WNAVY • ftfl- iti.i Mjriliair Jou'f
Vol. 21 OCTOBER No. 10
j MITCHCLL LIBRARV,!
1 o tiov 1 M.V. "Dunlroon"—10.500 tons CONTENTS i SVD»£V u JJ MELBOURNE STEAMSHIP CO. LTD. ARTICLES: Paga Head Office: 31 KING ST., MELBOURNE Admiralty Policy in Naval Affairs 5 Branches or Agencies Sa* School — R.A.N. Coli«9t Trains the Navy's Future Officars II at all poru Blass This Ship — H.M.A.S. Yarra Launched Managing Agents lor HOBSONS BAY DOCK AND Naw P. I O. linar Canbarra ENGINEERING CO. PTY. LTD. Scianca Aids Tuna Industry Works: Williamsumn, Victoria Australia's "Flying" Navy — Caraars in Flaat Air Arm HODGE ENGINEERING CO. PTY. LTD. Oil — and tha Rad Dustar Works: Sussex St., Sydney R.A.N. Apprantica Training — Tha Navy Racruits its own and Technicians COCK BURN ENGINEERING PTY. LTD. Australian Coastal Shipping — Melbourne Staamship Co. Works: nines Kd , Fremantle Raport 27 Ship Repairers, etc. Nuclaar Powar 21
FEATURES:
Book Reviews 24 Navy Naws 30
FOR SEA CADETS:
Into tha Rocks 21 Saa Cadat Activities 23 OIL SERVES OUR NAVY WELU Yes, today every ship in the K.A.N, is powered by oil. Each year Pubfishad by Tha Navy League of Australia. 13 Pitt St.. Sydnay. N.S.W. more than 12 million gallons of petroleum products are used to Circulating throughout R.A.N. Ships and Establishments. maintain the Royal Australian Navy's mobility and fighting power. "Tha Navy" is tha Official Organ of Tha Navy Loagua of Australia and tha Ei*Naval Man's Association (Fodaral). Inserted by the Petroleum Information Bureau (Australia) on behalf of SUBSCRIPTION RATE: 12 issuas post fraa in tha British Commonwealth. 20/ . MARKFTriS COMPANIES REFINING COMPANIES A,.,t-.iion o:1 Refining P'V. Ltd Ampol Pi- a-m Lim '-d H. C Sl^q" L mitad Copias of all photographs publishad may ba obtainad diract from B? Roflnnfy •'a^al Lim.tod Photo Salas, Sydnay Morning Harald. -1. CAPSTAN i O Company P'y. Ltd A'l«ntK Unit" O ' C -"Da*1* P». S-oil R^xlnq (Australia) f' I'd L*d. c wi'l of A..-fa Octobor. ItSI llmitad BP Austra 1 i:mit«d S'andafd Va. u .m Re
THE NAVY Octobw. ifsa 7 up lo a modern standard with "We could, of course, at great scarce compared with what we Getting there is more than half the fun tlie whole range of .Asdic, anti- expense, bring these older ships want, I can assure you that the submarine weapons, radar and forward to current use, but Fleet is maintained at a very when you travel in a "Cunarder." You what I am concerned with is high order. In placing our wireless. But once you have enter a new kind of life the moment you what the position is going to be emphasis on a sea-going Fleet clone lhat, if you compare that perhaps seven to ten years and on the Operational Reserve step on board ... a life of peaceful with a new Type 14 frigate, hence. I am sure we are wise to we are acting fully in line with relaxation, fine food, warm comradeship, costing 1I1A million and taking keep our eye not on ships which our N.A.T.O. allies. I do not 2} years to build, there really would not even meet the think that they would be in the and superb comfort. You couldn't wish current situation but on those least interested in an Extended is not any advantage ill doing for smoother service, or a more pleasant which will meet our require- Reserve Fleet which could not il. And. of course, with a new- ments in the years to come, and be used quickly. That is the introduction to the delightful days ahead. ship you would get a better hull it is for that reason that I emphasis which Admiral Wright getting there is HALF the fun! than the five or ten-year-old should like to concentrate (Supreme Allied Commander hull which you would get with attention on our building pro- Atlantic) put on the matter. gramme. a modernised old frigate. You "What I am concerned with would have a' 20-year life. "I am only considering to- is what we want to have in ten Cimairl jj day how I use the resources years' time. It is no good think- nfi "How far is it worthwhile which Parliament is able to put ing only of today. I do not maintaining ships in reserve at my disposal," continued the think that the immediate which would be called into use First Lord. "That is where I danger of a major conflict is only at such high cost and after think I can tell a not altogether great, but I am not prepared such an extended length of discouraging story. We have to say what the position may be time? Are we likely in any coming into the Fleet in the in five, six or more years' time. next two year's two aircraft PORT LINE LTD. (Inc. in England), 50 YOUNG STREET SYDNEY future global war lo have Before the 1914-1918 war it was DALGETY ond COMPANY LTD. (Inc. in England) enough lime to use ships which carriers, two cruisers, thirteen clear that supremacy at sea 2 O'CONNELL STREET. SYDNEY would take months to bring destroyers and frigates, sixteen would rest on Dreadnoughts. also BRISBANE, MELBOURNE, ADELAIDE and PERTH forward? I must say that I have minesweepers and seventeen During the period 1918 to 1939 considerable doubts on that, miscellaneous craft and a it was equally clear that the and I think it is better to con- number of submarines. All aircraft carrier would be the centrate on instant readiness these will come into service as key to naval strength. But what rather than on diverting our either new or completely are we going to forecast for resources to a reserve which we modernised ships. I am sure today? 1 do not pretend that I should probably never use. I that this is the right policy. I can give the answer, but what I would go further. I would go !>elieve that the correct empha- can say is that I have set up Regular %ailings to so far as to say that ideally we sis is on a sea-going Fleet rather with the highest authority and should have no reserve at all. than on the Reserve Fleet, best advice I can get. a Fleet Re- UNITED KINGDOM All the ships should be manned though I do not underestimate quirements Committee, under antl ready for service at the the importance of the Opera- the Deputy-Chief of Naval and CONTINENT proper time. tional Reserve, to which I have Staff, to look into this problem, reterred. But I do not think to see what kind of ship we that we should concentrate on "There have been suggestions should look for in ten years' a large Reserve Fleet. made ai some time that we time. So far, the Committee should clis|>erse these ships "The immediate readiness has confirmed the correctness around the Commonwealth, and flexibility of a sea-going of the decisions already made. and particularly to such places Navy, maintained on a world as Australia and Canada, but basis, from the West Indies to "We are building a Fleet the moment the details ol this Hong Kong, and from the with modernised aircraft plan tome to be examined it South Atlantic to the Firth of carriers with the latest aircraft: presents considerable difficul- Forth, is of far greater value guided missile destroyers with ties. I have no reason to sup|)ose than keeping ships which can a new form of anti-aircraft that the Commonwealth coun- l>e used only after a consider- delence; general purpose tries have any money to spend able length of time. Mo- wer, frigates, embodying all the on these ships. They would I tlo not think it is vorth lessons we have learned on prefer. I believe, to spend their keeping the highly lined frigate design and incorporat- money on new sea-going fleets. personnel we have in • esent ing new types of asdic and radar If they were modern ships, ol circumstances, except witn the which we believe to be the best course, it would be quite liest equipment. Though the in the world: and, most impor- Or AfMts: GIBBS BRIGHT * CO.. 17 PITT ST., SYDMEY. T.kpho«: »U4I*I different. amount of equipment may seem tant of all, nuclear-propelled "L.O AT MUI»*N1J1«L»OUIIH«-»0«L*IP«-WIITH.HO»«IIT AND N.WCASTL. October. 1758 » THE NAVY ( TRAINING SOUTH AFRICA'S SEA OFFICERS TBI XAITH AL lOLLEil "CEXENAL MTIA SEA SCHOOL T Cordon's Bay ill the lasts two years and academic 6.30 a.m. with Reveille, A Cape, 35 miles Ironi Cape- and technical training is given followed by showers and the town and in the upper corner to senior certificate standard. first ol the many "dear up The Royal ol False Bay, a completely The subjects cuvtred are the decks" until 7.15, when lie rebuilt and up-to-date nautical two official languages, mathe- attends physical training. college is situated. This nautical matics, physics, geography, Australian Naval college succeeds the Training navigation and seamanship. An Alter breaklast he parades Ship Ceneral Botha, which additional and optional final and attends prayers until 9 College Trains started its activities at Simon's examination is available ol o'clock. During the morning lie Town in 1922. matriculation exemption status. may attend Afrikaans or Knglisli classes, geograplis. The Navy's The objects ol the college The Union Department ol physics, mathematics, or a are twofold: to give Ixiys who Education Arts and Science navigation or seamanship class, Future Officers are keen on a seagoing careei subsidises the running ol the using many items of practical as an officer in the Merchant establishment quite substanti- equipment. Officer*. Matter*, anil Ship'* Com)tany fallen in for the Commix Navy a comprehensive ground- sinning Ceremony. 20lh January. 1958. ally but certain lees are payable I TUATED oil a magnificent ing in their future career and by parents, although at the Scholastic studies continue site amid beautiful sur- to develop smartness, alertness, moment for those in need, until 1.10 p.m. with one lioui S energetic brother-officers who. ances are forthcoming from resource and cheerful acquies- quite a few bursaries are avail- lor lunch, and after tea comes roundings overlooking the like themselves, seek an outlet their (larems or guardians that cence to discipline. The motto able. These lees are £120 a year eilliet lioxing, band practice. deep, broad waters ol Jervis lor their talents and capabili- they will be. of the college is "Honour and s|xirts practices or diviuits in addition to'£.H nomination Hay. the Royal Australian ties away Irom the hum-drum Duty." lee, plus £2 a year medical lee classes and once a week a routine ol many of the occupa- Naval College is the initial Applicants lor the normal Although the Ceneral Botha and £5/5/- a year pocket money, complete "dean ship" (spring tions ol civilian life. entry are reuuired to pass a is now established alongside the which is repaid lo the cadets clean) ol the whole establish- I raining ground ol .most of the Advanced training courses qualifying educational exam- ment. where everything is done sea and not on it, the atmos- at 2/0 a week. The 1120 a year I mure ofheers of the Royal overseas, and exchange appoint- equ phere within its boundaries is may lie paid as parents wish but lis the cadets except immediate \ustralian Navy. ments with the Royal Navy, not activities in connection with mediate standard. Applicants entirely that of a ship, and noi less than monthly in only enable olhcers selected for for the matriculation entrv cadets when going out of the advance. i lie catering arrangements. All those associated with it them to see a great deal more Prep, lollows supper from 6.15 must have already matriculated grounds go "ashore." are proud ol the fact that it is of the world than many other for an Australian University, io 7.S0 p.m. Evening prayers The sea demands high quali- The lees cover hostel |ieople see. but also provide or intend sitting for the exam- at 8..30 p.m. precede turning in one of the most democratic fications from its officers in expenses, clothing, including them with opportunities for ination during the year in to lied with "lights out" at 9.00 institutions irt the Common- modern times, and in conse- uniforms and laundry, trans- learning more and more of the which they submit their appli- p.m. quence entries from 1957 have |x>rt. hairc lifting, shoe repairs, wealth; for every young man methods and techniques of the cations. lieen restricted to those lioys technical Ixxiks, weekly cinema. who has certain essential quali- profession they have chosen. Throughout his two years' who have passed junior certifi- This is little more than it costs training, the cadet lives a fications, and comes within the tligible candidates are also cate or equivalent and are to keep a youth at home. healthy, well-ordered life. He is appropriate age-groups, has the There are two ways of enter- required to undergo a specified lietween the ages of M years taught discipline and sell- ing the College. One is known medical examination. Those li months and 16 years -I months The cadets on joining are opportunity of competing for respeci: lie learns the value ol as the normal entry, for bovs who pass both the educational at the time of entry. The course fully kitted up and are no entry to it so that he may begin comradeship and acquires the aged between I5J and 161 in and medical examinations then further expense to their parents • raining as a cadet-midshipman during the two years, other than useful habit of doing things January of the year in which appear before an interviewing a few minor items, such as quickly and of lieing alert al and enjoy the many much- they join. The' other is the committee, and the selected IMMEDIATE READINESS sheets and sports gear. all times. He is taught respect i lierislied advantages that entry matriculation entry, for voung candidates enter the College at men aged not more than |5 the end of the following from Page 9 for superior officers and all provides. submarines. The decision to As well as practical seaman- parents agree that the physical in January of the year in which January. buy an American reactor for ship, training is given in the and mental development during The College is the gateway to they join. the Dreadnought will, we hope, management of all types of the two years is outstanding. in addition to their free an attractive and extremely Candidates must be British accelerate its introduction into lioats, and normal sports clothing and free education, interesting career, in which subjects, or the sons of British the Royal Navy by at least two activities include rugby, cricket, Candidates have to pass the they receive free books. i hose who are fortunate enough subjects, and be substantially years. These are the things on tennis, boxing and squash. Ministry of Transport eyesight io lie engaged often find them- of Euro|iean descent. During the early stage ol which 1 think we ought to Facilities are available for other test liefore lieing finally entered recreation and hobbies. There in the college, and it should selves taking part in unusual their training, normal entry spend money, not on obsolete and stimulating experiences. In They must be legally cadet - midshipmen receive ships. 1 lielieve you will agree, is a large library with adjoining lie holed iliac first-class vision addition, most of them travel domiciled in Australia, al- pocket money and later draw when you see the position, that reading and writing room. and colour vision is necessary though the Minister for the for this. to countries overseas, and all of active pay. Matriculation entry that is a wise decision to take Navy may accept applications cadet-midshipmen draw active The daily routine of a them share the companionship at the present time." Ceneral Botha cadet starts at iPlt aae turn to page 771 from candidates not so pay from die day they enter ol intelligent, ambitious, and domiciled, if acceptable assur- the College. 10 THE NAVY October, 1111 At the end of this period they are promoted midshipmen, BLESS THIS SHIP" and go to the United Kingdom for further professional and academic training at the Royal H.M.A.S. YARRA — Third of her Name Naval College at Dartmouth. IME and tide wail lor 110 one thing. A minute or so after Dowling; the Second Naval Having completed this train- Tman, but the Naval Board the appointed hour it was Member, Rear Admiral W. H. ing. which occupies 1G months, — and all those hundreds announced over the public Harrington, and Mrs. Harring- tltey are promoted acting sub- waiting to see the launching ol address system to the waiting ton; Rear-Admiral and Mrs. lieutenants antl — except lot the Royal Australian Navy's multitude that the ceremony C. C. Clark; Mrs. Townley. electrical s|>ecialisis — go to latest arrival Irani the building wife of the Minister for Supply; sea in ships ol the Royal Navy slips — had lo wait for the Commodore and Mrs. P. Perry; or the Royal Australian Navy. time antl tide to lie propitious the Secretary of the Navy, Mr. at YVilliamstown Dockyard 011 TYPE Xli A/S FRIGATE T. J. Hawkins, and Mrs. After lhat, they can socialise Tuesday afternoon, Septemlrer in one or other of the seamen, LAUNCHED AT Hawkins: Rear-Admiral and .10. The launching of H.M.A.S. Mrs. G. Gatacre; Rear-Admiral engineering or supply and Yarra was timed for 3.45 p.m. WIUIAMSTOWN setretariat branches. Olhcers of A. W. R. McNicoll, Captain All was in readiness except for SEPTEMBER 30 all specialisations eventually R. J. Robertson; the U.S. Naval liecome eligible for high Attache, Captain Clarence appointments. White, and Mrs. White; the Netherlands Naval Attache, SEA SCHOOL — from opposite would be delayed for a short page Captain F. G. H. van Straaten, Officers who specialise in while owing to the fact that the and Mrs. van Slraaten: the The Chief of N'aval Staff. Vice-Ailmirat Sir Roy Dowling, K.R.E.. engineering complete two years' Some of the officers selected tide was not right. C.R., D.S.O., inspects the lluartl on his first visit to the R.A.S.I', basic training at the Royal lor the supply and secretariat Indonesian Military Attache. after iIs return to Jervis Ray. Naval Engineering College at branch are given opportunities When, however, time and Lieut.