future Submarine. A-330 aircraft The boats need to be able to undertake series, each European Con- ventional 65 6.3 1750 55% prolonged covert patrols over the full building on a distance of our strategic approaches common design COLLINS 78 7.8 3300 100% and in operational areas. They require philosophy, A1 85 8.4 4000 125% low signatures across all spectrums, learning from its Figure 1 - Internal including at higher speeds’. predecessors, evolving to best meet the ratio within certain limits. This Volumes Compared No current European conventional requirement. restriction determines that a for Selected submarine design has the mobility, One option is to lengthen the substantial increase in volume cannot Submarine Shapes operational radius of action, through submarine. What is involved in be simply achieved by adding length; life growth or payload capacity stretching a submarine? The first point the pressure hull diameter must be required to meet the requirements to make is that once you start making increased to maintain a suitable ratio set out in the DWP. This is a matter of such substantial modifications, it is no for the new, larger volume. size. Fitting this capacity impacts on longer a military off-the-shelf option, A European sourced Military- many systems in the submarine and but a developmental project. Off-The Shelf (MOTS) submarine is not easily or efficiently achieved by In the case of submarines there are designed for the shorter distances adapting an existing design. Designing many complexities to be considered. and cooler waters compared to a submarine involves consideration To simplify this considerably; there are Australia’s environment is too small of a multitude of interacting physical two basic laws of physics that impact to meet the requirements. Nor is factors; as Professor Peter Joubert significantly in such an undertaking. stretching one a simple undertaking, observes in his excellent paper on the The first is that the submarine must be a larger diameter pressure hull will be subject: neutrally buoyant when submerged; required – ie a new design, to achieve ‘It is a principle of successful design it floats like an airship underwater. the requirement. Let me illustrate my that no particular feature can be A submarine has little capacity to point by a comparison of the internal considered in isolation but must be accept additional weight eg from volumes of a range of submarines. considered with all its interactions on new equipment, additional fuel Illustrative internal volumes the rest of the design’. 4 and personnel. One of the lessons using open sourced information on Adapting an existing design from the Collins class is the need to dimensions and a simplified model would involve significant changes provide generous design margins of for calculating the resultant internal to a highly integrated and compact stability and buoyancy to allow for volumes are provided in Figure 1 above. vessel, entailing significant cost and future growth during the life of the The internal volume of a mid range Figure 2 – Examples of Submerged capability risks - arguably greater submarine. Once a submarine’s European conventional submarine Displacement V risk than a new design specifically relatively small design margins for design is compared with COLLINS and Length of Current targeting our requirements. Adapting growth are exceeded, the only option is a conceptual design for FSM: Submarines and an existing design will result in a to increase the size of the submarine to • The concept design, submarine A1, the Conceptual A1 unique design, requiring Australia to regain the buoyancy required to offset was developed by an Australian Design sustain it through life as the parent the weights that Small & Large Submarines navy; probably without owning all the have been added. Submerged Displacement Tonnes Virginia (10.4) intellectual property underpinning the At this point 8000 design. the second key Small submarines Large submarines Astute (10.4) 7000 Hull diameter 5.0 - 7.6m Hull diameter 7.8 - 9.0m I should distinguish between law kicks in. 6000 L/D 8-11 L/D 8.11 ‘adapting’ a design, where the design For maximum 5000 ж team are constrained within the underwater 4000 ∆ Barracuda (8.8) + A1 (8.4) 3000 214 (6.3) Collins (7.8) current size and form of the ‘off the efficiency and Gotland (6.2) o Upholder (7.6) 2000 680 (7.3) shelf’ submarine and ‘evolving’. In the quietness the x  1000 Scorpene (6.2) latter situation the design team is free submarine 0 to alter all the parameters to meet the must have a 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115 Length (m) new requirements; much as Airbus length:diameter Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Note: Virginia, Astute and Barracuda are nuclear powered submarines

139 March 2011.indd 6 12/12/10 11:12 PM Issue 139 7 Future Submarine – A Growth In Australia’s Navy’s Capability. Some Implications For The RAN

design exercise, against the expensive. In the case of a submarine, coating tiles to reduce Collins active requirements set out in the SIA’s the cost of acquisition is 25 - 30 per sonar signature is an example of this DWP Submission. cent of the total cost of ownership; category. • The submerged displacement of in-service support and operating costs The design and its supporting R&D A1 would be approximately 4000 make up the majority of the cost of program must be undertaken with tonnes (compared to COLLINS at ownership. In developing the design, Australia’s operational environment in 3,300 t). Australia should aim to minimise the mind and leverage off the significant The comparison illustrates that the total cost of ownership; if necessary experience Australia has gained current European submarine designs being prepared to pay more in the in operating a large conventional have significantly less internal volume acquisition phase to achieve a platform submarine in it. The design and than the larger range of submarines. that will be cheaper to operate and outcomes from the R&D program The spectrum of submarine sizes, therefore overall cheaper to own. must be protected; it would be counter- based on open source information In developing the design, productive to have advances achieved is illustrated below, pressure hull Australia should make maximum through this process simply exported diameters are given in brackets after use of proven European and US into the region. each submarine. L/D refers to the submarine technologies to reduce An Australian design environment length (L) to pressure hull diameter (D) risks and achieve the capability will allow us to balance these ratio of the submarine. required. Australia needs access to competing issues. This offers significant Figure 2 illustrates that the closest both European and US sources of and unique advantages in its ability conventional submarine starting point technology. to access both European and US for the capability sought in the DWP is The most sensitive information may sourced submarine technologies; such Collins. Further, the design, operational not be available. Additionally, there will access must be based on Australia’s experience and support capability be some areas of the submarine where demonstrated ability to protect this developed for Collins combined suitable equipment is not available; in information to the satisfaction of the with the extensive data gathered by both cases, solutions will have to be owners and to avoid advances achieved operating it in Australia’s environment developed. For example, it is unlikely by an Australian led R&D program provides a valuable starting point for that were there will be a well tested being exported back into our region. development of FSM. 1 We should diesel generator for a submarine of To minimise risks, we must make best not lightly discount the value of this this size (one of the problems that use of the Collins’ lessons and ensure experience, it offers the opportunity to was encountered during the design adequate design support, backed up by build on the strengths and design out of the Collins class) and a suitable ownership of the intellectual property its weaknesses, an option that would be production diesel generator may have necessary for the parent navy role that less accessible if we were to start afresh. to be modified for use in a submarine is inevitable. This does not mean we Any submarine adapted or environment. do it all, significant assistance will be developed for Australia’s requirements An R&D program involving both required for European and US sources requires a significant level of design industry and the Defence Science and of technology and design. expertise to maintain, operate and Technology Organisation (DSTO) will The critical issues arising from develop the submarine through life, therefore be a key part of reducing risks the initiation of the FSM project are along with the engineering and design and achieving the capability; it will be discussed further in the SIA’s Critical skills to safely oversee its operations; ongoing throughout the life of FSM to Issues Paper. 5 the equivalent of the airworthiness maintain the capability edge Australia authority. Co-location in Australia seeks. The diesel generator example is Conclusions On Acquiring is the cheapest and most effective at the low sensitivity end and would The Capability solution for providing these essential entail significant industry input; there The recent Defence White Paper has services. are other areas such as signature set a justifiable if challenging set of Being a parent navy 2 can be management and countermeasures top level requirements for Australia’s where sensitivity will be a significant future submarine capability. In order 1 Australia has been the design authority matter and access to state-of-the-art to achieve a viable deterrent and if for Collins since 2001. 2 Note Collins is the only major R&D capacity critical. The need for necessary, an effective strategic sting, combatant for which the RAN is the parent Australia to develop the anechoic Australia requires a force of long-range, Navy. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 7 12/12/10 11:03 PM 8 Future Submarine – A Growth In Australia’s Navy’s Capability. Some Implications For The RAN highly capable submarines, able to capabilities. Appropriate leadership Industry, combined with a substantial carry significant and flexible payloads structures should be put in place to loss of the skills in Navy and Industry to potential adversaries’ sensitive areas. ensure a high level of coordination for submarine refitting, provided one Current European MOTS in the resources employed to achieve of the inputs to the current hiatus in options are designed for a different the current and future submarine Collins availability. requirement and consequently have capability, establishing the long term One of the other major lessons a smaller hull diameter. It is unlikely road map to bring coherence between learnt was the need for a buffer that adapting one of these designs Collins and FSM to minimise risk, of additional crews to cover the will provide the necessary capability. disruption and source efficiencies transition when training capacity in Any adaption would require a through common procedures, training the new class is limited and capacity significant developmental project with and logistics (to name a few). in the old is shrinking. One obvious concomitant risk. Collins manning and availability solution is multi crewing in Collins – a Collins is the closest staring point is slowly improving from a near conditions of service improvement to the DWP requirements and benefits terminal level; improved management, recommended in the Submarine from the operating experience gained increased funding of the manning, Workforce Sustainability Review.6 It is in Australia’s environment. sustainment and operational capability difficult to contemplate multi crewing The core decisions to be made in of Collins class should be seen as part of Collins at a time when we have only initiating the concept development of a continuum leading to FSM. 3 crews building to 4, none the less the phase are therefore to: The public perception of the Collins planning must start now if we are to • Confirm the Defence White Paper capability has suffered significantly as manage this better than the last time strategic setting and analysis of the a result of the recent availability and and avoid the transition discontinuities top level requirement. manning hiatus – as reflected in the that waste much effort and money. • Recognise that a developmental letters to the editor and cartoon pages. project is required. Defence and Navy need to demonstrate What might a transition • Agree that an Australian design that the causes have been understood, manpower plan look like? environment, evolving from the lessons learnt and the way ahead The final plan will depend on the FSM Collins, offers the least risk to set so as to avoid a repeat in the future. timings; timings may be a different to achieve the capability for the lowest I suggest there is much to be done in this, but the profile should be similar. total cost of ownership and within order to achieve this happy outcome. My points are the inter-linkages schedule/cost boundaries. The transition to Collins between Collins and FSM manning • Initiate a single concept demonstrated the difficulty of manning and the date the plan starts – NOW! developmental and design process, a new class of submarine from a How will this affect the balance of the accessing support from US and shrinking orbat of Oberons. The 2030 Navy? My estimate of the orbat European submarine designers and transition was extremely disruptive; a and manpower may serve as a starting Figure 3 – An technology providers. 25 year leap in technology and systems, point for the discussion _see next page Illustrative SM Crewing Plan for The with significant impact in Navy and for table. Transition To FSM What Does This Mean for The RAN? SM Manpower Estimates With the strategic setting and top – Collins & FSM Crews level requirements set out in the DWP firmly in mind Navy should now review its management of the Collins Class to ensure that it provides the foundations for the FSM capability. Collins is an essential starting point for a successful FSM capability; it will not FSM Crews

be sufficient to hand the FSM project Number of Crews to the Capability Division/DMO and await delivery in 2022 – we must view 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Collins and FSM as interdependent Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 8 Issue 139 9 Future Submarine – A Growth In Australia’s Navy’s Capability. Some Implications For The RAN highly capable submarines, able to capabilities. Appropriate leadership Industry, combined with a substantial Crew % of Navy’s necessary to sustain the Collins capability and to develop and carry significant and flexible payloads structures should be put in place to loss of the skills in Navy and Industry Number Size Aircrew No. of Total Total transition to FSM. These will take time to develop or acquire. to potential adversaries’ sensitive areas. ensure a high level of coordination for submarine refitting, provided one Ship of Ships (People) (People) Crews People Seagoing The shore-based structure requires an appropriate hierarchy, Current European MOTS in the resources employed to achieve of the inputs to the current hiatus in Surface Combatants shaped to support the RAN’s new responsibility as the parent options are designed for a different the current and future submarine Collins availability. AWD 3 250 25 3 825 16% for Australia’s principle strike capability – I doubt that 2 requirement and consequently have capability, establishing the long term One of the other major lessons CDRE and 4 CAPT billets will suffice. a smaller hull diameter. It is unlikely road map to bring coherence between learnt was the need for a buffer The time to grow this workforce afloat and ashore must LHD 2 250 75 2 650 12% that adapting one of these designs Collins and FSM to minimise risk, of additional crews to cover the be factored into the SM manpower plan – 2022 is closer than will provide the necessary capability. disruption and source efficiencies transition when training capacity in you think. Any adaption would require a through common procedures, training the new class is limited and capacity FFG 8 184 25 8 1672 31% A return to a naval strike capability - that sounds like a significant developmental project with and logistics (to name a few). in the old is shrinking. One obvious topic for the next debate? t concomitant risk. Collins manning and availability solution is multi crewing in Collins – a Total for Surface Combatants 59% Collins is the closest staring point is slowly improving from a near conditions of service improvement to the DWP requirements and benefits terminal level; improved management, recommended in the Submarine Support & Minor War Vessels 6 from the operating experience gained increased funding of the manning, Workforce Sustainability Review. It is AO 2 120 20 2 280 5% in Australia’s environment. sustainment and operational capability difficult to contemplate multi crewing The core decisions to be made in of Collins class should be seen as part of Collins at a time when we have only initiating the concept development of a continuum leading to FSM. 3 crews building to 4, none the less the PTF 16 25 20 500 9% phase are therefore to: The public perception of the Collins planning must start now if we are to • Confirm the Defence White Paper capability has suffered significantly as manage this better than the last time MHC 6 40 9 360 7% strategic setting and analysis of the a result of the recent availability and and avoid the transition discontinuities top level requirement. manning hiatus – as reflected in the that waste much effort and money. Hydro 4 35 6 210 4% • Recognise that a developmental letters to the editor and cartoon pages. project is required. Defence and Navy need to demonstrate What might a transition Total for Support Ships and Minor War Vessels 25% • Agree that an Australian design that the causes have been understood, manpower plan look like? environment, evolving from the lessons learnt and the way ahead The final plan will depend on the FSM Collins, offers the least risk to set so as to avoid a repeat in the future. timings; timings may be a different to Submarines achieve the capability for the lowest I suggest there is much to be done in this, but the profile should be similar. SSG 12 68 12 816 15% Peter Briggs retired in 2001 after a 39 year career including total cost of ownership and within order to achieve this happy outcome. My points are the inter-linkages command of HMAS Otway, Oxley, Platypus, Stirling, Flag schedule/cost boundaries. The transition to Collins between Collins and FSM manning Total for Submarines 15% Officer Naval Training Command, Head of the Strategic • Initiate a single concept demonstrated the difficulty of manning and the date the plan starts – NOW! Command Division and Head Submarine Capability Team. As developmental and design process, a new class of submarine from a How will this affect the balance of the Total Seagoing the President of the Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA) he accessing support from US and shrinking orbat of Oberons. The 2030 Navy? My estimate of the orbat Manpower 5313 European submarine designers and transition was extremely disruptive; a and manpower may serve as a starting Figure 3 – An led the SIA’s contribution to the DWP. technology providers. 25 year leap in technology and systems, point for the discussion _see next page Illustrative SM Figure 4 – An Illustrative Breakdown of RAN Seagoing Manpower ~2030 Crewing Plan for The with significant impact in Navy and for table. Notes Transition To FSM (Footnotes) What Does This Mean for 1. SSG, PTF, MHC, Hydro are multi multi crewed, 3 crews for each 2 operational 1 Adding an additional watch to the Collins Class normal two The RAN? platforms, 2/3 of SM force operational at any time, ie 8 out of 12. watch seagoing structure has been implemented following the SM Manpower Estimates Submarine Workforce Sustainability Review. With the strategic setting and top – Collins & FSM Crews 2. SSG crew of 68 including 3rd watch.1 level requirements set out in the DWP 3. AWD & LHD complements based on Spanish practice. (Endnotes) firmly in mind Navy should now 1 White, Hugh. Power Shift: Australia’s Future between Washington 4. Aircrew guess. and Beijin. Sydney, September 2010. review its management of the Collins 3Adding an additional watch to the Collins Class normal two watch seagoing 2 Defending Australia In The Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030. Class to ensure that it provides the , Commonwealth of Australia, 2009. structure has been implemented following the Submarine Workforce Sustain- 3 Briggs, Peter RADM. Keeping Australia’s Options open In foundations for the FSM capability. ability Review. Constrained Strategic Circumstances: The Future Underwater Collins is an essential starting point for Warfare Capacity, “Australia’s strategic Sting, Canberra, 31 August 2008.

Mr Graham Freudenberg was the principal speech writer to the leadership of the Labor Party during 1961– 2005. Starting as Arthur Calwell’s press secretary in 1961, over the next 40 years he became the close confidante, adviser and speechwriter to Gough Whitlam; Bob Hawke and to NSW Premiers Neville Wran, Barrie Unsworth and Bob Carr. He wrote nearly a thousand speeches, including the key policy speeches to open election campaigns. Many of his sentences became indelibly associated in the public mind with those who spoke them.

e is the author of the award winning political biography A CertainH Grandeur: Gough Whitlam in Politics (1977), the centenary history of the NSW Labor Party, Cause for Power (1991) and his autobiographical political memoir A Figure of Speech Sir Winston (2005). His magnum opus appeared Churchill in 2008. Churchill and Australia (2009) is a wide-ranging examination error about the battle of Savo Island Canberra in the Pacific. He records: of the relationship between Winston in the Solomons in 1942, in the first When the Battle of Savo Island Churchill and all the major actors on edition of my book, Churchill and commenced at 0143 hours on the Australian political stage from Australia. I ascribed Japanese success August 9, 1942, as a 20-year-old Alfred Deakin to John Curtin. It was at Savo Island to aircraft from Rabaul. Sub Lieutenant RAN, I was on this book which caused the ANI to Among several letters of correction, HMAS Canberra’’s bridge as her request that Graham Freudenberg I received a most charming one from officer-of-the-watch. On page 438, deliver the annual 2010 Vernon Parker Lt. Mackenzie Gregory Graham Freudenberg reports that Oration. of , now aged 88. He had Japanese aircraft sank Canberra. I deeply appreciate the honour of served on HMAS Australia when she I can assure you that it was a delivering the 2010 Vernon Parker was part of the expedition sent by Japanese surface naval force of six Oration, and the opportunity to pay Churchill to seize Dakar, West Africa, cruisers and one that did tribute to Vice Admiral Parker as in September 1940. Dakar joined all the damage, plus a torpedo we a founder of the Australian Naval the long list of failed amphibious picked up on our starboard side Institute, in this Centenary Year of the operations inspired by Winston that emanated from our starboard . Churchill. escort destroyer USS Bagley. The I feared I had damaged my naval Two years later, Commander Japanese force split in two to credentials irretrievably by a gross Gregory was serving on HMAS steam each side of the northern Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 10 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 11

US cruisers and sink US ships of Cold War pressures, priorities and Quincy, Vincennes and Astoria. polemics. And the picture that emerges Japanese float planes illuminated is of systematic atrocity and pervasive the scene with flares, but did NOT evil far worse than even Churchill sink any ships. About 0800 hours imagined. Thus, on the One Big Thing on August 9, US finally – that Nazism must be destroyed at all sank Canberra with shells and cost - Churchill was so superbly right, torpedoes. against such odds, that it far outweighs in the balance of history all his manifest The battle of Savo Island, an early blunders and human flaws. reverse in the drawn-out Guadalcanal And in my sub-title “Churchill and campaign, serves to remind us of the the Naval Empire”, I make another Churchill, Roosevelt, strength and tenacity of the Imperial point: British Naval power was crucial sit still under the shelter of the British Stalin at Yalta Japanese Navy, even after Coral Sea to Churchill’s ability and credibility in Navy – those who say we should sit and Midway. standing out against Hitler in the year still are not worthy of the name of I have called my address tonight – and a half that the Soviet Union was Briton. We can add to the squadrons “Winston is Back”, with the sub-title Hitler’s ally until June 1941, and the in these seas from our own blood and “Churchill and the Naval Empire”. more than two years before the United intelligence something that will launch “Winston is back”, of course, are the States came into the war in December us on the beginning of a naval career, words of the famous signal flashed 1941. and may in time create a force which around the in September In his 50-year close association with shall rank among the defences of the 1939, when Churchill was installed Australia, Churchill had many brushes Empire.” for a second time as First Lord of the with us, and one of the first was a naval Already, by 1908, the defence Admiralty. Alas, Churchill’s official matter. In 1906, Churchill became of Australia was being seen quite biographer, Sir Martin Gilbert – the the British Liberal Government’s specifically in terms of a threat from ultimate authority on all things spokesman for colonial affairs in the Japan. Japan had stunned the world Churchillian – can find no record that House of Commons. At the beginning with the destruction of the Russian the signal was ever sent. But the story of 1908, he learned that Australia’s Fleet at the Battle of Tsushima in is too good not to be true. Just like the Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin, wanted 1905. Thus, in this little row over the remark attributed to him, dismissive President Theodore Roosevelt to Great White Fleet in 1908, all the of the traditions of the Royal Navy. include Australia in the round-the- elements were present in embryo of the “What are those traditions?” Churchill world voyage of his Great White Fleet disputes which were to test relations is supposed to have snarled at a group – the first global show of strength of between Churchill and Australia in of admirals protesting some change the US Navy. Because Australia then 1942: Australia’s defence role within he proposed in 1912; “Rum, sodomy had no independent international the Empire, the Australian quest for a and the lash”. Martin Gilbert states that existence or identity, Deakin had to ask degree of independent policy, the tug of Churchill denied having said it – but the British Government to sponsor the our relations between Britain and the wished he had. invitation. Churchill tried to stop it. United States, and differing perceptions However, I use “Winston is Back” to He ordered his officials: “This ought to of the threat from Japan. make another point, about Churchill’s be discouraged in every way...”. It was, role in world history. I believe that the as Churchill saw it, an unwarranted Churchill never really changed and, very rapid onset of the Cold War, barely assertion of Australian independence. as late as 1953, King George VI’s private a year after the Second World War, has Churchill lost out on that one, and secretary, Sir Alan Lascelles, would obscured for the post-war generation Deakin used the triumphant visit of write: “Winston is incurably colonial the full menace Hitler and Nazism the US Fleet to Sydney and Melbourne minded”. As was to tell represented to our civilisation. to make a pitch for an Australian navy the Australian Cabinet during his first It is only since the end of the Cold of our own. “But for the British Navy, Prime Ministership in 1941: “Winston’s War and the collapse of the Soviet there would be no Australia”, Deakin trouble is that he cannot see dominions Union that the study of Hitler’s said at a welcoming ceremony. “That like Australia and Canada as separate Germany has been undertaken free does not mean that Australia should entities”. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 11 12/12/10 11:03 PM 12 ‘’Winston Is Back” – Churchill & The Naval Empire THE VERNON PARkER ORATION, 16 SEPTEMBER 2010

The British Prime Minister, H. H. of the Far East squadrons and even them, they produced Gallipoli. Asquith, appointed Churchill First the Mediterranean. He remained Lord of the Admiralty in September unsympathetic towards Australia’s In 1919, after the temporary truce 1911, just as a new German Naval naval aspirations, and tried to keep our which ended the first ruinous round Law was intensifying the naval first flagship, HMAS Australia, in the of Europe’s Thirty Years civil war, the arms race between Britain and the Atlantic when she was commissioned Royal Navy was eager to restore its old German Empire. Inspecting the fleet in 1913. imperial role as the guardian of a three- at , a vision of the naval It was Churchill who sent the ocean Empire. Admiral Lord Jellicoe empire rose before him: signal around the world “Commence – of whom Churchill had said in 1914, On these ships, so vast in hostilities against Germany” on 5 “the only man on either side who themselves, yet so small, so easily August 1914. In accordance with the could lose the war in an afternoon” - lost to sight on the surface of the 1909 Agreement between the British was invited to Australia to advise on waters, floated the might, majesty and Australian Governments, the RAN naval defence. Jellicoe advised bases and dominion of the British Empire. came completely under Admiralty at Sydney and Fremantle, and above What, he conjectured, would happen if control, and Churchill exercised his all a strong naval base at . somehow this fleet were to be lost: authority to the uttermost. He even Jellicoe wrote: “Singapore is the key The British Empire would dissolve claimed credit for placing HMAS to deterring the ambitions of Japan”. like a dream; each isolated Sydney at the vital point in the Indian Those ambitions were now vastly community struggling forward Ocean enabling it to destroy the expanded by its acquisition of German by itself; the central power of German raider Emden. He certainly colonial possessions north of the union broken; mighty provinces, could claim credit for the superb Equator and on the Chinese mainland, whole empires in themselves, organisation of the convoys which as a reward for wartime service as drifting hopelessly out of control, took the British Expeditionary Force our ally, including the presence of the and falling prey to strangers; to France and the Australian and New cruiser Ibuki in the 1914-15 Anzac and Europe after one sudden Zealand expeditionary force – the 1st convoys across the Indian Ocean. Thus convulsion passing within the iron A.I.F. and the Anzacs – to complete originated the Singapore strategy which grip and rule of the Teuton and their training in Egypt, as he would dominated imperial and Australian of all that the Teutonic system write “without the loss of a man or a defence thinking between the wars. meant. There would only be left far ship”. Churchill always opposed the off across the Atlantic unarmed, And it was Churchill’s decision and Singapore strategy. The British official unready, and as yet, uninstructed drive – his “excess of imagination”, in war history records Churchill, now America to maintain, single- the words of the Australian official Chancellor of the Exchequer, saying handed, law and freedom any war historian, Charles Bean - which to Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin in more. took the Anzacs to Gallipoli in April 1926: 1915. I won’t here enter the enduring I do not believe that there is any Here, writing in 1920 about his fears in controversy over Churchill’s campaign danger to be apprehended from 1912, Churchill sketched his message to capture Constantinople by forcing Japan, and I am convinced that the to the world in 1940. the Dardanelles. I canvass it thoroughly picture of Japan going mad and Churchill’s vision of an Empire in my book and spread the blame. I attacking us has no sure foundation wholly dependent upon the Navy write: whatever. If I had foreseen that translated into a very specific policy Asquith was the cleverest British the decision to develop a base against the German challenge – Prime Minister of the twentieth at Singapore would be used as a concentration of the Fleet in Home century. Lord Kitchener (Secretary gigantic excuse for building up waters, the North Atlantic and the of State for War) was hailed as armaments and that this country North Sea. This was the doctrine laid the greatest British soldier since (Britain) would then be invited down by Jacky Fisher, the dynamic the Duke of Wellington and Lord to pour out money with a view prima donna who had created the Fisher as the greatest British at the other end of the world, I Dreadnought navy. Churchill embraced seaman since Nelson. Churchill would never have agreed to the the doctrine with his characteristic became the greatest wartime Prime development of the base. single-minded vigour at the expense Minister in British history. Between Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 12 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 13

More than anybody else, Churchill the protection of Singapore is to be and appointed him First Lord of the was responsible for the delays and assured, I am clear on this point – that Admiralty. The handover of the RAN downgrading in building the Singapore apparently it can be done”. That was to the Admiralty was not as immediate base. Admiral David Beatty wrote to more or less the Australian attitude as in 1914, but on 9 November 1939, his wife: “Winston has gone mad – for the next twenty years. The fact for a second time, Churchill became economically mad, and no sacrifice is is that Australia sheltered under the ruler of the Australian navy. Menzies, too great to achieve what in his short- Singapore strategy because we lacked then six months into his first, failed sightedness is a panacea for all evils the political will to offer an alternative. Prime Ministership, complained that – take one shilling off the income tax”. All criticisms and explanations of Churchill was keeping his government By the time the base was completed Churchill’s attitude to Australian in the dark over shipping arrangements in 1938, its basic proposition – “Main defence in 1941 and 1942 must take and was treating Australia as a colony. Fleet to Singapore” – had been account of the fundamental fact of “We are represented as a government rendered an impossibility by the Australian unpreparedness. As Dr which knows less than the newspaper European situation created by the rise Robert O’Neill has written of the inter- reporters”, he cabled Bruce, now of Adolf Hitler. war years: “It is scarcely to Australia’s Australian High Commissioner in From the beginning, Australian credit that it had preferred British London. attitudes to the Singapore strategy reassurances at face value and to do so On 17 November 1939, Churchill mingled doubt, faith and hope. little of its own volition to exploit the sent Menzies a cable which was to be When it was first mooted at the defensive worth of its long approaches decisive in making Australian policy The US Navy’s -class guided Imperial Conference of 1923, the to its own shores.” right up to Pearl Harbor, and many of missile destroyer USS Australian Prime Minister, Stanley On the eve of war in September our problems after it. He wrote: Winston S. Churchill Melbourne Bruce, told his Dominion 1939, the British Prime Minister, As long as the British Navy is follows a suspected colleagues: “While I am not quite as Neville Chamberlain, brought undefeated, and as long as we hold pirate vessel in the clear as I should like to be as to how Churchill out of the political wilderness Singapore, no invasion of Australia Indian Ocean