-Colonel Basoeki Rach- Manadon, Devon (England), to graduate in law. tide had arrived at a correct mad, and Mrs. Basoeki Rachmad. The life of a cadet- months in the R.A.N, training antl may then volunteer lor Olhcers of the seaman conlluence. the word was given, further specialisation in marine the champagne bottle shattered, midshipman at the College is frigate. specialisation, those who keep When all was ready, the engineering, aeronautical engin- and Yarra glided with gathering full of interest. He engages in They live antl work in the watch 011 the bridge, navigate Principal Officer of the Dock- eering. or ordnance engineering. s|reetl down the ways to a general studies, gains theo- ship under the same conditions -ships antl command vessels that yard, Captain L. N. Dine, perlect launch. retical and practical nautical as naval ratings, so that they range from minesweepers to opened the ceremony with the Alter their initial training at aircralt carriers, may specialise knowledge, and takes part in will learn the ship's routine in The day was just right for words: the Royal Australian Naval in navigation-direction, gun- athletic sports and games and its relation to the sailor and the occasion, with warm, bright College and the Royal Naval nery, torpedo, anti-submarine "Seeing that in the course of other forms ol recreation in become acquainted with the sun; sparkling water: a large College, midshipmen selected methods and technique, com- our duly we are set in the delightful and healthy sur- mode of life on the lower tleck. and enthusiastic crowd of to lietome electrical officers are munications. physical training, midst ol many dangers and roundings. s|>ertators: and. central figure They also do a short air sent to Australian Universities or as pilots or observers in the difficulties and that we cannot ol attraction, the slim, shapely Part of his recreation includes course at the R.A.N, air to study for the degree of Fleet Air Arm. Ire faithful to the high sailing and racing in the Tam- station at Nowra (N.S.W.). Bachelor of Engineering. lines ol the ship, gleaming in trust placed on us without Olhcers of the engineering O-Shanter and other college her suit of new light grey paint, the help of Almighty God. ami electrical branches may yachts and dinghies, cutters and reaching high up to her lifted we invite you. Reverend -sub-specialise as pilots or other small boats. Some cadet- I rows above the launching Sirs, to invoke the blessing of observers. midshipmen have Ireen included cradle. Cod upon this ship and upon in the crew when the Tam-O- Whatever s|>erialisaiion an all who serve in her. now and Shanter has competed in the officer may undertake, he will The Hag ol the Naval Board, in the luture, lhat she may sail Sydney to Hobart yacht race. find that, apart Irom leading with its anchor device, stood under His good providence and an at live and lascinating life, out in the bree/e from a short Religious instruction has an protection, and that there mas even minute ol which is fillet! staff erected amidships on her never be larking willing and ini|rortant place in the College with interest, he will have the hull. Among those on the curriculum, and all cadet- skilled men to serve in her satisfaction ol playing a leading staging carrying the official faithfully." midshipmen attend church on part in the service of his guests were the Minister for Sundays and other special days. country in |>eate antl war. Defence, Sir Philip McBride. The Protestant Chaplain Normal-entry cadets graduate And even while he is still and Lady McBride (who then said: "May God the at the College in Deremlrer ol at the Royal Australian |>erlormed the christening cere- Father. God the Son, and Cod their third year, antl those of Naval College, he will realise mony): the Minister lor the the Holy (.host bless and the matriculation entry in lhat his training is Ireing Navy. Mr. Davidson, and Mrs. hallow this ship lor use in His August or Septemlrer of their directed towards fining him for Davidson: the Chiel of the Service, and may his protection first year. The Gymnasium anil Sluily Rloek form the background to this such service both at home antl Naval Staff. Vice-Admiral Sir lie with her now and always. They then gain sea-going serum in a Rugby mateli between the ('allege and Nowra High abroad. Rov Dowling. and Lady Amen." ex|>crienre by serving for three School. Octotwr. I Ml II 34 THE NAVY soon (1911) to be designated first Royal Australian Naval Black Sea and later proceeded the capture of German and The Roman Catholic (Chap- mischief come nigh to hurt the Royal Australian Navy. to England where she arrived their souls. And so through the Squadron. A torpedo boat Italian shipping at Banda lain then said: "May the At the outbreak of World on llth January, 1919. Shahpur and Banda Abbas. waves of this troublesome d est rover ol 700 tons displate- blessing ol Cod Almighty. War 1, Yarra, with her sister On fith March. 1919, Yarra Yarra captured the Italian ship world, and through all the ment. she was built by Denns Father. Soil antl Holy Ghost, changes and chances ol this ships Warrego and Parramatta, sailed for Malta. Irom which Hilda at the last-named port on descend upon this ship antl mortal life, bring them ol Thy Brothers, ol Dumbarton. Scot- formed the destroyer com- |x>rt the entire Australian the 27th August, 1941. ponent of the Australian Fleet Flotilla sailetl lor home, remain with her always. Amen." mercy to the sure haven of land. antl lomtnissioiied 011 the Alter escort and patrol duties Thine everlasting Kingdom: I (lib September. 1910. tommaiided by Vice-Admiral reaching Darwin on 26th April. in the Mediterranean and Red All present then joined in Sir C.eorge E. Patey. 1919. Sea, Yarra arrived at Colombo through Jesus Christ, our Lord. She departed from Poits- the Prayer: "O Thou that en route lor Java on ,10th Amen." niouih on the 19th Septembei. During the opening phases The remainder ol Yarra's sittest above the water Hoods, December. 1941. She then This was lollowed by the 1910. toimnissioncd as a Rosa I ol the war she operated with service was confined 10 the work and stillest the raging ol the arrived at Batavia on llth Lord's Prayer, alter which all Navy ship lor the voyage to the Fleet in the search for Von of a peace-time destroyer in sea, accept, we beseech Thee, January. 1942, and undertook present sang the Hymn "O Australia, and in compans ol Sfiee's Pacific Squadron. Later Australian home waters until the supplication ol Thv servants patrol and escort duties in Father. King ol Earth and Sea. her sister ship Parramatta and she took part in the capture 10th September, 1929. when she lor all who in this ship, now support ol the Malayan Java we dedicate this ship to Thee." cstortctl b\ H.M.S. Gibraltar, ol the German colonies in the was translerrcd to Cockatoo antl herealter, shall commit campaigns. Yarra rescued 1,800 The christening ceremony arrived .11 Broome, Western south-west Pacific. antl a Island Dockyard lor breaking their lives into the perils ol the survivors Irom the burning was then |ierformed by Lady Australia, on the 15th Noveni- number of her sailors were up after a long antl creditablc deep. In all their ways enable troop transport Empress of Asia McKritle, and Yarra, third of IXM . wheie the two destroyers landed at Kabakaul (New period ol service. them truly and godly to serve while under air attack at her illustrious name, glided passed to the control of the Britain) under the command ol Thee, antl by their Christian Singapore. and continued down the ways to the water 011 Australian Government. The\ Lieutenant G. A. Hill, R.N.R.. lives set forth Thy glory THE SLOOP YARRA escorting duties until the fall which she will live her life. arrived at Williamstown on to take part in the operations throughout the earth. Watch of Java. 10th Det ember. 1910, antl ashore against the Germans. H.M.A.S. Yarra the Second over them in their going forth THE DESTROYER YARRA (after which the new vessel is and in their coming in. that H.M.A.S. Yarra the first was represented the first two units Yarra was present at the Yarra sailed Irom Batavia as ol the first Australian Fleet. named) was a sloop ol 1,060 one of an escort of a convov no evil lielall litem, nor one ol the original units of the surrender ol German New tons standard displacement, of five merchant ships and a GS Guinea at Rahaul on 1.1th built at Cockatoo Island Dock- September, 191-1, and remained small motor minesweepei. yard, Sydney, and commissioned bound lor Tjilatjap. Shortls in New Guinea waters lor on the 21st January, I91ti. several months. She left Rabaul before they reached that port, on 5th February, 1915, for From January. 1916, until however, they were ordered not return to Australia, where she the outbreak of war in 19.19, to enter as the Japanese were undertook patrol duties along H.M.A.S. Yarra was in Austra- approaching. the Australian coast for some lian home waters. In Septemlier, On Ird March. 1942, Yarra months. 19.19, she was plated on patrol picked up forty officers and escort antl minesweeping duties men. survivors from a Dutch On 10th May, 1917, she until 10th December, 1919, ship which had been sunk. sailed Irom Sydney in company when she joined the 20th Mine- of Parramatta and Warrego for sweeping Flotilla R.A.N, and HOPELESS FIGHT the Mediterranean, being departed from Fremantle for At dawn on 4th March, an joined en route by Swan, H11011 the East Indies Station on 28lh enemy cruiser force attacked the and Torrcns to form an Aus- August. 19-10. convoy, whose sole armameni tralian Flotilla of six destroyers. consisted of the Yarra's three The shi|>s were ultimately From Septemlier. 1940, until 4-inch guns and 1 pdrs.. one based at Brindisi lor Adriatic March, 1911, the Yarra was on merchant ship's 4-inch gun and anti-submarine patrol. On this escort and patrol duties in the the other ship's machine guns. work the destroyers were Red Sea antl tcxik pan in action responsible for blocking the against Italian destroyers .15 The action was of short southward passage ol sub- miles olf Jabal-at-Tair Island. duration, though the enemy's marines through the Adriatic Southern Red Sea. 011 20th initial firing was bad. The narrows into the Mediterranean October. 1910. leading to the entire convoy was destroyed. and also the safe transit ol destruction ol the Francesco Yarra put up a gallant fight in Italian transports to and Irom Nullo on Harmil Island. an endeavour to protect the Mbania. In Persian Gulf o|ierations in convoy, but it was of no avail. She put tlown a smoke screen H.M.A.S. QUADRANT UNDERGOES TILTING TEST AT OARDEN ISLAND May, 1911, Yarra took part in On !7th October. 1918. the the suppression of the Iraqui but was rendered helpless The angle at which she listed caused many people to ring Naval Headquarters anxiously Yarra and Torrens sailed for revolt led by Rashid Ali. Yarra within 20 minutes. Against Th.s ioece a Auitrelien-Ofientel Lire Ltd. I Joint Mudros and later in that month also played a leading part in such a weight and power ol iponiorod by: The China Naviqetion Co. Lid. I Service sailed for Port Said to assist the ojierations leading to the fire the action was short-lived. New Guinea Auitrelie Line Ltd. |apancse units in escorting securing of Iranian (Persian) Thirty-three of Yarra's com- troops to Salonika. In Deceni- jiorts and naval base, including SWIRE fc YUILL mr. LTD.. General Agents, • Bridge Street, Sydney lier, 1918, Yarra served in the plement got away on two the oil refineries at Ahadan and Carlev floats, a length ol
October, l«M THE NAVY II planking and two small raits. Only thirteen, however, sur- \EH P. AO. •CANBERRA" vived. being eventually picked up lis the Dutch submarine A mechanised model of the side. A miniature car is used to K11. -lid miles south ol Java new P. It O. liner "Can- show how the transporter works. alter lieing 1115 hours in ihe lierra", now 011 exhibition at the The other is associated with water. They were taken to Brussels World Fair, will lit the ship's lifeboats, which will Colomlxi. None ol her otlicer shown in Australia later this lie carried flu ih with the ship's complement survived. year. side, three decks below the tra- ditional "boat deck." THE FRIGATE YARRA "Hie "Canlierra" will lie the largest and lastest ship built in A moving lifeboat on the H.M.A.S. Yarra the Third is Britain since the "Queens." model shows how the davit an Anti-Submarine Frigate — Her keel was laid at Belfast mechanism slides the lifeboat the first ol lour to lie built lor in September, 1957. antl she will into position over the water. the R.A.N. A Whitby-class lie delivered late in I960. Irigaie ol prelabricatetl con- struction. she has a length ol She has been called the "ship 370 ft. and a beam ol II II. of the future" liecause not only SCIENCE AIDS Her armament will include a will she be the largest turlio- twin 4.5-inch gun mounting, electric liner ever built in Bri- TUNA FISHING two anti-submarine mortar tain. but she is of almost re- USTRALIAN tuna fishing mountings, two double torpedo volutionary design. tube mountings, and eight Her twin funnels, side by side, A has expanded from a catch single tor|iedo tube mountings. and all her machinery will be of aliout 95 tons in 1951-52 to She will lie a vers elfectise anil aft. not only giving her an un- more than 1,000 tons last year, valuable addition to the anti- usual appearance but providing antl has become a useful earner submarine resources ol the extra deck and other space for of foreign exchange, the Australian Fleet. The first of passengers. Minister for Primary fndustry. her sister-ships will l>e burnt heil She will provide air-condition- Mr. William McMahon, said at Cockatoo Island Dockyard. ing throughout lor her 3,250 in the House of Representa- Sydney, next January. passengers and crew, and her tives recently. speed of 27J knots will shorten Mr. McMahon said the The occasion ol her launch- the I'.K.-Australia return voyage success of the tuna fleet was ing must have brought by two weeks. poignant thoughts to some ol due in large measure to the The display unit for the o|ieration of the tuna clipper those present. For among them model embodies a 10 fi. illum- was a lornter Commanding Senibua, which the Common- " M A S ><»"<*<> GAXXET Aircraft „,„», „,„Ui. H.M.A.S. QVWKMATCH. inated panel illustrating the wealth Government had brought g Ofhcer ol H.M.A.S. Yarra the main compartments in the ship, Second, who commanded her from Fiji to Australia in 1949. each of which in the model This vessel demonstrated the throughout her war service iu lights up when the viewer pole method ol taking tuna, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea. presses a button. AUSTRALIA'S "FLYING" NAVY the Mediterranean, and Persian now the principal method ol There are 20 buttons. Gull, and in the ABDA Area catching tuna in Australian Attractive Careen in Fleet Air Arm almost to the eve ol her loss, Viewers of the model can also waters. "teleuhone" the ship. Dialling HE Royal Australian Navy when he was succeeded by Practically all the tuna caught including mathematics and numbers selected from an illus- has vacancies for young months' Hying training with Commander R. W. Rankin, was canned, and increasing English. trated panel and lifting the re- Tmen with qualifications that fit the R.A.A.F. at I'ranquintv who was lost with her. That quantities ol canned tuna were ceiver they are able to hear a them for training as pilots ami Those who succeed in their (N.S.W.) and Pearce (Western lormer Commanding OHicer is l>eing exported. applications are entered as now Second Nasal Member ol soice in English. French or Ger- observers ol the Fleet Air Arm, Australia), and at the end ol "Provided sufficient quantities and lor ihe holding of commis- recruit naval airmen (aircrew) the Australian Commonwealth man describing the part of the lhat phase are awarded their of fish are available, there seems sions. antl s|icutl three months at Naval Board — Rear-Admiral ship they have "contacted." "wings" and promoted to the to lie no reason why the present Flinders Naval De|x>t. Crib W. H. Harrington. Bv pushing levers they can rank ol acting sub-lieutenant. rate of exports cannot lie Point (V.) in a preliminary also ojierate on the model ship Applicants lor ap|Kiinlmeiil They are each granted. Irom increased," Mr. McMahon said. course. At the entl of the Antl alvi among the Ii50 st ale models ol novel equipment must lie aged at least 17 scars that date, a short service com- course ihcir capabilities antl guests at the launthing were which "Canberra" will carry The C.S.I.R.O. hopes to ami not more than 24 years: mission ol seven years. They apiitmles are re-assessed, and eight survivors, and relatives ol when she is tompleted. locate valuable new fishing lie ol high phvsiral standard: complete their naval flying ilies are selected lor training men who had lieen lost when One is a "transporter" device grounds soon with radar. IK* able LO pass lesls involving training at the well-equipped either as pilots or oliservers. Yarra the Second was sunk as which will lie fitted into the A vessel equipped with the |iersonal qualities antl living R.A.N. Air Station at Nowra a result ol her gallant action for'ard part of the ship to load radar device will try to locate aptitude: antl lie in fiosscssitin They then liectinie proba- (N.S.W.). with a Japanese cruiser and schools ol fish 30 or 40 miles tionary naval airmen, and the and unload Ixith cars antl cargo ol ihe intermediate or Subsequent Iv. pilots do destroyer force in March. 1912. out to sea. pilot trainees antl oliserver horizontally through the ship's equivalent certificate with further naval courses, which passes in at least lour subjects. trainees |iari company. The 34 |xitcntial pilots undergo 14 give ihem an insight into the THE NAVY duties ol their lellow-officers. Oetob.r, 1951
IT II the) hold permanent com- missions, officers in the Fleet OIL - AND THE RED DUSTER Air Arm have opportunities, equal to those of other |>ei- manetit officers, of reaching the BP's Big Building Programme highest ranks in the Navy. HE touchy political situa- designed purely for the carriage 11 officers who hold short not available, the less econ- tion in the Middle East of crude, whose si/e need only service commissions do not T omical steam turbine with over the past few years, which be limited by the |rorts they make the Navy a permanent water-tube Ixrilers' was intro- look the control of the Sue/ serve. This fact has been given career. the training they duced. However, this |>erniittetl Canal away Irom the Western lull consideration in the siting receive iu the Fleet Air Arm the installation ol steam turbine •illies, has underlined the world ol new refineries and the equips them in- a unique way cargo pumps, by which an dependence on oil and oil expanding ol existing ones. for employment in the great entire cargo could be discharged tankers. This, coupled with the in sixteen hours. and growing field of civil lorecast that the annual ton- Iu 1951 the first of the new aviation. sumption ol oil will double iu 2K.000-ton vessels was commis- Ill <>|>eratioii. the bigger While they are undergoing the next leu years, has caused sioned. They were so much vessels showed the greater this training they are helping ihe major tanker-owning com- bigger than anything known economy, and the teui|x>rary to maintain the carrier-lrorne panies to review their |>olicies belore that they were termed closing ol the canal showed air strength which is vital to antl building programmes. "super tankers" in the oil trade. that we might Ire lorced to use They were quickly iollowed by the Cape route in time of war. British Petroleum, through orders for ships of .12,000 and so even bigger tankers would its two subsidiaries. BP Tanker 35.000 tons, which the lonucr lie needed lo prevent the time TEETH TO BITE Co. and BP (Clyde) Tanker Co.. Sue/ Canal Company Irelieved lost from affecting the amount "In view of the inevitable owns the largest lleet ol vessels would be the biggest they could ol cargo delivered. dominance of air power, under British registry — lroth handle after their programme Il was then that orders for purely passive defence by number of ships and bv of widening and deepening the vessels of 50.000 tons antl would be certain and tonnage — and one quarter ol Canal had been completed. upwards were placed, and painful suicide; it is peace all tankers under the Red negotiations were put in hand with teeth, and the teeth Ensign. These huge ships brought with them problems ol design, to develop Milford Haven in must be able t*> bite hard This lleet belore the war construction, and operation of Wales as an adtlitional port for and swiftly." consisted of 93 ships, with a their own. In particular, receiving them. tarrying capacity of just under — Marshal of the R.A.F. economy in running, antl I'he BP Tanker Company's one million tons. Thev were steerage in the Sue/ Canal, present building programme The Lord Tedder mostly 8,000 and 10,000-ton demanded vessels of a single includes: vessels, with a few of 12,250 screw: and as diesel engines o[ ions which were then Irelieved 7 ships of