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 13 12/12/10 11:03 PM 14 ‘’Winston Is Back” – Churchill & The Naval Empire THE VERNON PARkER ORATION, 16 SEPTEMBER 2010

or New Zealand is possible ...... our Empire ...... but if the choice were presented Hitler knows that of defending Australia against a he will have to serious attack, or sacrificing British break us in this interests in the Mediterranean, Island or lose the our duty to Australia would take war. If we can precedence. stand up to him, all Europe may This reassurance was central to be free ..... but Australia’s decision to send the if we fail, then expeditionary force of the Second the whole world, AIF to the Middle East – a decision including the pregnant with honour and danger for United States, Australia. including all that Churchill’s promise took its most we have known solemn form in August 1940. Now and cared for, he spoke with all the authority of the will sink into the Prime Minister who had galvanised abyss of a new Britain and Australia with his Dark Age, made leadership after the Fall of France in more sinister June 1940. On the eve of the Battle of and perhaps Britain, he cabled Menzies: more protracted, If, however, contrary to prudence by the lights and self-interest, Japan set about of perverted invading Australia or New Zealand science. Let us, on a large scale, I have the explicit therefore, brace Sir Winston Churchill authority of the Cabinet to assure ourselves to our duties, and so bear was finished, but that the conquest you that we should then cut our ourselves that, if the British Empire of the Soviet Union would deprive losses in the Mediterranean and and its Commonwealth last for a Churchill and Britain of their last hope sacrifice every interest, except thousand years, men will still say: – “her last prop on the continent”, as only the defence and feeding of This was their finest hour. Hitler put it. It cannot be emphasised this Island, on which all depends, too strongly that Hitler’s strategic and would proceed in good time This is marvellous rhetoric but, 70 rationale for Barbarossa was to knock to your aid with a fleet able to give years on, I believe every word of it to be Britain out of the war. battle to any Japanese force which absolutely vindicated. I regard our decision to fight on could be placed in Australian The Battle of Britain effectively after the Battle of Britain and before waters, and able to parry any ended the possibility of a German the invasion of Russia as even more invading force, or certainly, cut its invasion. British sea power in the important for the world than the communications with Japan. Channel and air power over the decision to fight on after the Fall Channel remained intact. In October, of France. If ever there was a time In the light of actual events in the Hitler shelved Operation Sea Lion – when Churchill and Britain could Pacific, this might all look somewhat the invasion plan – never to be taken have exited the war decently and fantastic. Yet no more fantastic, if we down. The planning for Operation honourably, this was it. It would have consider the grim realities of mid-1940, Barbarossa – the invasion of Russia – involved no surrender, no parley, no than Churchill’s defiance in the House began in earnest in December 1940. deal. All that was required was that of Commons on 18 June: Hitler had only to convince his generals undefeated Britain, increasingly safe The Battle of Britain is about to that it would not mean fighting on two beneath the RAF, secure behind the begin. Upon this battle depends fronts East and West. They were eager Navy, successful against the Italians in our own British life, and the long to be convinced, and it was easy for North Africa, simply stop fighting. But continuity of our institutions and him to argue, not so much that Britain a neutral Britain would have become, Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 14 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 15

effectively, Hitler’s accomplice. So, for fanatic to the Nth degree, and these credibility of the Singapore strategy. that matter, would have an increasingly twin obsessions drove him on with The idea of the Main Fleet to Singapore isolationist America, as Hitler’s ferocious single-mindedness. But to deter Japan was always unrealistic; propaganda machine went to work this fanatic was in complete control after the Fall of France it was sheer to portray his attack on Russia as a of a highly educated and motivated fantasy. Yet Churchill continued to Western crusade against communism. people, and the world’s most effective issue his reassurances to Australia that, When Hitler told his generals that fighting machine, all bent to his will if Japan threatened, he would cut his the conquest of the Soviet Union and his purpose of enslavement and losses and rescue the “kith and kin” in would remove Britain’s last hope and extermination. the Pacific. prop, he was, of course, making a Churchill, too, had his obsessions, Fundamentally, his reassurances massive miscalculation of Churchill’s but it is a measure of his greatness rested on two propositions: motivation. All Churchill’s hopes rested that he was able to put them aside in (a) That Japan was unlikely to with the United States. This was his pursuit of the defeat of Hitler. When come into the war unless Britain great Big Idea – to keep fighting until Hitler invaded Russia in June 1941, was defeated; and when that America came in. “I can see my way Churchill said: “If Hitler invaded hell, became untenable; through”, he told his son Randolph. I would at least make a favourable (b) That the US would come into “I will drag the United States into reference to the Devil in the House of the war, if Japan attacked. the war.” And the operative words Commons”. The joke masked the pain were “Keep fighting”. This explains of giving up the two causes which had Because of Pearl Harbor, this is now his ruthless order to destroy the dominated his inter-war career. In 1919 seen as inevitable, one of the grand French fleet in the harbour at Oran, he had tried desperately to organise an certainties of history. Yet as late as a Algeria. It explains his Middle East, international crusade against the Russia month before Pearl Harbor, President North African and Mediterranean revolution, “to strangle Bolshevism Franklin Roosevelt was still refusing strategy – not just to hold on, but in its cradle”, as he put it. He had put to give guarantees to go to war even to keep fighting. It explains, if not himself in the political wilderness if Japan attacked Malaya, Singapore justifies, the Greek debacle in which in the 1930s by his emotional and or the Dutch East Indies. Indeed, one the Anzacs of the and the anachronistic opposition to any move of the toughest strands in American New Zealanders played their notable towards self-government, Dominion isolationism was opposition to but foredoomed role. The gallantry status, or independence for India. anything that smacked of protecting of the Mediterranean fleet under When both Hitler and Churchill spoke or saving the Empire, or any European Cunningham – the RAN alongside the of the British Empire they both meant, colonial possession. Churchill himself Royal Navy - insisting on the rescue first and last, India; and when Hitler personified these American suspicions. of the Army from Greece and Crete is offered his guarantees for the Empire, Desperate as he was for American one of the imperishable actions in this he meant India, not least against aid, Churchill was reluctant to press sorry saga. Russia’s age-old ambitions. The only Roosevelt ahead of American public Historians commonly refer to thing Hitler wanted from Churchill opinion. He rebuffed Admiralty Hitler’s invasion of Russia as his worst was a free hand in Eastern Europe. attempts to entice the US Navy to blunder or mistake. These are the Most particularly, he never made it use Singapore as a base to reinforce wrong words. They overestimate his a condition of British neutrality that the South-West Pacific. He wrote military rationality and underestimate Britain give up its Navy. Yet, in the to the First Lord in February 1941: his racial and ideological obsessions. final analysis, it was the Navy which “Our object is to get the Americans His whole policy had this fundamental had enabled Churchill to choose into the war, and the proper strategic aim: to seize the territories and enslave between dealing with Hitler or fighting dispositions will soon emerge when the people of Eastern Europe, as far as on against him. At the same time, they are up against reality.” the Urals – the Lebensraum, the living American concerns about the navy A year later, after Pearl Harbor space, for a purified master race – and and Atlantic security gave Churchill and Hitler’s declaration of war on to destroy what he called Bolshevism, his strongest card with President the US had done what two years of which he invariably referred to as Roosevelt. Churchillian eloquence and pleading the Jewish international conspiracy. The price of admiralty in the and fighting had failed to achieve, he Hitler was not a madman; he was a Atlantic was, of course, any remaining changed tone. “Ah, that was how we Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 15 12/12/10 11:03 PM 16 ‘’Winston Is Back” – Churchill & The Naval Empire THE VERNON PARkER ORATION, 16 SEPTEMBER 2010

talked when I was wooing America. power. your help in Europe and you left us Now we have them in the harem, we Churchill’s prejudices meant lost alone to finish Japan’.” speak quite differently.” opportunities for imperial cooperation, Curtin and Churchill were in But it still remains a matter for even after the Fall of Singapore in complete agreement on one thing: that conjecture whether the US would February 1942. the best and quickest contribution have come into the war if Japan had If Churchill had chosen to give Britain could make against Japan in not attacked Pearl Harbor. “In all the due weight to Australia’s role, and had the last stages of the war would be the war”, Churchill was to write in his war treated Australia as Britain’s fighting Navy. memoirs, “I never received a more proxy and partner in the Pacific, he Curtin wrote to Churchill in direct shock”. He was referring to the could have maintained the concept July 1944 that he “had come to the sinking of the Prince of Wales and of Empire partnership. Instead, he conclusion that the best manner of Repulse off the Malayan coast two chose confrontation with Curtin over ensuring the earliest and most effective days after Pearl Harbor. Against the our relations with the United States, association of British forces with those Admiralty’s strong opposition, he had insisting for as long as possible that of the United States and Australia sent them to Singapore, partly to meet Australia’s imperial duty lay in the in the war against Japan would be his promises to Australia. They were Middle East. Even after El Alamein in to assign to General MacArthur, without air cover because the carrier November 1942, he still tried to hold Commander-in-Chief of the South- HMS Indomitable, intended to be on to the 9TH Australian Division for West Pacific, the British naval forces part of Z Force, had run aground in unspecified operations in the Eastern becoming available this year”. Sending the Caribbean. Churchill wrote: “As I Mediterranean. He had continued the navy would be, Curtin wrote, “the turned over and twisted in bed the full to sneer at Australia’s turning to the most effective means of placing the horror of the news sank in upon me. United States, yet his own conduct Union Jack in the Pacific alongside the There were no British or American had ensured that Australia would Australian and American flags”, and capital ships in the Indian Ocean or take the very course he professed to “would evoke great public enthusiasm the Pacific except the survivors of Pearl deplore. I should say here that John in Australia and contribute greatly to Harbor, who were hastening back to Curtin’s famous New Year’s Message the restoration of Empire prestige in California. Over all this vast expanse – “Australia looks to America” – in the Far East”. of waters, Japan was supreme, and we 1941 was never intended to convey Churchill and the Royal Navy, everywhere were weak and naked.” an abrupt turning away from Britain. however, now faced a new and Two factors dominated Churchill’s It was Churchill’s overheated reaction formidable adversary – the Chief of wartime attitude to Australia and led more than anything else that made the US Naval Staff, Admiral Ernest him into mistakes and misjudgements. it look like that. The surprising thing King, who detested the British Empire First, he was desperately worried that is how much Curtin and his Labor almost as much as the Japanese the psychological shock of Pearl Harbor Government still thought and were Empire. King’s daughter said of her on the American people would divert willing to act in terms of Australia’s father: “He is the most even-tempered the United States from the “Beat Hitler relationship with Britain and the man I know – he is always angry at First” priority. Second was his inability, Empire, of which Churchill himself everybody”. King’s real objection to the as Menzies had discovered in 1941, to remained the embodiment. Royal Navy’s re-entry into the Pacific accept that Australia had a separate By 1944, there was a remarkable was his unwillingness to share the identity or independence within the convergence between Churchill and Central Pacific strategy against Japan British Empire, or his concept of Curtin in the most traditional of all with anybody – and that included the it. In my book, I add a third factor: strategic terms – their common desire US Army and General MacArthur, Churchill’s lack of understanding for the return of the Royal Navy in in command of the American and of Australian party politics and strength to Far Eastern waters and the Australian forces in the South-West his hostility to the Curtin Labor Pacific. Churchill’s over-riding aim was Pacific Area. MacArthur himself told Government which had come into the restoration of British prestige and the British High Commissioner in office in October 1941, two months power in the “lost places of Empire”. Canberra: “It would be a great thing before Pearl Harbor, as a result of a vote “What I feared most”, Churchill was that an American general (himself) in the House of Representatives where to write, “was that the United States should sail into Manila on a British ship two independents held the balance of would say in after years ‘We came to under the British flag”. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 16 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 17

Indeed, King and Nimitz, Gulf. In the first kamikaze attack on think that the ascendancy of the United Commander-in-Chief Pacific, tried HMAS Australia, John States was too high a price for the to persuade Roosevelt to bypass the Collins was badly wounded. Curtin told destruction of Hitlerism. Philippines in the drive towards Japan, newsmen in Perth on 22 October 1944: If Churchill had not kept fighting thus cutting MacArthur out of the “News came this morning that Collins on in 1940 and 1941, there would have main action. King was more successful is wounded in action. How badly no- been no Lend-Lease, no El Alamein, in persuading Roosevelt to delay any one knows. It may mean the end of our no Operation Torch, no landings in decision to allow the British Navy dream of an Australian Navy under an Sicily and Italy, no D-Day, no liberation to join the in strength, Australian-born Admiral.” of Western Europe – and in all however much Churchill argued, However, more than the Fall of probability, no Stalingrad. The choice indeed begged for it. Long gone were Singapore, more than the loss of Prince Churchill had to make was not about the days of equality between the United of Wales, Churchill’s failure to persuade the continuance of the British Empire. States and Britain, when Churchill, in Roosevelt to allow the Royal Navy to The alternative was the domination of his historic wartime correspondence return in strength to the Pacific marks the Nazi system throughout Europe with Roosevelt, had signed himself the end of the naval empire. and the protracted rule of organised “Former Naval Person”. The took place and systematic criminality, of which It all led to Leyte Gulf in October on board USS Missouri on 2 September the Holocaust itself would have been 1944. There is immense symbolism 1945. You may permit me here to but a foretaste; and, at best, decades connected with the Battle of Leyte salute by brother-in-law, Stoker Leslie of a deadlocked struggle for mastery Gulf: the ultimate assertion of Victor Lawler, present on the corvette between Germany and the Soviet American naval power in the Pacific; HMAS Pirie in Tokyo Bay. He died a Union and their rival totalitarianisms, for Japan, the end of the road that few years ago of asbestosis, aged 77. with consequences for our civilisation began at Pearl Harbor; the coming The Department of Veterans Affairs beyond imagination. together of the two rival US strategies recognised that his condition was war- That this did not happen, I – MacArthur’s drive from Australia caused, as a result of his three years profoundly believe, is due to what to return to the Philippines and the service in the asbestos-clad boiler room Winston Churchill did – and did King-Nimitz-Halsey grand strategy of of HMAS Pirie. not do – in 1940 and 1941. He did advance to Japan across the Central The American victory in the Pacific not surrender; he did not deal; he Pacific. was by no means the end of the British did not despair. And whatever our Symbolic, too, for the Royal Navy’s Empire, and it was certainly not the end Australian disputes with him, despite imperial role and Australia’s share in of the Royal Navy. But it was the end of the justice of our criticisms of his it. To me, there is something quite a long imperial era based on the world- attitudes and methods, Churchill’s moving in the unspoken sentiment wide reach of British sea power. The stand led Australia to play a notable in Churchill’s telegram to Roosevelt British revisionist historians – and they and honourable part in the struggle congratulating him on the victory at are mainly right-wing conservatives – against what Churchill called “this Leyte Gulf. The message mingled pride complain that the price of destroying monstrous tyranny never surpassed and regret, with an undertone hinting Nazism in Europe was the exhaustion in the dark and lamentable catalogue at Churchill’s humiliation: “We are very of the Empire world-wide and its of human crime” and to play that part glad to know”, Churchill wrote, “that eventual demise. These critics imply while facing a grievous threat to our one of His Majesty’s Australian cruiser that this price was too high, but this own shores. So in the grand sweep squadrons had the honour of sharing resentment is often a disguised form of the history of the past 70 years, I in this memorable event”. Thus ended of anti-Americanism. It is true that the say emphatically in 2010: “Winston is Churchill’s dream that the Royal Navy outcome for the British Empire was back”. t would restore British imperial prestige its supercession by American world in the Pacific and the Far East. It was a power. Churchill always realised in his far cry from his boast before the defeat heart that this would be the price of of Hitler: “If I live, I will fling all we have victory. And whatever judgements we into the Pacific”. may make from time to time about the Not only Japanese and Churchillian use of American power, few among dreams crashed in the flames of Leyte us who survived the Cold War would Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 17 12/12/10 11:03 PM 18 Issue 139 19 New Entry Officers Course

& Sailor Transfer Trainees Year sailors experience many things a division post-ITP, and that as sailor Historical Alternatives: BY LIEUTENANT KRISTY WILSON within the 12 month program, these transfers they should already possess RMITEOC And QEOC experiences are not considered robust the skills to do so. It is not unlike urrent policy for Royal Australian enough to be equivalent to that of a joining a ship post-work up cycle. RMITEOC. Royal Melbourne Institute Navy sailors from the rank of General Entry sailor for the purposes of Practical Phase Training. The of Technology Entry Officers Course, SeamanC (Qualified) to Leading Seaman this paper. repeating of practical training such as or RMITEOC, was designed to provide (hereafter referred to as Junior Sailors) S@S and Standard CS seems somewhat sailor transfers from both RMIT and transferring to Officer is completion of NEOC and Sailor Transfer unnecessary, as long as the trainee ADFA with basic officer training. It New Entry Officers Course (NEOC). Trainees has maintained their currency in the was conducted over four phases, all NEOC is a 22 week initial entry course respective elements. As an example, of which were two weeks in duration, designed to take a civilian with no Historically the majority of sailor Standard CS currency expires if the throughout their degree studies. The previous military experience and transfer trainees have much to say time ashore since a member’s last course curriculum was based on that provide them with the training and about the validity of NEOC for them.6 sea posting has exceeded three years of NEOC, but acknowledged a level experiences necessary to function as a In essence, the belief is that while parts duration.7 While the same argument of prior service knowledge and was Naval Officer in the RAN. Within the of the NEOC curriculum are pertinent regarding team bonding can be made structured accordingly. Australian Qualification Framework and useful training, many aspects for these elements as for ITP, equally QEOC. Qualified Entry Officers (AQF), the completion of NEOC are not. These aspects include Initial the same counter argument remains Course (QEOC) was designed results in the statement of attainment Training Phase (ITP); elements of applicable. for specialist entry officers. It was towards a Diploma of Government practical phase already completed such Sea Training Deployment. Sea conducted over ten weeks, the first (Management). as Survival At Sea (S@S) and Standard Training Deployment is a more difficult three of which were Initial Training This article will examine the Combat Survivability (CS); and Sea element. On one hand, with the stated Phase. This course was modelled transition from completion of HMAS Creswell, the Training Deployment (STD). The crux aim of STD being to “assist initial entry on NEOC, with elements such as individualised courses such as Royal to imbue the trainee with the Naval for Seaman (Qualified) and Leading home of the RAN of the argument is simply that they are officers to gain the knowledge, skills communications training omitted. Melbourne Institute of Technology Values: honour, honesty, courage, Seaman a sailor may apply for the College (Courtesy essentially repeating training previously and attitudes necessary to assimilate Ostensibly this was because it was Entry Officers Course (RMITEOC) integrity and loyalty. All lessons are following: RAN) conducted. It is noted that these into Naval life at sea”8 an argument can believed that specialist officers should and Qualified Entry Officers Course built on these values and trainee a. Sailor Entry (SE); arguments are generally borne from a be made that sailor transfers with sea already have gained the requisite level (QEOC) to completion of NEOC as progress is measured against both b. Engineering Officers Scheme (EOS); self-reflective point of view, rather than experience already possess the skills of competence in areas such as these. an alternative; discuss the validity their performances in assessments c. Sailor Entry to ADFA (SEA) Scheme a synergistic one. Despite the individual to assimilate into Naval life at sea. Sailor transfer trainees would only be of the current practice of sailor and demonstrated Officer Qualities (LS only); focus of these arguments, it is worth On the other hand, on the subject of eligible for this course if completing transfer trainees completing NEOC; throughout training.”1 d. Undergraduate Entry (UE); or examining them from a holistic Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) studies of a specialist nature. and present potential alternatives to NEOC is the flagship course of the e. Defence Academy Entry – Naval training perspective. for STD, RANC Standing Orders states When discussing these courses with current practices. It is noted that all Royal Australian Naval College. It is officer Year One (DAE-NOYO)3 ITP. Initial Training Phase is unequivocally “RPL will not be granted RANC staff it is evident that many sailors from Petty Officer to Warrant conducted twice a year, with January designed to produce rapid conversion for the STD. All trainees must complete ideas exist surrounding the reason for Officer attaining a commission are not and July intakes, and trainee numbers It is noted that the SEA scheme is the from civilian to military routines, all tasks, from the perspective of Initial their discontinuance. Interestingly, it required to complete NEOC, and will vary from 90 to 125 per intake. Each only avenue open only to LS. processes and culture. This stage is Entry Officer (sic), not a sailor.” This seems that the Engineering fraternity therefore not be discussed in this paper. intake is broken down into four or five predominantly service and teamwork stance tends towards the argument had much to do with the amalgamation My aim is to discuss current training divisions: Bass, Cook, Flinders, Jervis Gap Year Sailors focussed, not specifically ‘officer’ or that there is a difference between life of RMITEOC into NEOC, contrary policy pertaining to Junior Sailors and Phillip. As stated above, at its most leadership focussed. As such, as sailor at sea as an officer and as a sailor. On a to what many Engineers believe. upon attainment of a commission, and basic this course is designed to take a The ADF Gap Year scheme was transfer trainees have successfully more esoteric level STD often acts as From a practical point of view, it was present a potential alternative to the civilian and give them the basic skills introduced in 2008. It was designed completed Recruit School and beyond, a catalyst for sailor transfer trainees to noted that the NEOC syllabus covered current model. required to function as a junior officer as an experiential program, exposing a strong argument can be made to shift their mindset from that of a sailor everything that both RMITEOC and in the RAN. Junior sailors successful in participants to the “wide range of recognise that these trainees already to that of an officer, forcing them to QEOC covered and more. Further to What Is NEOC? their application for commission must employment opportunities available possess the basic service and teamwork confront the practicality of their choice this, the staffing and resources needed complete NEOC. within the RAN.”4 As the name skills taught during this phase. It is to seek a commission rather than stay to run these courses as well as NEOC IAW Section B of the NEOC suggests, this is a 12 month program, acknowledged at this point that ITP within the sailor ranks. For this reason was high and seemingly unnecessary. Curriculum, the aim of NEOC is to Avenues to Commission after which time the participants are is a prominent formative stage for the and more it is considered an imperative From an officer development point of “provide the knowledge, skills and under no obligation to remain in the division in achieving team synergy. part of the transition for sailor transfer view, it was noted that the structure attitudes to enable a junior officer to Currently there are five schemes under RAN, but are “encouraged to consider However, one could further argue that trainees and current policy therefore of RMITEOC meant that the sailor contribute effectively and to lead a which a junior sailor can apply for Navy as a career choice.”5 while difficult, it is not unfeasible for a valid. transfer trainees were being socialised naval team. The course is designed a commission.2 Between the ranks While it is acknowledged that Gap sailor transfer trainee to assimilate into as officers with other sailor transfer Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 18 12/12/10 11:03 PM 139 March 2011.indd 19 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 19

Year sailors experience many things a division post-ITP, and that as sailor Historical Alternatives: within the 12 month program, these transfers they should already possess RMITEOC And QEOC experiences are not considered robust the skills to do so. It is not unlike enough to be equivalent to that of a joining a ship post-work up cycle. RMITEOC. Royal Melbourne Institute General Entry sailor for the purposes of Practical Phase Training. The of Technology Entry Officers Course, this paper. repeating of practical training such as or RMITEOC, was designed to provide S@S and Standard CS seems somewhat sailor transfers from both RMIT and NEOC and Sailor Transfer unnecessary, as long as the trainee ADFA with basic officer training. It Trainees has maintained their currency in the was conducted over four phases, all respective elements. As an example, of which were two weeks in duration, Historically the majority of sailor Standard CS currency expires if the throughout their degree studies. The transfer trainees have much to say time ashore since a member’s last course curriculum was based on that about the validity of NEOC for them.6 sea posting has exceeded three years of NEOC, but acknowledged a level In essence, the belief is that while parts duration.7 While the same argument of prior service knowledge and was of the NEOC curriculum are pertinent regarding team bonding can be made structured accordingly. and useful training, many aspects for these elements as for ITP, equally QEOC. Qualified Entry Officers are not. These aspects include Initial the same counter argument remains Course (QEOC) was designed Training Phase (ITP); elements of applicable. for specialist entry officers. It was practical phase already completed such Sea Training Deployment. Sea conducted over ten weeks, the first as Survival At Sea (S@S) and Standard Training Deployment is a more difficult three of which were Initial Training Combat Survivability (CS); and Sea element. On one hand, with the stated Phase. This course was modelled Training Deployment (STD). The crux aim of STD being to “assist initial entry on NEOC, with elements such as of the argument is simply that they are officers to gain the knowledge, skills communications training omitted. essentially repeating training previously and attitudes necessary to assimilate Ostensibly this was because it was conducted. It is noted that these into Naval life at sea”8 an argument can believed that specialist officers should arguments are generally borne from a be made that sailor transfers with sea already have gained the requisite level self-reflective point of view, rather than experience already possess the skills of competence in areas such as these. a synergistic one. Despite the individual to assimilate into Naval life at sea. Sailor transfer trainees would only be focus of these arguments, it is worth On the other hand, on the subject of eligible for this course if completing examining them from a holistic Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) studies of a specialist nature. training perspective. for STD, RANC Standing Orders states When discussing these courses with ITP. Initial Training Phase is unequivocally “RPL will not be granted RANC staff it is evident that many designed to produce rapid conversion for the STD. All trainees must complete ideas exist surrounding the reason for from civilian to military routines, all tasks, from the perspective of Initial their discontinuance. Interestingly, it processes and culture. This stage is Entry Officer (sic), not a sailor.” This seems that the Engineering fraternity predominantly service and teamwork stance tends towards the argument had much to do with the amalgamation focussed, not specifically ‘officer’ or that there is a difference between life of RMITEOC into NEOC, contrary leadership focussed. As such, as sailor at sea as an officer and as a sailor. On a to what many Engineers believe. transfer trainees have successfully more esoteric level STD often acts as From a practical point of view, it was completed Recruit School and beyond, a catalyst for sailor transfer trainees to noted that the NEOC syllabus covered a strong argument can be made to shift their mindset from that of a sailor everything that both RMITEOC and recognise that these trainees already to that of an officer, forcing them to QEOC covered and more. Further to possess the basic service and teamwork confront the practicality of their choice this, the staffing and resources needed skills taught during this phase. It is to seek a commission rather than stay to run these courses as well as NEOC acknowledged at this point that ITP within the sailor ranks. For this reason was high and seemingly unnecessary. is a prominent formative stage for the and more it is considered an imperative From an officer development point of division in achieving team synergy. part of the transition for sailor transfer view, it was noted that the structure However, one could further argue that trainees and current policy therefore of RMITEOC meant that the sailor while difficult, it is not unfeasible for a valid. transfer trainees were being socialised sailor transfer trainee to assimilate into as officers with other sailor transfer Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 19 12/12/10 11:03 PM 20 New Entry Officers Course & Sailor Transfer Trainees

trainees only. Likewise, through the one or more members are entering therefore are exempt from completion formative stages of the specialist and exiting the training continuum of ITP. Further exemptions would officer’s development, they too were at various stages. Acknowledgement then be investigated on a case-by-case being socialised with other specialist of this issue is expressed within basis to determine what elements of officers only. This was considered the RANC Standing Orders: “In practical phase the trainee needs to an impediment to their Officer Like considering applications for RPL both complete and what has already been Qualities (OLQ) development. As such, staff and trainees are to be mindful of completed and is current. Based on QEOC was ceased as of April 2002, and the emphasis on team building as an this analysis, the trainee would then be the final legacy phase of RMITEOC outcome of RANC training. RPL for placed in the division whose program was completed in February 2010. individual modules may be declined most closely aligns to these extant It is acknowledged that re-instating if the effect will produce a negative training requirements. An example these courses would be of no value, impact on the group as a whole.”10 of phase-based training continuum is and this article does not address this Since Jan 2009 no application for shown here. as a possibility. It is agreed that the RPL from a NEOC trainee has been Example Phase – Based fiscal and resource-based arguments approved. Training Continuum for the discontinuance of these courses Phase–based training is a notional Week Phase Course Content remain valid. It is also agreed that system of introducing sailor transfer 1 ITP Basic service and teamwork skills. the lack of socialisation through the trainees into the already established Ex Dardanelles and Ex Sunda Strait formative stages of officer development NEOC continuum at a certain stage 2 with a more diverse range of trainees based on currency of competencies 3 is an impediment to the progression and previous naval experience. While 4 of OLQ’s. The wider benefits of utilising the principles of RPL within 5 Practical Standard CS Trainee completion of NEOC for both the the administrative process, the major 6 Phase Small Arms Insertion Point - RANC and the trainee outweigh the divergence is that once a trainee has 7 Small Arms ABSN perceived personal and training issues entered the NEOC continuum they will 8 S@S/First Aid of doing so. However, none of these remain until graduation. This serves 9 Boatwork Trainee arguments hold up against the concept to both acknowledge the previous 10 Sea Training Famil Insertion of phase - based training. achievements of a sailor transfer 11 Academic Academics Point - trainee, while limiting the potential LSBM 12 Phase Academics/ Ex Coral Sea Phase – Based Training disruption to team synergy within V Recognition Of Prior respective divisions. 13 Academics Learning: What Is The The introduction of phase-based 14 Academics Difference? training would require the majority 15 Ex Matapan of changes to be made as the pre- 16 Academics RPL is defined as “an assessment course administrative level; the 17 STD At Sea process establishing the value of overarching requirement being co- 18 life and work experiences, informal operation between Navy People Career 19 learning and non-credentialed study Management Agency (NPCMA) 20 Exams/ Exams toward the claimed course, module, and RANC to determine currency of Pre-Grad 9 21 Pre - Graduation drill and learning outcome or competency.” competencies and therefore the phase trg ceremonial instruction This process also encapsulates the in which the sailor transfer will enter 22 GRAD Graduation Week notion of mutual recognition/credit the NEOC Continuum. transfer. RPL enables a trainee to move Unless individual circumstances LSBM analysis assumptions: in and out of the established training dictate otherwise, all sailor transfer Completed sea rotation 6 months ago. Completed Intermediate BM Course. continuum based on identified and trainees would enter the continuum ABSN Analysis assumptions: approved equivalencies. within the course of the practical phase Completed sea rotation 12 months ago. The key issue with this system when of NEOC, ostensibly between weeks applied to a formative course such as five and ten. This provides for the From the point of entry into the NEOC is the potential disruption to acknowledgement that they possess continuum, the sailor transfer trainee team synergy within a division when basic service and teamwork skills, and would then complete all further Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 20 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 21

“Type of Boy Required” The Royal Australian Naval College in its early years was certainly definitive about what type of entrant was thought most suitable for curriculum components up to and officer training. A look at the 1918 edition of the College Handbook including graduation. Post practical illustrates the point very well. It is interesting to ponder the changes in requirements over time… phase, the NEOC continuum becomes focussed on leadership development The intricate mechanism of the modern ship – be it battleship, destroyer or submarine – requires such delicate handling and and service knowledge with particular intimate technical knowledge that the “fool” would soon find emphasis on Officer-related subjects. himself hopelessly out of his depth and incapable of “carrying on”. While it is noted that this may include The bulk of executive naval officers may divided into two classes, a revision of information previously the Specialists and those who are commonly known as “salt learnt, it is considered that the benefits horse”. The former are those, who when promoted to the rank of lieutenant, specialise in Gunnery, Torpedo, Engineering etc. The of remaining within the NEO body Specialists (say 30% of the whole) are, generally speaking, the for the remainder of the course far “high-brows of the Navy”, and need brains. outweigh the potential repetition. Boys who successfully pass the educational examination…may be While requiring all officer trainees considered suitable for entry, as far as the educational standard to complete NEOC is a fiscally sound is concerned. A bright, smart, cheery boy, fond of games and open-air life, approach to training, it is not the most with a leaning towards the sea as a profession; alert and full of optimal use of the training continuum. joie de vivre, even with a spice of mischief in him; imbued with a sense of honest straightforward manliness, who would not stoop By ostensibly treating sailor transfer to prevaricate in order to escape punishment; a strong-minded trainees the same as a civilian entering boy of good moral courage; capable of “taking charge”, who will not be likely to lose his head in an emergency; quick to act and the RAN for the first time, the RANC do the right thing; good physique – this is what is wanted, the runs the risk of turning out very ideal type. disgruntled junior officers into the The sensitive; the highly strung; the prosy, slow, poetical type; the bookworm; the effeminate; the boy without ambition, who is fleet. Further to this, it is feasible to content to float along with the crowd; the boy lacking initiative, argue that the number of junior sailors energy and vitality; the boy who is life; the sly type who confuses illicitinordinately acuteness with fond cleverness; of home seeking commission may decline in the the boy who never plays games, but prefers to mope indoors face of such management. with a book – these are not wanted. Phase-based training appears to be potentially viable solution to this issue. It is acknowledged that Bibliography Abrashoff, D. 2002, It’s Your Ship significant further investigation needs – Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy, to be conducted into phase-based Hachette Book Group, New York ABR 10, Sailors Career Management Manual training to determine feasibility ABR 27, RAN Training Policy Manual, Vol 1 and potential impact on external ABR 5476, Royal Australian Navy Shipboard Combat Survivability – Damage Control Policy recognition within the AQF. However, Current and Archive OITF Syllabus/Course Content – NEOC, the use of phased insertion into an QEOC, RMITEOC as provided by Mr Rodney Webb and found on established continuum presents as a the TA-ITLM Intranet Website DI(N) PERS 61-6, Australian Defence Force Gap Year relatively simple way to acknowledge NEOC 40 – 42 Quality Control Summaries as provided by current competencies and previous POCIS Elliott and POCIS Williams Royal Australian Naval College Standing Orders, V2.0_01_2009 naval experience while minimising the

impact on the staffing and resources of (Endnotes) an already undermanned faculty. 1 http://intranet.defence.gov.au/navyweb/sites/TAITLM/ Lieutenant Kristy Wilson RAN joined docs/101573-NEOC_Section_B_v3-2.pdf, p 4 In conclusion, I recommend the 2 Note this excludes specialised entry such as the Med commencement of a feasibility study the Navy in 2000 as a Seaman Officer. Administrator and Band Officer sailor entry. 3 ABR 10, Sailors Career Management Manual, Chpt 10, Annex into the potential use of phase-based She completed a degree in Indonesian G. training within the NEOC construct 4 DI(N) PERS 61-6 Australian Defence Force Gap Year, Annex and English at ADFA in 2003 and has A, Para 1 for sailor transfer trainees. t 5 Ibid served in various fleet units. She posted 6 Extrapolated from previous NEOC Quality Control Data. into the Officer Initial Training Faculty 7 ABR 5476 Royal Australian Navy Shipboard Combat Survivability – Damage Control Policy, Part 6, Chpt 2, para 2-7, sub at the Royal Australian Naval College in para a. 8 RANC Standing Orders, V2.0_01_2009, Chpt 11, papa 11.1 Jan 2009. 9 ABR 27 RAN Training Policy Manual, Vol 1, Chpt 6, para 6.8 10 RANC Standing Orders, op cit, Chpt 10, para 10.2. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 21 12/12/10 11:03 PM 22 Bridging Oceans: The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary & the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard BY COMMANDER MARK R CONDENO

trategically situated in the Asia- the Philippines were Pacific region, the Republic of the formed in Australia in PhilippinesS and the Commonwealth 1943.5 of Australia share a common The re-conquest bond of being maritime natiosn. of the Philippines The Philippines is an archipelago and the subsequent comprising 7,107 islands with a Battle of Leyte Gulf coastline of 36,289 kilometers1 while saw a contingent of Australia an island continent that has the Royal Australian a 25,760 kilometer coastline.2 Both Navy with the United nations depend on the sea as their States Third and lifeline and as means of transport Seventh Fleets counter and livelihood making their maritime the Japanese pincer APCMSEC 1st Day environment a vital part of each movement in this spectacular naval strengthened the defence forces of both Photo nation’s strategic interest. This paper battle. A flotilla of RAN warships nations through military equipment provides an overview of the Philippine also saw action in the Lingayen Gulf procurement, such as the purchase Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) and landings in the northern part of the of Harbor Defence Launches during the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard country where General Douglas the 50’s8, the acquisition of GAF N22 (AVCG) growing relationship as well as Macarthur launched his drive toward Nomad aircraft, and the recent Tenix- past, present and future endeavors of the liberation of Manila.6 The Royal built Search and Rescue vessels of the two organisations. Australian Air Force also made the Philippine Coast Guard. Another its presence known through the significant aspect in the field of defense Historical Background attachment of a Signals Group with a cooperation is characterised in the USAAF unit in Leyte, 7 and later the PASSAGE, LUMBAS and KAKADU The late 19th century saw the beginning basing of a number of RAAF transport Exercises, and exchange of students in of Philippine-Australia relations in and Fighter units in the latter stages of the service schools between the Armed the trade and economic sectors which the war. Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the expanded in the early 20th century. The After the conflict, diplomatic and Australian Defence Force (ADF).9 outbreak of World War II saw both military relations resumed that further Commonwealths on the Allied side where cooperation was further strengthened during the critical days of conflict to that of the postwar period. Unknown to many prior to the Japanese occupation of the country, two Filipino supply ships based in Sydney were running the gauntlet of Japanese naval blockade to reinforce the besieged fortress of Corregidor.3 A Parachute Battalion4 and a Reconnaissance Battalion composed of Philippine Army Soldiers and Philippine Scouts evacuated prior to the fall of Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 22 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 23

The Philippine Coast Guard protection The Australian Volunteer Auxiliary • Fellowship and Coast Guard • Youth development The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Established in September 1961, The (PCGA) is the volunteer support It is organised geographically into ten Australian Volunteer Coast Guard arm of the Philippine Coast Guard. districts similar to the PCG. The PCGA (AVCG) is one of the Two Coast Guard Established in February 1972, 10 its is headed by a National Director with type organisations in Australia, it is primary mission is to support and the rank of Auxiliary Vice Admiral and patterned after the United States Coast promote safety of life at sea and assisted by two deputies (Operations Guard Auxiliary. It has radio bases and protection of the Marine Environment. and Administration) with the rank of flotillas from the Gulf of Carpentaria to Other than that it can be directed to: Commodores. It also has a National South Australia. It provides courses on • Assist the PCG in Search and Staff. basic seamanship, navigation, boating Rescue Major Commands such as the Air safety and Coastal Navigation.12 • To promote Programs towards Operations Wing and the Auxiliary The AVCG is organised into the the Protection of the marine fleet are led by Rear Admirals or following: a National Board, a Squadron resources Commodores. Auxiliary Districts Board, a State Council which comprise • To promote the Governments are either under a Rear-Admiral, two or more Squadrons, and Divisions Youth development program Commodore or Captain depending and Flotillas. The Flotilla is the such as the Sea Scouts. on the geographical size of each operational unit of the organisation. 13 command. The Squadron and division The National Board comprises It has its own primary program, known are the primary units and are headed the National Commodore with the as the six cornerstones, which covers: 11 by Captains for the former and rank of Vice Admiral. He is supported • Promotion of SOLAS for the latter. Today, a 19, by a Deputy National Commodore, • Operations 000 strong PCGA serves as the PCG’s a National Training Commodore, • Public Education partner in the accomplishment of the and a National Administration • Marine environmental varied missions of the organisation. Commodore. AVCG Squadrons are Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 23 12/12/10 11:03 PM 24 Bridging Oceans: The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary & the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard

under Commodores while Flotillas are delegation is made up of three officers: an alliance within the Navies, Coast headed by Flotilla Commanders.14 Commodore Higinio C Mendoza Jr., Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliaries, then Squadron Commander Captain Maritime Safety Agencies and SAR The Road to Cooperation: Melchor N Prado, and Legal Officer organisations within the region. District and National Level Captain Jaime G De Ano. Several topics discussed during the MOU Following this, the two districts event were on Maritime Domain were in constant touch with each Awareness, Diving Operations during On 24 June 2000 a milestone in the other under the auspices of the SAR operations and Environmental history of the PCGA was written as District level MOU. Exchange of Protection among others. The AVCG a Memorandum of Understanding communication and updates on both was represented in this occasion by and Sister unit agreement was made organisations continued. Eight years their National Commodore VADM between the-then 4th District Philippine later, in December 2008, a contingent Raymond Campbell, ESM, AVCG. Coast Guard Auxiliary based in of PCGA Flag officers including The Asia-Pacific Conference on Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, and National Commander VADM Eduardo Maritime Safety and Environmental the 14th District United States Coast Alvarez, RADM Higinio C Mendoza Concerns paved way for the formation Guard Auxiliary based in Hawaii. Jr., PCGA International Affairs of the Asia Pacific Network of The MOU “is intended to promote Director Commodore Harold Wolf Maritime and Search and Rescue mutual understanding and sharing of and Commodores Melchor N Prado Organisations in October 2009 knowledge and expertise for enhancing and Pablo Ortega attended the AVCG during the US Coast Guard Auxiliary common goals on promoting boating convention for the signing of the Convention. The initial members were safety saving human lives and National Level MOU between the Two the attendees of the APCMSEC. protecting the maritime safety interest Organisations. of both nations”.15 A few months later, Towards the Future a reenactment of the signing was held The APCMSEC during the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Historically, the Philippines and Convention in Missouri witnessed by In a US Coast Guard Auxiliary Australia has a rich military and the US Coast Guard Commandant Conference in 2001, the idea for an security cooperation that continues Admiral James Loy. alliance of volunteers in the Asia- to the present as both countries are At the above conference Pacific region was formed. This finally major players in UN peacekeeping Commodore Higinio C Mendoza Jr., came into fruition in March 2009 as missions. As a major strategic partner then 4CGDA District Commander delegates from six nations including of the Philippines, the Memorandum presented a proposal for the representatives from the International of Understanding and future endeavors establishment of an “International Maritime Organization (IMO) and was recently re-affirmed by the two Federation of Coast Guard Auxiliaries” the International Maritime Rescue Coast Guard organisations in March with the aim of enhancing the Federation (IMRF) convened in 2010 during the recently concluded maritime and boating safety of Manila, Philippines for the First Asia- Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary interested member countries. Pacific Conference on Maritime Safety Convention. Mmutual assistance and Subsequently a directive was issued and Environmental Concerns. exchange of ideas on its respective to the International Affairs section The event jointly hosted by the functions will further strengthen of the 4CGDA to coordinate with Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary maritime safety security cooperation similar organisations in the Asia- (PCGA) and the Australian Volunteer and the traditional good relations Pacific region of which after months Coast Guard (AVCG) was made between the two countries. t of exchange of communications, on possible through the dynamic 15 September 2001 a similar MOU/ stewardship of the PCGA International Sister Unit agreement was signed Affairs Directorate and ably assisted by between the Victorian Squadron the RP-UN White Helmets and Team of the AVCG under Commodore Rescue. Raymond Campbell and the 4CGDA The program aims to promote during a convention of the former in International Volunteerism in Asia- Melbourne. The three man PCGA Pacific with the goal of establishing Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 24 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 25

Endnotes: 8. Conway’s All the Worlds Fighting Ships Commander Mark R Condeno PCGA “Philippine Section” 1947-1982 is currently Liaison Officer to the 1. Steinberg, David Joel. “Republic of 9. Website of the Australian Embassy the Philippines.” Microsoft® Encarta® 2007 Manila http://www.philippines.embassy.gov. Foreign Armed Forces Attaché Corps, [DVD]. au/mnla/defence.html 2. Davison, Graeme John, and Powell, (Accessed 23 March 2010) International Affairs Directorate, Joseph M. “Australia.” Microsoft® Encarta® 10. Professor (Commodore) Regino P 2007 [DVD]. Giagonia: ““Through the Decades: The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. He 3. DA Thomas Japans War at Sea: Coast Guard Auxiliary” in The Philippine From Peal Harbor to Coral Sea - The ships Navy 1898-1998 (SoftBound) HPN: Roxas holds a Batchelor of Science Degree referred to where the Florence D and Don Boulevard in Architecture from Palawan State Isidro 11. 1997 Philippine Coast Guard 4. http://www.corregidor.org/heritage_ Auxiliary Officers Guide and Regulation University and is a graduate of the battalion/hughes/hughes.html Manual 5. California’s Filipino Infantry by Alex 12. Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Philippine Navy Basic Naval Reserve S Fabros http://www.militarymuseum.org/ Members Handbook available at www. Filipino.html (accessed 9 July 2010) prior to coastguard.com.au (accessed 19 May 2010) Officer Training Course and the this article found through Google search, A 13. ibid. Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary few years back on one of my web searches, 14. ibid. I came upon a website with an old photo 15. Asia-Pacific Defense Forum Winter Officers Indoctrination Course. of soldiers in formation with a caption that 2000-2001 “A New Bridge between the read “Filipino Battalion in Australia”. Philippine and US Coast Guard Auxiliaries” 6. The participation of the Royal By Commodore Higinio C Mendoza Jr, Australian Navy in the Liberation of the PCGA and LCDR Mark R Condeno, PCGA Philippines and the Battle of Leyte Gulf available at is widely published in various books. http://forum.apan-info.net/ Those consulted by the author are CV Van Winter01/42_43/42.html Woodwards Battle for Leyte and Edwin 16. The author would like to acknowledge P Hoyts Leyte Gulf as well as that of the Vice Admiral Raymond Campbell, ESM Australian EMBASSY manila website AVCG for the assistance and permission http://www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/ granted to cite information from the mnla/defence.html AVCG website especially that of the AVCG 7. AJ Brown Katakana Man, Air Power member handbook. and Development Centre, RAAF, 2006

ATIN 37543 Headmark 185x130_art_OUT.indd 1 Journal of the Australian11/16/09 Naval Institute 11:43 AM

139 March 2011.indd 25 12/12/10 11:03 PM 26 Splash-Dot Warriors – Raise, Train, Sustain RAN Cyber Skills BY LIEUTENANT PAUL PELCZAR

he RAN is very familiar with operations and comprehend the The Australian Government’s Defence tangibles such as ships and extent of cyber effects in the maritime White Paper7 noted cyber security as Tsubmarines as essential constituents commons.6 a primary concern8 and resulted in the and support forces – specifically This article broadly discusses establishment of the Cyber Security logistics, mine warfare and geospatial – several strategies to develop the RAN’s Operations Centre (CSOC).9 This as vital force multipliers.1 But the Navy contribution to ADF CNO. It does so centre has enhanced the Australian is now also required to focus more without doctrinal guidance or reference government’s situational awareness on the development and investment to the Defence Force Remuneration on CNO. The large scale monitoring within the cyber domain; exploiting Tribunal. It contends that some of of internet protocol traffic permits the opportunities, overcoming the the envisaged roles will need to be a deeper analysis and detection challenges, and defeating the threats. conducted at sea. I aim to assist in of cyber intrusions against the Rather than being judged as a disparate the development of a progressive Defence information environment. concept to maritime operations, but considered RAN cyber policy Concurrently, DSTO’s Shapes Vector Computer Network Operations to enhance the delivery of adequate network security system represents a (CNO)2 should be considered as a skill sets to support anticipated ADF breakthrough in real-time visualization tool by which the Navy will be able to requirements. and identification of network attacks.10 provide agile and adaptable maritime Recent military application to forces. Additionally, CNO elements A Cyber Force to be shape the strategic and operational arguably accord with key strategic Reckoned with battle space demonstrates CNA maritime concepts: effectiveness. Russian interests carried State sponsored CNE is widely out distributed denial of service11 a. Cyber Network Defence (CND)3 regarded as the greatest threat to attacks against Estonia in 2007, and protects networks and denies Australia’s cyber security. Certain Georgia during the South Ossetia successful intrusions similar to the countries are attributed to be the most conflict in 2008. However, the assessed Older battle concept of sea denial. serious and persistent in this activity. inability to contain the collateral effects computers will give These foreign forces’ capabilities are of a CNA operation led to US Bush way to new (Courtesy RAN) b. Cyber Network Exploitation widespread and continually improving. Administration to reject a plan to (CNE)4 exploits the battle space and produces intelligence enabling the ADF to dominate the spectrum corresponds to sea control.

c. Cyber Network Attack (CNA)5 delivers effects with the intent to influence events and is therefore power projection in the cyber domain.

The ADF is formulating policy to cater for these emerging technologies, their military application and battle space relevance. The RAN is required to develop its cyber plan so that the maritime component is adequately represented in a joint and combined environment to contribute to ADF Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 26 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 27

target ’s financial system before the performing Coalition invasion in 2003.12 this role are The emerging cyber threat is no less becoming more apparent in the maritime domain with dynamic and the RAN’s progress towards network complex as centric warfare,13 the increasing the merchant reliance on computerised systems marine and greater personal access to the increasingly internet at sea. HMAS Melbourne, depends on recently deployed to the Middle East, information is the first RAN major fleet unit to be technology fitted with an internet café that allows to facilitate the ship’s company to use Skype and efficiencies access popular social media sites. In in a highly ships at sea. addition, the introduction of uploading competitive market. AMD-2010 There is now emerging evidence biometrics data by boarding parties is reminds us that 75 percent of that computer systems do not need but one example of greater RAN use of Australian exports and imports by to be networked or connected to mobile devices. value go by sea and navies will still a modem to be vulnerable. There A successful network intrusion be expected to provide protection in are chip-level actions or ‘chipping’ may be unlikely due to RAN the face of threats to maritime trade. where microchips in hard-based information assurance14 protocols CNA affecting global navigation computer systems have been altered but the Navy’s C4I15 infrastructure systems and aids, commercial maritime during production allowing remote remains vulnerable. CNA against a communications and networked command by potential adversaries. high capacity data radio-maritime manifests will disrupt merchant And that remote manipulation can communication network as will be shipping, inhibit global commerce be actioned through shore-power if delivered to the RAN under Defence and repress Australia’s economy. the relevant power grid servicing the Project SEA 1442,16 would threaten These outcomes are in addition to the target has been compromised. These mission success. Although these type probable adverse environmental and scenarios are in addition to inadvertent of digital systems have thus far proven human consequences of such events. breaches by our own personnel or invulnerable to such compromise there The cyber threat has implications close access operations. A recent are recent examples of penetrations beyond warships at sea as it extends CNA example provides an insight into into current naval computer systems to the defence industry and support the sophistication, destructiveness with varying results. services ashore. High levels of and selectiveness of the technology In January 2009, the French Navy dependence on contracting services being used to achieve commensurate computer network was infected with for logistics, maintenance and operational objectives. malware – software designed to capability pose a genuine risk to naval The Stuxnet computer virus – infiltrate a computer system without operations. Successful CNE endangers recently discovered in June 2010 owner consent. The Conficker virus Australia’s technological advantage but believed to have been launched allegedly resulted in the grounding in military sensors and weaponry as early as mid-2009 – targets a of French fighter aircraft at several research and development, ultimately specific supervisory control and data naval air stations because flight plans undermining the RAN’s warfighting acquisition (SCADA) management could not be downloaded.17 Also early ability. Concurrently, a wide range system associated to the Iranian in 2009, the same malware seriously of military functions are vulnerable nuclear program.19 Its complexity - infected the computer systems of up to to CNA by way of targeting power, including the use of four never-before- 75 per cent of the Royal Navy.18 telecommunications and water utilities seen exploits – is unprecedented. The One of a navy’s traditional that serve a base. Facilities may have virus was directed to commandeer the responsibilities is maintaining the limited backup power generation for SCADA software and reprogram the capability in protecting maritime essential services but an extended system. Due to these details, it is widely trade and associated sea lines of outage will adversely affect base speculated that the CNA was a state communication. The issues of operations and its ability to support sponsored project. But even though it Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 27 12/12/10 11:03 PM 28 Splash-Dot Warriors – Raise, Train, Sustain RAN Cyber Skills

is widely acknowledged that Iran was vulnerabilities. the intended target, the virus spread to Dependent on the other countries in varying proportions. required skill levels, India and Indonesia have been largely specialised education affected – considered as probable is expensive with an accidental victims of the attack.20 extended training liability for any of CYBER ROLES AND these roles. RESPONSIBILITIES While it is reasonable to assume Intelligence and communications/ that a proportional information technology professionals CND capability will are required to master different be required at sea, aspects of cyber related activities. the deliberation of Both specialisations contribute in the need for at-sea varying degrees to threat assessments, CNA and CNE to progress towards a cyber-related USS Wisconsin. born in an age intrusion analysis and reporting, contingencies are more opaque. sub-category would be part of a longer- where computers planning and coordination of cyber Will CNE technology replicate the term tactical validation. Although there were primitive, she event (including deliberate) responses evolution and cost-versus-benefit of is currently no separate category, there was updated to and network vulnerability operations. remote SIGINT systems reducing the is ongoing discussion in the US military fire Harpoon and Investigative specialists mainly human interface legacy? What are the about cyber-electronics evolving into Tomahawk missiles focus on forensics to respond to possibilities, risk-versus-benefit and its own specialty in due course.22 but was never fully integrated into the computer intrusion events. Intelligence The RANR may be a potentially legitimacy of CNA conducted from world of cyberwar. analysts specialise in reviewing cyber and at sea? The solutions to these rich source of expertise to draw on (Public domain) data for items of potential intelligence deliberations will ultimately influence cyber skills while permanent naval value and can apply their expertise to the number of required personnel in force’s numbers are being developed produce a range of effects including uniform and the necessity for a cyber for future contingencies. Apart from both active CND and CNA. primary category. The RAN will need focussing on recruiting suitable CNA operators use innovative to manage these issues and associated members for the RAN, a concerted methods to rewrite code, install threats within the fiscal and manning effort to recruit or seek existing Naval remote network devices and may constraints of the Strategic Reform Reservists from diverse elements of conduct delivery packets to the Program. information technology and computer target. Successful CNE operations – security would greatly enhance the core commonly called ‘hacking’ – provides RAISE knowledge base. access to data unavailable to SIGINT Commensurate to raising a skill systems including data that is never CIS and CTS are the RAN categories base is to also raise awareness of cyber communicated or gained prior to closest aligned to the skills required for issues for Navy personnel. An ADF- encryption. CNO. However, additional pressures wide (including Reserves) recruiting, CNE and CNA requires detailed would be encountered while managing awareness and education campaign analysis to fully comprehend the the current personnel shortfall in these would not only identify existing skill objective’s profile, and reveal network trades to incorporate any cyber training sets and steer potential candidates vulnerabilities that allow access. As requirements. The inclusion of a cyber towards cyber-orientated streams but part of any targeting process, legal function into the CTS and CIS realms also promote cyber-security beyond considerations,21 indirect effects would need to be deftly controlled due the technical trades. The RAN and its and non-kinetic collateral damage to career management implications. personnel are prolific users of social estimation methodology need to be In the longer-term, naval applicants media and progressive technology. understood and rigorously applied. should be screened for computer Well-crafted internal coverage aimed Most CNA and some CNE activities aptitude during the recruiting process, at the appropriate level would reaffirm require the capability to access guiding appropriate members towards current information assurance policies, remotely by exploiting known software the CTS or CIS paths. The requirement mitigate inadvertent breaches and Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 28 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 29

better protect our personnel from agencies for personnel would be security policy framework. The RAN cyber vice. preferred. should leverage the outcomes of the These rotations could be organised US cyberspace policy review26 through TRAIN within a single (two-three year) existing bilateral military relationships posting cycle allowing broader and other international coordination The cyber training function must be exposure to the relevant Australian working groups. flexible and adaptable to meet a range government organisations and Advanced training is conducted in of full spectrum operations not yet the ability to consolidate skills, the USA and military personnel are fully envisaged. Economies of effort while ADF requirements mature. encouraged to attend workshops and and joint training should remain These postings would form a core other cyber related conferences.27 ADF fundamental but Service requirements knowledge base prior to subsequent personnel should attend and participate must be articulated so there is minimal joint operations and single service in these types of seminars to learn and inter-Service discord of what type or postings. The creation of two levels of a impart their own experiences. level of output is delivered. familiarisation course conducted by the Personnel exchange programs In any decision for new specialist relevant national agency would provide (PXP) and integree postings could be skills, core military proficiencies near-term sufficiency for supervisory created within the USN and existing need to be maintained. The training and support roles. All stakeholders ones gradually aligned towards investment must be skillfully managed would be engaged to manage RAN net emerging technologies. Select postings to minimise the risk of personnel training liabilities. within the USN will allow partial equipped with these much-sought-after insight into the implementation of US skills separating prematurely from the SUSTAIN cyber doctrine. These experiences will Service. Given the recent national and contribute to the RAN knowledge base global recognition of the cyber warfare The US Chief of Naval Operations on the member’s return to Australia. threat, individuals with computer and elevated information to a core USN In conclusion, the ADF cannot information security experience are war fighting capability in 2009. As afford to have an incongruent approach in high demand. Training could be a result, the USN established US to CNO. In the absence of established graduated and Service loyalty rewarded Fleet Cyber Command and stood up doctrine, VCDF is the appropriate such as fixed contracts, allowances and Tenth Fleet23 by realigning 44 000 organization for coordination of ADF assured career progression. personnel under a newly defined cyber security policies and HQJOC Civilian CNO operators undergo Information Dominance Corps.24 N2 for the conduct of the activities. specialist training. Between three to six and N6 organisations have merged Therefore, the production of a cohesive months of on-the-job training (OJT) is structures and processes required to strategy to secure and validate the generally required for basic operations, define, develop, resource and oversee ADF information and communications nine to 18 months for mid-level the USN’s information capabilities. infrastructure – especially for deployed proficiency and greater than two years RAN’s Naval Communications and operations – will be required including for unsupervised operations. However, Information Warfare Directorate the clarification of roles, responsibilities these personnel are specialists in is proportionately similar to the and application. the field, usually have a tertiary USN structure. RAN N2 and N6 Military considerations make background in a related discipline and organisations share many pursuits and cyber a priority for the RAN. Evolving are not affected by the demands of logical steps are being taken to ensure Navy’s expertise will need careful military service. closer collaboration in the future. The management so existing trade skills OJT should be extensive but not benefits include the formulating of are not diluted and personal career without fundamental training modules capability policy for both the users and considerations are appropriately for both technical and operational potential exploiters of networks are recognised. While the RAN will personnel. Certified and tailored located within the one area reducing not match the US in capacity, it can CND courses from certain Australian the effects of ‘stove-piping’. leverage the USN in supporting mutual universities could form a basis for ADF Although the RAN is unable to fully objectives in this sphere. The RAN training and be centrally managed by recreate the USN framework largely cannot currently afford to duplicate a Defence School. Rotations between due to capacity,25 it is well placed to training and resource investments that select tactical, operational and strategic take advantage of the combined cyber can be sought from elsewhere in the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 29 12/12/10 11:21 PM 30 Splash-Dot Warriors – Raise, Train, Sustain RAN Cyber Skills

Bibliography collection purposes. ADF or with our Allies. 5. CNA involve operations to manipulate, OJT should be significantly utilised Australian Defence Force. Force 2020. 15 disrupt, deny, degrade or destroy August 2010. http://www.defence.gov.au/ information resident in computers and but cannot be solely relied upon to publications/f2020.pdf> computer networks or the computers and up-skill both technical and operational Australian Maritime Doctrine 2010 networks themselves. Australian Strategic Policy Institute. ASPI 6. Australian Defence Force. Force 2020. personnel. Well-constructed career Special Report – Issue 26-Cyber Security: 15 August 2010. streams and curriculum should Threats and Responses in the Information be developed that aligns training aspi.org.au/publications/publicationlist. Force 2020 describes Network Enable resources, reduces skill-set atrophy aspx?pubtype=10> Operations as the networking of forces to Australian Government. Defence White obtain common and enhanced battle space and discourages the departure of Paper 2009. 10 August 2010. awareness, deliver maximum combat effect. Author unknown. “Solve the mystery The future Fleet will operate in a multi- competitive labour market. Creating a code in cyber commands logo.” 10 August dimensional battle space characterised by cyber-focused RANR function, greater 2010 the interaction of the physical, cyber and Author unknown. “How to Maintain the temporal dimensions. attendance at cyber conferences and Military’s Relevance during the Cyber Age.” 7. Australian Government. Defence White the realignment of certain PXPs will 10 August 2010. Paper 2009. 10 August 2010. Author unknown. “Defence Science of knowledge and best practices across 8. ibid. The White Paper referred to Author unknown. “Defence Material progressing major enhancements to and beyond the RAN. t Organisation.” 10 August 2010. 9. ibid. Commonwealth of Australia. 2006, 10. Defence Science Technology Explaining NCW, Defence Publishing Organisation. 20 September, 2010. Service. Defence Science Technology 11. Botnets imitate the legitimate Organisation. 20 September, 2010. remotely and are used to shut down the G. Conti and J. Surdu, 2009. Army, internet activities of the target through Navy, Air Force, Cyber: Is it Time for a distributed denial of service attacks, as well Cyberwarfare Branch of the Military. 10 as to deliver emails or crack passwords. August 2010. Information Assurance Malware are malicious programs, which Newsletter, Vol. 12, No. 1, Spring 2009, pp. perform functions not authorised by the 14-18. users likely leaving a back door open to G. Conti and J. Easterly, 29 Jul 10. the computer or transmitting passwords Recruiting, Developing, and Retention of or sequences of keystrokes to an online Cyber Warriors Despite an Inhospitable collection point. The use of IO, combing the Culture.10 August 2010. at convincing users to undertake activities G. Roughead, Sep 09. CNO Guidance for they otherwise would not. Phishing – 2010–Executing the Maritime Strategy. 10 masquerading as an authorised agency/ August 2010 organisation and using fake emails and websites to trick users out of passwords and Royal Australian Navy.Semaphore Issue other identify credentials. 6-Australian Maritime Doctrine 2010. 12. Australian Strategic Policy Institute. 25 July 2010.. Security: Threats and Responses in the Information Age. 20 January 2010. 13. Network Centric Warfare (NCW). (Endnotes) Means of organising a force by using 1. Royal Australian Navy.Semaphore modern information technology to link Lieutenant Paul Pelczar, RAN joined Issue 6-Australian Maritime Doctrine 2010. sensors, decision makers and weapon 25 July 2010. effectively together to achieve the 2. CNO involve the use of computer commander’s intent. initially as a Signalman, ultimately technology to attack, defend and exploit 14. Measures that protect and defend information and data information and information systems as a WOCTL before attaining his networks. CNO has three sub-elements. by ensuring their availability, integrity, Commission in 2007. He has served in 3. CND involve defensive measures to authentication, confidentiality, and non- protect and defend information, computers repudiation. These measures include a wide number of ship and submarine and computer networks from disruption, providing for restoration of information denial, degradation or destruction. systems by incorporating protection, classes, and has completed four tours of 4. CNE involves the clandestine detection, and reaction capabilities. exploitation of computers, switching 15. Command, control, communications, the MEAO. systems, data networks and other computer computers and intelligence. controlled communications equipment via 16. Defence Material Organisation. 19 remote access, undertaken for intelligence September 2010.

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 30 12/12/10 11:22 PM Issue 139 31

SCADA systems. PLCs are often – and The USN established and stood up Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. SEA 1442 is a multi-phased program in this case – controlled by computers. If 10th Fleet as the Navy’s operational element for cyber and that will enhance the RAN’s maritime the virus did not find this certain PLC it information-related activity and as the USN Component Command communications capability in support of remained inactive and dormant. If it did find to Department of Defense’s new sub-unified command, U.S. the ADFs NCW concept. The program will a match, it would activate. Cyber Command (US-CYBERCOM). The establishment of FLT- contribute towards a ‘networked navy. 20. There is also speculation that CYBERCOM was effective 01 Oct 09, with a directive to be fully 17. National Business Review. 20 STUXNET was responsible for destroying operational by 01 Oct 10. September 2010. Organisation – which also uses Siemens Service in the areas of Intelligence, Cyber Warfare, Command and France admits its naval systems were PLCS – was also a victim of the attack and Control, Electronic Warfare, Battle Management and Knowledge of taken offline but disputes that aircraft were feeds into conspiracies of the China/India the Maritime Environment. grounded. ‘space-race’. 25. The US has a number of agencies and Commands involved in 18. The Register. 15 November 2009. 21. There are specific laws within the the cyber space, with significant jurisdictional overlap. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/15/ Telecommunications Security Act (and 26. US Government. 15 August 2010. Branch discusses related issues Stuxnet looks for a particular model of 23. Federation of American Scientists. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 25 August 2010.