THE NAVY Oclob.r, I9SI it It tons; 9 ships of 50,000 tons; 19 INTO THE ROCKS ships of 34,000 tons; 1 ship of 49,000 tons; 5 ships of 32,000 R.A.N. APPRENTICE TRAINING A TRUE TALE OF LIFEBOAT SERVICE tons — a total of 62 ships with ship's plating and framing, a carrying capacity of 2,271,000 MODERN warship with its '^pifE engine had tailed at docking and cable work. was a sharp crack as it parted— the hot meal which would be tons. complex equipment must A dusk. As the sun sank lie- Ahave expert maintenance and Difficulty has been ex- and before they could let go waiting for him at home; and low the western horizon it the second anchor she was in the Even sot, the limit of the attention. perienced in recent years" in bed. a nice warm, soft bed. had given a final splutter—and middle of the clanger area, com- world's demand for oil is not Highly skilled tradesmen are recruiting a sufficient number Taking it all round, he re- stopped. With no steerage-way pletely encircled by the hungry yet in sight. Treble and quad- essential for the installation of suitably qualified technicians flected, it had been quite a day. the yacht pitched and rolled rocks—-dragon's teeth waiting ruple the present annual con- and servicing of this equip- and tradesmen to be trained for It had been three-thirty that the above specialisations. like a log in the squalls, help- eagerly for a fresh victim. sumption can be anticipated in ment, to ensure its operation less on a Tee shore. 1 liroiigh the • • • afternoon when they left St. the years to come. If Dy then under all conditions, in peace- It has also been recognised mists the skipper could see the Helier. barely nine hours ago. the atomic propulsion of ships time and war. The Navy needs, that the Navy, by itself training light of Denue de Pas lieacon as Coxswain Thomas King Nine hours of tossing about on is an accomplished economical and must recruit, the following technicians completely, from it flashed its warning. Rocks! glanced at his watch and yawn- the squally seas, bodies bruised fact, we may not be too far technicians: the lieginning. will produce from even larger tankers which, Electrical artificers, known better artificers. The skip|>er drop|ied the designed and built to operate ashore as electrical fitters, who Therelore, the Australian anchor: he knew that the thin submerged, would sail beneath maintain all high and low- Commonwealth Naval Board, wooden planks of the 10-ton For Sea Cadets the sea, where, with sufficient Maurice Georges would stand power, even greater speeds than no chance against the hundreds By KEN LOMAX—in London those on the surface are THE NAVY HEIRIITS ol submerged and half-tide rocks which were scattered alxiut the possible. Far below the stresses ITS OWN TECHNICIANS of storm and wave, perhaps approaches to St. Helier: within ed. He leaned his aching body they would even he safe from a mailer of seconds the ship by the constant budgeting, skins against the wheel and peered attack by atomic weapons. in 1955. decided to introduce would be smashed to match- chapped by the salt-laden wind, power electrical gear, elec- into the simply lit compass bowl. apprentice training to the wood. Anxiously the crew wat- clothing soaked by the driving tronic, radio and radar equip- Should sight the beacon any The red ensign may even yet R.A.N. ched the straining cable. Would spray—in spite of their oilskins; ment.. gunfire control systems, minute now, he thought: and follow in the wake of the The site chosen was the it hold/ and their eyes were red-rimmed and guided weapons. not liefore time, either. As he R.A.N, air station at Quaker's and aching from the constant Nautilus. It didn't. strained his eyes to pick up the Engine-room artificers, who Hill. N.S.VV. straining into the mists which are skilled fitters and turners The light yacht chain was no first glimpse of the light through at times closed down visibility The R.A.N. Apprentice match for the heavy seas. There the swirling mists he thought of or boilermaker-welder», and are Training Establishment. to less than three hundred yards. Always ask for . . . concerned with the modern H.M.A.S. Nirimba, was com- Nine hours at sea, six of them steam propulsion and generat- missioned. and training started spent in a monotonous search ing plants, refrigeration, in January, 1956., with 50 lioys. K.A.N. APPRENTICE TRAINING — from opposite page for the aircraft which had SHELLEY'S hydraulics, internal combustion Fifty Ixiys lietween 15 and 17 crashed into the sea in their engines, air compressors, cata- allocation to branches and all artificers, including direct area. And to add to their dis- years of age have lieen entered, irades is as follows:— FAMOUS DRINKS pults, and flight deck machin- each half-year since, for the entry. comfort the search had ended ery. four-year course at Nirimba. 16 E.R.A. (fitters and All relevant trade unions and in failure — the plane must the Apprenticeship Commission have sunk immediately, leaving Ordnance artificers, who are and the number under training turners): -I E.R.A. (Ixiiler- Obtainable from leading will be 400 ill January, 1960, makei/welder): III elect, artifi- have signified their complete no trace of wreckage behind. also highly-trained fitters and recognition of the naval shops and saloons turners as well as specialists on when the first Navv-trained cers; 8 ordnance artificers; 5 The coxswain straightened apprenticeship course. Also, as he heard Nicolle call from gun mountings, small arms, apprentices join the fleet for air artificers: 7 shipwright their final year of training. artificers. Navy trade training for elec- the bow. "Light dead ahead, gunfire control equipment, trical and engineering ratings CORDIAL FACTORY The training objective is to Tom. That'll be Demie de Pas. electrics, hydraulics, guided These artificer apprentices who join as recruits is compre- I reckon". weapons and anti-submarine produce the best possible naval are eligible lor promotion to hensive and thorough, ft is King chuckled. He 'reckon- devices. artificer for the future navy. commissioned rank through tarried out in electrical, radio, ed,' did he? If Nicolle said that He is to receive a sound each of three schemes of pro- SHELLEY & SONS Air artificers, who are either and engineering schools of the it was Demie de Pas then so it education, first-class craft train- motion:— Navy. skilled fitters and turners or ing, anil a most u|>-lo-date was; the crew of the Hearts of PTY. LTD. sheet metal workers, who can technical knowledge. (a) Matriculation entrs to As petty officers, these trades- Oak kn< n this coast better than cope with any job on air He is trained for manhood the R.A.N. College. men can qualify for Trade they knew their own faces. He frames, air engines, helicopters, Proficiency Certificates, and MURRAY STREET and good citizenship, leadership (b) Promotion to sub-lieut. noted the time in the log. Mid- jet and turbo-jet power plants. may apply for recognition as qualities are developed, and he from artificer V class in the night. In another half-hour they MARRICKVILLE qualified tradesmen as electrical would be home. It was a great Naval shipwrights, who are receives naval training to fit upper yardman scheme. mechanics, radio tradesmen, thing, the wireless, he mused. capablc of all wood work and him for the rating of petty N.S.W. (c) Promotion to sub-lieut. on aircraft electricians or fitters How hard it must have been in joinery, boat building, welding, officer. the Special Duties List as for and turners. the old days. No engines in the 'Phone: LA 5461 plumbing, painting, polishing, Ol the 50 entered in January glazing, mast and spar making, and ]uly of each year, the October, 1951 M THE NAVY his faith in the strong build of boats; 110 decks to shelter under: It was some time before the boat to save himself and his no cabin where the crew could they spotted the Tight; it was men if she should hit anything SEA CADET ACTIVITIES take it in turns to get a little difficult: one dim glimmer in —antl the odds were a hundretl warmth before they were all the mist and driving spray. And to one lhat she would. Vlrt.ri«« IV*lM by K. MtLAI'GILAN neetled on deck: and no radio when they did find it there was to signal their recall, and to a horrified gasp from every But somehow she didn't. send their E.T.A. so that the With the strong westerly wintl VICTORIA POLICE UNIT contact when antl where member ol the crew. Incidentally, the T.S. Voy- womenfolk could have a hot astern, helping to drive her on. CADETS IN BAY RESCUE |x>ssible at all times. ager — the Victoria police unit meal waiting. I'he yacht was encircled; she pushed her bow through the of the Australian Sea Cadet The camp, which was held buried tleep among the sharp crasning seas and threaded her ADETS of the newly-lormed Corps — was founded only on He heard the muffled voicc Irom December 20 to January langs of rock. way through the rocks. The T.S. Voyager e fleeted a May 3, 1967, under the patron- of the operator speaking over C II, was so great a success that closest escape came as she neared dramatic off-shore rescue during age of the Chief Commissioner the radio-telephone and turned It was a bad enough place cadets ol T.S. Voyager — the yacht antl came rountl to their first camp early this year, ol Police, General S. H. Porter, enquiringly as he came to the even on paper, thought Tom as although their unit is little pass a line—siie was caught by and showed by their actions C.B.E.. D.S.O. In addition to helm, a message pad in his hand. he took a quick look at the a beam sea and carried l>odil\ that they have gained plenty ol more than a year old — are Ihe commanding officer, Lieut. chart. Here the tlangers were endeavouring to make it an "There's a light been sighted over a ledge of rock! lioating experiences ol the right D. McKinlay, the personnel are clearly marked; rocks above annual affair. among the rocks, Tom: they high water mark; rocks awash A few minutes later a line type. Sub - Lieutenant R. Applebee want us to go and look". at low water; and submerged was thrown over antl made last The camp, by the way, was (Second-in-Command) and Petty I'he cadets, under the able no ordinary holiday home. Officer instructors E. Todtl, D. "The coxswain sighed. This rocks. He would hate to go ill to the yacht. Under normal cir- command of Lieut. D. Mc- there in the day-time, but 011 cumstances her crew would have "Work before pleasure" was the Carpenter, T. Swindon, T. could be tricky. They had been Kinlay, were in a 16 days' camp motto, and it entailed keeping Jordon and A. F. Willcocks. recalled liecause their fuel was this dark night there was noth- been taken off, but after quickly at Rye, on the southern ing visible except the dint light reviewing the situation the 24-hour watches in compliance low; there was not sufficient extremity of the Mornington with naval routine. margin for a long search, or for from the yacht, swaying from coxswain decided that it would Peninsula, when one afternoon SCHOOL CORPS HAS much manoeuvring when they side to side as the boat rolled in probably be lrettcr to attempt the duty-watch gave the alarm The journey to ihe camp was found the ship. He called to the the swell. And the lifeboat was to tow the Iroat out: he ditl not that a small yacht had capsized made in a power launcn, 30 HISTORIC NAME motor mechanic. the old reserve boat, not easily want to remain in his present to seaward. miles down Port Phillip Bay T.S. Avalon, the Geelong manoeuvrable with her single position a minute longer than against a hard, biting southerly; Grammar School corps, which "How much luel is there left. screw. necessary. Through the telescope it antl the voyage gave many incidentally now has a record Gubby?" So the nightmare trip could Ire seen lhat the occu- cadets their first tasle of salt complement of 77, derived its There was only one thing to pants were trap|>ed under the "Less than an hour, 1 guess, through the rocks began again, water, more especially as the name in an unusual but very tlo if they were to get the men sail. One of these turned out Tom. We'll have to look sharp off that yacht, and Tom King this time in the teeth of the launch voyage was protracted appropriate manner. to be an attractive young girl, through having to low the 27 It. or we'll be adrift, no". knew it. He stationed two men wind — and hampered by the Although the corps was a comparative non-swimmer. whaler. in the bow with the searchlight: tleatl weight ol their tow. To lounded only in July, 1950. a King nodded, and without their utter amazement both The other was her boy-friend. hesitation he spun the wheel then he spun the wheel and headed the Hearts of Oak ships gained the open sea with- Lieutenant McKinlay quickly and headed for the position they out so much as grazing the paint. had been given. straight for the rocks. He put manned the five-oared whaler with its full complement and, in a freshening breeze, the DR1BARM Hall an hour after midnight douhle-ender pulled smartly to they reached St. Helier—only the scene, a quarter of a mile thirty minutes later than their off shore. estimated time of arrival. COMPRESSED YEAST-VACWIM PACKED Wilh. WILHELMSEN AGENCY The boat's crew soon had the Some time later Thomas anxious couple on Iroard, after King sailetl the district inspectoi which they towed the capsized "Dribarm" is a special form ol Compressed Yeast, PTY. LTD. of lileboats out to examine the Iroat 10 the shallows of the dried under scientific conditions and carefully com- scene ol the incident. The day beach. SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE was fine, there was not a breath pounded with a suitable yeast food. Specially suitable of wind antl the sea was flat antl Just previous lo this incident when not accessible to, or supplied by, bakers. placid. As they lay about a mile two cadets had a similar experience, and this time the Representative for: from the rocks the inspector Obtainable from: Merchants, Stores, Grocers, turned to the coxswain. rescue was effected by Petty or direct from the Proprietors: WILHELMSEN LINES, OSLO Officer Willcocks with only a "Take her in a bit, Tom, I'd skeleton crew in the whaler. AUSTRALIA-WEST PACIFIC LINE, HEL5INBORG like to get a closer look at it". King looked at him and These, and other lesser MAURI BROTHERS & THOMSON LIMITED AMERICAN PIONEER LINE, NEW YORK shook his head. "Oh 110, sir. I incidents, proved to the execu- tives at the camp the need for The Compre*»ed Yeatt Co. SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES SVSTEM, STOCKHOLM wouldn't like to go in there. We might hit something". maintaining signal and Iroat equipment in first class order, BOX SI. P.O., WATERLOO, NS.W. "The Sea Cadet"—London. and the necessity of making
THE NAVY Octc-ba,, im * a Vroop oi sea scouts was formed ing the harvests of the seas in All the stories in this fascinat- DREAD WATERS at the school in 1930. In thai order to rid them of the menace ing book will hold the attention year the Minister for the Navy of war, and to those amateur of every reader. They are "Scapa Ferry." By Anthomy yachtsmen and unashamed found an old doulile-ended boat extremely well told by a man Bridges. (Peter Davitt) landsmen who joined them in which had lieen discarded, and who himself has cruised under their task. It is not in dispute, among: this was given to the school and sail in a great variety of craft: sailors, that the Pentland Firth repaired there. he skippered the little Samuel Few have heard of the Daisy is the worst sea in the world. THE SCHELDT left bank of his 21st Army- Pepys across the North Atlantic, Unfortunately, this double- Bell or the Moonstone, or the This is an account of how Group." Perhaps "Monty" had covering the 3,000 miles ender was not very satisfactory As the Book Society has re- names of those who commanded those dread waters were- other more important jobs to through almost continuous bad — it was heavy, old, with commended this book there and served in them, but theirs, repeatedly crossed by air almost keep his eye on, but "Monty" weather in the fastest crossing ratting limbers, and it leaked must lie something that tickets and that of others of their cali- ludicrously small vessel, sailed did not have hindsight. ever made by a small sailing — so in 1936 some old-boys it as not just another In The bre, is a story of resolution and by pre-war amateur yachtsmen, vacht. save the troop ail old fishing Steps of Chester Wilniot who This is a painstaking account courage unequalled by any other delivering gelignite, detonator* boat which bore the insignia resolved clearly all that the ol a corner of the canvas of branch of the Service. They — H. B. and kindred fearsome cargo. -RJ.B—I." generals could have done had War: it could have been of more louglit the U-boat, the dive- tliev had his hindsight. bomber, the E-boal and some- It was soon evident that this value if it had been entirely objective, had remembered that times the surface raider, too fre- •same had to be changed, but It is a detailed and particular quently with miserably inferior to what!- It was then decided account of the military action by all wars are muddles. The claim that these 85 days of combat gun power. They took the sting that she be rechristened Ava- all Services following the fall ol out of the magnetic mine and Ion after the motor boat which, Antwerp in September. 1944, in could have been avoided disre- WINNS gards the acumen of the oppos- acoustic mine, when the devilish when the school first moved to the sector of the Scheldt. ingenuity of the enemy threat- Corio from Ceelong in 1914, ing Germans but this record The author makes it imme- fairly describes the limited ened our vital supply routes. "THE BIG FRIENDLY STORES" used to transport the day-boys diately clear where he stands in Above all, they battled continu- acrots Corio Bay. Avalon was horizons on which its sights are these events of 13 years ago: the set. ously against the ancient antag- the name of the pastoral Scheldt affair of attrition could onist, the sea, which alone would Courtesy and service give a pleasant glow to property across the lagoon front have been avoided "if Montgo- "The Eighty File Days." By K. have daunted less resolute men. Business, and WINNS like to do Business that the school, which belonged to mery had his eye clearly on the IV. Thompson (Hutchinson). the Austin family, who were • • • "Lilliput Fleet" tells only a wiy. In that spirit they are happy to serve you. the first family to import part of their magnificent story, rabbits into Victoria. but its pages contain sufficient feel that no better name could LILLIPUT FLEET. By A. to bring a proper balance to In later years, the boys came lie given to the unit. liook-shelves which carry many by train and the Avalon was (Veil Hampshire. (William WINNS, Oxford Street, Sydney The unit today has just volumes about the naval svar at sold. Later she was taken over Kimber, U.K.) completed its eighth year, and sea. It is an authentic and reli- by the Americans during the ill that time 250 cadets have Too often, the exploits ol the able contribution. & Branches ivar, and this 56-footer. last passed through. No fewer than little ships are inadequately driven by a Diesel, ended her nine have lieen apgiointed Sub- recognised. Naval history is day* on active service in the lieutenants. weighted by major battles fought British Solomon Islands. by big units and the work and SMALL CRAFT Parades are held alter school achievement of smaller vessels The second Avalon — the on Thursdays. The boys are "Challenge to Poseidon." By are seen only in the shadow ol Food tastes better . former fishing boat — when either in the school cadet corps, Enroll Bruce. ( Hutchinson) the battleship,, the aircraft the sea scout troop was aban- the cadet band, or the sea cadet The author of this interesting doned in 1941 in favour of a carrier and the cruiser. corps. collection of sea stories, Com- school varht club, became flag- A. Cecil Hampshire's "Lilli mander Erroll Bruce, tells us ship to the club's 15 sailing In 1955 the T.S. Avalon won here of many notable voyages the right to hold the sea cadet put Fleet" is a timely account ol dinghies. made in small craft, such as food is colours for the year from the the activities of some ol the the famous journey of Captain At the same time many lioys T.S. Mildura, and these were smaller ships of the World War Bligli, |ierhaps the most remark better uritk learni to sail in the old boat, held until 1950. T.S. Bendigo II era. It is a story of the Royal able feat of navigation ever including Commander Ian are the present holders. Navy patrol service, a tribute to Mcintosh. This old-boy, as a the trawlers and drifters of the achieved by a seaman. One of the Avalon cadets won naval officer, sailed a lifeboat fishing fleet which were pressed a scholarship with the New- One ol the other stories deals with 80 survivors, after his ship into service to defend harbours Good Zealand Shipping Company to with Captain Voss, the Cana- had been torpedoed in the and coastal convoys, sweep the train in Britain aboard H.M.S. dian, who with two companions Atlantic, to Brazil. It was an shipping lanes of mines, support "Worcester." He is Cadet W. G. set out to sail round the world .arduous 23 days' voyage, and land operations and hunt the Little, and he sailed from in a vessel 25 feet long. •Commander Mcintosh was the U-boat. It is also a tribute to Townsville last month in the