Danish Navy Niels Juel-class corvette HDMS Peter Tordenskiold-photo 2 by Michael Nitz.

Royal Danish Navy decommissions three Niels Juel-class corvettes

ll three Royal Danish Navy Niels a modernisation of their weapon- and under construction at Odense Steel Shipyard,. Juel-class corvettes have been sensor systems was conducted between Although there has not been taken a definite decision on decommissionedA from service. 1998 and 2000. the future utilisation of the decommissioned corvettes, their The three 1, 300 tons The crews of the decommissioned hulls will most likely be scrapped after weapons and sensors (displacement) 84 meter vessels HDMS vessels will man three new frigates, Iver are removed for future use. Niels Juel, Olfert Fischer and Peter Huitfeldt, Peter Willemoes and Niels Tordenskiold were built by Aalborg Juel, which will enter service in 2012, Michael Nitz, correspondent, Hamburg Shipyard and launched in the period 2013 and 2014. 1978-1980. A major upgrade involving All three 5, 900 ton frigates are Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 31 12/12/10 11:22 PM 32 PLA Navy Sea Ride – 15-20 Sep 10 – A summary of experiences with the Chinese Navy BY ANGUS MCDONALD

was excited but anxious in the days interested to interview us whilst tasting of sailing to leading up to the six day sea ride traditional Chinese cuisine and resting conserve Ion the PLA Navy’s training ship, the in our respective dormitories. To our water and Ghenge. What I was anxious about amazement, Chinese journalists also conducted was adapting to a completely different greeted us upon arrival at Garden wash up way of living in a short period of time Island. in the with the expectation of observing and As we were taken below decks, morning at taking note of the differences, but also I was informed that 200 Chinese 0630 and the similarities between the Chinese Midshipmen are onboard the Ghenge just before Navy and our own. Along with the at any one time. The accommodation lights out other Australian Midshipman, James was very basic, with four bunks per which Hill, the sea ride would be a fascinating cabin- which they called dormitories, for the experience and one to be remembered and a wash room with no shower Chinese A member of the throughout our respective naval or bathroom facilities close by. The midshipmen was at 2200 with two ChinesePLA holds a a careers. Chinese placed a large emphasis on hour watches following throughout national flag outside When all four of us, including time management and we barely the night. The tap water onboard was the Great Hall of the People in Beijing two NZ junior officers, arrived at had enough time to unpack when contaminated, so they boiled the water Auckland Port where both the Ghenge they started trying to dress us in and let it cool down in a large kettle for and the Chinese Frigate Ngang ceremonials ready for the welcoming six hours at a time. It did appear that Yang were berthed, a large group of cocktail party. this was always the case as there were a Chinese media raced up to us and the The party was fantastic with a large number of hot water taps and facilities Chinese Midshipmen who were our variety of traditional Chinese food, an throughout the ship and the Chinese companions for the trip took our bags interesting insight into what we would midshipmen were very mindful when and greeted us with open arms. We be eating throughout the trip. There we initially filled our water bottles were taken to the flight deck and were were also Chinese beers and teas to with the contaminated tap water. This greeted immediately by the CO of sample. was surprising as most ships normally Ghenge, Captain Fheng and the three The transit from Auckland cleanse the water through filters before resident Chinese Admirals. to Sydney on the Ghenge was a supplying it to the crew and are aware Chinese media, CCTV, were also memorable experience. What instantly that hydration is a major issue in sailing with us and we had a number came to mind when we left Auckland regards to the operation of a warship. of interviews in regards to life with the harbour was emergency drills onboard. Clean water in my view should always Chinese Navy. This was an interesting I expected a large number of alarms be readily available. I remember filling experience as we had always been to go off and to be rushed to an up a water bottle after waking up and briefed on media awareness but had emergency station within the first drinking it warm by the end of the day. little firsthand exposure to foreign hour of sailing however there were We did get very dehydrated by the or Australian media in the past. Our no sea evolutions throughout the second day of sailing and our Chinese expectation was that senior officers entire passage. I struggled to find a life companions, the Midshipmen who would be conducting such interviews, jacket or a fire extinguisher onboard shared our accommodation, informed so this came as a surprise. In many so I assumed that they had their own their leaders of the situation and we instances, I demonstrated to the system of carrying out emergency were sent bottled water. Wash up in the Chinese media at their request the evolutions and that we would all be morning consisted of waking up and skills that I had learnt throughout accounted for in some other way. washing our faces and arms with soapy the practical and theoretical classes, Water onboard the Ghenge was water and a face towel. including the use of the sextant on particularly precious. The crew The Chinese were very discreet in the flight deck. They were particularly believed in showering on the last night regards to their divisional system whilst Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 32 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 33

at sea. Throughout the transit, we on our progress and they made sure within sight of land. There were two requested bridge time and to meet with that we were always accompanied main classrooms for each theoretical the three Admirals to present our gifts. when moving throughout the ship. lesson. In the navigation classrooms, In response, the Chinese Midshipmen When we started sailing for Sydney, large charts written entirely in Chinese would refer to their Divisional Officers the foreign Midshipmen onboard (the were provided and a siren sounded at or higher ranking officers as their four of us) expected to be taught about the end of each fixing interval. To our “leaders”. There were a number of meet Chinese naval operations and we were surprise, the Chinese midshipmen and greets with the Captain and three also expecting to observe weapon carried out ten minute fixes without Admirals throughout the passage. serials and other practical evolutions. ever going to a shorter interval. On many occasions, the leadership However, the Chinese way of training Depending on what was taught group of Ghenge were interested in our onboard was completely different to in the morning, there would be a thoughts thus far and relations between our seamanship training in the RAN. one hour siesta from 1230-1330 and the Chinese and Australian navies. Every day, the Chinese Midshipmen a chance to rest. Whenever there On the second last night of the trip, would have two main classes in which were no classes, we would stay in our we presented our four ADFA plaques we also participated. They would cabins with no chance to head to the to the leadership group including one either study celestial navigation with bridge or relax on the flight deck. The for the Captain and one for the three sextants or general navigation in the upper decks were specifically out of admirals, as well as a plaque for each morning from 0800-1130, and chart bounds for all midshipmen onboard. respective dormitory. The Chinese work or geographical navigation in The classes were long and the Chinese Officers were very pleased with the the afternoon from 1230-1730. These midshipmen were not given a break for gifts and we were astonished at the classes were divided into practical stand easy at any point. number of presents that we received in and theoretical components. Practical Throughout the rest periods, return including pens, Chinese novels, components for celestial navigation we socialised with the Chinese Navy hats and chopsticks. The Navy involved taking sun sights using the midshipmen. They would drink tea or hats issued to each midshipman consist sextant with a companion, whilst, for hot coconut drinks and read Chinese of a golden reef similar to the headdress navigation classes, the three main Defence magazines. The use of mobile The Guangzhou, one worn by senior officers in the RAN. modes of fixing (visual, radar and GPS) phones or any other electronic device of China’s front line warships, pictured When I first boarded, I almost mistook were tirelessly practised although they was strictly prohibited throughout the in Leningrad (Public the midshipmen for Commanders. mainly carried out GPS fixes even trip. The Australian midshipmen used domain) In addition to boiled water, the Chinese cuisine on the Ghenge was memorable. Unlike the food from Australian restaurants, it was very savoury. Obviously the Chinese kept well hydrated by drinking hot soups. The soups were fishy and they cooked the vegetables and beef in a special way which did not resemble Australian methods. We enjoyed the food for the first three or four days, however it became increasingly harder to digest. Once again, the Chinese midshipmen consulted with their leaders who provided us with bread and beef for lunch and dinner by the final day of sailing. I was very appreciative of the friendliness and good nature of the midshipmen and senior officers onboard. There were times when our companion midshipmen would check Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 33 12/12/10 11:03 PM 34 PLA Navy Sea Ride – 15-20 Sep 10 – A summary of experiences with the Chinese Navy

this time to find out everything there travelling from one destination to the is to know in regards to training and next. When touring the upper decks, the lives of the Chinese midshipmen. they were in awe at the heavy sea state Talking to the Chinese provided a throughout certain periods of the great insight into their culture, living passage and the beautiful scenery when standards in the Navy and why they leaving Auckland harbour. We saw this chose to join the Navy in China. I as testimony to the little experience found that it was easy to talk to our that most of the midshipmen had at midshipmen companions, however, sea. hardly surprising, most of the sailors In one instance, the Chinese on board could not speak English. midshipmen practise drill for 80 days radar, a commander of the deck (our Capable neighbours Our companions, similarly to us, had in preparation for major graduation officer of the watch equivalent) and one - a Song Class submarine of the almost completed three years in the parades. They major in navy related of the three admirals or the Captain Chinese Navy Chinese Navy with one more year of subject whether that be navigation, keeping respective six hour watches. At study to go before graduation from engineering or even geography and any one time, there were 14 personnel their Academies. They also receive mathematics. Notably, engineers must on the bridge including up to ten senior promotion at the end of this four years also carry out navigational duties sailors looking out in each bridge wing, of intense training. onboard. together with a navigator on watch in Many of the Chinese midshipmen I was interested to know when the charthouse. were uninspired by the navigational the Chinese midshipmen would We were particularly intrigued as training conducted on the Ghenge. apply these theoretical skills in a to how the commander of the deck Many had no career plans or intentions practical sense. After lights out, the performed their duties on the bridge. to stay in the navy for an extended 200 midshipmen onboard would When Ghenge was approaching a period of time. They also talked a lot commence two hour watches course change, the navigator would about the three main Naval Academies throughout all departments of the ship. confirm the ships’ position on a chart in China, which have up to ten They would carry out one different in the chartroom and move to the thousand students each, and were watch per night of two hours duration, bridge when it was time to perform clearly very proud of the particular however I did not discover whether the wheel over. The navigator would Academy from which they came. It they circulate throughout the ship inform the Captain who would conduct was emphasised that their training to other departments. I myself was the wheel over – a very interesting is primarily focussed on completing restricted to keeping watches in the difference from the RAN, considering their selected majors at the three main executive department and started in that we rely on the officer of the Naval Academies before moving on the chartroom for the first night at watch to conduct these manoeuvres to more specialised training such as sea, then progressed to the bridge, and evolutions on the bridge without navigation or engineering – this was including radar, helm and deck assistance. Throughout my time Air warfare destroyer mainly conducted at sea. What they did watches. On average, we had five to six keeping watch on the bridge, the of the PLA-N with expect to receive were qualifications hours of sleep per night as a result of commander of the deck would talk Hanchow Bay Bridge that would assist in continuing with these two hour night watches. to us without taking the usual actions behind the ship civilian studies after completing their As a Seaman Officer trainee, I was I would have expected of the officer (Public domain) return of service obligation, which, interested in the bridge layout of the similarly to RAN Seaman Officers ship and how they conducted watch going through ADFA, is nine years. keeping and manoeuvres at sea. The They had little or no aspirations for the charthouse, as they called it, was future and appeared to be accustomed separate to the pilot house (the bridge). to following strict orders and guidelines The ship had up to four Lieutenant with little influence over their own equivalent navigators who would keep careers, a big surprise to most of us six hour watches in the charthouse. when we learnt this. The bridge was mainly manned by What the Chinese midshipmen did senior sailors with a sailor on the helm, respect, however, was life at sea and another sailor simply watching the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 34 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 35

of the watch, even watching ahead of the conditions of entering and leaving Midshipman Angus McDonald joined the ship. At times, I was concerned harbour. I specifically remember sailing the RAN in 2008 as a Seaman Officer. that something might happen if the past Australian warships alongside and After graduating from the New commander of the deck didn’t start to taking note of how the Chinese salute Entry Officers Course 39 in 2008, he keep watch or pay any attention to the ships junior and senior to them. As the commenced a Bachelor of Science situation. Situational awareness and PLA-N ships were coming alongside, any form of clear command structure the local Chinese community put on degree at the Australian Defence Force in this sense seemed lacking on the a magnificent show with dragons and Academy. He is currently in his second bridge and we started to doubt, as Chinese art along the wharf. year of study. midshipmen, whether this ship would After disembarking Ghenge, we be operational in complex situations. did not anticipate that any Chinese Throughout the two hour watches, I midshipmen would be attending assisted my designated companion with the cocktail party apart from senior their specific duties. On the first night ranking officers, although the Cocktail of sailing, I carried out three minute party on HMAS Manoora celebrated fixes from the charthouse, to their what was for me a wonderful sea ride surprise. The navigator questioned why on the PLA- N ship and I was very I was doing three minute fixes instead proud of the way that the ceremonial of their standard ten minute fixing by sunset ceremony was conducted by GPS. The radar and helm watches on the RAN. I remember taking photos the following nights were great in the with the Chinese before disembarking sense that I had the opportunity of the Ghenge and exchanging phone steering the ship with little difficulty, numbers with the hope that one day due to the fact that the markings on the we may meet again. It was great to helm were written in English. For my acknowledge the strong relationships radar watch, I was less fortunate and that were built during the sea ride watched a radar screen for two hours. and the fact that I can sail in a foreign The Chinese senior sailors in contrast, Chinese ship and build friendships that conduct six hour watches on the will put me in good stead throughout bridge, which led me to question how my naval career. alert they were by the end of the fourth What I can draw from these or fifth hour. experiences is not only the teamwork The final night of the sea ride and leadership opportunities that approaching Sydney Heads, the they provided but the networking Chinese hosted a Midshipman opportunities and the chance to party. I expected the celebration to appreciate the significance of training include traditional Chinese food and with international navies and the tea, however, they provided us with experiences at sea that it provided Western food and tables of beer and me with. Hopefully more young wine. The Chinese explained that they officers Midshipmen will receive the believe in drinking at sea on the last chance to observe a fully operational night as a symbol of good luck for Chinese Navy at sea as I did and when they come alongside the next day. learn to appreciate the significance of Arriving in Sydney on the Chinese international relations for the Royal training ship was an unforgettable Australian Navy. t experience. The Chinese midshipmen and also officers for that matter were very intrigued with every moving vessel in Sydney Harbour and it was obvious that they had little exposure to Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 35 12/12/10 11:03 PM 139 March 2011.indd 36 12/12/10 11:03 PM Issue 139 37 Supporting Breastfeeding Women in the ADF Workplace BY LIEUTENANT LEE KORMANY

s of 01 May 2010, women made up 13.6% of the permanent full timeA ADF.1 This is lagging behind civilian workplaces with women making up 35.4% of the normal fulltime workforce in Australia.2 On 19 November 2009 the Chief of the Defence Force released his Action Plan for the Recruitment and Retention of Women. During his speech CDF stated several times that he wanted to ‘…see higher female participation rates across the three Services.’ and have a defence force that was more representative of the broader Australian community.3 The Action Plan is being progressed by a VCDF Steering Group. It consists of six priorities:

a. Enlistment, b. Workplace Flexibility, c. Career Management, Baby and Navy d. Accountability, and valued by the whole of society’. provides an Recruitment and Retention woman (Leading e. Mentoring, and The strategy provides a governance of Women initiative that demonstrates Seaman Helen Frank) f. Communication. mechanism and the mandate to that the ADF is committed to families, progress these issues.5 equal employment opportunity and If the action plan succeeds, it stands Currently, the ADF has no policy supporting the Australian Government to reason that the ADF will have more on supporting breastfeeding women in by being a model Breastfeeding female members and therefore it is the workplace. While current Flexible Friendly employer. likely a number of these women will Work Arrangement can certainly This article demonstrates the become mothers during their service, facilitate combining breastfeeding need for the ADF to develop and with as many as 44% returning to work and returning to work, it does not implement a Breastfeeding Support during the first year of their babies’ provide specific support that addresses policy. Breastfeeding is the normal way lives.4 the needs of a breastfeeding woman. of providing young infants with the The Australian Government has This can lead to breastfeeding nutrients they need for healthy growth recently released the “Australian members being discriminated in the and development. The World Health Breastfeeding Strategy 2010–2015”. workplace, as supervisors may not Organisation (WHO) recommend that It recognises the biological, health, understand their legal responsibility to infants be exclusively breastfed up to social, cultural, environmental accommodate breastfeeding members,6 six months of age, and then continued and economical importance of which is due to be strengthened by breastfeeding along with appropriate breastfeeding and the need for establishing breastfeeding as a separate complementary foods up to two years workplaces to implement breastfeeding ground of sex discrimination as of age and beyond. Breastmilk contains friendly policies. This would realise the announced by the Federal Government all the nutrients a baby needs for at government’s vision where ‘Australia on 04 May 2010.7 least the first six months of his life and is a nation in which breastfeeding This paper will investigate why such continues to be the most important is protected, promoted, supported a policy is necessary for the ADF and part of his diet throughout the first Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 37 12/12/10 11:04 PM 38 Supporting Breastfeeding Women in the ADF Workplace

year, supplying half or more of his and significantly reducing the risk recommendations. nutrients till his first birthday and up to of breast and ovarian cancer in 17. Current federal and state anti- one third to his second birthday later life. discrimination legislation does This has been reinforced with the 13. For the Community: Protective provide that employers are Australian Breastfeeding Strategy effects of breastfeeding in infancy legally obliged to ‘reasonably 2010–2015 developed by the Australian may extend to later life, with accommodate’ breastfeeding government in response to ‘The Best reduced risks of obesity and mothers, but this is open to Start: Report on the inquiry into the chronic disease. Therefore it has interpretation. Some employers health benefits of Breastfeeding (2008)’. the potential to alleviate costs to feel that a toilet is an appropriate The Objective of the Strategy is ‘To the public health system in both place for a woman to express for increase the percentage of babies the short and long term. her baby, and many employers who are fully breastfed from birth to 14. Breastmilk is environmentally simply do not understand how six months of age, with continued friendly, when compared to any breastfeeding works and why breastfeeding and complementary food other infant feeding product. a breastfeeding employee may to twelve months and beyond.’ Breastfeeding can lead to reduced require lactation breaks several Currently, while 92% of babies in workplace absenteeism and times a day. Australia leave hospital being fully disruptions to look after an ill 18. Breastfeeding works on a supply breastfed, this drops to 80% by one child and there are health risks and demand basis, therefore to week old and then steadily declines to and financial costs associated with ensure adequate supply, milk only 56% of babies being exclusively not breastfeeding. 11 needs to be removed regularly breastfed at three months old, with 14% from the breast throughout both at six months. The number of babies Barriers to Breastfeeding the day and the night depending receiving any breastmilk (ie being 15. The barriers to initiation and on the baby’s age and needs. feed both breastmilk and artificial continued breastfeeding are varied Regular draining of the breast breastmilk) is 56% at six months of and diverse across populations. is also required to ensure good age, 30% at 12 months and only 5% of They include community breast health as engorgement infants receiving any breastmilk at 24 attitudes and perceptions about (overfull breast) can lead to months old.8 breastfeeding, structural barriers blocked ducts and mastitis. such as lack of facilities to support 19. Without the right support a Why Breastfeeding Is Important combining breastfeeding and significant number of women A large body of Australian and work, workplace policies and experience anxiety, choose to International evidence shows that legislative gaps, such as the lack delay their return to work, reduce breastfeeding has significant value to of entitlement to maternity leave. their working hours or leave their babies, mothers and the community.9 Other barriers identified included job altogether. This can also lead lack of partner or family support, to premature weaning, mixed 11. For Babies. There is solid lack of breastfeeding education feeding (combining breastmilk evidence for the protective effects and inconsistent health care with artificial breastmilk) or of breastfeeding against three provider information and advice. deciding not to breastfeed at all as classes of infectious disease in it can seem to difficult to combine babies: gastrointestinal illnesses, Returning To Work After Having A Baby breastfeeding and working. respiratory tract infections, 16. An increasing number of women 20. Many women successfully and otitis media (middle ear return to work within the first combine breastfeeding and work. infections). Studies suggest that 12 months of their babies’ lives: Employers have found that helping the longer a baby is breastfed 11% within the first 3 months, breastfeeding employees return to or receiving breastmilk for, the 21% within 6 months, 31% at 9 work from maternity leave is not greater the protection against months and 42% at 12 months.12 only demonstrating a supportive infections10. One of the biggest obstacles many and caring approach, it makes 12. For Mothers. Breastfeeding is of these women face is how to good business sense. It can deliver beneficial in promoting a new continue to breastfeed their baby significant cost saving associated mothers recovery from childbirth in line with the infant feeding with improved retention rates, Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 38 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 39

earlier return to work, duration of negotiate with her workplace to for feeds, or if their infant is near service and reduced recruitment ensure that her needs are met. by, able to go and breastfeed their and re-training costs.13 24. Not all women who return to baby. This can be a good option, work, from MATL take advantage as it is often faster and easier to Breastfeeding and the ADF of flexible work arrangements. breastfeed an infant directly rather 21. ADF workplaces are, in general, This means that they may return than express. quite supportive of breastfeeding to work in a full time capacity with 28. Infants need to be fed both day members. Many bases have a very young baby who they are and night. This means that a defence family rooms that have still breastfeeding, or attempting member with a young infant specific facilities arranged with the to breastfed exclusively. By nature may be unavailable for overnight breastfeeding member in mind of her fulltime status, she may duties, but even many older e.g. Defence Plaza. Melbourne.14 find the requirements of service infants, 12 months plus, are still Where there is not a specific placed on her make it difficult regularly breastfeeding overnight family room, some members make or impossible to continue to to make up for the feeds they use of their local first aid room.15 breastfeed exclusively. may not be having during the day 22. Not all ADF workplace are due to a mother being at work, ‘reasonably accommodating’ to Specific Needs of Breastfeeding so it would be most appropriate breastfeeding, so the support Members to either exempt breastfeeding experienced by breastfeeding members from overnight duties or members is inconsistent and 25. To be able to continue to meet her have facilities which allow them to varied depending on the unit. parenting responsibilities a service be accompanied by their infant. Units that have a high number of member who is breastfeeding will 29. Often, ADF members are required Defence APS staff will usually have need the following provisions in to have extended absences from good breastfeeding support as the her workplace: home, to attend courses or other DECA 2009 makes provisions for service related activities. This can facilities to support breastfeeding a. A private room (not a toilet be distressing and inappropriate members16. Whereas members in area), with a comfortable chair for a breastfeeding member, unless a uniform only environment have and 240v power point available they can be accompanied by their no policy support, so it is unclear (for use with an electric pump), infant and possibly a carer to look what provision for breastfeeding b. a refrigerator (or space in one) after the infant while they are in the workplace exist. to store expressed breastmilk, attending to work in the other 23. The current flexible work c. appropriate storage space for locality. practices and policies17 available a breast pump and associated to members are often used by equipment, and Breastfeeding Support Resources women returning to work after a d. Regular lactation breaks to 30. The Australian Breastfeeding period of maternity leave (MATL). express or breastfeed. Association (ABA) have a This allows women to meet their program that provides employers parenting responsibilities, while 26. The number and frequency of and organisations with the making the transition back to the lactation breaks varies depending opportunity to become accredited workplace after having a baby on the infants’ age and needs. A as Breastfeeding friendly work easier. Part Time Leave Without member with a young infant, less places.18 This includes support to Pay (PTLWOP), Temporary than six months, may need to develop a breastfeeding policy and Home Located Work (THLW) express frequently possibly every set up the appropriate facilities, and flexible working hours can be 2-3 hours to maintain her milk ‘Return to Work’ resources for used by breastfeeding and non- supply, where as a member with employees about combining breastfeeding women (and men) an infant over 12 months old may breastfeeding and work, and a alike, however, a breastfeeding only need to express once during certificate of accreditation. woman has specific needs which working hours or not at all. 31. The ABA also conducts prenatal are not met by the current policy 27. Some members may be able to breastfeeding education classes. and she is reliant on her ability to have their infant brought to them These ensure that attendee’s Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 39 12/12/10 11:04 PM 40 Supporting Breastfeeding Women in the ADF Workplace

understand how breastfeeding members contribution, to defence, (5) Exempts breastfeeding works, what normal newborn is valued regardless of their members from overnight behaviour is and most importantly parenting responsibilities. duties, or provides for where to go for help and support 36. This policy would also contribute accommodations for infant when experiencing difficulties. to the recruitment and retention to accompany member if 32. With the positive effect that of women strategies and build appropriate; breastfeeding has on mothers, defences reputation as a family- (6) Provision for breastfeeding infants and society it is therefore friendly employer. By removing member to bring an infant prudent that the ADF should some of the barriers to sustained and carer with them, include prenatal breastfeeding breastfeeding the ADF would if required to travel for support to pregnant members. also enjoy the benefits of reduced service reasons with an absenteeism and minimised infant that is less than 12 CONCLUSION disruption to work flow, due to months old, including 33. In conclusion, breastfeeding is parents requiring less time off to financial support for travel the normal way to feed infants care for a sick child, and create and accommodation costs. and small children. The WHO a culture that is supportive of recommend breastfeeding breastfeeding. b. ADF to included awareness exclusively for six months, then 37. More so, by embracing the Federal of the breastfeeding members with complementary foods, Governments commitment to rights in current equity and continuing to two years old and increasing breastfeeding rates and diversity training. beyond. The Federal Government duration, the ADF could show c. ADF to become accredited has cemented its commitment itself a an employer of choice, who as a Breastfeeding Friendly to breastfeeding with the release takes its commitment to being Workplace by the Australian of its Breastfeeding Strategy family friendly seriously, and lead Breastfeeding Association. t 2010–2015. This has the stated the way for the larger Australian vision of ‘Australia is a nation in community to recognise which breastfeeding is protected, breastfeeding as normal. promoted, supported and valued by the whole of society’. As a result of analysing current ADF 34. Breastfeeding members have policy, the Federal Government’s specific needs that are not being position on breastfeeding, and the met by the current flexible work benefits that sustained breastfeeding policies. This leads to inconsistent delivers to the community. The approaches by supervisors to following course of action is breastfeeding members, which recommended: may result in a member being discriminated against or not being a. ADF develop and implement treated equitably, and exposing a Breastfeeding support policy the ADF to possible action by the that includes: Lieutenant Lee Kormany RAN joined HREOC. (1) Pre natal Breastfeeding the Navy in 1994 as an Electronics 35. The introduction of a formally and education; Technician. She was accepted to the culturally accepted Breastfeeding (2) A ‘Return to work’ Engineering Officer Scheme in 1999, support policy would ensure program; as a WE Officer, and graduated from that breastfeeding members are (3) Provision for suitable treated fairly and consistently. It facilities for breastfeeding RMIT in 2002. She currently works for would demonstrate the ADF’s or expressing and storing Combat Systems Engineering group commitment to the health and breastmilk; and in her spare time, she volunteers well being of pregnant, potentially (4) Adequate lactation breaks for the Australian Breastfeeding pregnant and breastfeeding to either breastfeed or Association. members and show these express; Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 40 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 41

Bibliography [Online], Available: http://www.abs.gov.au/ Manual’ Chapter 14.7.1.6. Australian Australian Federal Government, Nov 09, ausstats/[email protected]/productsbytopic/FF16E65 Government Publishing Service, Canberra. ‘Australian Breastfeeding Strategy 2010 – 9A7EBD2C7CA25720F007D9193?OpenDo 17 . Department of Defence, 2015’. Australian Government Publishing cument [Accessed: 15 Aug 10] Jun 08, DI(G) PERS 49-4 ‘Flexible Work Service, Canberra 5 . Australian Federal Government, Arrangements for Members of the Australian Australian Bureau of Statistic Nov 05, Nov 09, ‘Australian Breastfeeding Strategy Defence Force’. Australian Government ‘4913.0 – Pregnancy and Employment 2010 – 2015’. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra. Transitions, Australia’. Canberra. Publishing Service, Canberra, p 1. 18 . Australian Breastfeeding Department of Defence, Chief of the 6 . Australian: Attorney-General Association ‘Breastfeeding Friendly Defence Force, Nov 09 ‘CDF action plan for Department Jan 10, ‘Sex Discrimination Workplace Accreditation (BFWA) the Recruitment and Retention of Women’. Act 1984’, [Online]. Available: http:// program’[Online]. Available: http:// Canberra. www.comlaw.gov.au/comlaw/ breastfeedingfriendly.com.au [Accessed 16 Attorney-General Department Jan 10, management.nsf/lookupindexpagesbyid/ Aug 10] ‘Sex Discrimination Act 1984’. Australian IP200401301?OpenDocument [Accessed: Government Publishing Service, Canberra 16 Aug 10] Australian Federal Government, 04 7 . Australian Federal Government, May 10. ‘Government response to the 04 May 10. ‘Government response to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs’ Effectiveness of the Constitutional Affairs’ Effectiveness of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 in eliminating Sex Discrimination Act 1984 in eliminating discrimination and promoting gender discrimination and promoting gender equality report’. Canberra equality report’. p 2 Australian Federal Government, Standing 8 . Australian Federal Government, committee for Health and Aging, Aug 07. Nov 09, ‘Australian Breastfeeding Strategy ‘The Best Start: Report on the inquiry into the 2010 – 2015’. Australian Government health benefits of Breastfeeding’. Australian Publishing Service, Canberra, p 9. Government Publishing Service, Canberra 9 . Australian Federal Government, Raiser J et al 1999, ‘Breastfeeding and Standing committee for Health and infant illness: a dose-response relationship?. Aging, Aug 07. ‘The Best Start: Report American Journal of Public Health (1999) on the inquiry into the health benefits of Vol 89 Breastfeeding: Chapter 3 The Health and Department of Defence, Defence Support Economics’ of Breastfeeding’. Australian Group (DSG) Government Publishing Service, Canberra p Department of Defence, People 37 Strategies and Policy, Nov 09 ‘DECA 2009’. 10 . Raiser J et al 1999, ‘Breastfeeding Government Publishing Service, Canberra and infant illness: a dose-response Department of Defence , People relationship?’. American Journal of Public Strategies and Policy, Nov 09 ‘Defence Health (1999) Vol 89 Workplace Relations Manual’ Government 11 . Australian Federal Government, Publishing Service, Canberra Standing committee for Health and Department of Defence, Jun 08, DI(G) Aging, Aug 07. ‘The Best Start: Report PERS 49-4 ‘Flexible Work Arrangements for on the inquiry into the health benefits of Members of the Australian Defence Force’. Breastfeeding: Chapter 3 The Health and Australian Government Publishing Service, Economics’ of Breastfeeding’. Australian Canberra. Government Publishing Service, Canberra p Australian Breastfeeding Association, 40, p53 - 57; 2009 ‘Breastfeeding Women & Work’ Booklet 12 . Australian Bureau of Statistic Australian Breastfeeding Association, Nov 05, ‘4913.0 – Pregnancy and 2009 ‘Expressing and Storing Breastmilk’ Employment Transitions, Australia’ Booklet [Online], Available: http://www.abs.gov.au/ ausstats/[email protected]/productsbytopic/FF16E65 Notes 9A7EBD2C7CA25720F007D9193?OpenDo cument [Accessed: 15 Aug 10] (Endnotes) 13 . Australian Breastfeeding 1 . Fairness and Resolution: Association ‘Breastfeeding friendly Australian Government Department of workplace initiative’[Online]. Available: Defence, Roles of Women in the ADF. http://breastfeedingfriendly.com.au [Online]. Available: http://intranet.defence. [Accessed 16 Aug 10] gov.au/fr/RR/Womenindefence/Roles.html 14 . Department of Defence, Defence [Accessed: 19 Aug 10] Support Group (DSG), Defence Plaza 2 . A.G. Houston, Air Chief Marshal Melbourne Amenities. [Online] Available: Sep 08, ‘Chief of The Defence Force’s http://intranet.defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/ Column’, Defence Magazine p 9, Sep 08. DefencePlazaMelb/default.asp?page=35751 3 . Transcript of CDF Speech 19 [Accessed 19 Aug 10] Nov 09, ‘Launch of the CDF action plan for 15 . Department of Defence, DSG the Recruitment and Retention of Women’ Minute ‘Updated breastfeeding minute [Online]. Available: http://intranet.defence. 2005’. [Online] Available: http://intranet. gov.au/fr/RR/Womenindefence/Articles/ defence.gov.au/dsg/sites/DS-ACTSNSW/ ACM_Houston_Speech.pdf [Accessed: 19 docs/Updated_breastfeed_minute_2005.doc Aug 10] [Accessed 19 Aug 10] 4 . Australian Bureau of Statistic 16 . Department of Defence , People Nov 05, ‘4913.0 – Pregnancy and Strategies and Policy, Nov 09 ‘DECA 2009’ Employment Transitions, Australia’ Part F.29; ‘Defence Workplace Relations