THE NAVY October, 1958 cargo is becoming more intense. targo has Ireen sufficient to give Saturday afternoon, September A considerable section of pas- constant employment to the 20, massed bands of the Royal senger trallic is being attracted lleets, but conditions have now Australian Navy held a festival by the air services. The tremen- changed and the outlook for in Melbourne last month and dous increase in the t ost of new the next lew months is not very another in Sydney early in this BURNS, PHILP & COMPANY LIMITED ships compared with the prices promising. It is probable that month. Features of both festivals paitl for our original vessels in some Australian-owned cargo were out-of-door and indoor FOR ALL TRAVEL the 1920s and 1930s presents vessels may Ire temporarily laid concerts, broadcast ami tele- a further problem. idle for lack of trade. vised recitals, antl spectacular Scheduled Rates marching displays in full AIR "However, the diversity ol the "After careful investigation, ceremonial uniform. No Fees the Associated Steamship Company's general operations LAND Apply to has enabled a reasonable profit Owners, ol which we are one, The hands were provided by lo be achieved. Our trading came to the conclusion that Flinders Naval Depot, the East SEA 7 MIDGE STREET, SYDNEY Australian Area (with head- departments have been kept bulk ship carriage presents a TEL.: BOS47 busy antl engineering sub- relatively stable form ol trans- quarters in Sydney), and the sidiaries contributed materially |>ort, a ml steps have been Australian Fleet. Their lull • to our revenue. taken by the seven Associated programme in Melbourne in- •npanies to form a new cluded a "Music lor the People" "Because ol the inadequate Company with capital sufficient recital in Alexandria (.aniens; passenger earnings Iretween EXECUTOR to build two vessels of alrout a musical appreciation concert "Hands thai never leave Ihe wheel" mainland {xrrts. we arrangetl 11,000 tons deadweight cap- for 5,500 children Irom Stale TRUSTEE for Duntroon to Ire diverted to acity. l enders have been called anil private Secondary Schools Pacific cruises for alxiut lour lor their construction and close at the Olympic Swimming Pool; Appoint ATTORNEY months during the current examination will be made ol and, on Tuesday, September 23, winter season. The results, 1 am all I at tors before definitely a concert in the Treasury glatl to say, have shown a signing a contract. Gardens. BURNS PHILP TRUST tlecitletl improvement. COMPANY LIMITED "Shareholders will IK- inter- In Sydney, the massed bands 7 BRIDGE STREET, SYDNEY TEL.: B0547 "For many years past the ested ill particulars ol our steel made recordings from Monday, volume of interstate general floating dock. As a result ol September 29. until Friday, negotiations with the Mel- October 3, and gave a display bourne Harlrour Trust, we have at the Naval Ball in the Sydney secured a lease ol this dock Town Hall on the Friday night. for 30 years. This cements out From Sunday, October 5, until Schweppes long association with the dry Saturday, October 11. they took docking of ships up to a part in the Waratah Spring FENWICK TUGS SINCE 1860 DRY moderate size, and 1 am confi- Festival. They played at the dent that the dock will enable opening ceremony on the Sun- GINGER ALE us to secure a larger share of day afternoon, and gave a As contractors to the British and Australian Navies, Fenwick's Fleet has ship repair work for our televised recital on ATN7 on handled warships from the diminutive gunboats of early days to the modern, Williamstowu establishment. the following day. On Tuesday mighty " King George V." "Mr. G. Sutherland Smith night, October 7, they played and Mr. K. B. York Syme are at the Music Shell in Hyde They have been in operation on the coast, in the main ports of New South the retiring Directors antl, Park. At lunch-time on Wed- nesday, Octolrer 8, they gave a Wales, on salvage voyages and on long towages to more distant waters, being eligible, offer themselves since I860. for re-election. It affords me marching display antl recital in much pleasure, ori behalf of the Hyde Park. Boartl, to record our apprecia- The record of Fenwick Tugs extends from the 1,000-ton sailing vessels of the tion ol the loyal and unflagging They gave another recital at I800's to the high-powered liners of to-day, such as the "Queen Mary" and the Music Shell on Thursday. service rendered by the " Queen Elizabeth." memlrers of our staff." October 9, and lunch-time marching display at the shop- ping centre at North Ryde on Reliability is Ihe watchword ol R.A.N. MASSED BANDS Friday. October 10. HOLD FESTIVALS IN Finally, they led the Waratah MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY Spring Festival pageant through J. FENWICK & CO. PTY. LTD. PENING with a recital at Sydney on Saturday, October O the Victorian Football 11, and on the nipht of October BU 5071 247 GEORGE STREET, SYDNEY BU 5072 11 gave a marching display on League grand final at the STEAM TUG OWNERS Mellrourne Cricket Ground on the Sydney Show Ground. SYDNEY, NEWCASTLE, PORT KEMBLA AND KURNEIL
THE NAVY 30 October, If SI This would mean that when approaching shelving coasts SHIPS AND THE STEEL INDUSTRY NUCLEAR POWER they would have to surlace, and therelore be capable of standing the stress of heavy weather for Nature has distributed Australia's iron ore throughout the continent and its lions ol this opening of the HE voyage ol the U.S.S. a considerable time — and that coking coal on the east coast. Ships — in this case mostly the steel industry's North West Passage are worth T would atld to costs. Moreover, own ships — must bridge the gap. Nautilus Irom Pearl Har- comparison. service in such ships, after the Via Torres Strait, Yampi Sound is 2,985 nautical miles from the Newcastle bour to Portland via the North "Crossing via the North Pole pioneering stage was over, Pole has l>een the subject of shortens the trip from London would be dull. This already Steel Works and 3,085 nautical miles from the Port Kembla Steel Works, much well-deserved congratula- to Tokio Irom 11,200 miles to makes it hartl to man tankers, about equal to the sea route from New York to Liverpool. Transporting tion: but it has also set off a 6.300 miles. But the quantity so that wage costs would be high ore from Whyalla to Port Kembla (1,070 nautical miles) and to Newcastle spate ol comment 011 the of bulk cargo which is hauled relative to the costs of tramp (1,170) also involves long sea voyages. potentialities of the cargo- Irom the Sino-Japanese sea- operation. Commander Ander- carrying submarine and of the board to the European sea- son's teat is not causing ship- Most steel is used by industries established in capital cities around Australia's trans-Polar route: and also 011 lioard is limited and does not owners to recast their plans. long coastline. Thus, both to bring its raw materials together and distribute the strategic implications of the include mineral oil. The com- "The military potential is its products, the steel industry relies heavily on shipping. Although operating voyage. mercial routes through the mut h greater. But it is impor- the largest privately-owned Australian fleet of eleven vessels, its cargoes An excellent general sum- Panama and Sue/ canals, long tant to realise that (a) it is some are such that many other ships must be used. mary of both aspects — com- as they are, will still be more way till and (b) in the long run mercial and strategic — economical until the How ol it might benefit Russia, with Altogether the industry's cargoes represent a third of Australia's entire appeared in the "Economist" trade radically alters, because its long Arctic coastline, rather interstate sea trade. of 16/8/58. Under the heading so much profitable cargo can lie more than the West. The "North West Passage" it pointed taken 011 and discharged at virtues ol atomic submarines out that the real lesson of the intermediate ports. Even the armed with missiles have lieen THE BROKEN HILL PROPRIETARY CO. LTD. voyages of the Nautilus and through cargo, like Japanese hilly discussed by strategists. Skate was that the nuclear- machinery, would always go by The Americans are planning a 28 O'CONNELL STREET, SYDNEY powered submarine was "a new- the cheapest route. Heel of 33, and if half of them breed of ship, differing from its carried missiles (16 apiece) the "The polar route can there- predecessors as much as steam total broadside would be 250 fore only come into its own differed from sail." The niegaion warheads, deliverable when the cost of operating endurance, range and under- from ships lurking under the nuclear submarines becomes less water speed of these vessels ice-cap. But the first Polwis than that of surface operating would be impossible for missile is not likely to be opera- ships round the world. This will the conventional submarine: tional until 1961, if then: have to include atomic surface Nautilus was submerged for Russia has time to draw level, ships, which shipowners assume 100 hours and covered about and in any event the absolute will prove cheaper at first than 1,830 miles under the ice. Sir advantage will not last long. atomic submarines. But even Hubert Wilkins had attempted The Americans claim to see two the conversion of surface ships the feat in 1931 but failed permanent advantages of having to nuclear power is not expected because the conventional sub- this weapon in the American for ten years, and some ship- marine must breathe. Naviga- armoury: (a) it will finally make owners think the nuclear COUPLAND 4. WADDELL PTY. LTD. tion had also been a difficulty impossible any Russian surprise marine engine will start becom- without the further modern attack which would knock out Electrical and Mechanical Engineers ing economic only when ships development of inertial guid- the western retaliatory deter- now building are due for 15-23 Day Street, ance. rent 'on the ground,' since such replacement — in 20 years' submarines would be invulner- The article continued:— time. BX1138 Sydney BX1139 "Nautilus and Skate have, in able: (b) it would lessen fact, the type of inertial guid- "They may be unduly con- American dependence on over- ance which is fitted in the Thor servative. But shipowners fore- seas bases, which might make missile (and which will 110 see certain problems which will American relations with many doubt also be fitted in the keep the cost of atomic sub- countries much easier. It would Polaris missiles that these sub- marines on the high side reduce western dependence on marines will be able to fire). relative to surface ships with the Suez and Panama canals. The nuclear-powered submarine nuclear engines. To achieve the has thus added the ice cap to maximum economies of the "These advantages, however, the oceans of the world as an |iower unit (not necessary in lie a good way ahead. To do area for commercial navigation warships), commercial sub- all that is required of it, the and naval strategy. The com- marines will have to be large — Nautilus-Polaris weapons system must have a range of at least mercial and military applica- and therefore of great draught. October. 1958
THE NAVY 32 1,500 miles, anil must exist in large ship which would lie com- dock tin the Tyne that would quantity; by the time that has jietitive with oil fuel. If this lie capable of taking ships ol been achieved. the inter- work was successful, and il a twice the tonnage of the British continental ballistic missile will decision was taken to go ahead, Ambassador, Gen. Dunphie said dominate the strategic situation, it would lie about 19tii-li5 when that they were also devoting while, in the meantime, western the ship was commissioned. considerable effort in conjunc- coastlines will lie highly vulner- The annual rejiorl points out tion with others in various able to milch shorter-range that the Authority are alternative types of nuclear Russian submarine - mounted (ollaborating with the various marine propulsion. 'I believe missiles. And freedom to move shipping and shipbuilding that it will not lie too long under the ice cap, from Mur- interests in the study, and are lielore someone achieves a mansk to Vladivostock. will give providing facilities for a study break through ill this new Russian submarines even iiv the Admiralty of a design marine field and I am sure it greater manoeuvrability." lor a nudc-at-propelled naval will not be the country which tanker." starts last. Sometimes I wonder The annual re|xirt ol llie A private venture, by whether we in the shipbuilding Atomic Energy Authority, pub- industry and you in the ship- lished at the end of July, con- Mitchell Engineering, has also lieen in the news again .It was owning industry are lieing tained reference to the present quite bold enough at this stage state of research in this country re|xirted in various papers ol 11/8/58 that this group were in the development of new stale of research in Britain sources of jxiwer.' into the application of nuclear prcxeeding with the second phase of their investigations energy to merchant ship pro- "(Jen. Dunphie observed thai pulsion. It is clear that the into the design ol a submarine tanker, the preliminary work projects which a few years ago difficulties of adapting the seemed impossible were now Calder Hall type of reactor, on jxissible hull form having yielded promising results. The only a matter of time and already known to be very con- money. He then referred to the siderable. have not l>een over- |xiwer unit in any such project would lie the joint work of recent voyage of the U.S. sub- come, and work is now proceed- marine Nautilus under the ing 011 other systems. "Fairplav" Mitchell Engineering and an American firm, American Polar ice cap and said that lie commented on 31/7/58:— was sure that we should not "(The Report) states that lite Machine Foundry (Atomics) Inc. take loo many steps at once, Admiralty committee set up to certainly not in more than one determine a suitable reactor There has also lieen a com- direction at a time, 'but f system for marine propulsion ment from Majoi-General wonder whether we are not does not think that a scaled- <.. A. L. Dunphie. Chairman of going to the other extreme and down version of the present Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd. At the marking time. We at Vickers Calder Hall type of reactor launch at Barrow of the 42,000- for our part are going ahead would lie suitable for this lou tanker, British Ambassador, with certain schemes despite pur|xise, except in very large rejiorted in the "Journal ol the rather discouraging con- THIS is a ship of tin- Line that has seen the birth vessels Ihey are, however, Commerce," 18/8/58, General ditions'." studying other systems, a gas- Dunphie said:— "that the time and growth of the greatest Commonwealth of Nations the cooled heavy water-moderated had come for British ship- Vickers Nuclear Engineering, world has known, l or one hundred and twenty-one years, P. & O. reactor, a pressurised - water owners and shipbuilders to co- incidentally, is showing at the system and an organic-liqu id- has served that Commonwealth, earried its people and its operate in the study period for Geneva International Atomic RftlTAIN via SUEZ moderated system. Sir William the design of a nuclear powered Energy Conference a model ol products in peace, kept open its lines of communication in war. Cook, member of engineering merchant ship to ensure that a proposed nuclear-propelled MEDITERRANEAN PORTS and production of the P. & (). is more than a shipping line. It is a this country was not left ()5.000-ion tanker. Other pro- SOUTH EAST ASIA Authority, said recently that liehintl. 'In the past we in this jects s|xinsored by shipbuilder* llritish institution, steeped in service, huilt on they did not know whether country have always led the which have had recent pub CAUISES traditions as old and solid as this union • they would be able to design world in marine development licity are a Swedish projxisal a ship which was competitive and I hope that liefore long a from Gotiiverken -— a 65,000- of nations to which we In-long. with oil fuel, but they had British owner and British tonner with a boiling watei CANADA. U.S.A. mm4 MM ho|ies of lieing near coni|ieii- For these reasons people say. "IV & O. builder will take the first step reac tor — and a Japanese from FAR CAST 1* tfc* ORIENT * tive. This work would go on to do so once again,' he Mitsubishi. The latter project, is still the finest way to travel." for the best part of next year, observed. a 30,000-ton submarine tanker PACIFIC LINES' Mrvk* and it would lie pretty well 12 is also lieing presented at the "After recalling that his months before they knew Geneva Conference. whether they were capable ol company were spending lie- designing a reactor for a fairly tween £4m. and £5m. on the -F'om the Navy Lraque'i " D iq ei' c construction of a large dry Current Opinion on Maritime Attain 1 COMMONWEALTH LIFELINE 34 THE NAVY INUH mnm UIITU FAST and FABULOUS
the Orient Line Suez Route to England
glitters with Jewels of Travel Interest. ORIENT LINE via SUEZ
Orient S. M . Co. Ltd., Incorporated in England
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"'NAVY Australia'? Maritime Joum >1
Vol. 21 NOVEMBER No. 11
• » rt 1 : 11'!! i v 4 CONTENTS I
VVRME
ARTICLES: Page
East Indies Station Passes 5
Polar Submarine Visits Britain 9
A Standing Salt for a Sailing Salt 13
R.A.N. Ships Complete Northern Survey 14
Transatlantic — Views on the "Flag of Convenience" . 15
Charting the Seven Seas for the World 17
The Submarine Today 23 26 The Fleet Air Arm . CAPSTAN FEATURES: tkai'K hint it tauet Nautical Affairs . 25
Book Re'lews 30
FICTION:
Nothing Like a Bit of Love 11 Always ask for . . . Learning to Sail . 22 SHELLEY'S NAVY LEAGUE: N.S.W. Division — Repo-t IB FAMOUS DRINKS Queensland Division — Annual General Meeting 20 Obtainable from leading FOR SEA CADETS: shops and saloons Operation "Great Fun" 21
Indian Cadets Remember OIL SERVES OUR NAVY WELL 22 CORDIAL FACTORY
Yes, to-day every ship in the R.A.N, is powered by oil. Each year more than 72 million gallons of petroleum products are used to Published by The Navy League of Australia, 83 Pitt St.. Sydney, N.S.W. SHELLEY & SONS maintain the Royal Australian Navy's mobility and fighting power Circulating throughout R.A.N. Ships and Establishments. PTY. LTD.