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 41 12/12/10 11:24 PM 42

Qualities of Leadership BY LIEUTENANT COMMANDER TOM LEWIS

his series examines selected traits the leader’s actions in front of their with much help from Nelson’s use of T of leadership to compare Royal subordinates. Nelson inspired his initiative. Australian Navy leaders against a followers in being resolute, courageous criteria. The first of the articles took and honourable. It is one measure of Impressive Physical Admiral Lord Nelson, the hero of the man that so many did: Hardy, who Qualities Trafalgar in 1805, as a model, as well as was with him when he died; his fellow This might be rephrased as “looking examining the characteristics of other admiral Collingwood whose battle the part of a leader”. Would anyone well-known leaders, both civilian and line he raced to be first to engage at have said that Horatio Nelson achieved military. Trafalgar; ship commander Berry, who this? Yes – and no. A short, thin man Seven qualities of leadership followed him from ship to ship, and not blessed with good looks, he first measures the subject matter, suggesting Captain Hallowell, who after the Battle entered the British navy in 1771 as a capable naval leader is an achiever; of the Nile made him a present of a a midshipman at 12 years and three expert in his or her field; inspires coffin fashioned from the French ship months.1 Despite being prone to others, and takes initiative; impresses L’Orient’s mainmast – Nelson kept it in sickness: “I have had all the diseases by their physical qualities; empathises his cabin and was indeed buried in it. that are”, he once said; he adapted well with others, and is an effective to the vigorous and often dangerous life communicator. Initiative that was the Navy. Sometimes described as “going Nelson was a man of raw physical Achievement in where angels fear to tread”, this courage who led by example. He lost Did the person under discussion measure means to use judgement and an eye when an enemy shell, exploding improve their organisation? Did advance where necessary. The leader is during the siege of Calvi in Corsica, they leave it a better place by being a brave in psychological terms and takes drove splinters and dust and rock member? Promotion is recognised as the lead where necessary. It does not fragments into his face. He suffered a measure of achievement. By many mean going forward rashly. most terribly and often from wounds, measures which traditionally mark out Nelson was a man who had the quite willing to lead from the front. achievement – education; decorations; courage of his own convictions, who His right arm was amputated after the amassing of physical wealth perhaps – could often have left off and blamed battle of Santa Cruz in Teneriffe due to we gain some beginnings of whether a superiors for failure. Instead, he was his being hit by grapeshot. person is a success. a man who chose to use initiative and This is what is meant by “looking advance when he knew the defeat of the part of a leader”: behaving in such Expert in one’s Field the enemy was attainable and essential. a way that people can be inspired. It Anyone who aspires to be a leader and At the Battle of Copenhagen, walking means to look resolute and act with an example to others must obviously the deck while the guns roared their resolution – as did Nelson. To lead have expertise in their craft. In naval broadsides, and deadly splinters by example. To not show physical terms, that translates as being an expert whistled about his ears, he confided cowardice. It might include “panache”; “ship-driver”; an aviator par excellence; to Colonel Stewart, commander of “the almost untranslatable expression an engineer possessing a wealth of infantry, who was with him on the of dash, of valour, the ability to do theoretical and practical knowledge quarterdeck, that he would not be things with an air of reckless courage - and so on. Nelson, for example, was “elsewhere for thousands”. Whether he and inspiring leadership”.2 Finally, we a master at strategy – which becomes was fearful or not – and who would not might add that the bearing, carriage a commander of fleets – but also of have been – Nelson led by example. and speech of a leader should be of the tactics, which behoves a ship captain. And when his uncertain superior, highest standards. He was also an inspired man-manager. Admiral Parker, made the signal to leave off the action, Nelson refused to Empathy th Qualities of Inspirational see it, putting his telescope to his blind The great soldier of the 18 century, Leadership This leader inspires others to perform eye and exclaiming: “I really do not see Frederick the Great, had good advice similar deeds. Often this is shown by the signal”. The British won the battle on how to attain the next quality of the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 42 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 43

leader – Empathy: ideas for a campaign, or a battle, or a Churchill was a persuader. Indeed, ...talk with the soldiers, both when change of some sort; to educate his his skill in the use of words and logic you pass their tents or when they are men and get them – and him – to was so great that on several occasions on the march. Sample often to see if know each others’ minds. Nelson when he and I disagreed on some the cookpots have something good; embarked upon the Battle of the Nile important matter – even when I was find out their small needs and do in 1798 by letting his captains engage convinced of my own view and when what you can to satisfy them; spare in individual fashion. The French the responsibility was clearly mine – I them unnecessary exertion. But let fall fleet, anchored by the bows in a line in had a very hard time withstanding his the full vigor of law on the mutinous shallow coastal water, engaged in ship arguments.9 soldier, the backbiter, the pillager...3 to ship fashion by five British vessels Empathy means to be able to sailing inside the line and anchoring,  imagine yourself – as leader – in the and the rest engaging from outside. role of your people, and to show that. Thus the French were caught between It is “the power of understanding two forces. At the end of hours of A capable naval leader is an achiever; and imaginatively entering into fighting, the French had lost 1, 700 men expert in his or her field; inspires another person’s feelings”.4 General to the British 200; their fleet was largely others, and takes initiative; impresses Montgomery said to his troops at pounded to pieces, and Napoleon by their physical qualities; empathises the Battle of Alamein: “We will stand and his army were stranded in Eygpt. with others, and is an effective and fight here. If we can’t stay here Nelson had hoisted just two signals alive, then let us stay here dead”.5 through the entire battle.7 communicator. We have seen many Montgomery was entering into the For the autocratic manager this great leaders who exhibited those feelings of all of his people, who feared would have been disastrous: an traits. This series examines how many that they would die. Churchill’s speech authoritarian leader would not trust of Australia’s naval leaders performed of WWII did the same: “We shall his subordinates to make momentous in these fields. defend our island, whatever the cost decisions and fight on their own. may be, we shall fight on the landing Nelson trusted his individual captains. grounds, we shall fight in the fields and So too, in the long pursuit of the in the streets, we shall fight in the hills: French, years later in 1805, he had we shall never surrender.” Alexander regular meetings with his “Band of the Great “shared in the men’s dangers, Brothers” – the name applied to those as the scars of his wounds testified…he who fought under him at the Nile.8 ate the same food as they did. He was During the long chase the officers highly visible….he fought hard himself would pool their ideas for forthcoming but he was ever on the watch for any battles; the best use of tactics; what acts of conspicuous courage in the face a following ship would do when its of danger amongst his men.6 fellow was sighted engaged and so on. (Endnotes) Such statements say to you that Consequently even the necessity for 1 2 Welch, Ronald. Tank Commander. your leader will be with you, no matter signals within the ensuing battle was London: , 1972. what the cost. dispensed with; the captains knew each (135) 3 Connelly. (16) others’ minds. 4 Collins English Dictionary. Sydney: Communication Communication means to be able Harper Collins, 1991. (510) 5 Adler (116) One needs to be understood at to use words effectively to persuade 6 Adler (232) all times. Nelson employed in his others. Winston Churchill was a great 7 Ireland, Bernard. Naval Warfare in the Age of Sail. London: Harper Collins, 2000. leadership style something unusual exponent of this. Eisenhower, then a (148-151) Qualities of for its day: the art of effective US General and later President of the 8 Thursfield, James R. Nelson and other Naval Studies. London: John Murray, 1920. Leadership communication. One characteristic United States, experienced the British (125) was to invite others to contribute their Prime Minister in action: 9 Adler (76) Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 43 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 45 Studies in Trait Leadership - Strategic Visionary

Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, Kbe, cb, ran BY LIEUTENANT COMMANDER TOM LEWIS

Vice Admiral Burrell shares with in the Parramatta region west of Naval training began in 1918 at Vice Admiral Creswell a sense of Sydney, working as a schoolteacher. the RAN College in ; Burrell strategic vision for Australia and There he met and married his wife in the most junior class. He thought its Navy. Although he commanded Heather Mackay. They raised five some of the training too practical – he two successive destroyers in WWII, it was probably his first major shore children, with Henry being the third, learnt to use a lathe – and disliked the appointment in America that sparked born on 13 August 1904. lack of literature, and the emphasis on his breadth of understanding and Burrell’s father seems to have been manners. In fact his opinion later was vision for the role and future of the a strong influence on his children. He that the College’s product would be ‘an Royal Australian Navy. He understood was interested in almost everything, illiterate engineer who could enjoy to more than most, acknowledging it from shooting to the Arts. He was a the full sailing and stargazing during often, the debt the RAN owes to its strong patriot and supporter of the weekends in a French condominium’.2 Royal Navy heritage. Yet when it was Church, where he was an organist, However, on the whole he found his necessary he steered the acquisition warden and reader. When war broke four years interesting and enjoyable. He of new ships to American models, out in 1914, despite being 55 years of liked sports, but did not excel at them with consequent benefits for his age, he presented himself for service. while at the College, and he disliked country. Resolute in fighting for what he perceived as right, he fought hard He was accepted, and served in sailing in the College yacht Franklin. – and succeeded – in getting a 1959 Egypt. In 1917, with his father away, In 1921 he was given a Second class 3 decision to disband the Fleet Air Arm Burrell became interested in the Navy, pass and graduated 10th in his class, reversed. He has been described as one somewhat to his mother’s chagrin. enabling him to escape the forced of the first ‘dinkum Aussie’ admirals, Nevertheless, he applied, and was duly reduction in officer numbers being and remains one of the most influential given an officer’s cadetship. brought about by the Washington flag officers in the RAN’s history. Treaty. Only 14 out of the original intake of 36 were retained in the Navy enry Mackay Burrell had plenty after graduation. of family tradition to live up Once out of the College, the young toH when he decided on a career in midshipmen’s training continued for the Royal Australian Navy. His two and a half years, during which father Thomas, who his son time they were given appointments later described as a ‘frustrated to ships of the RAN and the sailor’, was a member of RN. Burrell was posted to the Army Reserves, and HMAS Sydney, the winner Burrell as a Lieutenant his grandfather and great- of the Navy’s first sea-action (Courtesy Fayne Mench) grandfather both had of WWI, against Emden. careers in the RN.1 His During his time with the ship grandfather, also Thomas Burrell decided to specialise Burrell, served over 30 years in navigation, supposedly, as a ‘Chief Boatman’ in the according to his somewhat Service.1 Burrell’s father and modest autobiography, because his uncle both emigrated this would allow him to avoid the to Australia in the late 19th unpleasant and arduous task of century; and his father settled ‘coaling ship’, an all-hands activity from which only telegraphists and Qualities of 1 General background material on the navigators were exempt. career of the subject is drawn from Burrell’s Leadership autobiography Mermaids do Exist. Except Early voyages in the cruiser saw the Shipyards: Australia and USA where direct quotations have been taken, ship visit Tasmania, and then Noumea, Email: [email protected] Fax +61 8 9410 2564 Tel: +61 8 9410 1111 such material is not annotated. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute WWW.AUSTAL.COM

139 March 2011.indd 44 12/12/10 11:04 PM 139 March 2011.indd 45 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 45 Studies in Trait Leadership - Strategic Visionary

Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, Kbe, cb, ran BY LIEUTENANT COMMANDER TOM LEWIS

Vice Admiral Burrell shares with in the Parramatta region west of Naval training began in 1918 at Vice Admiral Creswell a sense of Sydney, working as a schoolteacher. the RAN College in Jervis Bay; Burrell strategic vision for Australia and There he met and married his wife in the most junior class. He thought its Navy. Although he commanded Heather Mackay. They raised five some of the training too practical – he two successive destroyers in WWII, it was probably his first major shore children, with Henry being the third, learnt to use a lathe – and disliked the appointment in America that sparked born on 13 August 1904. lack of literature, and the emphasis on his breadth of understanding and Burrell’s father seems to have been manners. In fact his opinion later was vision for the role and future of the a strong influence on his children. He that the College’s product would be ‘an Royal Australian Navy. He understood was interested in almost everything, illiterate engineer who could enjoy to more than most, acknowledging it from shooting to the Arts. He was a the full sailing and stargazing during often, the debt the RAN owes to its strong patriot and supporter of the weekends in a French condominium’.2 Royal Navy heritage. Yet when it was Church, where he was an organist, However, on the whole he found his necessary he steered the acquisition warden and reader. When war broke four years interesting and enjoyable. He of new ships to American models, out in 1914, despite being 55 years of liked sports, but did not excel at them with consequent benefits for his age, he presented himself for service. while at the College, and he disliked country. Resolute in fighting for what he perceived as right, he fought hard He was accepted, and served in sailing in the College yacht Franklin. – and succeeded – in getting a 1959 Egypt. In 1917, with his father away, In 1921 he was given a Second class 3 decision to disband the Fleet Air Arm Burrell became interested in the Navy, pass and graduated 10th in his class, reversed. He has been described as one somewhat to his mother’s chagrin. enabling him to escape the forced of the first ‘dinkum Aussie’ admirals, Nevertheless, he applied, and was duly reduction in officer numbers being and remains one of the most influential given an officer’s cadetship. brought about by the Washington flag officers in the RAN’s history. Treaty. Only 14 out of the original intake of 36 were retained in the Navy enry Mackay Burrell had plenty after graduation. of family tradition to live up Once out of the College, the young toH when he decided on a career in midshipmen’s training continued for the Royal Australian Navy. His two and a half years, during which father Thomas, who his son time they were given appointments later described as a ‘frustrated to ships of the RAN and the sailor’, was a member of RN. Burrell was posted to the Army Reserves, and HMAS Sydney, the winner Burrell as a Lieutenant his grandfather and great- of the Navy’s first sea-action (Courtesy Fayne Mench) grandfather both had of WWI, against Emden. careers in the RN.1 His During his time with the ship grandfather, also Thomas Burrell decided to specialise Burrell, served over 30 years in navigation, supposedly, as a ‘Chief Boatman’ in the according to his somewhat Service.1 Burrell’s father and modest autobiography, because his uncle both emigrated this would allow him to avoid the to Australia in the late 19th unpleasant and arduous task of century; and his father settled ‘coaling ship’, an all-hands activity from which only telegraphists and Qualities of 1 General background material on the navigators were exempt. career of the subject is drawn from Burrell’s Leadership autobiography Mermaids do Exist. Except Early voyages in the cruiser saw the Shipyards: Australia and USA where direct quotations have been taken, ship visit Tasmania, and then Noumea, Email: [email protected] Fax +61 8 9410 2564 Tel: +61 8 9410 1111 such material is not annotated. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute WWW.AUSTAL.COM

139 March 2011.indd 45 12/12/10 11:04 PM 46 Studies in Trait Leadership - Strategic Visionary Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, Kbe, cb, ran

where some members of the ship’s company including Burrell climbed the slopes of an active volcano. He served for a month on board the destroyer HMAS Stalwart, and ‘thoroughly relished’ his first time in a ‘small ship’.4 In April 1923 Burrell travelled to Britain to gain experience with the RN; the voyage being made on the liner Orient. The three RAN travelling midshipmen enjoyed the sports on board, but their low pay level precluded any social activities. On arrival in Britain the midshipmen joined the cruiser HMS Caledon somewhat late, as Burrell recalls, principally because they had taken some time to consume a hearty lunch. The ship’s captain, Sir Dudley North, gave them extra duties for the first three weeks as a sign of his for gunnery at Whale Island and for took part in these ceremonials as part Burrell and Arleigh displeasure. navigation at HMS Dryad, and to learn of a naval guard. Burke (Courtesy Fayne Mench) Burrell soon noticed substantial about mines and torpedoes at HMS He returned once more to the differences between the standard Vernon. This last course was difficult veteran Sydney, where one of his of RN midshipmen and the RAN for Burrell, and he emerged at the end reports commented ‘In every way the counterparts: the Australians were with a second-class pass to offset the right type’. From there in 1928 he went well behind, principally in dress and four first-class versions he had already to the newly-built cruiser Canberra, journals, in which many facets of acquired. For leisure he played some commissioning in Britain. Around training were recorded. Burrell soon set ‘rugger’ and cricket. this time Burrell made the decision to work to re-do his journal. The next hurdle on the road to to spend as much time as possible In June 1923 Caledon journeyed lieutenant involved gaining a bridge at sea in order to gain experience in to the Baltic, with ports such as Riga, watchkeeping certificate, and so personnel management. This meant Stockholm and Copenhagen visited: followed time on board another delaying making a choice of sub- in this last Burrell managed to leave battleship, HMS Valiant. From there specialisation in addition to his chosen behind two dozen of his stiff white Burrell transferred to the cruiser field of navigation. collars. Over the next 18 months the HMAS Melbourne, and returned to After trials and work-ups, Canberra ship travelled to Scotland’s waters Australia. He acquired promotion to sailed for Australia. Port visits to show and participated in a Fleet Review, lieutenant on 15 July 1926, and was off the new ship to Australians ensued, before the Australian midshipmen appointed to the destroyer HMAS and on 16 February 1929 the ship were posted off to HMS Malaya, a Tasmania under (Acting) Lieutenant arrived in Sydney. A circumnavigation battleship with eight 15’ guns. Time Commander Harry Howden, who he of Australia followed. In January 1930 in the Mediterranean followed, and in found most unusual and somewhat Burrell left the ship to do his navigation August 1924 they sat the midshipman’s eccentric. Burrell’s duties included course in Britain, concluding that he seamanship exam, which Burrell passed being correspondence officer and had indeed learnt a lot about handling with flying colours. This was followed having charge of the ship’s confidential men in his time on board. His reports by promotion on 15 September books. The ship’s duties took her to rated him as ‘Above Average’. This was 1924 to acting Sub-Lieutenant, with Tasmania, and later to act as part of fortunate, for unbeknownst to Burrell confirmation in rank in April of the the escort for HMS Renown, carrying further reductions in the number of following year.5 More courses ashore a Vice-Regal party to open the new officers necessary to the Navy were followed: at Greenwich Naval College; Parliament House in Canberra. Burrell being considered as a result of the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 46 12/12/10 11:26 PM Issue 139 47

Depression. Officers were rated into of these, as three categories, one of which would navigator, and see those so sorted asked to leave was promoted the Service. Burrell was rated in the to Lieutenant category of being definitely to be Commander in retained to the Navy’s advantage.6 July 1934. He Upon course completion Burrell did very well was given the task of navigating a in his Captain’s brand new ship – the Indian Navy’s opinion: his Hindustan – just out of the maker’s reports were British yard, all the way to Bombay. A a mixture of successful voyage ensued; and a return ‘sevens’ and to Britain on a troopship, and then an ‘eights’. He was appointment to a , HMS married in the Canberra. The ship was deployed to HMAS Melbourne Pangbourne. Burrell rightly recognised Christmas leave period to Margaret the Mediterranean, with the Spanish this as a backwater, but he was Mackay.9 Perhaps in celebration, he civil war breaking out, and the cruiser determined to succeed. He perceived later noted that he took up alcohol tasked with attempting to prevent that the growing competence of the consumption aged 30, having the shipment of war materials, but RAN – which was being tutored and previously been a teetotaller.10 without any real legal backing. It ‘grown’ from 1911 – was somewhat In 1935 Burrell joined the old coal was a frustrating time for many, and resented by some RN officers. His burner HMAS Brisbane to navigate fortunately Burrell was soon posted in approach in his own words7 was to her to Britain, where she was to be January 1938 to Greenwich for the Staff ‘hide his light under a bushel’: keep sold for scrap, with the ship’s company Course. He was perhaps a little put literally quiet and be rather backward commissioning the new Sydney. Burrell out by his final reports, for they had in coming forward. In this way the however, was not amongst them, been variable: although they contained new officer was accepted. In his time as he had a new navigation course much in the way of positive comment with the minesweeping squadron he to undertake at HMS Dryad. Upon he had been criticised for not having took part in the re-development of completion of this he was ‘loaned’ yet developed his powers of command, night-sweeping; navigated around to HMS Coventry, which was in the and of being ‘far too kindhearted’ and most of Europe, and helped search process of being converted at Chatham “too familiar with the sailors”. He later for the submarine M2, tragically lost dockyard to an anti-air cruiser. commented that: ‘In my view, the when her seaplane hangar flooded. His Refitting finished, the ship sailed for ship would have been more efficient if reports while posted to Pangbourne Alexandria in the Mediterranean, officers and ratings had been in closer were impressive: his first saw two of the with the ominous loom of war on touch’.2 highest ‘nines’: unusual in any officer’s the horizon as Germany and Italy In later years an RAN officer of flag report but doubly unusual to gain two thought of expansion. The ship was rank commented on Burrell and that of this rating. Before posting off on 16 busy perfecting her new armament, criticism: October 1931 Burrell also completed a and there was little time for leisure. That comment says a lot for Sir meteorological course.8 Burrell recorded he spent a little time Henry Burrell’s style. He was very On 5 December 1932 Burrell arrived ashore playing tennis, but the night life good at communicating with his back in Australia to join HMAS Tattoo was ‘sordid’ and he avoided the local fellow human beings and bridging, as First Lieutenant. He did well there food because of the ‘discomfort’ that for example, the generation gap but his reports show no great marks of seemed to follow it. His reports were between himself and someone distinction. The Great Depression had most positive, with four ‘eights’ being reduced the size of the fleet. However, recorded on one of them 2 Mermaids do Exist. (65) It is of interest in that Burrell notes here that he it soon began to expand again with In 1937 Coventry returned to the was summoned to his captain’s cabin and the acquisition of the five veteran United Kingdom, and Burrell was shown this last comment which had been underlined in red. Previously officers did not Qualities of destroyers, eventually to achieve fame given a new appointment, to HMS get shown their personal reports, but Burrell Leadership as the ‘Scrap Iron Flotilla’. Burrell Devonshire, a 10, 000 ton cruiser, explains that a new rule had just been introduced: if there was anything negative in was appointed to Stuart, the largest and sister ship to the Australian an officer’s report he was to be shown it. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 47 12/12/10 11:04 PM 48 Studies in Trait Leadership - Strategic Visionary Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, Kbe, cb, ran

years younger. This quality lasted and characteristics? a staff officer – Director of Operations him throughout his life.11 September saw the breaking of and Plans – on the Naval Board. War the Munich Agreement, and the still seemed imminent, and there was His time at the Staff College was appeasement of Hitler by Chamberlain much work bringing plans up to date. perhaps not very pleasant for and his proclamation of ‘Peace in Burrell found a distinct lack of accurate Burrell: his reports contained biting our time’. In Burrell’s opinion, the information in the preparations for judgements on his ‘personality’ or British Prime Minister was ‘naïve’, war, and recalled later that seldom had rather, a lack of it. ‘Has a very poor and he recalled the exhortations of he worked harder than during his first delivery’, commented one, presumably Churchill in the past imploring his four months in the job. referring to his speaking manner. country to ‘wake up’. Burrell’s opinion In June 1939 the Reserves were ‘He has a nervous manner which of Winston was ‘His rhetoric may have called up and advanced leave given to affects his power of verbal expression’, been exaggerated, but there was no regular forces. Retired naval officers confirmed another, and furthermore doubting his sincerity’.12 All of the staff were called back to the Colours, suggested he ‘lacked personality’. It is officers on the course were receiving ship preparation increased, and the unclear what this implied: were all Staff sea-going appointments, with naval planning for the first few days of Course officers given similarly hard mobilisation ordered. Burrell’s was to conflict intensified. Late at night on treatment to make them try harder to HMS Emerald, another cruiser, but this 3 September Captain John Collins, fit the preferred model, or perhaps did was then changed with the lessening Burrell’s superior, gave the order Burrell’s ‘lack of personality’ mean that of the crisis, and he was posted to to notify all of the RAN’s ships and he did not have the desired manners Melbourne’s Naval Headquarters, to be establishments that the country was Melbourne II

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 48 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 49

at war. diplomatic circle of official receptions.13 She boasted the latest fit of radar, asdic For the next few months, Burrell However, in the background was much and communications. The ship was and the staff were frantically busy, inter-naval diplomacy, and strategic commissioned on 15 September 1941 organising anti-submarine patrols; suggestion: one of Burrell’s reports and proceeded to sea trials. Everything the movement of Australia’s warships, highlights, for example, a proposal the went well, and two weeks later Burrell and the use of troopships and shipping Americans should bolster the defence was able to sign a rather crumpled taken up from trade. Burrell’s expertise of Singapore in the event of war with piece of paper one of the Thornycroft in navigation and in minesweeping Japan. However, a subsequent report representatives produced from his was of considerable use. Around the had to admit that the Americans had pocket: ‘Received Warship No. 235’. world the conflict was increasing in not been drawn into such support. But The ship’s first mission was to strength, but was still largely confined much preparation was made behind escort the cruiser Kent to Scapa Flow. to Europe. However, isolated incidents the scenes in the event the Americans On the way Burrell found that despite with raiders in the Indian Ocean and were brought into a war against Japan, his watchkeeping officers holding the Pacific were of concern. Burrell and subsequently Germany and Italy. certificates of competency, most were received his promotion to Commander That such work was able to be done very inexperienced. The next months in June 1940, and six months later before conflict broke out impacted were a combination of bringing the was posted to Washington DC to act directly on the duration of the Pacific 226 men of the ship’s company to their as a liaison officer. The sensitivities of War, and thus Burrell and those he full fighting efficiency, and coping with some of the USA’s people to going to worked with – both American and various assignments. One of these war had to be considered, and Burrell Australian – deserve much credit included the carriage of a VIP ‘political’ would need to use all of his powers for their unseen work. It is a tribute group to Russia, with various patrolling of diplomacy. The appointment of a too, to Burrell’s negotiating skills and while awaiting their return. Burrell foreign naval officer to the American considerable powers of personality, and the ship’s company ventured capital was so delicate that Burrell that a commander could deal with flag ashore in Archangel but found it a was provided with a false passport rank officers to such an extent. At the thoroughly depressing experience, and travelled in civilian clothes. In end of his Washington time the Naval with roads made of wood; most of the Washington he was installed at an Office of New Zealand commented to population absent, and the local vodka Australian diplomatic worker’s house, the Secretary of the RAN that Burrell’s something to be treated with caution. so as not to attract attention. reports were of the ‘utmost value’ and Ken McRorie, who served with Burrell Burrell consulted with many ‘…so complete and clear that they have in Norman, recalls that when the time different American departments and been specially commented upon by the came to leave Archangel with the VIPs., authorities, and so opened up many New Zealand War Cabinet’.14 the ship was frozen to the wharf, which doors which in the forthcoming At the end of this appointment presented a new challenge for a while.16 conflict against Japan would prove Burrell received a letter of appreciation On either the voyage there or highly useful. He suggested a for his efforts from the Government of during the return the ship shot down permanent naval attache be stationed New Zealand. Unfortunately, while his a German bomber. According to a in Washington, and after the professional life was going well, on a rather melodramatic clipping in a production of a paper detailing his personal note, Burrell’s first marriage – Burrell family scrapbook, the grandly- proposal, this was accepted. In fact, in his words – ‘…which had failed, had titled ‘Able-bodied Seaman Fred Miles’ Burrell’s first command – HMAS been terminated’.15 reported that ‘The Hun did not attempt Norman – being built in Britain, had After three years ashore Burrell to bomb, but circled our ship three her launch date delayed by an air raid, proceeded to Britain to take over his times. We got him silhouetted against and Burrell was placed in the position new command. Norman was still the moon and fired all guns. The Hun he had just suggested. As perhaps a building, and so the new captain exploded. It was a lovely sight’.17 measure of his early achievements, a stood by his ship and both endured After fleet manoeuvres, the seven-ship USN flotilla soon visited the attentions of the Luftwaffe night ship returned to Southampton to ports in the Pacific and Australia. after night. The destroyer was the have boiler faults repaired at the Qualities of He was attached to the staff of the latest in technology: capable of 35 manufacturer’s expense. More Leadership ‘Australian Minister in Washington’, knots; armed with six 4.7’ guns; ten 21’ armament was added, and soon RG Casey, and participated in the torpedo tubes and 45 depth charges. Norman was back in the water and Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 49 12/12/10 11:04 PM 50 Studies in Trait Leadership - Strategic Visionary Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, Kbe, cb, ran

escort work commenced. The threat overwhelmed. In the subsequent hours, operation should have pressed on, but of U-boat attack on the convoys was the Allied fleet came perilously close he conceded that its prospects were constantly present, and to add to the to Admiral Nagumo’s First Carrier gloomy as it was down to one-third sense of foreboding there was the Striking Force. These were the veteran of its ammunition supply, primarily increasingly gloomy news of Japanese ships and men who had overwhelmed because of its Admiral’s decision to lay successes after Pearl Harbor: the loss of Pearl Harbor and Darwin, and they a heavy barrage over the fleet when Singapore; Prince of Wales and Repulse, strongly outnumbered the Allied ships: attacked from the air. amongst other reverses. their numbers of aircraft (105 fighters August 1942 saw Norman deployed A convoy to Freetown was next, and and 123 bombers) being merely one as part of a force to complete the full Burrell noted in pessimistic terms how measure of their strength. occupation of . She led he knew that any ship torpedoed would In the next few days another a line of Allied ships into Tamitave have to be abandoned: conventional Japanese force under Vice Admiral harbour, and the Vichy forces there practice with the experience in the Kurita raided commerce and sank 20 were called upon to surrender. Instead past showing that stopping almost ships without opposition. On 9 April they shot at one of the small boats always led to further submarine attack Nagumo’s force attacked Trincomalee which had been sent into shore, and and even further losses. Norman was naval base on Ceylon’s north-eastern so the ships returned fire. One minute deployed with the Seventh Destroyer coast. The RN carrier Hermes and the later a white flag signalled surrender.18 Flotilla to serve in the Indian Ocean. RAN destroyer Vampire were both Burrell was later awarded a Mention in She joined a large but not terribly caught and sunk. Despatches for this action.19 modern force of British and Australian The surviving ships were split This operation successfully ships which included three aircraft into two forces, and Burrell’s group completed, Burrell and his command carriers – Indomitable and Formidable was detached to Bombay. There were were ordered to South Africa to deploy together with the smaller Hermes – Allied fears the Japanese would seek against a force of German U-boats the battleships Warspite, Resolution, to further dominate the Indian Ocean, operating in the area. The advantage Ramillies, Royal Sovereign and Revenge, and so the strategically placed island lay with the submarines, which were and five cruisers, 16 destroyers and of Madagascar was to be attacked and almost impossible to spot by night five submarines. Burrell commented taken. The operation was a success, and and difficult to find in the day. This that although this seemed a formidable the next for many of the ships in the was a situation being overcome in the force, many of the ships were old, and force was to raise the siege of . north Atlantic by the use of land-based it was underpowered with aircraft. The ships proceeded through the Suez aircraft and carrier escorts, but it was Burrell also caught up with a colleague canal and joined other Australian and impossible to duplicate with the small from before the war, Harry Howden, British ships in the Mediterranean. group of warships of which Norman now in command of the cruiser Hobart, Burrell rightly describes the project was a part. Instead Burrell and his and noted that Howden and officers as ‘ambitious’: the expedition was command hunted down spurious looked somewhat strained. Burrell did without aircraft carriers or battleships echoes and rescued three groups of not know of the tremendous enemy and were dependent on shore-based survivors from 20 merchant ships sunk assaults the cruiser had gone through; aircraft for support. The resultant in those three months. the loss of Perth under Hec Waller, and operation showed some signs of March 1943 saw Norman in for the battering the RN and RAN units success, particularly when the heavy a quick refit, and Burrell in hospital had taken as they beat a fighting retreat Italian warships expected from Taranto recuperating from a case of boils. south. were kept at bay by aircraft, but in the Earlier he had noted the ship’s company The strategic aim was to defend end determined air attacks turned members were falling victim to poor Ceylon, and careful manoeuvring by the Allied ships back to Alexandria. diet, heat and arduous conditions: even the fleet began. Battle was joined on 5 A depressing finale was a successful a simple injury like a gashed ankle took April 1942 with a Japanese air assault submarine assault on the cruiser two months to heal. Back at sea a man on Colombo. The Allied fleet was split Hermione. The Australian destroyer was lost overboard, and later, another into two flotillas, with two cruisers Nestor was also sunk by a direct killed when the ship was in dry dock detached. But Dorsetshire and Cornwall bomb hit while close to Norman. In temporarily at Cape Town. Burrell were soon attacked and quickly hindsight Burrell concluded that the received the ‘displeasure of My Lords Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 50 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 51

Commissioners of the Admiralty’ for not having enclosed the ship before pumping of the dock commenced, although he later noted that such a procedure had not been used in that dock for some years.20 At the end of the year he was posted back to Australia and arrived at Geraldton. In Norman he had steamed 124, 000 miles. Back in Australia Burrell spent time in hospital, both in WA and in Sydney, recovering from what he later described as a combination of stress, bad diet and exhaustion. His next appointment was as Director of Plans in Melbourne. Some aspects of the new job entailed catching up with war operations that for reasons of security he had not known about in more than sketchy detail: the sinking of Perth, for Burrell on flight example, and the campaign by Japanese board would be skilled in this vital Bataan took part in surrender deck (Courtesy submarines off the east Australian defence measure. The ship carried 260 ceremonies held in Tokyo Bay, Fayne Mench) coast. On 21 April, 1944, Burrell’s men, and boasted the latest technology: although Burrell thought that the personal life took a turn for the better: improved radar; proximity shells for legitimacy of the ship’s presence there he married Ada Theresa Weller after anti-aircraft defence, and six 4.7’’guns; was somewhat doubtful given her a three-week courtship. His new wife depth-charge throwers; torpedoes and inexperience. Following the ceremonies was a woman of resource. At the age of a 36-knot turn of speed. there was much to be done with 15 she had run away from home, and Tests and trials completed, the prisoner repatriation and Bataan some years later had ended up working new ship deployed with Commodore embarked hundreds of them from on the mica fields of WA and the NT.21 Collins aboard, who had been various areas, transporting the POWs The new job, although onerous, recovering from the wounds brought to ships returning home. Many of the did not last long. Burrell’s reports about by an attack some months earlier prisoners were in very poor physical noted that he was ‘A most zealous, on HMAS Australia. Work began condition, as were Japanese people able and painstaking officer’ but given with the American fleet rehearsing a Burrell saw on his trips ashore. One of his experience, needed at sea. Burrell massive amphibious assault. This was the shore excursions included a run up was appointed to command another perhaps for the final massive attack on Tokyo River, with the sailors embarking destroyer, the new Bataan, then Japan, but the atomic bombs precluded on a frenzy of bartering - mainly with finalising construction at Cockatoo the necessity, and on 15 August peace cigarettes - with the locals ashore. The Island in Sydney. In February 194522 was declared. Burrell later recorded remaining cigarettes in the ship’s store his first daughter Fayne was launched that he thought the atomic bombs were soon stolen. Burrell announced upon the world, and four months later completely justified in stopping the replacement stocks would not be made, the destroyer commissioned. German and Japanese attempt at world but if the cigarettes were returned, the The deployment of the new ship domination: theft would not be investigated further. to the Pacific War meant the ship’s …we were entitled, if not bound, The missing items were soon returned. company would be working closely to thwart such aims…In the short Burrell was commended for his with the Americans. New signals term, at the cost of many Japanese work by Admiral Halsey of the Third and procedures had to be learnt in a lives, it stopped the war and saved American fleet. The famous Admiral Qualities of hurry. Revised techniques in damage millions of lives on both sides, commented: Leadership control also had to be acquired, with probably including my own.23 He skilfully and diligently executed the decision made that every man on the various duties assigned him. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 51 12/12/10 11:04 PM 52 Studies in Trait Leadership - Strategic Visionary Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, Kbe, cb, ran

His initiative and devotion to duty DC-3 aircraft he was informed of his Burrell was appointed Assistant assisted materially in the prompt new position: Deputy Chief of Naval Defence Representative on the staff liberation and in many cases the Staff, based in Melbourne. of the Australian High Commission. saving of lives of Allied Prisoners The beginning and composition His main task was to interpret defence of War and was in keeping with of the new Fleet Air Arm was of matters for Australian audiences. It the highest traditions of the United immediate concern, and Burrell, was a liaison task of two years which States Naval Service.24 although describing himself at first as Burrell later said he found ‘not very an ‘interested spectator’25 was soon satisfying’,26 but it was important On 18 November 1945 Bataan in the thick of it as a member of the work in a time of re-organisation of sailed for home. Upon arrival in Joint Planning Committee. Other the RAN’s fleet. In the meantime, Melbourne the ship’s company took matters concerned the formation of the Burrell children had gone to leave, and then the ship was sent on an electrical branch; the construction school, and his wife had turned her a somewhat different mission. The of two new large destroyers, Tobruk small business into a larger and more federal government at the time was and Anzac; the re-commissioning profitable enterprise. seeking to raise public money, and as of Australia, and the decision by the A surprise appointment at sea an incentive, offered some hours at Australian Government to appoint followed, with Burrell commanding sea on a warship to any members of an RAN officer – John Collins – to be the HMAS Vengeance, the public contributing within a set Chief of the Naval Staff. Meanwhile, which was to be sailed for Australian period. Consequently Bataan sailed back in Australia, a son, Stuart, was waters and used to maintain the two- from Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle and born on 21 March 1947. carrier fleet concept while HMAS Brisbane, embarking 3, 298 passengers On 3 October 1948 Burrell took Melbourne was being readied with a on these ‘joy rides’ out to sea and command of Australia, the Fleet modernisation program. The Burrell back again. Burrell’s final report as flagship. The vessel’s main role was family returned to Australia by ocean a Commander commented in most to act as a training ship, and as such liner, the mica factory now able to run positive terms on his efforts in the ship: she made many short voyages around without Mrs Burrell’s management. An officer of outstanding all round Australian ports. The Imperial Defence The carrier was readied for sea; the ability who has proved his worth College Staff Course followed in 1950, ship’s company trialling many concepts as a Commanding Officer…an with the Burrell family, complete with new to a Navy that had not operated excellent staff brain, quick and housekeeper ‘Bridie’ and husband, carriers before. Burrell noted new sound powers of appreciation took up residence in Sloane Square in ideas were quickly absorbed - one and a strong personality…he is London. However, Burrell’s wife saw a surprising aspect of a big ship being fitted in every way for higher rank possible commercial possibility for her the embarkation of some of the and is strongly recommended for small company’s products and when motor cars of the ship’s company. immediate promotion. she found a factory space some 20 She embarked in early 1953, on a miles out of London the family moved largely uneventful voyage, except for a Burrell was promoted to Captain and to a ‘stately home’ at Gerrards Cross, freighter coming too close for comfort placed in charge of the 10th Destroyer mid-way between the factory and the in the Mediterranean. The carrier’s first Flotilla. Return to Japan as part of the Defence College. In 1948 the family Australian port was Melbourne, where Occupation Force ensued. His vessels saw the arrival of daughterLynne. Burrell and his family also planned to were busy intercepting smuggling Burrell found the Staff Course take up residence. vessels, with the attendant risk of invaluable, with lecturers including The embarkation of the carrier’s air imported health problems. His reports Prime Ministers, experienced warriors group followed, with Sea Furies and were excellent: the second last giving an of flag rank, a host of highly qualified Fireflies landing on from Jervis Bay. unusual unbroken string of eights. So academics and what today would be Practice for the pilots in landings and although busy carrying out operations, called ‘subject-matter experts’ of all takeoffs followed as the carrier and perhaps Burrell should not have been varieties. It included a lengthy tour of escorts moved north to Queensland surprised to receive a signal advising war-ravaged Europe, a depressing but waters. Soon the group had worked of his relief, and return to Melbourne. useful experience. up to attacking sea and land targets. Upon his arrival after a long journey by When the course was completed To the ship’s company’s surprise, the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 52 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 53

ship was not sent to the conflict taking not have the time, nor necessarily be including creating a new special duties place in Korea, but her three squadrons within range to cater for this need. The list of officers promoted from the disembarked and transferred to the decision also meant that the fitting of lower deck. At the same time he had to other RAN carrier, HMAS Sydney, an angled flightdeck to Sydney would incorporate, although he disliked the along with 200 officers and sailors. now not proceed. concept himself, changes in officers’ Vengeance took on three new Burrell posted ashore following executive status. It was widened, squadrons, and began working them this momentous announcement, causing Burrell to comment that one up instead. Ironically Sydney’s aircraft into a temporary position as Deputy day ‘…the captain of a ship will be a attacked their old ship a little later in Chief of the Naval Staff, and then non-executive officer with a staff of exercise as she proceeded north to the as Flag Officer Commanding HMA technical advisers to counsel him on war. Fleet. On 23 February 1955 Burrell how best to command and fight his Burrell enjoyed his time on the hoisted his flag in HMAS Lonsdale, ship!’28 carrier, and made a determined effort a shore establishment in Melbourne. The changes were not all successful. to know the large number of people Protocol calls followed: to the The two Officer Lists were unpopular on board. He encouraged fishing Governor General, then Field Marshall with some: Commander Dacre Smyth, expeditions and competitions and Sir William Slim, where Burrell was RAN, found himself on the ‘Dry’ List, organised through his wife prizes of invested with the CBE ‘for thirty-seven ‘…which meant that I was destined for beer tankards for the winners. His years of undiscovered crime’,27 as he put ever after to be limited to shore-jobs. reports were excellent, but through it; then the Governors of various capital Years later the Naval Board fortunately his account of this command runs a cities, along with the chief identities of rescinded the evil scheme (initiated thread of frustration, for this time of the local communities. by Admiral Henry Burrell, curse him) Australia’s Navy operating two effective Although Burrell had now reached and I was eventually able to get back to aircraft carriers was to be short-lived. a mighty peak in any naval officer’s s e a …’ 29 In Burrell’s mind there was only one career, he recorded later that he found Although the appointment was reason for the erosion of this force: his position somewhat dull, as he was controversial and involved hard work, politicians who could not, or would removed far from direct command it did have the advantage of being not, understand the need for this naval of a ship or people. To make matters based in Melbourne, which meant structure. somewhat worse, Vengeance was some enjoyment of family life. The Before the axe fell, the Royal Visit returned to the RN, thus bringing appointment was extended in January to Australia in 1954 occurred, with home the fact that Sydney, with her 1957, with Burrell being made Second Burrell and Vengeance heavily involved. straight flight deck, was to become a Naval Member with the task of However, this happy event was then liability of a sort. establishing the new officer structure. followed by an announcement from Burrell’s new job was one of This was also a time of change in the the Minister for Defence in April that managing policy, interspersed with Navy’s geographical placement: the protection for ships at sea within the formalities such as a fleet visit to New move to Canberra was begun and range of land-based aircraft was to be Zealand, where his arrival at functions implemented slowly over a number of assigned to the RAAF. The effective in a helicopter was a major talking years. Amongst other responsibilities outcome meant that in the political point. He worked hard in the role until Burrell oversaw the reintroduction of view, fewer aircraft at sea were needed, mid-1956, being confirmed in rank as the RAN Nursing Service; the overhaul and therefore the requirement for two a Rear Admiral along the way, and then of the officers’ promotion scheme, and carriers was to be halved. posted into a position in Navy Office in general had oversight of courts- As Burrell points out in his where he was to review the structure of martial, and the personnel situation as autobiography, this was a strange and the officer corps. a whole. illogical move. In a threat situation, Burrell’s subsequent research and On 7 January 1958 Burrell took aircraft were needed permanently over consequent decisions were to be felt command of the Fleet. This meant the top of a group of ships (a concept throughout the entire Navy. In brief, moving on board Melbourne, and known as a Combat Air Patrol) and he divided officers into ‘Wet’ and ‘Dry’ also a marked advancement in carrier Qualities of this was not possible with shore-based Lists; streamlined and broadened the operations in Burrell’s experience. An Leadership aircraft which would be ‘called up’ organisation of the officer branches, angled flight deck, a new generation of as necessary. RAAF fighters would and made a host of smaller changes, aircraft, and for the first time an RAN Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 53 12/12/10 11:04 PM 54 Studies in Trait Leadership - Strategic Visionary Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, Kbe, cb, ran

officer, Commodore George Oldham, a small brick veneer cottage. The new embracing a technological future. as Fourth Naval Member – the house was far too small. Vice Admiral However, this success was countered Member for Air. Burrell noted it meant Sir , who had preceded by a Cabinet decision in late 1959 that the RAN was growing up, by shedding Burrell as Chief of the Naval Staff, the Fleet Air Arm was to be abolished. some of its RN members necessarily and was now Chairman of the Chief Burrell, waiting outside the Cabinet dictated from the first days of the RAN. of Staff Committee, had also been office, in case his advice was needed The carrier and her escorts proceeded moved into an identical house. He on a short-term futures paper for the to Hobart, Fremantle and Singapore walked out of his in disgust for private Navy, was told the decision by his on exercises and visits, culminating in accommodation ‘ashore’. The Burrell Minister in so many words. South East Asian Treaty Organisation family took his house instead, for at This was a serious blow, to say the (SEATO) evolutions with the navies least it had an acre of land surrounding least. Burrell considered resignation of five countries taking part. Visits it. A Member of Parliament, Senator in protest, but then dismissed the idea to the Philippines, Japan and Hawaii Kendall, later commented upon the as being a ‘twenty-four-hour wonder’ followed, and at Pearl Harbor during matter in Parliament, describing the which would not achieve much. exercises Burrell was given operational house as ‘a fibro house of about ten He did not concede overall defeat, command of both USN and RAN squares’ in a ‘sea of mud’. A response but nevertheless the forthcoming ships: proof that, as with Collins and from the appropriate Government implementation in 1963 hung over Farncomb, an Australian admiral member blamed the allocation of the the Navy like the sword of Damocles. was judged to be as competent as the accommodation to the Department Burrell moved into countering the admirals of larger nations and navies. of Defence and the amount of rent possibility in a positive way. He pointed However, Burrell noted that the social Burrell’s predecessors were prepared out that dismissal of the Fleet Air Arm calls he was obliged to pay took up the to pay. Burrell and family soon moved would mean that the Navy would have majority of the time, with his report on out into a purchased residence, but of to embrace Surface to Air Missiles as such functions taking up eight pages. course the house was not an official a means of defence when out of range He was able to find the time however, Admiralty House, and so, as Burrell of the supposed RAAF air support. to make a visit to the world’s first noted: ‘…the visible signs of an admiral At the same time he worked hard to nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus. in Canberra disappeared’.30 build support for the realisation that En route to Suva with the RAN fleet However, Burrell had heavier airpower at sea was now a necessity. Burrell received a signal informing him matters on his mind. His working time This was very much the lesson of the that he was to be the next Chief of the was constrained with many meetings, loss of Prince of Wales and Repulse in Naval Staff. He recorded later that he unexpected briefings; a Minister who WWII. was stunned by this advice: feeling at kept at first in too close contact, and a At the same time other challenges 54 years of age he was too young, and fleet that was small; ageing rapidly and had to be met. Anti-submarine moreover that he lacked administrative not strategically useful. For example, helicopters were offering potential for experience ashore. Nevertheless, it it had no mine warfare capacity; three anti-submarine warfare, and much would mean more time for his family. RN submarines which were mainly thought and research was needed into For his wife, who had opened a new used to exercise against in anti- this acquisition. Mine warfare vessels factory for her mica enterprise in submarine warfare, and a Fleet Air had to be investigated. A dedicated Melbourne, it would mean she could Arm approaching obsolescence. hydrographic purpose-built ship was stay in contact with the business. Burrell was equal to the task. very much a Burrell proposal. And Towed ashore on a jeep at the end of He ordered a strategic review both a choice of submarines was pending the command, Burrell nevertheless was anticipating the needs of the next too, and so Burrell travelled to Britain in for a surprise. three years and also the next 20. and was instrumental in the decision The dithering over government An enlargement of the scientific to acquire the Oberon class, a very departments’ move to Canberra was studies area was made leading to quiet, efficient hunter-killer submarine finally being resolved. Burrell soon the development of the Ikara anti- of diesel-electric propulsion. Built in learnt to his dismay that he would be submarine weapon. This technology Britain, the RAN eventually acquired moving there too, and for further upset was significant for pushing Australia six, and they served the Navy very the family would be accommodated in into the group of navies that were well for over 30 years before their Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 54 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 55

replacement by the Collins class. aircraft? Although, as he outlines in 1962. After a final round of visits, his 44 Incidentally, before travelling overseas his autobiography, Burrell continued years in the Navy had come to an end. Burrell had been instructed by his to press for the retention of the The newspaper reports of this event political masters not to raise the concept as originally devised, there paid tribute to his insight at the helm. subject of a replacement aircraft carrier was much bitter political infighting The choice of words such as ‘architect’ in any way, and so when in America he as the debate continued. Some of and ‘foundations’ are significant: was slightly embarrassed by an offer Burrell’s detractors thought he did not ‘Missile Age ‘Navy architect’ retires’, from Admiral Arleigh Burke of an do enough. For example, ‘According was one headline, going on to note that Essex class carrier for the RAN. to one of his staff officers, during the ‘The man who laid the foundations The American visit was an latter part of his time as CNS, Burrell of Australia’s ‘missile age’ Navy… opportunity to inspect a warship type had refused to look at any staff paper will retire this week.35 The Defence that could carry Surface-to-Air-Missile that recommended the retention of any Minister, Athol Townley, noted systems. This was the Charles F. Adams fixed-wing capability for the RAN’.33 Burrell’s ‘…important and far-reaching destroyer, and Burrell was impressed However, this does not sit well with decisions…and outstanding service.’36 by both the platform and the Tartar his vehement support for the entire USN Admiral Arleigh Burke wrote missile it carried, with a performance concept of naval aviation that he privately to him, and noted: twice that of the British alternative of himself professes. In your case, particularly, you Sea Slug coupled with the County class. Burrell’s third year as CNS brought should have no qualms as to the Back in Australia Burrell was no lessening of the pace. New ships tremendous and far-reaching formerly knighted on 8 August 1960, were launched and commissioned improvements you have made having been awarded the distinction – one by Burrell’s wife - and the to the Royal Australian Navy. It in the New Year’s Honours List.31 An RAN celebrated its 50th anniversary. should give you a sense of great alternative to the disbanding of the Helicopters arrived, and work began achievement as you watch the Fleet Air Arm suggested itself, and on the first two of the new destroyers increasing importance in which the so a proposal to keep Melbourne as in America, and on the first two Navy is held in your country.37 a dedicated ASW/Commando-style submarines in Britain. Building also carrier was developed. At the same began on the new Defence building His civilian workers in the Navy noted: time six Ton class mine warfare vessels complex at Russell in Canberra, and ‘We congratulate you on the great were proposed, the fleet tanker Supply Navy Office was formally transferred progress that has been made during was to be commissioned, and the there from Melbourne. your term in office…we thank you for Charles F. Adams class acquisition Burrell’s strategic vision was taking your generous attitude to all. This has was put forward. Burrell anticipated shape. It is a testimony to his long-term always made it easy for us to work with the attendant difficulties: terminology thinking that Australia’s naval defence you and your officers as a team.’38 differences; a range of new systems, of the decades to come were able to From a distance, Burrell was able and even different threads on metal be formed on the solid rock that he to watch with satisfaction his projects screws would have to be dealt with. envisaged. He was tireless in pushing come to fruition and other people’s At the November 1960 meeting of the cause. At a Country Women’s disastrous proposals run satisfactorily Cabinet all of the proposals were Association annual conference in onto metaphorical rocks. TheCharles accepted, albeit with Air Force that year he even expounded to that F. Adams class became three ships resistance. Burrell’s elation at this audience the need for Australia to have instead of two; helicopters arrived in success was topped off for the year by a strong Navy: ‘…we will need a Navy force, and the submarine arm of the his address to the Passing Out Parade as long as Australia remains an island - Navy began its life anew for the fourth of the RAN College, now re-located and the best place to fight, if unhappily time. Melbourne survived as a fixed back in Jervis Bay after 27 years at that should be required, is as far from wing carrier, for Douglas Skyhawks HMAS Cerberus.32 Australia as possible’.34 This sentiment and Grumman Trackers eventually The vexed question of the nature of was still being reflected even 40 years replaced her ageing aircraft and the the Fleet Air Arm hung in the balance. later in the Defence White Paper of proposed helicopter carrier did not Qualities of Would fixed-wing aviation continue; 2001. eventuate. The mine warfare fleet Leadership and if it did, would a different carrier Amidst all of these changes, Burrell’s arrived to provide its vital protection be necessary to cope with changes in retirement loomed at the beginning of against this potent weapon which Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 55 12/12/10 11:04 PM 56 Studies in Trait Leadership - Strategic Visionary Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, Kbe, cb, ran

could paralyze Australia’s harbours Burrell is perhaps lucky not to have continent of Australia, from where in wartime. Nevertheless, Burrell been present when the last of the three MacArthur would launch his fight continued to advocate for his vision of DDGs were paid off, thus removing back against the Japanese. To his a second attack carrier, a dream that even more protection from enemy air subordinates, it is undeniable that many strategists agreed with.39 assets. He died on 15 February 1988, Burrell did not have that equivalence Burrell turned much of his attention aged 85. of spirit and a burden shared that to his ‘family ship’ as he put it, and to His obituary, written by marked Howden and Waller, but he his farm outside Canberra. The mica Commodore Sam Bateman, did understand his juniors’ role and factories in Melbourne and Britain RAN, emphasised Burrell’s many exerted himself to manage it well. were running smoothly, and travel was achievements in the strategic field, but It is a measure of Burrell’s ability necessary to both of them occasionally. also noted that he was ‘renowned for to communicate that his vision of A racehorse syndicate was joined, his common touch and his interest in the Royal Australian Navy’s future and it even paid its own way. For 13 the well-being of his men’.42 was understood and implemented years life for the Burrells went well, In rating Burrell as an outstanding by those who followed him in his but in the late 1970s Burrell’s wife was RAN leader, what did others think strategic decisions as outlined above. diagnosed with cancer. This was treated of his abilities in the areas under Always looking and acting the part for some years and held at bay, but discussion? of a leader, Burrell is perhaps second finally claimed her in 1981. A further Burrell must be rated as one of the only to Creswell in terms of his effect tragedy saw an accident take the life of RAN’s foremost achievers, chiefly for on the Navy. In summary, almost an daughter Fayne’s husband, Lieutenant- his strategic vision and determination unassuming leader, but one who saw a Colonel Paul Mench of the RAR.40 to carry out his aims. In short, Burrell vision, and had the perseverance and Burrell himself had suffered heart brought the Australian Navy into the determination to carry it forward and attacks in 1978-79. At one stage he was capable and competent ships of the through to success. t given a year to live, and his wife was Charles F. Adams class of destroyers, told of this. The couple had a concrete initiated the Oberon class submarines, ramp installed to their back door to which served Australia so well for so avoid steps and consequent angina long, introduced helicopters into the attacks. For the rest of his days Burrell force, and saved Melbourne and fixed- lived with tablets to cope with this new wing aviation within the Navy. He situation. Other people were largely commanded his ships in WWII with unaware of this condition. For example, tactical excellence. However, perhaps a country walk with visitors would the field in which he showed the most involve frequent stops engineered by expertise was strategic vision, not only Burrell supposedly to talk and take in as outlined above, but also in his WWII the view, thus disguising the need for role of American-Australian liaison. frequent rest.41 An inspirational model to others Lieutenant Commander Tom Lewis Burrell watched with interest involved in the ‘big-picture’ issues of PhD, OAM, RAN has served in a variety the end of naval fixed-wing aviation envisaging where a Navy should be in of PNF and reserve roles within the in the RAN with eventual disposal decades to come, Burrell, like Creswell, Navy. He led US forces on deployment in of Melbourne. Despite his own can be held up to be a role model to Baghdad in 2006. submission to the relevant committee inspire others to take a long-term view at the time, and the problem being when making plans for defence forces. often revisited, this type of aircraft Burrell brought an empathetic carrier has not re-appeared in the quality to the fore in his American (Endnotes) Navy. Although modern helicopters liaison work, where he was able to 1 Burrell family scrapbook. Original certificate of Pension awarded to Thomas can carry out an enormous variety of tread a cautious line in the important Burrell. 6 June 1894. (Courtesy Fayne Qualities of tasks, including anti-ship attack not negotiations between the huge armed Mench) 2 Burrell, Vice Admiral Sir Henry. Leadership envisaged when they were introduced, forces the USA was building up, and Mermaids do Exist. Melbourne: MacMillan, they cannot provide a CAP over ships. the small, but strategically important 1986. (8) Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 56 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 57

3 Records and certificates of Henry 18 Lind, LD and MA Payne. N Class. RANC. Mackay Burrell. (Original copy in the NSW: The Naval Historical Society of 33 The Australian Naval Aviation possession of Fayne Mench) Australia, 1974. Museum. Flying Stations. NSW: Allen and 4 Mermaids do Exist. (13) 19 Burrell family scrapbook. Clipping Unwin, 1998. (153) 5 Royal Australian Navy. Personnel from unnamed newspaper. ‘New destroyer 34 Text of speech to the CWA Records. Record of Service Card for Henry in commission’. 23 July 1945. (Courtesy conference. (Original in the possession of Burrell. Fayne Mench) Fayne Mench.) 6 Royal Australian Navy. Personal 20 Burrell later noted on his promotion 35 The Canberra Times. ‘Navy Chief Reports of Henry Mackay Burrell, Navy to Captain that he thought this was due leaves the Helm’. 21 February 1962. Records, Canberra. to his overall performance in Norman; (Original in the possession of Fayne Mench.) 7 Mermaids do Exist. (44) however, his Confidential Report and 36 Minister for Defence. Letter from 8 Royal Australian Navy. Personal ‘flimsy’ from the supersession were Athol Townley. 22 February 1962 (Original Reports of Henry Mackay Burrell, Navy both lost at sea. (See p. 178 of Burrell’s in the possession of Fayne Mench.) Records, Canberra. autobiography.) 37 Burke, Arleigh, Admiral, USN. 9 Burrell, Sam. Email of March 2003. 21 Details extracted from papers held by Letter to Admiral Burrell. 5 February 1962. 10 Mermaids do Exist. (168) daughter Fayne Mench. (Original in the possession of Fayne Mench.) 11 Bateman, Commodore Sam, RAN. 22 Emails and letters from Fayne Mench 38 Department of the Navy. Letter from Obituary of Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, (nee Burrell) to the author, 2002. the Secretary. 28 February 1962 (Original KBE, CB, RAN (Rtd.) Courtesy Dr Sam 23 Mermaids do Exist. (169) copy in the possession of Fayne Mench.) Bateman, 2002. 24 Halsey, Admiral WF. Commander 39 For example, in ‘Destroyers lack 12 Mermaids do Exist. (69) Third Fleet, United States Pacific Fleet. Counterpunch, Admiral claims’. (Newspaper 13 Mermaids do Exist. (94) Commendation to Commander Burrell, clipping dated ‘14/9/64’ in the possession of 14 Naval Office. New Zealand. Letter undated. (Courtesy Fayne Mench) Fayne Mench.) to Secretary of the RAN. 30 May, 1941. 25 Mermaids do Exist. (184) 40 Bateman, Dr Sam. Commodore, (Courtesy Fayne Mench) 26 Mermaids do Exist. (199) RAN (Rtd.) Communication with the 15 Mermaids do Exist. (109) 27 Mermaids do Exist. (217) author. April 2003. 16 McRorie, Ken. Petty Officer 28 Mermaids do Exist. (225) 41 Mench, Fayne. Conversations. Communicator. RAN 1939-1953. 29 Smyth, Dacre. Pictures in my Life. Canberra. 18 September 2002. Conversation at the Australian National Self-published, 1994. 42 Bateman, Commodore Sam, RAN. Maritime Museum. 30 November 2002. 30 Mermaids do Exist. (239) Obituary of Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, 17 Burrell family scrapbook. 31 Royal Australian Navy. Personnel KBE, CB, RAN (Retd.) Courtesy Dr Sam ‘Australian-manned British Destroyer Records. Record of Service Card for Henry Bateman, 2002. Scores ‘kill’ on Its First Voyage’. Date penned Burrell. in as ‘Middle Nov 1941’. (Courtesy Fayne 32 Royal Australian Naval College. Mench) Yearbook. 1962. Historical Collection,

21 Third Avenue, Technology Park SA 5095 • t 08 8343 3800 • f 8343 3778 • www.saabsystems.com.au

Saab Systems’ state of the art technology is making informed decisions enabling you to constantly evolve to meet changing needs and challenges.