Inserted by the Petroleum Information Bureau (Australia) on behalf of "The Navy" is the Official Organ of The Navy League of Australia and the MURRAY STREET Ex-Neval Men's Association (Federal). MARKETING COMPANIES: REFINING COMPANIES: MARRICKVI1XE Ampol Petroleum Limited H. C. Sleiqh Limited Australian Oil Refininq Pty. Ltc SUBSCRIPTION RATE: 12 issues post free in the British Commonwealth, 20/-. BP Refinery (K w nuns] Limited NAW. Atlantic Union Oil Company Pty. NeDtune Oil Company Pty. Ltd. Ltd. Shell Refininq (Australia) Copies of ell photographs published may be obtained direct from 'Phone: LA 5461 The Shell Company of Australia Ltd. Photo Sales, Sydney Morning Herald. Limited BP Australia Limited Standard-Vacuum Refininq C Calte* Oil (Australia) Pty. Ltd. Vacuum Oil Company Pty. Ltd. pany (Australia) Pl». Lid. November, 1958 TNI NAVY HAGUE OF AUSTRALIA EAST INDIES STATION PASSES JAMES McKEOWN, SONS PTY. LTD. PATRON: MANUFACTURERS OF THE FAMOUS His Excellency The Governor-General. "FATHER" OF AUSTRALIA STATION GOES FEDERAL COUNCIL: President: Bear Admiral H. A. Showers. CJJ. (Retd.). "CARLY in September," re- withdrawal from Kalamata on Commenting on this des- Deputy President: Cdr. XL A. Nettle - Ea corded "Geiger" in "The 28th April, and Biggs later re- patch in a letter to the Secre- Dally "M" Football Boots ford. D-8.C., V.RJ3.. R-AJTR. Secretary: Comdr. R. P. Mlddleton, Navy's" feature, "Finger on the called how, on subsequent tary for the Colonics, Sir W. OJBJC. AND Pulse," "the Royal Navy's East nights, picking up stragglers Denison said that his Execu- New South Wales Division: Indies Station slipped, almost off the beaches there: "The tive Council were not prepared Patron: His Excellency The Governor unnoticed, into oblivion." three ships (" Isis," " Hero," to urge the necessity for mak- of New South Wales. DonBradman Cricket Boots President: Rear Admiral H. A. "Kimberley") then steamed ing the Australian Colonies an Showers, CJB.E. This is of peculiar interest close to the shore to the south- Admiral's station, "they are, Secretary: Oomdr. R. P. Mlddleton, to Australia, for the East In- OJX. eastward of the town, hailing however, of opinion that the Hon. Treasurer: F. E. Trigg. Esq. dies Station was the "father" the shore to see if there were Naval force at present sta- of the Australia Station. Victorian Division: any stragglers to be picked tioned in these Colonies, con- Patron: His Excellency The Governor Prior to the establishment of up. Answering shouts were sisting as it does of only two of Victoria. the Australia Station as a sepa President: Captain J. P. Williams, usually dealt with by a rifle available vessels, is not in any O.B.E. rate command in March, 1859, shot in the direction of the way adequate to the protec- Secretary: H. E. Touzel. 443 Little Australia, so far as naval de- Collins Street, Melbourne. shout in order to judge from tion either in peace or war, of fence and administration were British and Colonial interests, South Australian Division: concerned, formed a part of and they recommend that His Patron: His Excellency The Governor the East India and China of South Australia. MORE THAN 200 YEARS Excellency should bring this President: Surgeon-Comdr. R. P. Station. expression of opinion under the Matters (Retd.). OF A VITAL AND Hon. Sec.: Lieut. Cmdr. D.A.J. Lll- The East Indies Station — notice of Her Majesty's llcrapp. V.R.D., R.A.N.R. (Retd.). COLOURFUL HISTORY 19 Fulham Park Drive, Fulham the abolishment of which fol- Government and urge the ex- Gardens, S.A. lowed a decision reached by DRAWS TO A CLOSE pediency of strengthening that Tasmanian Division: force." Patron: Vice Admiral Sir Guy Wyatt. the Admiralty in February of K.B.E.. C.B.. R.N. (Retd.). this year — was established President: W. E. C. Hodgman. Q.C.. This was brought under the M.H.A. in 1744, with Commodore C. the resulting bad language if Hon. Sec.: Comdr. G. E. W. W. Bayly. Bnrnctt as Commander - in - the straggler was genuine or notice of the Lords Commis- O.B.E.. V.R.D., R.A.N.V.R. (Retd.). sioners oi the Admiralty by the 726 Sandy Bay Road, Lower Sandy Chief. Since then it functioned an enemy. One Australian was Bay, Hobart. under an impressive list of identified by asking him Secretary of State for the Western Australian Division: some 100 Commanders-in-Chief, Colonies in a letter of 8th Feb- Patron: His Excellency The Governor 'What Matilda was doing'." including, in the last 20 years, ruary, 1859; and in a reply of Take Your Passbook of Western Australia. The establishment of the President: D. W. Brisbane, Esq Admirals of the Fleet Lord the 18th March the Admiralty Australia Station iu 1859 fol- Hon. Sec.-Hon. Treas.: K. Olson. Frnser of North Cape and Sir said that "My Lords deem it Esq.. 62 Blencowe Street. West lowed representations from Leedervllle, W.A. Arthur Power; the late Ad- probable that the amount of here. Correspondence regard- Wherever YOU GO Queensland Division: miral of the Fleet Sir James force hitherto maintained in Patron: His Excellency The Governor ing the defence of Sydney Har- Wherever you go in Australia your of Queensland. Somerville; and World War I the seas adjacent to those President: Comdr. N. S. Plxlty. bour was exchanged between Commonwealth Savings Bank passbook submarine ace, Admiral Sir Colonies" (Australian and New M.B.E., V.R.D., R.A.N.R. (Retd.). the Governor of New South Zealand) "will in future re- can assist you. Ryan House. Eagle Street. Brisbane. Martin Dunbar-Nasmith. Hon. Sec.: G. B. O'Neill. Esq., Box Wales, Sir W. Denison, and the quire to be larger than at 376E., G.P.O., Brisbane. Home Government, as a result In city, town and far outback you will Australian Capital Territory Division: The last officer to strike his former periods, and two addi- find offices of the Bank where you may President: His Excellency. G. E. L. flag as Commander-in-Chief, of the Crimea War; and in tional ships of war have re- Alderton. C.M.G. (High Commis- October, 1858, Sir W. Denison use your passbook. You can deposit East Indies, was Vice-Admiral cently been ordered to proceed sioner for New Zealand). received from the Governor of anywhere without prior arrangement. Hon. Sec.-Hon. Treas.: Comdr. A. D II. W. Biggs. He, as command- from China to join the Senior McLachlan, R A.N. (Retd.). 49 ing officer of the destroyer Tasmania, Sir Henry Young, Officer at present commanding You may also withdraw anywhere Froggait Str-iet. Turner, Canberra. "Hero" in the Mediterranean copy of a despatch which Sir provided you call at your local office A.C.T. Phone: J 2311. the ships stationed for that ser- Fleet, 1940-41, was closely as- Henry hatl transmitted to the vice." before leaving and ask for arrangements AUSTRALIAN SEA CADET COUNCIL: sociated with the R.A.N. Secretary for the Colonies (at to be made. No charge is made lor Representatives of the Naval Board: the request of his responsible Director of Naval Reserves, Capt. "Hero" was one of the des- The Admiralty went on to these services. G. D. Tancred, DJ3.C. troyers with "Sydney" when advisers) urging "the neces- state that My Lords had under Comdr. F. R. James, R.A.N. the "Bartolomeo Colleoni" was sity for making the Australian Representatives of The Navy League: consideration "the expediency Comdr. R. A. Nettlefold, D.S.C.. sunk in July, 1940; and in Colonies an Admiral's station of a complete separation of the V.RJ)., R.A.N.V.R. and for maintaining in these COMMONWEALTH L. G. Pearson, Esq.; L. Forsythe. April, 1941, took part in the Squadron in the Australian Esq. withdrawal of troops from seas a Naval squadron equal at Seas from that under the com- BANK Lieut. (S.) F. G. Evans, RAH.V.R least to that maintained there- Hon Sec.: Comdr. R. P. Mlddleton. Greece. She was one of the mand of a Flag Officer on the O.B.E. destroyers with "Perth" at the in by any other power." East Indian Station, but they
4 THE NAVY November, I9SI s are of opinion that an officer bloekship fully armed and pos- tuting a first-class screw frig- TO ENGLAND vm PANAMA with the rank of Commodore sibly iron plated should be ate for the 'Iris,' and by add- will be sufficient for all general placed at their disposal and ing another small frigate, two purposes at present." secondly that an Admiral's or three gun vessels and seve- or SOUTH AFRICA ral 80 h.p. gun boats, as soon A week after this letter, an Station be established at the as the home defence is suffi- Admiralty Minute of 25th Colony"; and in a letter of the ciently provided for. The Aus- March, 1859, stated: "Captain 5th May, 1853, further in- tralian Station should then be Luring of II.M.S. "Iris' is to formed the Admiralty that a commanded by a 1st Class Com- hoist a Blue Pendant and to Select Committee of the Ilouse modore or by a Rear-Admiral. assume the command as Senior of Assembly of the Colony of Officer of Her Majesty's Ships South Australia sought infor- "It is necessary not only to on the Australian Station in- mation as to the terms on provide for the defence of the dependently of thp Com- which Her Majesty's Govern- Colony, but, in the event of mander-in-Chief in India. The ment would consent to station war, to give periodical con- limits of the Command are to iu South Australian waters a voys to treasure ships proceed- be as they are now defined in gun boat "with heavy metal ing home either by the Cape the Commander-in-Chief's in- and small draught of water and of Good Hope or by Cape Horn. Ships sent to convoy Merchant struct ions;. viz.: Australian capable alike of defence and vessels from Australia would Station, Bounded on the North attaek, one moreover which have to escort them as far by the Parallel of 10 Degrees might be rapidly moved to any either as Cape Horn or Falk- of South Latitude — on the threatened point, manned by land Islands, or as far as the East by the Meridian of 170th stout hearts and strong hands." Degree of West Longitude — Isle of France. There they Emphasises the modern trend in travel with the latest in amenities. on the South by the Antaretie On 20th June, 1859, ail Ad- should be met by ships of war Cirele — and on the West by miralty Minute stated: '"111 from the Cape or South Ameri- the Meridian of 75th Degree April. 1858, the Naval forces can Stations." of East Longitude. fnform on the Australian Station con- Now, just on 100 years since TRAVEL SHAW SAVILL Admiral Hope, and send fresh sisted of ' Iris.' 26 (Sailing); the Australia Station was born, Commission to Commodore Lor- ' Sappho.' 12 (Sailing); ' Cor- its parent Station, the East ing." delia,' 11 (Screw); 'Bramble' Indies, is abolished. Responsi- (Tender, Sailing). In June, bilities in the ocean areas of Three days later, another 1859, it consisted of ' Iris,' 26 the old command are now Admiralty Minute stated: (Sailing): ' Pelorus,' 21 divided between the Far East "Captain Loring as Commo- (Screw) j ' Niger,' 14 (Screw); and South Atlantic and South dore and Senior Officer on the ' Elk,' 12 (Sailing); ' Cor- America Stations (and, of Australian Station is to have delia,' 11 (Screw). This force course, so far as the original LAMPS £1 a day in addition to his should be increased by substi- (Turn to page 9) USED BY THE pay." And that same day a BRITISH »nd ROYAL AUSTRA. third Minute, addressed to the UAN NAVIES. Chief Clerk, stated that.: "The Australian Station being now a separate Command under a Commodore, and independent of the East India and China Station, I think the letters to Commodore Loring of the ' Iris,' the Senior Officer in Aus- tralia. should be numbered." In thus moving, the Ad- miralty anticipated further representations from Australia, for in a letter of 25th April, 1850, the Secretary for the Colonies informed the Ad- miralty '"that the Government of Victoria is now seriously en- gaged in making arrangements for tile protection of the FOSTER'S LACEK ABBOTS LACKR For lasting brilliance and currant economy, use Siemens Incandescent and Fluorescent Lamps Colony against external assault MELBOURNE BITTER VICTORIA BITTER Obtainable everywhere . . . and request first that a
THE NAVY November, 1958 7 POLAR SUBMARINE VISITS BRITAIN HEN the U.S.S. "Nau- the U.S. Submarine Service powered submarines the ship's THE UNITED SHIP SERVICES PTY. LTD. W tilus" reached England were all volunteers and had company very much prefer be- fresh from her historic voyage to reach a certain standard of ing below the surface, since the under the North Pole, and technical training, together ship is completely stable when GEELONG MELBOURNE PORTLAND berthed ill the naval base at with a very high record of per- at a reasonable depth and there Portland, Dorset, her company sonal conduct, before they is no physical discomfort. The must have felt at home, for were accepted into that service. only restriction to smoking in VICTORIA AUSTRALIA Portland, Maine, is a well- After selection to the "conven- these submarines is in the Bat- known U.S. naval base. And, tional" Submarine Service they tery Tank. The "Nautilus" is incidentally, "Nautilus" was, were then able to volunteer for equipped with high tempera- in visiting Portland, England, service ill nuclear powered sub- ture burners which convert adding another link to the marines and, if accepted, were carbon monoxide into carbon The largest organisation in Victorian ports for the supply and erection of fittings stout historic ehain linking given a year's intensive course dioxide, which is then disposed that country and the United on various aspects of life and of by chemical scrubbing. for the carriage of every description of cargo. Bulk grain fittings a speciality. States. Portland, Maine, was work in these new ships. The Commander Anderson added first settled by the English in training of the officers is such that in a nuclear war, prob- Dunnage supplied, holds cleaned. Decks caulked. Carpenters, joiners and 1H32, under the name of Fal- that all duties are interchange- ably the safest place in the mouth, from that other West shipwrights supplied. Country seaport of Cornwall. It was the birthplace of Long- "JULES VERNE" VESSEL LINKS OLD AND NEW fellow. WORLD PORTLANDS Naturally, "Nautilus" and 88-102 NORMANBY RD„ SOUTH MELBOURNE able. Sixty per cent, of the world would be in a nuclear her people received a warm enlisted men were married and submarine at its battle station. Telephone: MX 5231 Telegrams and Cables: " FLEETWAYS," Melbourne welcome from Portland, Eng- land; mid there Lieutenant- all the officers were married — Commander Anderson Commander A. R. C. Rowe, this disposed of a supposition stressed that there was no par- D.S.C., R.N*., Deputy Secretary that only bachelors were ticular psychological training of the Navy League, was able accepted for service in these for men who would be required to board her and have a per- ships. I then asked whether to operate below the surface sonal interview with her Com- it would be true to say that the for long periods. manding Officer, Commander crews of the nuclear powered I then asked why the par- "KEMBLA W. R. Anderson, U.S.N. The submarines were, in fact, the ticular route which "Nautilus" took was selected, and the Cap- fruits of that interview are pick of the United States Navy tain said that this was the first here reproduced front " The and he said that this was prob- Navy." crossing and after all relevant \ COPPER, BRASS AND ably the ease. factors had been taken into I asked Commander Ander- account the route chosen was The next question was OTHER NON-FERROUS son (wrote Lieutenant-Com- considered the fastest and whether Commander Anderson mander Rowe) how the ship's safest. WIRE CABLES & TUBES company were seleeted for considered this particular trip of a perilous nature and he said The Captain then revealed posting to "Nautilus" and he that iu June of this year he saitl that officers and men of that none of the officers or men had any particular feeling of was given permission by the METAL MANUFACTURES danger whilst operating on this Chief of Naval Operations to undertake the trans-polar cross- PORT KEMBLA; EAST INDIES STATION PASSES — voyage, but it should be borne ing should he consider such an from page 7 ill mind that "Nautilus" was undertaking would meet with SELLINC AGENTS operating in an almost com- (villi Distributor! m all Stum East Indies Station is t-on- pletely new environment, and success. It was well under- cerned, the Australia Station), unknown factors might have stood that it might be neces- while tlif Red Sea, Persian arisen which would, in fact, sary to defer this trip until a later date, as conditions of ice TUBES AND BRASS WIRE WIRE AND CABLES Gulf, Arabian Sea antl a small have made the trip somewhat BRITISH INSULATED portion of the north-western hazardous. antl current, which would CALLENDER'S CABLES LTD. part of the Indian Ocean — all alTeet the voyage, were nrob- KNOX SCHLAPP PTY. LTD. Melbourne, Albury, Sydney, of which formerly were part of On the question of general lematieal and there was very Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Wollonsons, the East Indies Station — are living conditions on board, the little detailed information Brisbane. Hobart, Launceston now controlled by a Commo- Captain saitl that they were available on the route to be Sydney, Launceston. Adelaide. dore Arabian Seas and Persian excellent and brought out a taken. The decision to under- Gull. further point. In all nuclear take th voyage was left en-
November, l»S« 9 THE NAVY mens tables end to end, down tirely to Commander Ander- Commander Anderson immedi- had been used and he «ud a course edged with Bluebell son's discretion. ately took his ship nearer to that the performance of equip- FICTION metal polish, over two jumps Some time after the voyage the sea bed, reduced speed and ment by far exceeded his most of rolled-up oilcloth and across had begun, "Nautilus" was in altered course to port. At one ambitious expectations. the grand hazard, "Becher's the Chukchi Sea off Alaska in stage of the turn there was HE worst boredom isn't Farechester Creek in a waste fairly shallow water and ex- only 10ft. of water above the In answer to further ques- T being at sea for months on of mud flats as a Signals Brook" — a strip of wood perience showed that iee in ship and 20ft. below. tions, Commander Anderson end; it's being stuck up the School. Before being paid off across a roasting pan half-full some areas was already more said that had the submarine's same old creek day in, day out. to this duty she did one of water. The fever was on the formidable than was expected. Warning of further iee ahead navigational equipment failed with the same old faces (except Commission on the East Indies mess-deeks, and reckless bets Commander Anderson had was given by th$ sonar screen it would have been feasible for for those natives on Leave and Station where she showed her- were placed on long odds. gone to his state-room at 10 It was not possible to maintain the "Nautilus" to have been Ration Allowance who appear self so unstable she became in None seemed more reckless p.m. when the officer of the a visible look out as the only lost underneath the iee. He watch (who was also ail engi- thing to be seen was grey- said there was a chance that neer officer) called him to the black sea. It was understating had torpedoes blown a hole in conning position. Immediately the case when Commander An- the ice it might have been pos- NOTHING LIKE A outside the Captain's state- derson said "the situation was sible to surface, but that this room are fixed two indicators a little too close for comfort." method of surfacing through BIT OF LOVE — one showing the depth of water below the ship and the than the owner of the sole other the depth of water above POLAR CURRENTS MIGHT HAVE PRODUCED briefly before midday and turn Port Guardship and then the ship. disappear shortly after) until Accommodation Ship before individual entry, an old three- AN "INTERESTING SITUATION" any sort of diversion is seized being towed home. badge A.B. who was taking Front these indicators it was to cheer the dreary hours of She brought home a fine bets on his fat, slow old cock- clear immediately that the Watch Aboard between the complement of cockroaches, roach that had done badly in " Nautilus" was steering for a It was perfectly clear from ice was as yet completely un- Firs* I)og Watch and Pipe not the friendly little black- the heats. He had a notice sharply rising sea bed and a talking to Commander Ander- tried. Down. beetles that go by that name in chalked up by his little cuddy downward tilting pressure son that the ship's company re- Such was life aboard H.M.S. this country, but the big brown near the Cold Store — "Cash ridge of ice. "Nautilus" was mained completely confident Had the "Nautilus" been