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 57 12/12/10 11:04 PM 58 Royal Navy No Longer?

BY VICE ADMIRAL JOHN MCANALLY RN, (RTD)

- a retired admiral speaks out approximately to halve the Navy “we require an independent ability considered necessary by the 1998 to defend the Overseas Territories What do I think about the outcome Strategic Defence Review despite a militarily” of the Strategic Defence and Security world of growing maritime significance “an enduring presence within priority review? and danger not least to our energy regions of the world” supplies. “the ability to command UK and allied wanted to report to Shipmates naval forces at up to Task Force level” earlier. Trafalgar dinners followed turning to some elements of the “.....ensure continuous carrier strike Iby presiding over the International review itself. capability” Maritime Confederation left me short “we will still punch above our weight- of time. It also seemed worth reading To use a metaphor devised by Professor we have no less ambition” (PM 19 Oct others’ immediate reflections and Paul Cornish, ‘Affordability should 10) taking time to simmer down. But have been the cart and Strategy the “we will retain the ability to act horse’. It looks like it was the other way the more I think about it the more separately when national interests round and conducted far too hastily wound up I get. Not least by the way to boot - half the time spent in 1998 require it” (SofS for Defence Today in which the late decision to scrap the with twice the remit given that Security Programme 2 Nov 10) Fleet Flagship Ark Royal was leaked was added to Defence. Even the just “This is no time to be sea blind .. overnight before the Captain could departed Permanent Under Secretary “(Liam Fox on numerous occasions in and Chief of Defence Staff who tell his horrified Ship’s Company - an opposition) presided over the Review have in their outrage for which a public apology is internal letter to MoD staff admitted merited. So are the short answers to that the result has left a programme All seem hollow. Leaving aside the my question to agree with American which will be incoherent for at least 10 reduction to 19 destroyers and frigates comment: a punch in the gut for the years. (13 below that deemed necessary in Royal Navy and UK Defence is in the quieter world of 1998) which will dreamland? Read on. how incoherent? render us incapable of meeting current Let’s look at a few recent declarations mandated tasks and further risk vital let’s consider the Strategic context. in the White Paper (Cm 7948), in the maritime trade and energy supplies AV-8B II Harrier The main effort of UK Defence is National Security Strategy and by the together with more than halving the during landing and locked into a campaign in Afghanistan Prime Minister and Ministers: only world class amphibious force take off practice which we re-entered under false pretences in 2006 and from which the Governments of both the UK and the USA evidently wish to withdraw as soon as possible. Meanwhile ours is determined to avoid being accused like its predecessor of underfunding this very costly war. But it continues the innovation started by Labour and which the Tories condemned in opposition, of drawing a very great chunk from the existing Defence Budget at the expense of all other operations and of future capability. The Coalition has thereby institutionalised preparing for the last war. I am indebted to Sir Jeremy Blackham for pointing out that we now plan Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 58 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 59

outside the USN just recently painfully the constant presence of two warships acquired and paid for, let us look at and the occasional unadvertised Carrier Strike in more detail. appearance of a nuclear submarine. It is It is amazing that these vessels have true that the Argentine Armed Forces become so totemic and occupied more have declined more than our own but than 90% of the debate despite being the enemy always has a vote and the able to contribute less than 1% of the UK has a long tradition of being caught savings demanded. On the other hand with its pants down at the opening of a they and the nuclear deterrent are conflict. iconic symbols of national power and Another horrible truth is that the true keystone of whether or not without Carrier Strike including the UK remains a serious player on the fighters and a Brigade level world stage which is why it was right Amphibious force we have no prospect to sign a binding contract for them and of responding to a coup de main which thereby to ensure national capability to takes over Mount Pleasant airfield build warships. other than by a submarine blockade or The essentiality of large aircraft attack on mainland Argentina – neither carriers is clearly recognised by India, likely to be viable political options. China and Russia all of whom are in For the next 10 years at least there is a no doubt of their need for them. It is window of opportunity for Argentina Charles de Gaulle also noteworthy that US Secretary of to inflict on us a national humiliation Scrapping the harrier carrier (Public domain) State Hilary Clinton singled out British on the scale of Singapore in WW2 Perhaps the most inexplicable and least Aircraft Carriers as a capability they and one from which we might never defensible decision is scrapping Harrier wanted us to retain. Not surprising recover. in favour of Tornado. In Afghanistan: when the USN inventory is down to • which of these aircraft 10 carriers against rising maritime the treaty with france can take off and land from dangers and competition. The Carrier co-operation element of Kandahar runway if half of it the treaty with France while good in is blocked? Land forces are, in the words of a itself needs far more exploration since • which responds in 30 minutes retired General of my acquaintance, it is quite unlikely to achieve the stated and which in less than 10? horribly vulnerable to air attack. objective of ensuring continuous carrier • which performs better in hot The horrible truth for him and other strike capability. Do we know that: weather and requires fewer Generals is that until Carrier Strike • Charles De Gaulle will be able ground crew? capability including fighters is restored to launch and recover our new More widely: the British Army cannot safely deploy Joint Strike Fighters when we • which can deliver from outside the UK or Germany without eventually get them? Carriers close air support of the support of a foreign country either • They will demand much more ground forces, interdiction of to provide access, basing and over- than France’s Rafale and Super surface units with Maverick flight for the RAF or air capability from Etendard? missiles, rockets and smart that supporting nation’s own armed • Or that either nation’s carriers bombs? forces. So much for an independent would be able to supply the • deploy Storm Shadow with a ability to defend Overseas Territories. other’s aircraft with weapons little extra investment? to carry out military missions? • has nearly twice as many falklands Strategy Just achieving a common and airframes provided with Our current strategy for the compatible weapons inventory would precision guided ground increasingly valuable and contested be far more expensive than the more attack capability? Falkland Islands is to rely on our effective solution of running both our • which will require a further in place garrison of four Typhoons new Carriers. £1.4B to re-engine it in 2014? (£200M apiece and more costly than • which can remain in service a Type 23 frigate), a company group, until 2023 without any Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 59 12/12/10 11:04 PM 60 Royal Navy No Longer?

significant investment? Afghanistan will be seen as something • Finally which will cost seven to avoid rather than an overwhelming times as much to keep as the priority. other? Shipmates might be tempted to In every case the advantage lies with believe the Naval Staff in MoD have the Harrier yet Tornado has been done a poor job - shades of the earlier chosen. I urge all RNA members and planned loss of Carriers in 1966. For everyone who reads this article to sign the record that is not my view. I have the petition at http://www.ipetitions. been privileged to know as much com/petition/primeminister/ about what has been going on as my retired status allows and I believe it the fiscal Deficit was much worse at earlier stages and It is said that these risky reductions could have ended up that way. The are essential to the vital elimination Naval Staff have a strong intellectual of our fiscal deficit. Yet just before the case. It should be given more attention. SDSR announcement several billion This is an episode; there is plenty more extra pounds were allocated to an to come and our serving Shipmates extension of education to two year olds need and deserve our support and and the Coalition also decided on a encouragement if the best result for our vast expansion of DfiD’s budget. Both nation is to be achieved. Such a result seem of dubious value at least I would should include: have thought to most Tory supporters. • Carrier Strike capability to be An AV-8-B Harrier Indeed a case could be made that we regained as soon as possible assigned to the are subsidising India’s new Carrier on the basis of at least one RN Sea Elks of Marine and Pakistan’s nuclear weapons at Carrier fully operational at all Medium Helicopter Squadron166 the expense of our own. Defence is times. takes off from planned to get only about 5% of total • Rescinding the inexplicable the amphibious Government spending which is still decision to retire the Harrier transport dock ship rising. Clearly political choices have in favour of the Tornado. USS Cleveland been made and Defence cannot be said • Recovering a Brigade level to have the priority so often stated and amphibious capability the Maritime element of it least of all. including one LPH We will for at least the next 10 years continuously at high readiness apart from nuclear submarines slide (R2). below France, Italy, Spain, India and • Speedy fulfilment of the Japan’s maritime capability. pledge to develop a new programme of less expensive Work in Progress modern frigates. It is important to realise that the SDSR outcome announced on 19 October is a work in progress not a single event. It is as underfunded as its 1998 predecessor and that is before many of its decisions have been costed. No one yet knows where the 5, 000 Naval and Royal Marine manpower reduction is to come from. There is much discussion to be had over implementation, on how to reach the desired 2020 state and in the next Review due in 2015 in which Vice admiral John Mcanally Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 60 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 61 Seagoing Allowance needs to be Reviewed BY ‘AGINCOURT’

review of past Headmark editions As Sub-Lieutenant Matthew Norris Completed 3 but less than 6 years – $17,061.00 shows myriad articles that attempt pointed out in his article ‘Personnel Completed 6 but less than 11 years – $23,033.00 toA address manning and retention Retention in the RAN’ (Issue 133 Sept Completed 11 or more years – $26,486.00 shortfalls. Alternative rank structures, 09), serving in the Navy invariably If we revisit the reasoning as to why seagoing allowance is paid flexible leadership qualities, greater means time away from home and (points A-D) it becomes readily apparent that there might be egalitarianism - even the impact of family, however the award of seagoing inequality in the payment of the award and at times lack of climate change. All presented as utopian allowance rightly aims to provide a justification. solutions to the broader societal malaise financial counter balance. I propose this payment be better aligned so as to actually impacting our present and future Retention proposals to improve ship- compensate those that are experiencing the uncomfortable workforce. borne conditions, particularly those conditions at sea, the excessive hours, reduced access to Amongst all this you may have technological initiatives espoused in leisure facilities and separation from home. These conditions noted regular comparisons with civilian the 22 July 2010 edition of are experienced holistically only by Sea Training Group employer conditions. Sometime such as enhanced email, internet and personnel who experience greater than 100 sea days per year positive, occasionally negative judgment telecommunications access – alongside – and the officers and sailors employed in a seagoing ship of Defence employment conditions modern habitability improvements ‘away from home port’. when compared with civilian peers. (all at great expense to Defence) have Using the same 2008-10 data the average ‘away from home However there seems to be at times failed to instigate a review of the above port’ per ship was 155 days per year. This suggests a daily pay an admirable desire to continually award. When we also consider Rental rate might be applied as follows: improve conditions without assessing or Assistance, Reunion Travel, Minimum Completed less than 3 years – $71.74 per day identifying productivity improvement Duty Watch Manning, mandated Completed 3 but less than 6 years – $110.07 per day or offset - aside from an ill-defined Operational and Personnel tempo Completed 6 but less than 11 years – $148.60 per day impact upon recruiting and retention. business rules – surely the award Completed 11 or more years – $170.88 per day I say ill-defined because the evolving conditions are diluted? I am not suggesting that there should be a reduction in the 21st century RAN workforce has indeed Australian Fleet General Orders allowance – for there are larger incentive and retention issues become diverse as to have both positive Chapter 2 defines a sea day as any at play alongside an obvious risk to my future well-being and and negative impacts contained within cumulative period during the course of health! However, surely it rests on the RAN in a strategic each admirable initiative. a calendar day of eight hours or more at reform environment striving to retain and recruit personnel – Therefore I thought it timely to sea either underway or at anchor. While that the very award aimed at compensating seagoing hardship generate discussion toward the apparent a home port day is when a majority of does what is intended? imbalance in award of seagoing the ship’s company is granted normal Continuing to reward those who do not meet the basic allowance. Properly managed, I believe a local overnight leave in their home port conditions opens us at the very least to accusations of review of how this allowance is paid has and the ship has not been at sea for inequality and at worst ethical fraud. the potential to address workplace – in more than eight hours that same day. I propose that paying personnel a daily rate (properly particular seagoing – satisfaction, while Seagoing allowance is paid to salary calculated) so as to compensate them as the PACMAN at the same time contributing to the cost earners posted to a seagoing ship intends is in the best interest of both the Service and those conscious environment that lies at the (regardless of sea days) and to those individuals experiencing the hardship. To those that argue very heart of strategic reform. members of Sea Training Group liable the retention impetus of the allowance or suggesting that it is Seagoing Allowance according to to undertake at least 100 sea days a unfair to personnel when schedules are altered by machinery PACMAN Part 3 Chapter 4.3.2 Division year. Yet, in 2008 and 2009 there were defects or late notice program changes – I respectfully 11- is fiscal compensation for: five Major Combatants each year that counter that you are conveniently ignoring what the allowance A. Particularly uncomfortable did not conduct 100 days at sea with a is designed to compensate. conditions encountered in seagoing further six scheduled to again not meet Well intentioned suggestions often make comparison with ships; this level in 2010. The average across non-defence employment conditions – rightly so. However, B. Inability of members to use their the 17 platforms during this three year if we are going to do so, then let us also contemplate whether leisure time effectively period was 109 days per year. seagoing allowance is reflective of modern productivity and C. Exceptionally long hours worked; As of 12 Nov 09, seagoing allowance accountability award guidelines that are normal in the civilian and rates were: workplace environment. D. Almost complete lack of home Completed less than 3 years - contact $11,009.00 Perhaps it is time it was? t Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 61 12/12/10 11:04 PM 62 German Navy decommissions 60% of its submarines by Michael Nitz will be decommissioned. In their submarines could have at least another service life these submarines have been 10 years of useful service life in another n 30 August 2010 the German recognised for effectiveness nationally navy. Countries like Indonesia or others Navy operated all six remaining and internationally. The class 206A could be highly interested in acquiring Oclass 206A submarines during a final submarines belong to the smallest at least some of them to beef up their tour at sea for the very last time under armed submarines capable of operating submarine flotilla. their own power in the Eckernfoerde worldwide. Due to their small size The crews of the to be Bight on the Baltic Sea. they are especially capable to conduct decommissioned submarines will be Never in history this large number shallow water operations and can distributed to the four new class 212A of six German Navy class 206A operate submerged in water depths of submarines. submarines had operated together in only 20 meters. At the moment at Howaldtswerke one sea area. Before the budget cuts have been Deutsche Werft (HDW) shipyard in FGS U15, FGS U16, FGS U 17, announced the German Navy had Kiel two additional class 212A (second FGS U18, FGS U 23 and FGS U24 planned to decommission two class batch) submarines for the German conducted their final farewell tour 206A submarines during 2010, two Navy are under construction. FGS U35 to say goodbye to their homeport during 2012 and the final two in 2015. and FGS U36 are scheduled to join the Eckernfoerde Naval Base, the personal The final fate of the six German Navy in 2013. Nevertheless it and other ships and submarines of the submarines is uncertain. After the is hard for many observers to believe 1st Submarine Squadron. decommissioning they either will be that the German Navy in the future will After more than 35 years of sold to another navy; converted to have only six (class 212A) submarines successful service the 48 meter long museum boats or scrapped. But well in its inventory. t and 450 tons displacement submarines informed sources indicated that these

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 62 13/12/10 12:00 AM Issue 139 63

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 63 13/12/10 12:00 AM 64 Pavlova and Vindaloo: Natural Partners BY CAPTAIN

omething strange is occurring in our neighbourhood. For over 100S years, the dominant local power in Asia has, for good or for bad, been led by an authoritarian government. But change is afoot. Incredible India, a vibrant democratic state, espousing the principles of pluralism, freedom of speech and the rule of law, is turning the age old notion of authoritarianism and uni-polarity on its head. Clearly, this is good news for Australia. But it’s only good news if we are prepared to invest the resources into nurturing Indo-Australian strategic relations. Something we have historically been reticent to commit to. This paper aims to tease out some of the more subtle geo-political movements which are taking place A member of the in the Asian theatre. In broad terms, Historically, our distance from Mother own backyard, Japanese imperial rule Indian Navy boards India’s rise as a global player challenges England and the vast expanses of ocean eventually manifested itself in uber- the amphibious the traditional concept that has to Australia’s east and west were viewed nationalism and military adventurism. command ship USS Blue Ridge as he seen, for the past century, the Asian as a ‘curse’, giving rise to a phenomenon After WWII, the pace of economic conducts a visit, region under the influence of a lone of strategic loneliness in the Antipodes. and strategic change was both board, search and non-democratic hegemon (Japan pre We never truly understood that instead unexpected and unprecedented. seizure drill during WWII, the Soviet Union post WWII, of the ocean acting as an invasion But one thing did not change – that Exercise Malabar China 1990-present). This is not to route, the bodies of water surrounding of regional hegemony, and in the 2009 (Courtesy US Navy) deny the quintessential ‘balancing’ us could act as a bridgehead. Asian theatre, an autocratic Japan role played by Britain and the US To be fair, when it came to was usurped by a Stalinist USSR. throughout the 20th Century. But identifying a threat, Australia was For the next 45 years, Asia, and its the point is, these actors were extra- indiscriminate. During the first surrounding waters were under the regional powers. hundred years of settlement, we feared influence of Soviet maritime reach. Coupled with India’s rise, we are invasion from the French, Germans, As a counter and by way of ‘balancing’ witnessing the slow decay of states and Indonesians.2 The turn of a new and ‘containing’ Soviet irredentism, that buttress the Indian Ocean – many century did not bring any noticeable America reacted by establishing a of these states are slowly descending change to Australian paranoia. strong naval presence in the region. into the morass of anarchy.1 On the Indeed, the Great War only served Fast forward to 1991. For sure back of this spectacle Canberra’s and to accentuate our anxieties. After the no one could have predicted the New Delhi’s strategic trajectories will Versailles Treaty, the enduring thought tumultuous events which would lead progressively intersect. of war was displaced by a deep-seated to the fall of the Soviet Empire – but conviction and universal hope that fall the Soviets did. Again, history History in the Making global peace would prevail. Buoyed was to repeat itself, and as one Asian by that conviction, many countries power fell another emerged. Inspired We Australians are a suspicious opted to de-militarize and disengage. by Deng’s Four Modernisations and lot. And this suspicion dates back Some countries, however, elected to fuelled by a free market economy, to the earliest days of colonisation. pursue a more military path. In our Communist China stepped up to the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 64 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 65

plate to fill the strategic vacuum in India and China may appear of little The Indian Ocean – Asia’s Asia. consequence, when this figure is new Silk Route Throughout the ages, Australian extrapolated out to cover 1.1 billion security anxieties crossed political, people then the changes and benefits The Indian Ocean is different to any economic, cultural and ideological are immense. other large body of water. Unlike boundaries. Notwithstanding the Economically, India is projected its Pacific and Atlantic cousins eclectic nature of countries which to be the third largest in absolute which stretch from the South to the we viewed as a threat, each was terms by 2050 (Diagram 3). And North Pole and are geographically defined by one common trait – an with a standing army of 1.3 million unconstrained, the Indian Ocean is absence of liberal democracy. On this men (and another 1.3 million in the hemmed in by the mighty Himalayan point, there is substantial literature paramilitary), an indigenous nuclear mountain range, the Indian that suggests that relations between submarine undergoing sea trials, three subcontinent and the wider Asian land democratic and non-democratic aircraft carriers in various stages of mass. These topographical features countries will invariably be strained build and underpinned by a credible give rise to a unique weather pattern and certainly never reach the heights nuclear deterrent which includes a resulting in rhythmic winds blowing of those between like minded (and nuclear SLBM (codenamed Sangrika), across the Indian Ocean. When finally governed) states.3 Commonly referred New Delhi can rightly claim its place the secrets of the monsoonal wind to as Democratic Peace Theory as an Asian super-power. More to the were unraveled by the Greek navigator (DPT), the argument runs along the point, the Indian Navy will be a potent Hippalos in the first century AD, following lines: ‘the apparent absence maritime force capable of blue water the gulf between Europe, Asia and of war between liberal states, whether projection and ‘sea control in selected Australia was suddenly narrowed. adjacent or not for almost 200 years areas of the Indian Ocean’. Nowadays, strategic wisdom 4 has significance.’ States that abide by Diagram 1: Population India & China dictates that distance no longer the principles of liberal democracy matters. What has not changed is 2010-2050 (in thousands)5 tend to gravitate together, and over our reliance on the Indian Ocean to time a certain chemistry develops. All transport vital commodities. In that of this would be academic except for context, oil has replaced spices as the the fact that India has burst onto the lifeblood of nations and the SLOCs strategic stage and is challenging the stretching from Hormuz to Malacca traditional dogma of uni-polarity and have become the modern day Silk authoritarianism. Route. In case there is any doubt, let’s be Diagram 2: Mean Age India, China, What makes this situation all the clear about India’s potential. By 2028 2010-20506 more complex is the fragility of the its population will surpass China IOR. Of late this region has achieved (Diagram 1), peaking at 1.6 billion in notoriety for all the wrong reasons. 2040. In 2010, the average age of the Foreign Policy’s 2010 index of failed Indian citizen will be 25 years, whilst states has again determined that the China’s will be 34.2 years (Diagram vast majority of critical, in danger and 2). Without getting into too detailed borderline states are those that lie on analysis of the data in Diagrams 1 the periphery of the IOR.8 Somalia, and 2, some broad generalisations Pakistan, Myanmar, the entire east can be made. The age differential Diagram 3: Projected GDP of G3 US$ African seaboard, and segments of provides the Indian economy with an billion 2000-20507 South and Southeast Asia are all enormous advantage. Younger people singled out for specific mention – it’s are generally more productive and in a gloomy but all too familiar story. turn less of a drain on the government’s And here lies the rub: the world’s most social services purse. The theory goes important waterway is guarded by that the older a person the more of states judged least competent of doing a liability they become to the state. so. In many cases, these same states Whilst a nine year difference between are not only incapable of contributing Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 65 12/12/10 11:04 PM 66 Pavlova and Vindaloo: Natural Partners

to regional maritime security, but Southern Land. Genetically these neighbour. Canberra’s enthusiastic are also incapable of policing their early Australians were at one with approach was rewarded when two own territorial waters; the east their Indian Ocean neighbors. But by years later Australia was the only African archipelago a case in point. a quirk of tectonic and climatic fate, Western country invited to attend The concept of maritime security in the Australian continent drifted away the ‘Eighteen Nations Conference on many parts of the IOR is problematic. from Asia’s terra firma. And drift Indonesia’ in New Delhi. India’s Prime Poor governance is but one part away we did – not only physically but Minister Nehru noted that: ‘here we are of the problem. But also regional psychologically. Ever since that time, it representatives of the free nations of frameworks for naval cooperation and would be fair to say that Australia and Asia and our friends from Australia.’12 information exchange are lacking and India have been in each other’s blind The development of the Colombo bilateral sensitivities often manifest in spot. To think otherwise would be, Plan further entrenched Australia’s cooperative-paralysis.9 well, naive. On this point, we would position in India, and this was met Of course, within this cornucopia of do well to remember that strategic with strong approval by New Delhi. sickly states there are two exceptions, engagement is an abstract science Unfortunately, from that point on, Australia and India – both militarily (unlike mathematics, whereby 2+2=4) relations between the two countries robust, both democratic and both and states, acting in a global anarchical deteriorated. Partly this can be with a clear interest in the long-term society, will often act irrationally even if explained by India’s adherence to US FA-18F Super stability of an otherwise very fragile they are rational actors.11 non-alignment and Australia’s Hornets (foreground) region. 10 A review of Australia’s interaction entrenchment in an alliance matrix.13 fly in formation with two Indian Navy Sea with India since independence reads But the divide between the two Harriers, bottom, and 2+2≠4 like a Shakespearean tragedy. In the countries was more complex than two Indian Air Force A long time ago, Australia was beginning it all started with the best simple differences over ideology. Jaguars, right, over connected to the Asian land mass. of intentions. As Partition threatened Australia’s security focus was driven by Indian Navy aircraft Around 75,000 BCE, ancestors of to socially balkanize India in 1947, the fact that our major cities, political carrier INS Viraat the first Australians migrated from Australia quickly developed warm capital, economic/financial backbone (Courtesy US Navy) South and Southeast Asia to the Great relations with its Indian Ocean and population base were all positioned

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 66 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 67

on the eastern seaboard. Rightly or as India continues to Look East and The path ahead wrongly, this forced us down a ‘Pacific Australia Looks West, our strategic Ocean’ line of thinking, in much the trajectories will further intersect. Ever since Federation, Australia has same way that America’s orientation, On this front, there is cause for been forced to ‘balance’ against the (with Washington and New York optimism. By way of example, the regional authoritarian power, but with situated to the east) was toward Maritime Doctrines of both India and the rise of India, we are faced with the Atlantic. Demographics (and Australia are strikingly similar. More the exquisite alternative of being able economics) were key features which recently, the Indian Navy, strongly to ‘bandwagon’ with a local regional shaped our thinking. supported by the RAN, established power. However, the road ahead will Not surprisingly, India did not the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium not be an easy one. The past four years rate highly in our list of strategic (IONS) in 2009, the aim of which have seen a number of issues threaten engagement priorities. Through was ‘to sustain a regionally relevant, to bankrupt the broader political necessity, Australia did dip its toe into consultative forum within which the relationship. In 2007 it was the Haneef the Indian Ocean in the early 1980s navies of the littoral States of the Indian affair, 12 months later Harbajhan Singh by way of naval deployments, but Ocean Region can discuss issues that and Australian all rounder Andrew this adventure drove a further wedge bear upon maritime security’.16 Similar Symonds clashed on the centre pitch between Canberra and New Delhi. in makeup to WPNS, the success of the SCG, in 2009 it was the sordid The Soviet empire’s sudden collapse in or otherwise of IONS will largely harassment and violence of Indian 1991 heralded a new wave of strategic depend upon the strength of RAN-IN students in Melbourne, and then it was thinking. Some authors argued it was bilateral cooperation. Whether it is Australasia’s nomination of ex-Prime ‘the end of History,14 others waxed over via the medium of IONS or whether Minister Howard to the ICC council. a looming clash between civilizations15, we choose a different mechanism to That each event occurred on Australian but the more things changed in our promote regional maritime security, soil is a telling point. Often lost in the own backyard the more they stayed one thing is clear, the IOR is in polemic of mutual misunderstanding, the same. Even before the Soviet exit, desperate need of strong leadership. events affecting the two countries have another authoritarian power (China) How we (Australia and India) been cast into sharper relief than what sought to fill the strategic void. Despite provide this leadership is a telling the facts justified. the Soviet demise – maybe even question. Our current level of This is a story without an end. The because of it – Australia and India naval engagement has probably Indian Ocean and India will forever failed to connect. reached a glass ceiling and the next remain a geographic reality. How we In 1998 it all went horribly wrong. bold move would see us embark deal with this reality will largely shape India’s decision to cross the Rubicon upon a sophisticated bi (or multi) the future prosperity of Australia and and undertake five nuclear tests in lateral exercise program. Both its people. As Gandhi once remarked, the Rajasthan desert, and Australia’s navies still harbour an element of ‘the future depends on what we do in outspoken damnation bitterly soured uncertainty about each other, and the present’. t strategic relations between the two; only through concerted exercising once again the relationship had can we hope to add ballast to the trust been turned upside down. That said, equation. Ultimately, and in the final change for the better did occur and demonstration of naval cooperation, Captain Jonathan Mead RAN served in the dawn of the new millennium we should aim for both navies to three years in New Delhi, India, as an upswing in naval engagement took work together in an operational the Defence Adviser. He is currently place. For the past five years, the environment. The fact that RAN and posted to Canberra as the Director Navy winds of strategic change have blown IN units pass each other in the night off Personnel Policy. hard, led primarily by a robust naval the Horn of Africa, whilst undertaken

relationship. Frequent visits by CN identical tasking, is illustrative of (Endnotes) and DCN and the establishment of the strategic distance that still exists 1 By anarchy, I allude to a purer definition which describes a lack of higher formal Staff Talks, naval exercises and between the two countries. government. exchange programs have underpinned 2 Professor Geoffrey Blainey cited the the broader strategic relationship. It example of the city of Perth, which was settled due to a ‘fear of Indonesian pirates on would seem reasonable therefore, that the north coast and fear of French ambitions Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 67 12/12/10 11:04 PM 68 Pavlova and Vindaloo: Natural Partners

on the West Coast.’ belief just prior to the Great War. She a Chinese attack, but rather that other Trusted Partner 3 Doyle M W, 1986 Liberalism and documented that in 1913 an author by the nonaligned countries failed to come to World Politics, American Political Science name of Norman Angell published a book India’s aid. Review, Volume 80, No 4, pp 1151-69 called The Great Illusion. Angell spelled out 14 Fukuyama Francis, The End of History 4 Doyle M W, 1986 op cit, pp 1151-69. the reasons why the countries of Europe and the Last Man, Free Press, New York, 5 Population Division of the Department would never go to war again: financial 1992 of Economic and Social Affairs of the United and economic interdependence of nations 15 Huntington Samuel, The Clash of Nations Secretariat, World Population made war unthinkable and unprofitable Civilizations and the remaking of World Prospects: The 2008 Revision, http://esa. as the victor would suffer equally with the Order, Simon Schuster, New York, 1996. un.org/unpp. vanquished. Angell’s book developed a cult 16 http://indiannavy.gov.in/ion.htm 6 ibid following and advisers to the British King 7 Goldman Sachs Global Paper No 99, 1 were prophesying that economic factors October 2003. would make war in the 20th century insane. 8 http://www.foreignpolicy.com/ Lectures were delivered highlighting the articles/2010/06/21/2010_failed_states_ inevitable consequences of such a war index_interactive_map_and_rankings and the financial suffering which would 9 Bateman, S, Capacity Building for follow. History as we now know was not Maritime Security Cooperation: What are as forgiving. Within four years of Angell’s Depth of expertise we talking about, in Maritime capacity prediction, the world was plunged into the Building in the Asia-Pacific Region, Papers greatest conflict yet known to mankind. in Australian Maritime Affairs No30, There is a lesson here: countries do not Seapower Center Australia, Canberra, 2010, always act on reason or logic – just as p 6. humans do not always follow the rational 10 To a lesser degree, South Africa could path of choice. (see Tuchman Barbara, be included. August 1914, Macmillan Press, Hong Kong, 11 Many people would contend 1962) that states do follow paths of logic and 12 Jawaharlal Nehru, Nehru The First that as they become more entangled Sixty Years Volume 2, Bodley Head London, and interdependent the possibility of 1965, p 450 irrationality decreases. However, a word 13 Menzies declared India’s policy of of caution; in one of the better accounts non-alignment to be ‘morally bankrupt’. of the causes of WWI, Barbara Tuchman He further claimed his view was vindicated (author of August 1914) revealed that the by China’s invasion of India in 1962, not great powers of Europe clung to a similar so much the fact that it failed to deter

Proudly the leading mission systems integrator for the Royal Australia Navy, Raytheon Australia draws on a 1300 strong Australian workforce and the proven record of delivering systems integration for the Collins Class submarine, Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer and special mission aircraft. Raytheon Australia is focused on the needs of the Australian Defence Force and has the backing of Raytheon Company — one of the most innovative, high technology companies in the world — to provide NoDoubt® confi dence to achieve our customer’s mission success.