un- "Bombay Charlies" that grow only. No tots." The wags who proceeding at medium speed. during this incident and part able to surface, been lost or "Impudence," an old sail-and- wings and blunder round in saw this said he would be of this feeling must be ascribed broken down under the ice steaiii wooden battleship long the dark during their mating paying off his losses when he to the Captain's policy of keep- whilst near Alaska, then they since roofed over with conn- ing his officers and men advised might have got in a circular gated iron and moored far up W•wy ITHulMy;fhiaI| VflRHMMS riwIHWtiamilanmI yial nt all times of the various as- current and have drifted clear pects of every operation. After of the ice fields. If this had POLAR SUBMARINE VISITS (from "The Navy") a somewhat testing time, said happened in the more northerly BRITAIN — from page 10 Commander Anderson. the ice regions, however, then the I reminded Commander An- season. "Impudence" was kind went out to pension. voyage was deferred until drift would have brought the derson that at The Navy to them; cool in summer and Stripey took no notice of August and the "Nautilus" re- ship out near Greenland or pos- league ceremony in Trafalgar warm in winter, her oak sides what they said, but kept a turned to Pearl Harbour for sibly Russia and the situation Square last year, Admiral of close watch on all they did. exercises. might well have proved in- the Fleet, Lord Mountbatten. gave them the crannies they M.V. "Duntroon"—10.500 torn interesting ! the First Sea Lord, had said needed to breed for generations Not unaware of various forms As a result of the experience that "the nuclear propelled whilst successive fumigations of "nobbling" (such as the MELBOURNE and knowledge gained on this -submarine would introduce a weeded out the weaker blob of rum and jam that Answering a question con- STEAMSHIP first voyage a considerably far-reaching revolution in the brethren, till in the 1930's a could be dropped into the cerning the future of nuclear greater practical understand- whole of naval warfare itself," fine vigorous strain was "stable" in the owner's CO. LTD. submarines. Commander An- ing of iee conditions in the and asked him if he would thriving. absence) he took his entry with Head Office: derson, a man who is obviously polar area was obtained, and agree with this statement. him wherever he went; as 31 KING ST., MELBOURNE dedicated to the submarine ser- before the trip in August air- "There can be no question of The ingenuity bora of bore- Tanky, he took it with him Branches or Agencies vice. said that although he was craft reconnaisance had pro- the truth of this statement dom saw in them a source of into the Cold Store and ashore at all ports naturally biased, he was cer- vided further valuable infor- whatsoever," was his reply. fun and profit, and Cockroach each day in the Beef Boat. Managing Agents lor mation. It is interesting to tain that nuclear submarines HOBSONS BAV DOCK AND Commander Anderson said Racing was invented. Each ("Beef Boat" was a euphem- note that the "Nautilus" took were of vital importance at a ENGINEERING CO. PTY. that he, in common with his Mess had its "stable" and a ism — its real purpose was to the same route whilst on her time when the navies of the LTD. officers and men, felt very knock-out championship was take the gash bins of waste second and successful trip and world were going through a WnkK Willianucown, Victoria proud and gratified by the tre- started. Individual starters ashore for pig food). The other HODGE ENGINEERING CO. did not meet conditions such revolutionary period. Aircraft carriers, guided weapons, mendous welcome which had were allowed, but at a fee few favourites led pampered lives PTY. LTD. as those in June. cared to pay — one week's tots in zinc gauge boxes, fed on the Works: Soatex St., Sydney cruisers and destroyers still been given to them all at the historic naval base of Portland. to the Clerk of the Course. strictest diets of rationed and Is then asked whether any had a great part to play — of We in Britain take this oppor- morsels. Sueh a contrast COCKBUKN ENGINEERING particular navigational diffi- this he was convinced — par- The eliminating canters were tunity to congratulate the couldn't escape notice, and PTY. LTD. culties had been experienced. I ticularly in limited wars and run off, and soon the final Woctcc Hines Rd, Fremantle "Nautilus" and her gallant Stripey made a very heavy told the Captain I realised that the peacetime business of the drew near, a gruelling test of Ship Repairers, etc company. the inertial navigation system fleet. training and stamina over two book. io THE NAVY iNovfflib^fi 19S§ ii hand down on the table with All this time "Little Dick" away shaking their heads, with a fortnight's tots an' ten a bang like a shot. The boxes had sat at the start, except for sadly confused. per eent. of yer winnin's." whipped over the cockroaches' a short excursion to see Stripey looked quizzically at "Donkey's Breath," front Next night in Farechester, the Chief Cook. lu-ads antl fell to the deck. the cosy firelight in the back Wilh. WILHELMSEN AGENCY Startled by the bang the cock- which he had returned. At "Yer won't tell nobody 1" the other end stood Stripey, parlour of The Little Rose roaches ran down the course. shone on the faces of two men "Not fer me pension I watching from the finish. His wouldn't." PTY. LTD. "They're off!" hand moved behind him, taking their ease, well content with their world. One took his "I 'ad a female cockroach The crowd pressed forward, plucking and twitching at his inside me coat, see, all nice and SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE glass, and let the firelight cheering their favourites, and coat as if the suspense was too warm in a little bit o' gauze. jostled for a better view. much to bear. The coat fell flicker in the rich garnet eolour of his old strong ale. I kept 'em both in the Cold "Custard Lugs" iintl "Gay open, and "Little Dick" sat Store, an' brought 'em out for Representative for: Caballero" were well out in up, alert. His antennae " 'Ere's to 'Little Diek'," longer periods each day to kid front, zigzagging wildly be- twiddled this way and that, 'em on it was breedin' \ime, WILHELMSEN LINES, OSLO he said, and took a long, slow- tween the lines of Bluebell, then with incredible speed he draught. see; so all I 'ad to do was clip AUSTRALIA-WEST PACIFIC LINE. HELSINBORG but making good progress set off down the course, hardly 'is wings a bit so's 'e coufdn' towards the first jump. xeeming to touch it in his "Ar," said the other, and fly proper an' 'ad to run a bit AMERICAN PIONEER LINE, NEW YORK "Tiddly Kid" and "Donkey's headlong dash. He overtook did likewise. as well — tnus' stick to the "Tiddly Kid" and "Dose o' Hreath" were on their hacks, After a pause he added. rules, y'know — an 'e jus' ran SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES SYSTEM, STOCKHOLM Salts" at the second jump and having collided in the first mad "Y'know, Stripes, I still don't straight for 'er." set out after "Custard Lugs" rush. The owners moved to understand 'ow you did it. 'E He mourned "Little Dick" who was teetering unhappily right them, but Cookies' roar was stone cold at the start, in another sup of ale, and along the wooden strip above stopped them short. an' all of a sudden 'e's at the sighed. the water. The hush of surprise At long last the great inter- "P.O.'s Mess: 'Dose o' "No 'elp allowed to runners. finish. Real queer it was. but I followed by the roar of con- "There's nothin' like a bit of Mess final of the "Impudence Salts,' blue zigzag." Let 'em be." t-ouldn't disqualify yer, wot sternation unnerved him, and love for 'elpin' things on." Stakes" was ready to start. "Dose o' Salts" was "II'individual h 'entry : fascinated by the pair on their he fell in with a tiny plop. On the lower for'ard mesa-deck •Little Dick.' A.B. Cavley, backs, and made short rushes, hardly a soul more could press black square." into the space between the punctuated by stops to look "Little Diek" still eame on, bulkheads and the mess stools "All ready, then? L'p to the back at them. By now and boldly struck out across A STANDING SALT that held the course free for start!" "Custard Lugs" was essaying the bridge. His wobble in the the Race Stewards, who kept The Leading Hands of the the slippery oilcloth of the first middle brought the cheering to the Bluebell fresh and saw that Messes brought their entries jump with "Gay Caballero" a shriek, hut he was over, and FOR A the hazards and finish were in and put them into the little seeking an easy way round the ran faster than ever for the place and in order. At the head uooden starting boxes in tin' end. "Tiddly Kid" was on his finishing line. He did not stop of the table sat the Clerk of order called. feet again, having hooked a there, hut ploughed on through SAILING SALT the Bluebell and off the end the Course and Judge in the " 'Ere, wait a minute; foot in "Donkey's Breath," of the table. The crowd was Bulwark's New Trophy The salt weighs 28^ ounces person of the Chief Cook. where's Cay ley ? W here's whose owners complained bitterly of unfairness to an delirious with excitement and and is 10} inches high. Iu Stripey's entry fee had been Stripes'" Shortly before she sailed for cover is supported by three paid in one lump — or drop, unheeding Cookie. "Custard surged forward, Stripey the West Indies with the Home " 'E's scarpered wiv the amongst them pleading for heraldic sea hawks signifying if you prefer — and it had Lugs" was over the jump but Fleet, H.M.S. Bulwark received money," said a voice. care, but he was seemingly too the three Squadrons of Sea evidently been heavily pun- poor "Gay Caballero" fell off a notable addition to her late. The victor was half- Hawks which took part in the ished a short while before, if "Ho no, I ain't." said the end into the Bluebell and trophies. another from the hatchway squashed and expired a minute Suez operation. An appropriate Cookie's purple face and rushed off course to clean up, At an informal City and Stripey descended with all later. Stripey's blame was laid inscription commemorates the aromatic breath were anything only to be disqualified. "Tiddly luncheon, Mr. Charles Trust- the dignity his years and four- all round impartially on occasion. to go by. Kid" was making ground fast ram. Chairman of the British teen stone demanded. stewards and punters alike, but Standing salts have long been 011 "Dose o' Salts," whose Insurance Association, presented Cookie bellowed out the "C'mon, Stripes, 'urry up," efforts to clear the jump were he nevertheless started collect- presented as gifts to symbolic ing his wagers as Cookie Captain P. D. Gick, the Com- runners' names, and the wheezed Cookie, as Stripey frustrated by a desire to climb the friendship of the giver. declared the late "Little Dick" manding Officer of the aircraft colours painted on their backs. carefully hung up his coat it at an angle. "Donkey's The>' date from mediaeval the winner. carrier, with a standing ult, or times when at banquets they "Four Mesa: 'Custard Lugs.' opposite the finish, and took Breath" had given up. and was ceremonial salt cellar. were always placed at the head one yellow spot." out the grubby match box that sleeping peacefully far in the contained his entry. He shook His rivals were incredulous, This new Bulwark trophy of a table raised on a dais. "Seven Mess: 'Tiddly Kid.' rear, still capsized. out "Little Dick" and placed and demanded to know how commemorates the part played During banquets they were two white stripes." "Custard Lugs" was over him at the start. the second jump and heading such speetl could be obtained by the ship and her company issed down to lower tables, '' Mis-kellaneeous Mess: "Right! Stand by!" for Becher's Brook. His without tloping of some sort, iti the Suez operations of 1956 Kiners were seated above and 'Donkey's Breath,' two red Cookie's finger crooked into owners and backers were but Stripey was not to lie and strengthens the link be- below the salt according to •pots." the loop of elastic that held already adding up their shaken. "It's all done by tween the Insurance Association their status: in other words, love," was his unvarying and the Bulwark, as the Associa- according or not to whether a "Nineteen Men: 'Gay the starting boxes down; as winnings in anticipation, when answer, and his hearers went tion's adopted ship. •nan was "worth his salt." Caballero,' green circle." he pulled he brought his other the whole race changed.
12 TV* NAVY November, 1951 11 R.A.N. SHIPS COMPLETE VAST SURVEY IN NORTHERN WATERS TRANSATLANTIC views on vast hydrographic survey Atask, in which four ships THE "FLAG OF CONVENIENCE" QUESTION of the Royal Australian Navy tanks are tough steamed a total of 33,552 miles, NVY, Hatred and Malice" —a pamphlet which by "Bluenose" from "The Navy" was this year completed in a E has recently come my way— little more than 10 weeks in the attributes all these character- Sahul Bank area between istics, or most of them, to Euro- ment would diminish exceed- trophe of a general war should Darwin and Timor. pean shipowners in general, ingly because U.S. flag vessels he forced upon us by the neces- The area covered by the and in greater degree to the cannot be operated in competi- sity of retaliation against sur- survey comprises 11.300 square Norwegians and the British. tion with foreign flag vessels, prise attack, the Merchant miles, in which there are large Under the title "Flags of which operate anywhere from Marine, after the initial period numbers of treacherous, shoals Necessity" it puts the ease for :t0-50 per cent, cheaper than of devastating nuclear and coral outcrops, and the the American tramp owners U.S. flag ships." exchange, would play a most vital role." survey was the most extensive (dry cargo or tanker.) ami oil Mr. Vander Clute puts the ever undertaken by the R.A.N, companies who, unable to oper- ease, primarily on defence (Incidentally, this looks sus- in peace time. The Australian ate their ships on an economic grounds, for an American Mer- piciously like the doctrine of Naval Hoard made a signal to basis under American regula- chant Marine a great ileal hroken-bat-ked war, now dis- the lour ships expressing satis- tions. have chosen to put them fanion at its completion. under one or more of the Pan- honlib Hags. Iu one of the The four ships were the articles contained in the frigates Swan and Warrego, pamphlet, Mr. Vander ('lute, "The Merchant Marine might well be the one and the ocean minesweepers of the flulf Oil Corporation, Fremantle and Cootamundra. the pounding, crashing, every-which-way makes the point that: "If. as source of strength of the Free World which The senior oflicer of the force oscillations of an army tank are a sore trial has been stated in some quar- was Commander 11. H. Loxton, ters, all ships American-owned would pluck victory from chaos." to its working parts and to the lubricants R.A.N., captain of the Swan. should be placed under the U.S. The officer in charge of the without which it could not function. Golden Hag, 1 regret to say that the surveying operations was Com- (M. Vander Clute) Fleece lubricating oils, tailor-made for number of tankers that would mander J. H. S. Osborn, he available to the Goveni- R.A.N., captain ol the Warrego. the Army's fighting vehicles, are manufactured to the same rigid specifications as the During the survey, which larger than can economically lubricants you buy at your modern Golden Fleece credited by our own Minister occupied 1,900 working hours, be operated under the United of Defence!) the ships laid 105 surveying Service Station . . . tailor-made for your R.A.N. SURVEY — from opposite States Hag. He does not Mr. Vander Clute also quotes beacons and plotted 11,600 exclude, however, the grounds car, too. Let Golden Fleece prove its page with great effect some words miles of soundings. As a of economic advantage, par- of Admiral Gallery. U.S.N.: result, several shorter and worth in protecting your car. Pacific in the war against ticularly iu the earning of "The backbone of sea power is safer routes than were available Japan. Instead of tine ship foreign exchange. He recalls not the battleship or aircraft between Darwin antl such traversing a line and taking the immense losses by submar- carrier, but the lowly, peace- places as Singapore, Djakarta, observations front beacons, the ine in the two World Wars antl ful merchant ship. Sink those Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo. four ships swept through the reminds that, in the event of merchant ships and our power- Kure, Manila and other South survey abreast on a front of :i third war of similar scale, the ful battle fleets would never East Asian and Far Eastern several miles, operating their West cannot reasonably hope be able to leave harbour. The ports would lie provided lor PETROLEUM PRODUCTS asdic and other equipment. lor time to make gootl defici- airliners which zoom across the shipping, which had increased Then, on given signals at encies: ships must be there at Atlantic would be grounded tremendously in the area since frequent intervals, they made the beginning. He prays in aid were it not for the plodding the entl of the Second World individual observations which the views of General Twining, tankers which they pass en War. were passed to the officer-in- the Chairman of the U.S. Joint route." This statement ig The method used in bringing . proud to be Australian" charge. by whom they were Chiefs of Staff, that: "It seems backed up by some figures the operation to a successful co-ordinated. incredible to me that anyone "taken from a recent publica- eould argue seriously or with conclusion so speedily was tion of the Office of Chief of justification that new concepts similar to one used in surveying All the data obtained will in Naval Operations. It showed of warfare obviate the neces- the waters on previously due course lie incorporated in that deploying 10,000 tons of sity of further fostering a cargo by air 8,000 miles unchartered coasts of New- charts prepared by the R.A.N. merchant uavv. ... If the eatas- required four trips each by 122 Guinea and other islands in the Hydrographic Service.