Australian Clearance Dive Team Four conduct an Assault Profile approach in the small boats www.raytheon.com.au compund at Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling

© 2009 Raytheon Australia. All rights reserved. “Customer Success Is Our Mission” is a registered trademark of Raytheon Company. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Image: Eye in the Sky

139 March 2011.indd 68 12/12/10 11:04 PM Collins Oct09 A4.indd 1 21/10/2009 10:14:55 AM Trusted Partner

Depth of expertise

Proudly the leading mission systems integrator for the Royal Australia Navy, Raytheon Australia draws on a 1300 strong Australian workforce and the proven record of delivering systems integration for the Collins Class submarine, Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer and special mission aircraft. Raytheon Australia is focused on the needs of the Australian Defence Force and has the backing of Raytheon Company — one of the most innovative, high technology companies in the world — to provide NoDoubt® confi dence to achieve our customer’s mission success.

www.raytheon.com.au

© 2009 Raytheon Australia. All rights reserved. “Customer Success Is Our Mission” is a registered trademark of Raytheon Company. Image: Eye in the Sky

139Collins March Oct09 2011.indd A4.indd 1 69 21/10/200912/12/10 10:14:55 11:04 AM PM 70 UK defence review should be about more than just cutting MICHAEL GREY (13 SEPTEMBER 2010 LLOYDS LIST)

Charles de Gaulle. Surely some Sharing aircraft carriers, scrapping genius will have realised we dockyards and making destroyers speak different languages, and cheaper may trim the government’s the possibilities of some confused bills, but where is the evidence of a real stoker closing a switch which he thought would shut a watertight strategic vision? door and firing the Admiral’s HERE is a strategic defence and helicopter off the flight deck on security review under way in the a steam catapult. Such linguistic TUnited Kingdom, where the defence of misunderstandings cannot be the realm and the need to cut costs will ignored. clearly prove uncomfortable bedfellows But there are more insidious as they wrestle for possession of the ideas being washed around RN revolution? - a Royal Navy HMS Argyll crew member receives duvet. the body politic, and filtering out to maneuvering orders from the bridge during a Joint Warrior training Already one can detect that we, the population at large, about cheap evolution in the control center the taxpayers (who may think more and cheerful frigates that will cost seriously about defence than we are one-tenth of the price of a Type 45 move from concept to acceptance in an astonishingly short ever given credit for) are being softened destroyer, the disappearance in effect period by comparison with the tortuous process in the UK. up with a whole menu of daft scenarios. of any amphibious capability and the But does anyone within the UK government have a proper I am never quite sure who produces scrapping of dockyards. I am told understanding of the need to protect trade routes, which are this stuff, whether it emanates from by people who understand military more than those using the Eurotunnel and the Dover-Calais some Disinformation Department in matters better than I that this is par for freight ferries? If a few hundred poverty stricken Somalis the Ministry of Defence, or perhaps the course, with a review under way and in plastic skiffs can cause such trouble in the Indian Ocean some crazed blogger in an attic, but the admirals, air marshals and generals and Gulf of Aden, what are the strategic implications if one suspects that there is some sense of energetically fighting their own corners. this problem is extrapolated elsewhere? Goodness knows direction behind it all. But it is supposed to be a strategic there are other candidates in the failed states league. If the There is a mad plan, for instance, review and the absence of any strategic mysterious explosion that dented the after end of the M.Star to share the new aircraft carriers (now vision about the reality of future threats in the Straits of Hormuz is a portent, what is our proper being feverishly constructed in their and an ability to deal with them is response? The vulnerability of any advanced industrial nation various yards around the kingdom, worrying. A fleet once represented to any interruption to its sea trade has been illustrated on a lest some coalitionista pulls the plug the integration of a complete range of number of occasions — how is this to be factored into any on them) with the French Navy. This capabilities, able to meet threats from review of naval capabilities? is so mind-bendingly bonkers that air, surface and under the sea, and if ‘Strategic’ also implies a long-term view of naval and only a script-writer for ‘Yes Minister’ cost cutting decrees that even one of military requirements, in that ships and the seafarers to man could possibly have thought of it. these capabilities is missing, the whole them cannot be conjured out of thin air, or obtained, like But just think of the arguments of point of a navy is lost. Can we protect capesize bulkers, on the spot market. It is about shipbuilding occupancy. Certainly no commercial the trade routes? and marine technology and the provision of adequate shipping person who has lived through Examine for a minute the weaponry, all of which require industrial sectors, which can the furious rages that seem to appear increasingly well-balanced Indian hardly be started and stopped like a car. remorselessly at the conclusion Navy, with its government apparently The UK (hopefully) won’t always be broke, and if policy of a bareboat charter would ever understanding the needs of trade is to be devised on the assumption we will be skint in contemplate such an idea, which would protection, the principles of sea power, perpetuity, the strategic review will be a disaster. Strategy probably mark the start of another 100 and the fact that if you wish to control is about the future, and what happens after we have years’ war. a sea, you better be seen in it from time disentangled ourselves from Afghanistan, when, doubtless, Consider the disappointment of the to time. other bad things are certain to happen in this unhappy world. French matelots, marching on board a The Japanese Navy is a good It is serious, cerebral, and deserves a proper consideration in British carrier, when they saw the food example of a balanced force, one what remains an unstable world. What we can do without is that they were expected to eat, from moreover where its procurement people playing politics with the security of the nation, and a galley half the size of that onboard practices are such that a lead ship can treating us as idiots. t Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 70 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 71

Able Seaman Clearance DiverJoshua Cummins from Australian Clearance Diving Team Four maintains a vigiland watch during beach insertion training during workups

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 71 12/12/10 11:04 PM 72 Book Reviews

annihilated given the nature of the the British war effort depended, to slow, extemporised shipping available illustrate the wider nature of the to the enemy and the minimal ability conflict. In the period between 10 of the Kreigsmarine to defend it after July and 31 October 1940 Fighter the losses suffered in the Norwegian Command lost 537 men killed but Campaign. about 1,730 merchant seamen died in German air power did not stop the the same period. Outrageously, these British Fleet from evacuating troops men were classified as ‘non-combatant’ from Norway, Dunkirk, Greece and despite the fact that they sailed in a war Crete; it could not have prevented zone and many manned guns to defend the Home Fleet from destroying the their ships against U-boats and aircraft. motley collection of invasion shipping The Battle must be seen in a wider at whatever cost to itself from air context that recognises the key roles attack. The dominance of sea power played by many different participants. was accepted by the Germans, who Sea power prevented a German saw the probability of defeat at sea all invasion of Britain and, arguably too clearly, and by the Americans who caused Hitler to look to the East. It also envied British naval power. These kept alive the possibility of liberating The Royal Navy and the Battle of Britain self-evident facts lacked sufficient Europe once the United States did propaganda appeal for Prime Minister enter the war and Russia proved a By Anthony J. Cumming Churchill, however, as he sought to more formidable opponent than Hitler manipulate American public opinion to imagined. Naval Institute Press, 2010; 232 pages, hard cover; USD draw the USA into the war on Britain’s This excellent work deserves to be $29.95; ISBN 978-1-59114-160-0 side. To seek American sympathy, the widely read and debated. In an age of British public-relations organisation joint operations it seems remarkable stressed the colourful image of Fighter that the myth that part of a single Reviewed by David Hobbs Command pitched alone against heavy Service could, alone, have deterred an odds rather than the ‘silent victory’ invasion of the UK remains so widely Anthony Cumming was awarded a PhD in History at of the Navy which was so obviously accepted. The facts behind the legend the University of Plymouth in 2006 and won the Julian superior that the enemy would not and reason why the myth has endured Corbett Prize for Research in Modern Naval History from even contemplate fighting it. The RAF, are explained in Cummings’ book the University of London in the same year. His important keen to make a reputation for itself together with the reasons why the new book, published by the Naval Institute Press, makes after defeat in France, was happy to wider picture should be understood a valuable contribution to understanding the events of accept this version of events. and accepted. The Royal Navy and the the crisis summer of 1940 and the reasons why they were The author does not belittle the Battle of Britain should be considered portrayed as they were by politicians. achievements of the fighter pilots, as required reading at ADFA and the Cumming develops his arguments with sensitivity and some of which were lent to the RAF Staff College and I recommend it most clarity to prove that, however gallant its aircrew, Fighter by the Royal Navy, but places their highly to a wider audience. Command of the Royal Air Force did not prevent the exploits in their due place, examining Germans from invading Britain, nor could it have done so the Battle of Britain from a number of alone. The unlikely myth that it did has continued to grow, aspects which include the technical however, to the point where it is generally accepted that the capabilities of the forces involved and gallant ‘Few’ in their Spitfires defeated an immediate and the characters of RN and RAF Force credible threat of German invasion with little help from the Commanders. Cumming states in his other armed forces or the wider civilian population. conclusion that “as with most legends, Cumming’s scholarly analysis demonstrates that, in fact, there is a basis of fact and it is not the Royal Navy was the dominant factor in Britain’s ability to my intention to denigrate the heroic prevent invasion and was recognised as such by the German sacrifices of the ‘Few’”. War Staff. Whatever the air situation, any attempt at He uses a comparison with the invasion would have been made by sea and would have been Merchant Navy, however, upon which Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 72 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 73

published by the Naval Historical rigor that is clearly self-evident in Society of Australia for what was their international military history largely a small group of veterans and counterparts. It is Part 1 of Cruiser that naval history specialists. In 2007, Ian most clearly shows that Mike Carlton Pfennigwerth released The Australian has a way to go in this regard. His focus Cruiser Perth 1939-1942 which was on people and the personal narrative targeted at a more general audience complements his popular style of but remained very much an updated writing and the explanations of the ship-centric study for naval enthusiasts. naval way of life are particularly useful, Mike Carlton’s Cruiser takes the next but the author frequently descends into step; it endeavours to make Australian Australian parochialism rather than naval history relevant to the modern history. reader. It is a determined effort to Part 1 has many of the oft-repeated engage the Australian community jingoisms to be found in many by highlighting its nautical roots and Australian secondary sources but are at by doing so to help put naval history best misinterpretations of the primary to its rightful place in our national sources. For example, Chapter 2 is full historical tradition. For this reason, of subjective histories of the inter-war Cruiser: The Life and Loss of HMAS Perth and Cruiser is a valuable contribution to period, the story of the foundation her Crew the literature, which needs to be read of the Australian Navy is poor (if not widely and deserves to be the subject of simply wrong), and the depiction of by Mike Carlton conversation around the water cooler Australian society during the 1920s as well as in high school history classes. and 30s is more a product of 1970s Random House, North Sydney, 2010 The book is well illustrated with Australian nationalism than a true an outline of the ship, maps and a reflection of the inter-war historical selection of photographic images. The sources. Australian parochialism Reviewed by Dr Gregory P. Gilbert faces of the individual officers and (such as that at pp. 87-88) and the Air Power Development Centre sailors themselves do also tell a story. anti-Churchillian, anti-Menzies Cruiser is split into four parts: rhetoric (pp. 188-90) are not only The story of the Australian light cruiser HMAS Perth, her Part 1 Leaving Home, 2 War in the an unnecessary distraction from the last Captain Hec Waller, and her crew is one that deserves Mediterranean, 3 To the Sunda Strait, book’s main theme, they frequently fail to be told and retold. In service with the Royal Australian and 4 Prisoners and Survivors. Any to take into consideration the British Navy for less than three years Perth operated in the Atlantic, one of these parts could form a small imperial strategies of the time, where Mediterranean and Pacific theatres and was subjected to book in its own right, but together international trade was global, where some of the most intense naval actions of the war; including the complete book does form a the major powers were economically German air attacks on Malta, Greece and Crete, as well as considerable tome, at more than 700 and culturally dependant upon the major surface actions against the Italians at Matapan; against pages. It could have been cut back in good will and cooperation of other the Japanese in the Battle of the Java Sea, and finally off parts without loss of substance; indeed powers, and where British sea power Bantam Bay in the Sunda Strait. an editor’s knife would improve much was a dominant part of Imperial Her sacrifice in the defence of Java on 1 March 1942 of Part 1 if ever a second abridged defence policy. remains one of the most contentious decisions in Australian edition was produced. The author’s overview of Australia’s naval history. Many of the crew, who survived the ship’s In the past I have suggested that involvement in World War I and the sinking, were lost in the long years of brutality and suffering new works of general naval history inter-war period reveals his limited that followed as Japanese prisoners of war. The loss of need to incorporate elements of knowledge and understanding of the ship in the narrow waters of the Sunda Strait and strategy, doctrine, leadership and international relations, politics and the experiences and sacrifice of Perth’s crew needs to be command, human behaviour in naval strategy between 1914 and 1939. passed on to honour their memory but also so that modern adversity, and technologies in addition Without this insight it is difficult to Australians understand the strategic significance and to naval tactics and warfighting. It understand why the RAN needed vulnerability of the archipelagic sea lanes to our north. is not sufficient for Australian naval cruisers like Perth. One need only In 1978, the book H.M.A.S. Perth by Alan Payne was historians to ignore the academic examine Graham Freudenberg’s Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 73 12/12/10 11:04 PM 74 Book Reviews

excellent work Churchill and Australia to recognise the land- drowned (p. 253). The experiences of the individuals concerned without centric trap that Carlton, who is cited as having a lifelong Royal Australian Air Force 9 Squadron sentimentality. The fight for life and passion for naval history, has unwittingly fallen into. Walrus aircrew at Suda Bay (pp. 247- the nearness of death is described, by The so-called failure of the Singapore strategy is another 52) brings us closer to the action and the survivors, in a matter of fact way one of these oft-repeated gems. Many historians do believe helps us better understand the mixed without embellishment or grandiose that the concept of maintaining a strong base for air and RAN and RAAF nature of the crew. propaganda. Such writing, by people sea power at Singapore was not only the right thing to do Hopefully Cruiser will help to increase who have lived through horrors and but was absolutely the correct way for the British (including the public consciousness of the exploits survived, comes off the page like a Australia) to apply a maritime strategy in the Pacific. The of Perth and its crew during the Greece bright light illuminating the human failure of the Singapore strategy has more to do with the and Crete campaigns. Such recognition spirit. It stands out in an era where unpredictable timing and course of the war in Europe and is long overdue in the annals of political spin too often camouflages the the Mediterranean rather than the strategy itself. After the Australian military history. truth. That any of these sailors survived Fall of France the idea of sending the Royal Navy’s main The Pacific War and the events their inhuman treatment as Japanese fleet to Singapore if the Japanese threatened Malaya became leading up to the tragic loss of Perth at prisoners of war appears miraculous unrealistic. If during the inter-war period Australians 12.25 am on Sunday 1 March 1942 are to our generation. That much of their had funded their fair share of the Pacific region’s defence covered in considerable detail in Part experience was covered-up or politely arrangements, then the situation in December 1941 may 3 of Cruiser. The author makes good forgotten just adds to the tragedy. The have been quite different. When will we accept the fact that use of official records (from Australia failure of Australia to decorate Perth’s it was the failure of a series of Australian Governments to and the United States), and personal heroic Captain, Hec Waller, post-war, recognise the importance of defence during the 1930s that experiences from biographies and when the facts were known, with led to the failure of the Singapore strategy and our own oral histories. The numerous extracts a posthumous Victoria Cross, was neglect left us grossly unprepared for war? Is it possible from Ray Parkin’s classic trilogy should symptomatic of a general unwillingness that the failure to provide Perth with the equipment and hopefully also convince more people to recognise the extreme valour of capabilities required (such as that described on p. 108) to read his remarkable experiences many RAN officers and sailors who might have less to do with naval bureaucratic red-tape or the first hand. Mike Carlton has made a consequently remain largely unknown attitude of the ‘higher-ups’ in Navy and more to do with the valuable contribution to Australian to the wider public. lack of funding for Navy by government? oral naval history by conducting Overall Mike Carlton’s Cruiser is Although it is a good thing to aim for a general audience, interviews with the surviving (c.2006) a book aimed at the popular market I don’t believe that every book needs to be dumbed-down crew members of Perth and their written by a journalist with a life long for the modern reader. Carlton tends to rely far too much families and collecting related records. interest in naval history, and as such on descriptive narrative that is designed to present an Hopefully these will be retained in it is represents an advance from the impression, rather than strictly adhering to the historical some suitable institution for use by previous narratives of HMAS Perth and evidence, and as a result there are times when the text future generations of family members her crew. Through this well researched becomes disjointed. Whenever Cruiser drifts too far from and historians. book Carlton successfully reaches out the remarkable story of Perth and its crew it starts to fall Carlton makes an effort to use the to a generation of Australians who are down. Fortunately for the reader as one gets into the book Japanese records that are available unlikely to have heard of the life and there are fewer distractions and the author more than makes in English to help clarify parts of loss of this gallant ship in their school up for the annoyances of the first 150 pages or so. the Perth story particularly for the history lessons. Parts 2 to 4 of Cruiser are mostly centred upon the events Java Sea and Sunda Strait actions. surrounding Perth’s service with the RAN, as described by The lack of an English translation of those involved, many of whom actually served onboard. This the naval volumes of the Japanese is where Mike Carlton’s narrative excels. The story of the Senshi Sosho official war history series fleet action at Matapan is inspirational, however even that is however, remains a major obstacle for surpassed by the description of the action off Crete in 1941 researchers in WWII naval history of which is outstanding. The book includes some interesting the Pacific War. cameos, such as the sorry tale of Petty Officer Haddow who Part 4 of Cruiser was hard to put was detached from Perth to perform diving tasks on the down. The fight for life of those who beached cruiser HMS York when the diving tender he was remained of Perth’s crew after she working from was hit in an air raid. Weighed down by lead was sunk is written in such a way boots and equipment he sank to the bottom of Suda Bay and that the reader can feel empathy for Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 74 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 75

Peace Dividend Provided Difficulties

he began on 25 June the RAN eventually made thirteen United Nations’ naval forces. Japan was 1950 when the Soviet-equipped deployments to the war area including routinely used as a support base. This Tforces of communist North Korea the light aircraft carrier, HMAS Sydney picture shows Warramunga and crossed the 38th parallel and invaded (III). Among the earliest ships Bataan together with HMS Charity at the deployed were the Tribal class Yokosuka, on 26 January 1951. western-backed South. Although only destroyers Bataan and Warramunga, five years had passed since the RAN which served from July 1950 to May had provided a major naval force 1951 and August 1950 to August 1951 during World War II, shortages of respectively. With a main armament of manpower and modern equipment six 4.7inch guns, both destroyers now made it difficult for the navy to took an active part in bombardment sustain a multi-ship commitment to and escort duties as part of the extended war service. Nevertheless, Commonwealth contribution to the

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 75 12/12/10 11:04 PM 76 ANI On-line: A guide to the website.

Our website is now on-line! In addition to the features available on the Changing your details previous site, the site also features a library of past journals, a discussion When your account is created, only your member ID and password are forum, a news section and member list. This short guide is designed to help stored in the system for privacy reasons. However, you may provide other details that are visible to other ANI members. In order to change you take full advantage of all its features. your details, login and click the “Change Your Details” menu item (figure 5). Then select the “change” link (figure 6) next to either your personal details or password. Change the text appropriately and click the “save” button (figure 7). Figure 1 The personal information that you provide will be visible to other Obtaining an account members of the ANI but will be hidden from members of the general In order to access the features of the site you must have a user public. You may provide as much or as little detail as you wish but account for the website. If you have a current subscription to the ANI, none of the fields are compulsory. However, you may not change your navigate to the website www.navalinstitute.com.au using your web member ID as it is the link between the on-line database and our off- browser (figure 1), click the “Members Login” menu item (figure 2), line records. then click the link to download an application form. Fill in the form, then fax or post it to the ANI Business Manager. Once your account has been created, you will receive an email that outlines your member ID and password.

Figure 7 Figure 8

Participating in the forum In order to post topics and replies in the discussion forum, first login Figure 2 Figure 3 and click the “Forum” menu item (figure 8). Then select a forum that Logging in to your account you would like to view by clicking its “View Topics” button (figure Once you have your account details, you are ready to login and access 9). Select a topic that you would like to read by clicking its “View this the new features of the site. In order to login, navigate to the website topic” link (figure 10). If you are not interested in any particular topic, (figure 1) and click the “Members Login” item (figure 2). Enter your you may add your own by clicking the “Add New Topic” button (figure member ID and password as they were provided to you, then click 10). Similarly, once you are viewing a topic, you may post a reply by the “Login” button. The case of the member ID and password are clicking “Add New Post”. Fill in the heading and body of your reply and important: i.e. “CaSe” and “case” are considered entirely different words click the “Submit” button to add your reply to the topic. If you change by the authentication system. Each letter of the password will appear as your mind while writing your reply, you may click the “Cancel” button a single “*” to prevent others from seeing your password as you type. and your reply will not be added to the topic. If you have entered your details correctly, you will be presented with the news page. The grey status bar at the top notifies you of the account you are using (figure 4). You are now able to access all of the new features of the site.

Figure 4 Figure 9 Logging out of your account In order to protect your identity and to prevent malicious use of your account by others, you must log out of the site when you are finished browsing. This is especially important on public computers. In order to log out, click the “Logout” link in the grey status bar (figure 4). Figure 10

Further questions If you have specific questions regarding website features or even a Figure 5 Figure 6 feature request, post a topic in the “Website Questions” forum and a site administrator will reply. Otherwise, happy browsing!

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 76 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 77 Thinking of Making a Contribution? Style Notes for Headmark

In general, please present your work publication: publisher, year of that Commander Bill Crabbe, or Jack Aubrey, or Reverend James with the minimum of formatting. edition. Moodie. At the end of the article, please supply full honours So: - Lieutenant Commander Bill Crabbe, CSC, RAN - unless Paragraphs: Adkin, Mark. Goose Green. London: you would prefer not to use them. Then please supply a Don’t indent, and leave left justified. Leo Cooper, 1992. paragraph on yourself, to a maximum of 50 words, including Separate paragraphs by one line. Single Adler, Bill (Ed.) Letters from Vietnam. any qualifications you would like listed, and any interesting spacing only. Use one space only after New York: EP Dutton and Co., 1967. biographical aspects. If possible please supply a colour or stops and colons. Articles use quotation marks around greyscale head and shoulders e-photo of yourself for use Conventions: their title, which is not in italics. alongside the article title. Use numbers for 10 and above, words If citing web sites please use the Illustrations: below. Ship names use italics in title convention: Do not embed graphs or figures in your text without case; prefixes such as HMAS in capitals Australian Associated Press. “Army sending a separate file as well. If supplying photographs use and italics. Book and Journal titles use admits mistakes in SAS investigation”. a minimum of 300 dpi. We are keen on colour images but italics. 17 February, 2004. Please send to the Editor on Endnotes rather than footnotes. Use So, web site name. Article title. Full footnotes to explain any points you date of accessing the site. Full URL. Editorial considerations: want the reader to notice immediately. Bylines: The Editor reserves the right to amend articles where Book titles follow Author surname, Supply your everyday title for use at the necessary for the purposes of grammar correction, and to first name, title if any. Title. Place of beginning of the title, so: Lieutenant delete tables or figures for space considerations.

The Flame of Remembrance, during 2010 Remembrance Day Ceremony held at Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 77 12/12/10 11:04 PM 78 Australian Naval Institute

The Australian Naval Institute was formed as a self- considered. As much of the RAN’s attention Editorial Board. supporting and non-profit making organisation; incorporated operational and administrative history Articles of greater length can in the Australian Capital Territory in 1975. The main is poorly recorded, the recollections of submitted to the Sea Power Centre- objectives of the Institute are: members (and others) on these topics Australia for possible publication as • to encourage and promote the advancement of knowledge are keenly sought. a Working Paper (seapower.centre@ related to the Navy and the maritime profession; and Views and opinions expressed in defence.gov.au) • to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas concerning Headmark are those of the authors and subjects related to the Navy and the maritime profession. not necessarily those of the Institute, the Editorial Board Membership subscription rates are located on the next page. Royal Australian Navy, the Australian The Board is largely drawn from Further information can be obtained from the: Defence Organisation, or the institutions the ANI Council but key roles are Business Manager, Australian Naval Institute, the authors may represent. undertaken by the following members: PO Box 29, Red Hill ACT 2603, ph +61 2 62950056, The ANI does not warrant, guarantee Chairman: LEUT Tristan Skousgaard RAN fax +61 2 62953367, email: [email protected] or via the or make any representations as to the Journal Editor: Dr Tom Lewis, OAM website at http://www.navalinstitute.com.au content of the information contained Strategy: RADM AM, CSC, RAN within Headmark, and will not be liable History: Dr David Stevens Sponsors in any way for any claims resulting from Shiphandling Corner: The Australian Naval Institute is grateful for the continued use or reliance on it. CAPT Mal Wise OAM, RAN support of: ANI Friends; Raytheon Australia, Booz & Articles and information in RAN Book Reviews: Company. Our Gold Sponsors; Austal, Thales Naval Group, Headmark are the copyright of the LCDR Desmond Woods, RAN Defence Maritime Services, QinetiQ. Our Silver Sponsors; Australian Naval Institute, unless Bequests LOPAC, SAAB, ATI, Australian Defence Credit Union. otherwise stated. All material in As a self-funding organisation the Headmark is protected by Australian Institute relies on membership Patron copyright law and by applicable law in subscriptions and sponsorship to Chief of Navy: VADM AM, CSM, RAN other jurisdictions. maintain its activities. Financial A CDROM of the Journal of the donations and/or bequests are welcome Council Members Australian Naval Institute covering the and will assist the ANI in undertaking President: RADM AO, CSC, RAN period 1975-2003 is available for $99; see its activities. Vice President: RADM Ray Griggs AM, CSC, RAN the next page for ordering information. Secretary: CMDR Kirk Hayden RAN Pen Names. Contributors can publish Sea Power Centre-Australia Treasurer: Mr Nick Tate under a pen name. The Editor must be Research Collection Councillor: CAPT Tim Brown, RAN advised either in person or in writing The Sea Power Centre-Australia Councillor: CAPT Jaimie Hatcher AM, RAN of the identity of the individual that research collection incorporates the Councillor: CMDR Ian Campbell RAN wishes to use the pen name. The Editor ANI library, to which members have Councillor: CMDR Stewart Dunne, RAN will confirm in writing to the member access. The research collection is Councillor: CMDR Justin Jones, RAN seeking to use a pen name that the normally available for use 0900-1630 Councillor: LCDR Michael Mitchell, RAN name has been registered and can be each weekday, but it is not possible Councillor: LCDR Desmond Woods, RAN used. More details are available on the to borrow the books. Members are Councillor: MIDN John Abbott, RAN Institute’s website. requested to ring the SPC to confirm Councillor: MIDN Sarah McDonagh, RAN Article submission. Articles and access, particularly if visiting from Councillor: MIDN Harrison Ingham, RAN correspondence should be submitted outside Canberra. Website Manager: electronically in Microsoft Word, with The ANI/Sea Power Centre-Australia Mr Ernst Power (non membership position) limited formatting. (See the style guide in will gladly accept book donations on Public Officer: this issue for further details.) naval and maritime matters (where they LEUT Tristan Skousgaard RAN (non mem. position) Articles should ideally range in size will either be added to the collection from 3000-7000 words, but smaller or traded for difficult to obtain books). Journal of the Australian Naval Institute articles will be considered, as will The point of contact for access to the Headmark is published quarterly. The Editorial Board seeks the occasional larger piece of work. collection, or to make arrangements for letters and articles on naval or maritime issues. Articles Submissions should be sent to the Editor book/journal donations, is the SPC-A concerning operations or administration/policy are of in the first instance. Information Manager on (02) 61276512, particular interest but papers on any relevant topic will be Email: [email protected] and mark email: [email protected] Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 78 12/12/10 11:04 PM Issue 139 79

The Australian Naval Institute ABN: 45 988 480 239 http://www.navalinstitute.com.au PO Box 29 Red Hill ACT 2603, AUSTRALIA PHONE: +61 2 6295 0056 FAX: +61 2 6295 3367 EMAIL: [email protected]

Membership/Subscription Rates Individual 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Individual Concession 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Australia/New Zealand* $60 $115 $167.50 Australia/New Zealand* $40 $77.50 $112.50 Asia Pacific Region† $75 $145 $212.50 Asia Pacific Region† $55 $107.50 $157.50 Rest of World† $82 $159 $233.50 Rest of World† $62 $121.50 $178.50

Institutional Australia/New Zealand* $60 $115 $167.50 Asia† $75 $145 $212.50 Rest of World† $82 $159 $233.50

* Please note that no GST is payable in relation to ANI membership † Includes air mail postage

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute on CDROM The Australian Naval Institute is pleased to announce that a complete set of the Journal (1975-2003) is now available on a 2 disc CD ROM for $99. Sets can be ordered using the membership application form below. Membership of the Australian Naval Institute I apply for membership of the ANI in the category of Student / Individual / Institutional (select/circle one).

Name:

Address:

Post Code:

Email:

Website Username Preferences: 1. 2. 3. (Please use only characters (a-z) or numbers (0-9). Usernames are case sensitive. You will receive you password by email. Payment Details Please select one.

1. A cheque made out to the AUSTRALIAN NAVAL INSTITUTE is enclosed. Please forward to: The Business Manager, Australian Naval Institute, PO Box 29, Red Hill ACT 2603 AUSTRALIA

2. Please debit my Mastercard Visa for $AUD for a year subscription

AND/OR $AUD for sets of the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute on CD ROM.

Card No.

Name of cardholder (PLEASE PRINT):

Signature: Expiry Date:

3. Payment of $AUD has been made by direct deposit to: Account Name: Australian Naval Institute Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia Branch: 33-35 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City ACT 2601, Australia BSB: 062-919 ACC No.: 0091 4309

I agree to abide by the Constitution and by-laws of the Australian Naval Institute.

Signature: Date:

Journal of the Australian Naval Institute

139 March 2011.indd 79 12/12/10 11:04 PM The Five Powers Rifle Company climb back on board HMAS Tobruk after a beach landing Exercise at Tioman Island, Malaysia

139 March 2011.indd 80 12/12/10 11:04 PM