14 THE NAVY November, 1951 IS super-aircraft and five average any remitted profits immedi- There are incidentally two tankers of fuel." ately become liable to American misconceptions which make the position of the British owner The legitimate and inescap- taxation. CHARTING THE SEVEN SEAS able conclusion of Mr. Vauder So far, so good. The position appear better than it is. The Clute's argument is that the of the American owner has investment allowance does not, FOR THE WORLD American owned and controlled always been recognised, as in fact, provide virtually com- fleets under the Panhonlib plete relief from taxation; an have the advantages which the T looks as if the British Admiralty's establish- flags—there are approximately Elaborate Planning West in general may draw owner can only claim the allow- ment at Taunton, Somersetshire, England, 6,000.000 tons of tankers alone I Most of the charts are printed in black, from the existence of a pool ance if lie has earned equivalent which prints charts and navigational books for —are essential to American except for such "sea-marks" as navigational of tonnage under flags which, taxable profit. Both Cunard mariners using the world's oceans, will have security and also to the lights and radio beacons, which are in dark red. in the event of hostilities, and Furness Withy have this another record year. During the past 12 years about 800 charts have security of the free world. might well remain non-belli- They could not be operated year been unable to claim The big red-brick building at Taunton is been given a blue overprint to indicate shallow gerent, though available — in coastal waters. In addition, about 170 have so under the I'nited States flag investment allowances; while officially known as the Hydrographic Supplies some eases, at a price—to the Establishment of the Admiralty. It is the most far been prepared for mariners using the except 011 subsidy terms, at the to the small owner they are of West. Hut Mr. VanderClute, and comprehensive production unit of its kind on modern "Decca" system of navigation. These expense of which the United relatively little value at any the other, anonymous, authors earth. Within its walls is printed a wide variety l>ost-war amendments will be extended to more States taxpayer would cer- of the articles in this pamph- time. Again, the balancing of beautiful detailed charts which are used by charts each succeeding year. tainly jib; and, as is pointed let, spoil an excellent case by charge on the sale of older ton- the Royal Navy and other navies, merchant out in an article from the the accusation that European nage has the same effect as the shipping, fishing vessels, yachtsmen — in a "Tanker Times" quoted-in the shipowners, the British and American Capital Oains Tax, phrase, by the great international brotherhood pamphlet, there would prob- of seamen. ably he difficulty in manning Norwegians in particular, are a fact which is apparently over- Some aspects of the British Admiralty's them. Operated as they are, anxious to get these ships off looked by the authors of this Last year the Taunton Establishment broke its previous records by producing and printing they form an insurance imme- the seas for selfish reasons— pamphlet. contribution to Safety Afloat 2,092,909 charts. Of these, 1,404,450 were sold diately available in the event "so they may have the field to themselves." in many countries for £368,980, the rest being by Nowell Hall of war; and they earn some- But the major weakness of issued to the Royal Navy and to United thing for the American tax- the pamphlet is that it burkes In effect the writers of this Kingdom Government departments. It sold Naval Correspondent of the London payer in the meantime in that the real problem raised by any pamphlet have put not only the 182,943 navigational books, for use in conjunc- "Daily Telegraph" American hut also the British cushion of tonnage kept in tion with the charts, for nearly £87,000, most ease for a strong merchant operation for security reasons. of the sales being made through 150 agents in fleet. Basically, the grounds The world can absorb it when and outside Britain. are the same — security and trade is good, hut tends to be Elaborate plans are made to ensure that every earnings of foreign exchange. over-tonnaged in times of re- If it's chart incorporates the very latest information. Their complaints are also the cession. This is manifest in the Charts for The Netherlands and Japan Last year, for instance, more than 6.300 small same—Government restriction 8.000.000 tons of assorted ship- Here are two reasons why 1958 may be a from . . . corrections, and nearly 100 large corrections and the burden of taxation. year of record sales. The first is that a large ping laid up in various ports were made to chart plates. Some of the smaller The American owner has found order is now being executed for the Netherlands of the world this summer, the ones were hand-stamped by staffs of highly- a way out through the tax-free Government. During a recent visit to the result of the recession of the skilled craftsmen with the aid of powerful flags; and British owners cer- Taunton works I was told that this, the biggest last few months. It may be that magnifying glasses. M0RAN tainly lo}k with envy at the one effect of this will be to current order, is linked with the development freedom which their Panhonlib clear out some of the financially of Rotterdam as one of the world's major ports. New Publications & brethren enjoy. They realise, weaker ownerships under all Another large order has been received from however, that no owner in his flags: certainly Panhonlib have Japan. Presumably the charts are needed to During 1957, 108 new charts were published, senses will voluntarily come laid up fairly heavily, and it eouip her big and expanding merchant fleet. and there were 207 new editions of charts and into a strait-jacket: what they has been suggested that they This is a repeat order, the first being received diagrams for special purposes. The Establish- ask is equivalent freedom for may prove less ablp to meet about a year ago. The charts are to supplement ment also printed well over 3,000 Admiralty Notices to Mariners, warning of hazards themselves. There has been hard times than their older those supplied from the newer department of CAT0 the Japanese Hydrographer, whose "coverage" encountered at sea — even down to a buoy some relaxation of restriction competitors. They may, how- in the past few months, and is more limited and largely confined to Asian being slightly off station. ever, be able to live on their the investment allowance pro- waters. fat in the shape of unremitted The growing numbers of charts printed and It vides some taxation relief in profits. A good many British The Taunton Establishment is part of the their sales throughout the world, is shown by certain cases. But two major owners, however, have no fat. Admiralty's organisation which has produced the following figures: must points remain untouched: the up-to-the-minute charts and navigational books balancing charge on the sale They do not grudge it to their Printed Sold Receipts officially ever since 1759. To-day there are more be of older tonnage, and in an age competitors; but, being only 1953 1,740,634 1,065,105 £250,117 than 3,000 different Admiralty charts covering of inflation thp question of human, they would like the 1954 1.847,434 1,056,744 £255.348 the seven seas. Waters still to be thoroughly Good depreciation on historic instead opportunity to put on a fe>i 1955 2.274,043 1,199,575 £293,634 charted include certain coastal areas of Green- of 011 replacement cost. If" -s themselves. 1956 2,040,689 1,262,701 £321,798 land, and areas off Chile. 1957 2,092,909 1,404,450 £368,980
THE NAVY It Novtflib^f, 19SI 17 In addition, a number of Units have enrolled of Trafalgar Day in Martin Place, when our NAVY LEAGUE REPORTS Juniors (10-14 years of age), who regularly President placed a wreath on the Cenotaph. attend training and we are anxious for the The Corps also provided an armed detachment Federal Council to accord recognition to these for the Australia Day March through the NEW SOUTH WAUS DIVISION young lads and approve a simple type of streets of Sydney. uniform to be worn by them. Sporting activities have been well main- With the recent completion of additions to tained, and the Annual Swimming Carnival The Committee's Report the T.S. "Warrego," building at Woolwich, and Regatta, to mention two, were well the number of Cadets joining that Unit is now organised and successful. Rifle shooting has for the Year Ended 30th June, 1958 increasing rapidly. been encouraged, and has become most popular, and several Units have their own miniature £818. The Loans are interest free, and, pro- The projected Australia Wide Camp, which It is with pleasure that I present the Com- ranges. For the first time we competed in the vided that the money has been expended on it was hoped to hold at Balmoral Naval Depot mittee's Report for the year ended 30th June, .22 International Small Bore Rifle Competition improvements to their Depots or training in January next, has had to be deferred due 1958. This report covers a curtailed period and our Divisional beam was placed tenth facilities for their Cadets, the Units are to the unavailability of that establishment. of nine months only, as we have now adopted from a large entry from a number of countries. the 30th June to be the end of our financial normally subsidised on a £ for £ basis on The resultant disappointment, however, has year, in lieu of the 30th September as pre- presentation of their accounts. Without the been alleviated somewhat by the receipt of We were particularly honoured that our viously. Our object in making this change is support of our Members we would be unable two international invitations. These have been Divisional Senior Officer was asked to provide to enable the Report and Audited Accounts of to provide this assistance and we thank you received by the Federal Council from both a party of Sea Cadets to attend the official this Division to be available to the Federal all for making this possible. Canada and New Zealand to send a repre- cars at Manly wharf during the visit of H.M. sentative party of Australian Sea Cadets to Council at its annual meeting, which is con- As stated in the last Annual Report, the the Queen Mother in February last. They vened about the end of September each year these countries during 1959 and 1960, respec- acquitted themselves in a most praisvrorthy magnificent sum of £650 was raised by the tively. to coincide with the Annual Sea Cadet Council Ladies' Auxiliary before and at the 1957 Navy manner and brought great credit to the Corps. Meeting. League Ball, one of Sydney's brighter func- The Federal Council has asked us to pursue During the year the Sea Cadet Committee MEMBERSHIP: Our membership has tions. Mrs. Harrington, the then President, actively every avenue to raise money to enable has, by invitation, attended the monthly meet- remained static during the year. presented a cheque for this amount to the our N.S.W. Units to be suitably represented ings of Unit Commanders. Whilst retaining FINANCE: The FINANCIAL STATE- Committee. We have pleasure in informing at these wonderful opportunities to advertise its separate identity, this arrangement, which MENTS record a gain for the nine months, you that Mrs. D. 11. Harries, despite an unfor- our country and in particular our Sea Cadet removes the necessity to hold regular monthly amounting to £511, compared with £279 for tunate illness, has kindly consented to be potential. We would be grateful for any meetings itself, permits the Committee to the previous twelve months. Excess expendi- President of the Ladies' Auxiliary this year. suggestions to this end from the Fellow of maintain much closer liaison and expedites ture over income during the September Their sterling efforts culminated in the Navy our League. administrative action with the League. quarter, however, would have made the figures League Ball held at "Princes" on Tuesday, During the year we welcomed 25 Canadian for the full year almost identical. 28th October. Sea Cadets, who arrived in H.M.C.S. OTHER MATTERS: It is with deep regret Loans to Units increased by £ 150, making " Ontario," and they were suitably entertained that we report the death of Sea Cadet Lieut. We are indeed most grateful that our Move- L. Seymour, Commanding Officer of T.S. the total of our Loan Account to all Units ment has such an energetic and devoted band by our Units during their week's stay in Sydney. From the letters of appreciation "Shropshire" during the year. We hope, at of workers, who give us such practical and a later date, with the co-operation of the Local cheerful encouragement. received, it was obvious that they thoroughly CHARTING THE SEVEN SEAS — from page 17 enjoyed themselves. More recently, a party Committee, to arrange a memorial to his During my two hours' tour of the photo- Both the League and the Sea Cadet Units of four Indian Sea Cadets briefly visited memory. graphic, copper-engraving, lithographic-printing suffered a loss of income this year — that Australia at the invitation of the Common- normally obtained from the sale of programmes Rear-Admiral H. J. Buchanan, C.B.E., D.S.O., and other departments of this complex organ- wealth Government, and they were shown the R.A.N, (ret'd), was invited to join the Com- isation I was impressed by the high standard at the Dockyard Commemoration of Trafalgar sights on two separate days by Cadets from Day, which was not held in 1958. mittee, and has accepted. We welcome him as of accuracy and workmanship. our Units. an active member of our team. In one department a craftsman was preparing SEA CADETS: There are now 317 active On the training side our Division has been or CONCLUSION: We thank all our a new chart of Hampton Roads, Virginia, in Sea Cadets in the N.S.W. Division of the most active and all Units have sent Cadets to Fellows and Associates for their continued the United States of America, which was the Corps, which is an increase of 80 cadets (or attend Training Camps in H.M.A. Ships and support and interest in the work whieh we are anchorage for ships attending the International 34 per cent.) during the year. Establishments. The fortunate ones have had doing for this country and that worthwhile Naval Review associated with last year's cele- The strength of the Units is as follows: trips to sea in destroyers and smaller vessels, Touth Movement, the Australian Sea Cadet brations for the 350th anniversary of the Cadets whilst one lucky party spent a day in a sub- Corps. founding of the first English settlement there. T.S. "Sydney" — Snapper Island .. 43 marine, including diving exercises. The chart was one-third completed. But in We hope also that they are satisfied with T.S. "Australia" — Waverton 43 The Annual Church Parade was held at that small area the craftsman had inscribed on the results which have been achieved, although T.S. "Warrego" — Woolwich 16 Garden Island and on this occasion the In- the copper plate soundings requiring 3,000 tiny much, regrettably very much, more remains to T.S. "Condamine" — Manly 36 specting Officer presented the Cadets Forces numbers. T.S. "Sirius" — St. George 43 Medal to two Sea Cadet Officers — Sea Cadet be done. Fluctuations in the demand for Admiralty T.S. "Albatross" — Wollongong ... 45 Commander L. Forsythe, the Commanding For the Committee of charts sometimes indicate the trend of world T.S. "Tobruk" — Newcastle 45 Officer of T.S. " Sydney," and Sea Cadet Lieut. The Navy League of Australia, events. During the 1956 Suez crisis, for example, T.S. "Shropshire" — Canterbury ... 46 Commander D. J. Mort, Divisional Administra- New South Wales Division, when more ships were switched to the route tive Officer. round the Cape, more than 250,000 charts were Total Cadets 317 Sea Cadet Guards were paraded on a number H. A. SHOWERS, President. printed and handled at Taunton in one month. of occasions, notably on the Commemoration Date: 29th September, 1958.
II THE NAVY NOVCRI bcr, 1951 M NAVY LEAGUE-QUEENSLAND DIVISION FOR THE SEA CADETS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING -ONE OF THEM SPINS A DIT" IIE Annual General Meet- tion with this Unit and all the who provided the necessary HETHER Vikings still were somewhat dubious about eook the supper, and to stake, T ing of the Division was other Units in Queensland. water transport. sail the blue seas, is having three more meals like one's claim on a fishing spot— held in July this year and once T/S MAGNUS W T/S BUNDABEEG questionable, but they do cer- this, when they weighed anchor and all not without mishap. again Cdr. N. Pixlev was re- Excellent progress continues tainly navigate the calm waters for Peel Island, lying about No. 1 painstakingly super- elected President with almost to be made by this Unit, which This Unit continues to make of Moreton Bay when Sea two miles away. vised the construction of a the same Executive. One now has 60 cadets. Great dis- steady progress antl held a Cadets of T.S. "Magnus" of The convoy hove to and trench in the ground, and the three-day camp at Hargara worthy addition as Assistant appointment was felt just the Church of England Gram- anchored about two hundred collection and arranging and over the Queen's Birthday Secretary is Mr. Phil Coles, a prior to the school holidays mar School, Brisbane, are on yards front the shore. Then re-arranging of fire-wood there- week-end. Chartered Accountant, who is when it was learnt that the an- Annual Continuous Training. began the task of transporting in. Then a large metal sheet fast becoming a tower of nual "camp" on board "MIL- Cadets took part in the sixty men, stores, equipment, was carefully cleaned of all strength. Anzac Day march and mounted foreign matter, laid with ex- DURA" would have to be can- On Saturday morning, antl personal gear, for what a guard in honour of His Ex- treme care, to keep it free from celled. However, the Com- August 9th at 0845, five looked like one hundred and cellency the Governor of T/S GAYUNDAH manding Officer made arange- officers and fifty-five cadets Queensland at the Buntlaberg nipnts for the boys to have boarded two Navy boats This Unit is at full strength Show. "day-camps" on board. This and an army work-boat at with 5 officers, 0 instructors required cut lunches being pre- OPERATION and 120 cadets and easily main- T/8 ENDEAVOUR Kangaroo Point and at Ham- pared by mother and at the ilton, and proceeded in line tains its record of being the I paid a visit to Cairns re- time of going to press no ahead to Dunwich, on Strad- "GREAT FUN" strongest Sea Cadet Unit iu cently and was very pleased serious complaint has been re- broke Island. While travelling Australia. with everything and everyone by Sea Cad* P. BIACKBAND. T.S. "Magnus" ceived from parents. It is sin- down the familiar Brisbane I saw. Bert Yeareley has now In early June the Director cerely hoped that this "day- River — antl, to some cadets been appointed Commanding sixty men. Three dinghies and sand, on the fire to heat up of Naval Reserves (Capt. G. D. camp" will be unnecessary next from the country, the not so Officer and Jack Atkinson as a canoe were used for the for cooking. Darkness had Tancred, D.S.C., R.A.N.) ex- year. Thanks are due to these familiar parts of the bay — Chief Petty Officer. These two operation in which there were, now closed in, so scamping pressed his complete satisfac- mothers and also to the Army the signallers and plenty of now have full authority to tleal strangely enough, no casualties. feet around the fire could not helpers were busily engaged with all aspects of the Unit's At one stage the C.O. was see where they were knocking in keeping communications administration and I am sure biting his nails when the 1st sand. As a result, instead of between the flagship — the they will do a very good job. Lieutenant went ashore. No. sauced steaks, one probably army work-boat — and the re- Now that cadet's uniforms 1 was perched forward on top found one had a sauced and EZD A mainder of the flotilla. of a lot of gear vainly telling sanded steak. However they have been received it is ex- Whether the C.O. is a good pected that the 31 at present the oarsmen how not to row in were still most delicious, and ZINC BASE DIE CASTING ALLOY conversationalist or likes to circles. So engrossed was he rather morale boosting. on strength will soon grow to give signallers plenty of prac- the maximum of 60. in his theory of rowing, that conforming in composition with tice is something the signallers he almost failed to realize that All except the enthuasiastic —G.O.N. British Standard Specification 1004 could not work out, but there he was upsetting the trim of fishermen joined in at the certainly seemed to be a lot the boat. He was promptly round of singing and yarns The U.S. Navy has made such of wardroom ehat going down reminded of the situation by at the camp-fire after supper. produced by good progress with the 1,500- tut the signalling pads. Every two young cadets in the stern The singing was quite up to mile Polaris missile that it plans cadet also took a trick at benches who were a little the standard of bush concerts until certain members of a to treble the production of the wheel, and judging from optimistic about having a swim. distinguished choir excereised ELECTROLYTIC ZINC COMPANY Polaris-firing submarines. the course steered the unit 1 wonder whether the C.O. was now has some good coxswains worried about his No. 1 or their voices, and thus managed OF AUSTRALIA LIMITED The Navy Secretary, Mr. — and a few who are not quite to clear the beach. Thus ended Thomas Gates, gave this news the boat. Some cadets could so good. well have taken a lesson from the camp-fire, but certainly 360 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE in evidence to a House of not the night's entertainment. Representatives appropriations Sub Lieutenant Kleinsehmidt. Various parties developed sub-committee. who was really at home with is used in the production of Stradbroke Island was now his boats. The way he man- along the beach, each with its He described progress with rapidly approaching, and so aged to bring the boats ashore own small camp fire. Singing high quality die castings the Polaris as amazing. was the time for dinner, if with suoh practised ease is and feasting seemed to be the He said that the Navy starved looks are any indi- nobody's business. order of the night. An oc- by members of planned to ask Congress "within cation. The boats were securetl casional fish that was caught, the very near future" for at Dunwich Jetty and all went The light of the last rays supplemented the personal THE ZINC ALLOY DIE CASTERS' ASSOCIATION emergency funds to build nine ashore to the first taste, for of the sun was now being used supplies of food that were OF AUSTRALIA Polaris-firing submarines instead most cadets, of Navy scran — to find a camping place for brought ashore; talk about a of the three previously planned. bully beef and tomatoes. They the night, to get some wood, to night!
» THE NAVY Nov«mb«r, I9SI II Daybreak was '' wakee to land was obtained from the LEARNING TO SAIL wakee"! It appeared more owners of the island, and then "Sailing Primer." By W. D. THE SUBMARINE TO-DAY - from 'The Navy" like "sleepee sleepee" to No. sixty cadets were again Park. (O. Bell & Sons Ltd., 1 who was up most of the ferried ashore in very quick ODERN installations for great deal of investigation and London, 10s. 6d.) the consideration of weight night guarding his little time. Some cadets had time replenishing oxygen and research. While Britain con- which had much to do with "chickens" and making sure M after eating their meal to walk In this very nearly excellent eliminating carbon dioxide and centrated on developing the decision to adopt this type they did not get into any mis- to the various ruins from the book the author, who runs the hydrogen make it possible for nuclear plants for the genera- of reactor. Be that as it may, chief. Breakfast was quickly convict days of St. Helena. sailing courses for the Central the crew of a submarine to tion of electricity, the United the Americans have now suffi- prepared, and then began the Many weathered stOMe struc- Council of Physical Recrea- remain totally submerged for States started 10 years ago to cient knowledge and experi- ferrying of equipment and be- several days. But unless she is tures are still standing to-day, tion, describes the first six investigate the most suitable ence of ship reactors and of longings back to the boats. able to sit on the bottom, a with their atmosphere of the lessons of a family who have type of plant for warships. the auxiliary machinery The efficiency of this opera- submerged vessel must con- After trying out sodium and required to operate them, to tion was a credit to any Cadet romantic past. just bought a boat. In the first tinue moving and it is thus her unit. In the time that the offi- It was almost with tears that lesson they make sail for the batteries which fix the limit to cers took to make an inspection the party left St. Helena first time, and at the end of the speeds und endurance of the beach and near hinter- Island, tor they were now on the sixth their teacher con- under water of the conven- A MENACE FAR MORE SERIOUS THAN land for any uncovered refuse the last stage of the return siders them safe to cruise tional submarine. Despite the THE "H" BOMB or lost articles, all the boats journey. Many memories of unassisted in estuary waters. improvements achieved by the had been loaded and were the happy incidents and of As one would expect from so Germans towards the end of by "Ptritcopa" ready to weigh anchor. the prevailing high spirits of experienced an instructor, the the war, the submarine pro- At 1000 the three boats were the boys will remain for at sequence of lessons, their con- pelled by electric motors has remained a relatively cumber- making a comfortable nine least another twelve months, tent, and the reasons given for other coolants, she finallv some and slow-moving craft. go ahead with the construction knots through the water to when it is hoped another such each manoeuvre or action are decided on a pressurized water bivouac will be such a great of a nuclear-powered surface St. Helena Island, where they admirable; and the chapters on moderated and cooled reactor, ship and submarine fleet. stopped for dinner. Permission success. the theory of sailing, on hulls, reinforced with enriched All this has now been From the British point of construction and knots are uranium. At the present time changed by nuclear propul- view the important thing is adequate without being either there are six variations of this sion. The underwater vessel that they are now able to type of reactor, either built or over simplified or complicated. has become as fast and as construct ship reactors small under construction. readily manoeuvrable as a enough to be installed in sub- But, except possibly in INDIAN CADETS REMEMBER surface ship, with a speed of Since water absorbs less marines no larger than about Nautical Schools and Naval 25 knots or more for as long radio-activity than any of the 2,000 tons — not much larger FROM INDIA THEY TAKE A Training Establishments, sail- as desired, and is able to dive other known coolants, a water- than the conventional overseas ing is not normally a subject RETROSPECTIVE VOYACE TO SYDNEY down to depths of 1.000 feet. cooled reactor requires less submarine of the last war. It taught to the unwilling. It Indeed, to a nation such as shielding and no doubt it was is thus greatly to be hoped that seems, therefore, a bit unneces- 28/1 Chandra ChattcrJI, St. I. in my capacity as the leader Britain — dependent for her sary to try to sugar the pill very existence on the safety of Calcutta, 25. INDIA of the group, thank you for of straightforward instruction September 12, 1958 your magnificent and beautiful the sea routes — the nuclear- with a thin little story about powered submarine presents a hospitality. This ia a copy of a letter received how the bibulous captain menace far more serious than by Commander Forsythe, T.S. We are happy to have visited 8ydney. 8napper Island, from helped the author to buy the H-bomb which is never Senior Under Officer Tapan Mitra. you and to have the chance of "Whimsy" and then taught likely to be used. We shall only "SEN leader of the Indian Sea Cadets, meeting the excellent group him and his children to sail. succeed in dealing with her if who were here recently. of boys who go to make up The story is, however, we take the fullest advantage •CriKYTHING TO DO WITH MATT your depot, give them our of measures which science has Dear Sir, merely a thread to tie the thanks and best wishes. now placed at our disposal for I hope you have not forgotten lessons together and novices Please remember us to Petty detecting and destroying lul lalldlaf our visits to Snapper Island, and sailing instructors, par- Officer Wallace. I particularly underwater craft — measures to us they will remain un- ticularly the latter, who are Sarvic* mm4 Itptlrt remember Barry AVormsley and which can be used most effec- forgettably happy memories. I not put off by "Whimsy" and think the finest dinner we "Knobby" Clarke, please con- tively in a vessel with an the captain can learn a lot. had in Australia was the night vey our greetings to them and, equally good performance Hiriaf by the water with steaks splut- submerged. if possible, ask them to write Incidentally, there is a Maria* la«laaarla« tering away in the open hearth. to us. howler in the first lesson. No doubt the author allowed it to Your depot was one of the I end with another salvo of appear to avoid complicating The principles of nuclear few places where we could thanks, for your utter friend- LARS HALVORSIN SONS PTY. LTD. the lesson; but it could have power are in many ways relax completely and enjoy liness. •UILDING YARD: W.WYW. Sw. Rydo. WYIMB been eliminated quite simply. simple; but the problem of ourselves to the greatest extent, I remain, Sir, Yours faith- BOAT SHED: Bobbin Hood. JJ 1«B» It might amuse sailing instruc- producing a power plant for as I told you, coming back to fully, (Telegram: "Halvonom" Sydney) tors to work out how! the propulsion of ships, which Snapper Island was like TAPAN MITRA is compact, light in weight cure* products always on hand coming home. So in this letter. Senior Under Officer J. J. S. Y. and not too costly, requires a
n THE NAVY November, 1KB U should also build rocket Britain's decision to purchase Forces, has a displacement of r>,900 tons and two atomic launching submarines. There from an American firm a com- reactors. Most of the remainder could certainly be no safer nor NAUTICAL AFFAIRS plete nuclear submarine pro- arc overseas patrol submarines more effective deterrent. But pulsion unit indicates the of the "Skate" type, a 2,190- the estimated cost of these importance the Admiralty ton version of the much larger large United States submarines NAVAL AND MERCANTILE NOTES AND NEWS attach to building a flotilla of and more costly 3,'200-ton pro- is between £30 million and £35 nuclear-powered submarines as totype "Nautilus." million as compared with £16 H.M.S VANGUARD million for the "Skate." And FROM ALL COMPASS POINTS soon as our finances permit. ISritain urgently requires though these costs might well N reply to a question in the The United States has submarines even smaller than be reduced by at least a third recently estimated to a Select I House of Commons the Par- COMMONWEALTH NAVAL already 19 of these nuclear- the "Skate" with a hull if the vessels were British Committee at £310,000 for the liamentary Secretary to the EXERCISES powered submarines, built, built, Britain for many years current year, of which £150,000 similar to the "Skipjack" Admiralty, Mr. Allan, stated There was a Commonwealth building or authorized. They yet will not be able to afford was the cost of category crew. class which, in conjunction that the obligations to NATO Navies family gathering when include one equipped with the £20 million for a submarine She would now be brought to with nuclear power, will give which had required the "Van- ships of the Indian, Pakistan, 1,000 mile "Regulus" guided whose sole purpose is to fire a lower state of reserve, with them a submerged speed of guard" to be kept in a high and Ceylon Navies were joined flying bomb; seven "high-speed a ballistic rocket. a considerable saving of man- between 30 and 40 knots. It state of readiness in the Oper- by units of the Royal Navy attack" submarines of the power and money. She would is a submarine of this size and ational Reserve had ended. in Trineomalee recently for 2,700-ton "Skipjack" class What of the submarines of continue to be used as a type which will provide one The cost of keeping "Van the annual Commonwealth with a hull shaped like a the Soviet Navy? There are Training Accommodation and of the most effective means of guard" in this Reserve was naval exercises in the Indian whale; and five very large indications that Russia has Reserve Fleet Headquarters locating and destroying the Ocean. India contributed two submarines, four of which are slowed down on submarine Ship until satisfactory altern- large ballistic launching sub- cruisers, three destroyers, three of 5,600 tons displacement and construction. But this, it may THE SUBMARINE TODAY — ative arrangements were made. marine. be assumed, is pour mieux frigates, one support ship and are to be armed with 16 1,500- from opposite page But in view of the policy of sauter. Russia does not hesi- four Sealand aircraft; Paki- mile "Polaris" ballistic rockets Naval experts and other proved that British and maintaining a reduced number tate to inform the world that stan, two destroyers and two for launching while sub- enthusiasts, who realise the American submarines would of ships in a high state of she is quite prepared, if Bristol freight aircraft; Ceylon, merged. The fifth — the great increase of offensive and in future he able to penetrate readiness in reserve it would necessary, for nuclear war. harbour support craft and air- "Triton" — designed as a defensive capability given to seem that "Vanguard's" days She has also let it be known under the Arctic ice-cap north craft of the Royal Ceylon Air radar-picket vessel to accom- the submarine by nuclear may now be numbered. that she has an inter- of Russia and bombard Lenin- Force; while R.N. participation pany high-speed carrier Task power. urge that Britain continental rocket, though grad and Moscow, and other included two cruisers, one there is no evidence that its industrial cities in Northern aircraft carrier, three de»- range is anything like 5,000 Russia. troyers two submarines, one frigate, three support ships, miles. But she is second to none On the other hand, the ROYAL MALAYAN NAVY in her nuclear capability and Russians have for long based and four naval air squadrons. • • • no nation is btetter able to their hopes on an eastward In July, the Royal Malayan Go Down to the Sea guard military secrets which route from the Barents Sea to Navy was transferred to the are of real importance. We the Pacific Coast of America Federation of Malaya for the INDIAN NAVY'S NSW would be wise to assume that and no doubt their nuclear- creation of a Navy as one of FRIGATE in Ships ... she too has realized the greatly powered ice-breaker is being the armed Forces of the Feder- Another new frigate for the increased value given to the HE Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd. hai vacancies in constructed with this object in ation. Shortly before the Indian Navy, the "Kirpan", submarine by nuclear power view. But instead of a voyage transfer, the Senior Oflicer of was launched recently at the T its ships for suitable boys to train as deck officers. and is not far behind the of 10,000 miles — whether the Royal Malayan Navy sent yard of Alexander Stephen & United States in the construc- Applicants must be medically fit, under 18 years of age through or under the Arctic a message to the Commander- Sons Ltd., at Glasgow. An anti- tion of large ballistic rocket- and preferably hold the leaving certificate or equivalent ice-cap from West to East — in-Chief. Far East Fleet, in submarine vessel, she is the firing submarines. which he spoke of the deep with passes in English, Mathematics and Physics. their submarines will now be second of her type for the able to reach the Behring gratitude for help and advice Indian Navy. Her accom- Successful applicants will serve a four-year apprenticeship In this connection it may Straits five or six days sooner received from the Royal Navy, modation has been designed to in the Company's ships, and will be trained to the standard well lie that the recent voyages via the North Pole. and expressed a hope for a enable her to operate in all of the "Nautilus" and future in which co-operation of the British Ministry of Transport's examination for Second climatic conditions without dis- "Skate" have more strategic This means 10 days longer on with the Far East Fleet would Mate's Certificate. comfort to officers and men. significance for Russia than the patrol area and fewer sub- be a salient feature. The Her anti-submarine weapons Rates of pay and further information are available on appli- for either the United States or marines in "the pipe line." It Admiralty, in a message of will fire a pattern of large pro- Britain. If intending to launch also means that the industrial congratulations to the new jectiles with great accuracy. cation to: ballistic rockets from sub- areas on the Pacific Coast of Navy, said that the Board and • • • marines submerged, neither the United States and Canada the Royal Navy looked forward THE BROKEN HILL PROPRIETARY CO. LTD. Britain nor the United States are now much more quickly to future co-operation within requires to send her vessels to and readily accessible to bom- the family of the Common- THE SUEZ CANAL 28 O'CONNELL STREET, SYDNEY - - B0520 the North Pole to do so. bardment by Russia's nuclear- wealth of Navies, and were The Suez Canal became Though these North Polar powered, rocket-launching sub- confident that mutual benefit available for ships up to 35 voyages have none the less marines. would be lasting. ft. draught from the beginning of September — which waa the THE NAVY Nmwnbcr, ItU 24 leave the Fleet until 1931; position when the Canal was It is estimated that to build depot ship. By this plan, this to be actively engaged in most of the four-pipe destroy- their own territorial waters first nationalised by Egypt. a medium sized aircraft carrier valuable mass of destroyers World War II— as six hours ers were still on hand for were kept in good order, at and leaving them to row back Shipowners will now suffer the in Britain today would cost after the war started she to port". The man to whom imposition o£ a surcharge to upwards of £35,000,000, ac- World War II, as well as three months' notice for sea, began laying the first mine- plenty of outmoded sub- commissioning to take their "Geiger" referred is Com- pay for the clearance of the cording to aircraft capacity. In field southward of Bass Rock. modore Barry Anderson, R.N., marines. For that matter, my place from time to time, in Canal after the blocking ill the I'nited States, to design Later in the war she re- who, in command of the Navy's 1956. The British Government and build an aircraft carrier, "Jane" for 1910 shows the the active fleet, ready in the ceived from the Admiralty the event of war, for anti- Fishery protection ships in has offered to refund the not of the largest size, to Civil War "Hartford" and message: "Their Lordships Icelandic waters during the amount of the surcharge to Argentinian requirements, "Lancaster" still on the active submarine work. The scheme have observed with satisfaction proved all I had hoped, and recent dispute over territorial British owners, subject to would cost at the present time list!" that H.M.S. "Plover" has limits, had a delicate and diffi- other Governments making a nearer 200.000,000 dollars. these ancient warriors were now laid over 10,000 mines • • • (At the same time, it must ready for action when the bell cult task. He showed, says similar gesture. As "Geiger" since the outbreak of war, "Geiger", that "with nothing be remembered that the policy rang in 1939, to the great and that the work of the ships remarks in "The Navy": "No CANADA TO TURKEY of "discarding only with re- more damaging than a power- doubt some governments may credit of Admiral Parker".) has been marked throughout The Royal Canadian Navy luctance" has paid dividends • • • ful jet of water and the make the gesture, but it is by its persistence, accuracy recently transferred to the in the past. The Admiralty — muscular strength of the men not easy to see Liberia and and freedom from breakdown." Turkish Navy 14 ships which, and Britain generally — were under his command he was the rest of the Convenient NEW R.N SURVEY manned by nearly 1.000 Tur- very happy to get the 50 l'our- (Note: In view of the fact more than a match for the VESSEL Icelandic patrols which sought Fraternit• y followin• g suit"• . kish sailors, sailed from Syd- pipers which the U.S. Navy that it is rare for a ship to ney, Nova Scotia, for their made available in 1940. And The fourth "Echo" has "come of age" these days, it to enforce a 12 miles terri- recently joined the Royal Navy torial waters limit which had TANKERS new bases in Turkey after Admiral of the Fleet, Lord is interesting to recall that, at being turned over to their Chatfleld, writing in his book, — first of a new class of in- Trafalgar, "Victory" was 40 not received international In the six months to the new owners under N.A.T.O.'s "It might Happen Again", shore survey craft. She is years old — and was still re- approval". end of June last, the world's Mutual Aid Programme. The records: "Another problem 1 equipped with two echo- garded as the finest ship in the tanker tonnage increased in ships are 10 "Bangor" class had to settle ns Controller sounding machines to assist British Fleet.) the total by 3,355,000 tons fleet minesweepers, which, was that of our older des- her to carry out exacting deadweight. Liberia now has launched in 1940-42, are of a troyers. We had a large num- work in shoal water; and she SPEEDY SHIP the largest tanker fleet with full load displacement of 900 ber of them, those named the has also asdics for wreck CONSTRUCTION 10,625.233 tons deadweight: location, and radar, in addition "MANNERS MAKYTH tons antl a speed of 16$ knots, 'V' and 'W' classes. We could The first fruits of a big Britain comes next with to many surveying instruments. MAN" with triple expansion engines neither afford to keep them modernisation programme 9,214,977 tons; then Norway With a length of 106 ft. and and Admiralty type boilers. in commission, nor allow them "Only a man of good man- carried out at their Tyneside with 8,466,273; and then the beam of 22 ft., her tonnage is The other four ships are to rot in the basins in reserve, ners and a strong sense of yard at Wallsend, Northum- I'nited States with 6,175,050 160. Her predecessors of that coastal minesweepers of the with inadequate personnel to humour", says "Geiger" in berland. enabled Swan Hunter tons. Some of the Liberian name in hydrography were "l!ay" class, built in 1954. maintain the guns and tor- "The Navy", "could have and Wigham Richardson to increase of about 1,500,000 three in number, the first They have a full load dis- pedoes, or the machinery. So wined and dined some of his launch recently the 32,500 tons in the six months is due being an early paddle steamer placement of 412 tons, and n Vice-Admiral H. W. Parker, captives and then disposed of ton deadweight tanker "Vari- to transfers from the British commanded bv a Lieutenant speed of 16 knots obtained the Director of Naval Equip- them neatly by presenting them cella" after she had been flag, but the majority is com- Bullock from 1827 lo 1829 from modern diesel engines. ment, who is also Deputy with a ship's whaler within only seven months on the posed of new launchings. The These ships have given good Controller, worked out for She discovered whr.t was British total has declined me a plan, for laying up named the "Bullock Channel" slightly, partly owing to trans- results in service. these vessels, which would be while surveying the river • • • fers of flag, partly to scrapping sal invaluable in war. in what Thames and its approaches. of older tonnage, and partly U.S.N. "DISCARDS SHIPS we\ called 'cold storage'. That Channel is known by POOLE & STEEL LTD. tc the small numbers of new- WITH RELUCT ANCE' Rosyth dockyard, now out of present-day navigators of the Thames estuary as the South vessels launched for British "Geiger", in "The Navy", commission, was selected to 4S STEPHEN STREET, BALMAIN quotes an American colleague be their principal home, antl registration. Edinburgh Channel. N.S.W. • • • as writing to him and saying, there we sent most of them regarding the discarding of to lie in the large unuseil • • • Telephone: WB2511 ARGENTINA —AMD some 85 ships by the Royal basins. Almost everything movable was removed antl 21-YEAR C0KMIS8I0N BRITISH CARREER Navy: "Our history has been General Engineers, Boilermakers, Shipbuilders, very different from yours in stored in the vacant sheds in The coastal minesweeper It is reported — says "The matters of this sort. We have the dockyard, where a spec- H.M.S. "Plover" has com- Dredge Builders Navy"—that the Argentine never had anyone like Fisher, ially selected pnrty of officers pleted her 20th year of exis- Chamber of Deputies has de- Plans, Specifications and Estimates prepared who in the midst of peace, dis- and men could look after them tence, and is thus one of the clared support for the pro- carded 150 ships. Our admirals cheaply and efficiently. The ships to attain today's rare for Mining Dredges and Plant of all kinds. posed purchase of the British on the contrary have discarded ships themselves, i.e., their distinction of "coming of age". Electric Welding and Oxy-acetylene Work. angle deck aircraft carrier ships only with reluctance hulls and main and auxiliary And she has been in com- "Warrior." The purchase price Most of the Spanish War gun- engines, were placed in charge mission ever since she started. is variously stated to be boats were around for business of reserve c ews, accommo- In her lifetime she has Telegrams: between £1,000,000 and in 1917; the last of the dated in a specially provided steamed nearly 150,000 miles; " POOLSTEEL," BALMAIN, NS.W. £2,000,000. At either cost it armoured cruisers did not and was one of the first ships would be a great bargain. THE NAVY Nov«nb«r, Iftl U 17 The primary role of the Vixen technique mentioned above. So much for the future air- will be as an all-weather At the moment of writing the fighter. In that capacity it craft pattern. In the meantime THE FLEET AIR ARM Treasury are believed to be will carry four Firestreak air- the Sea Hawks, Sea Venoms to-air homing guided weapons fighting one of their suicidal and Gannets have kept up full actions against placing a sub- IE last twelve months the cancellation of the Saun- it has an extremely good rate or 96 2in. air-to-air rockets. Al- flying programmes afloat and have seen the emergence ders-Roe supersonic, high alti- of climb (two Rolls-Royce though, like the Scimitar, only stantial order for this air- ashore (although it is under- T craft. It is hoped that such in fact and policy of the shape tude mixed power plant Avons). It does not. however, supersonic in a shallow dive, stood that the Sea Venoms the Vixen carries very effective lunacy will not prevail — of the Fleet Air Arm for the fighter, the S.R.53. This carry air-to-air guided weapons have experienced some trouble next seven or eight years. In and relies entirely on four 30 radar which should give it all Britain cannot afford to scuttle on llight launches). The would have been the ideal the necessary information for view of the probability that millimetre Aden guns (100 her Navy at this vital time in Wyvern has at last been aircraft for defence of the a successful interception no new carriers will be laid her history. withdrawn from service. The Fleet against the Much 1 high- rounds per second) to destroy (atlded to which will be the down and no more manned aircraft was an interesting aircraft will be built it looks powerful 984 radar of the The most elaborate change- experiment in the turbo-prop as though that shape will carrier itself — already in- over has occurred in the anti- submarine world during the actually last the Fleet Air stalled in "Victorious". In field but it took too long to last year. Based on experience Arm to the end of its days, the ground attack role the develop and never really gained by the original Whirl- i.e. the length of life of its THIS YEAR 1958 IS THE 21st Vixen can carry conventional lived up to its original expect- wind A/S squadron the Gannet existing carriers. bombs and rockets as well as ations. ANNIVERSARY OF THE F.A.A.'s RETURN squadrons have been convert- Greatest disappointment (or a nuclear weapon. Reports so far from de Havillands ing on to helicopters. It had Most notable event among as many would say, disaster) TO ADMIRALTY CONTROL been obvious for some time encourage the belief that the the carriers was the commis- of the year was undoubtedly that the future of A/S lay Vixen will be a first class sioning of H.M.S. "Victorious" with the versatile rotary wing Navel aircraft. Both the in January. Virtually rebuilt (by "L'Aigon" in "The Navy") aircraft: their ability to oper- Scimitar and the Sea Vixen on the hull of the old "Vic- NAUTICAL AFFAIRS — from ate sonar buoy equipment, have successfully completed torious". she incorporates all page 27 their ease of manoeuvre and the latest devices: fully angled intensive deck-landing trials. their smaller cost than the stocks. The builders went ill deck, steam catapults, mirror Gannet. landing aids, Mk. 13 arrester for prefabrication oil a large enemy aircraft; this means Highlight of the year has scale—the kind of thing flying bomber. Its rate of obviously been the first flight gear, Type 984 radar and many climb was phenomenal (70.000 that, as a Maeh 1 fighter (in Another helicopter develop- advances in domestic accom- which the Japanese and Ger- of the Blackburn N.A.39 ft. in 2j minutes) which meant a shallow dive) it will have to ment has been the design of a mans were able to do when (which, incidentally, flew on that it could have been be positioned very accurately helicopter commando carrier, they brought their building the target date set for it three launched from the carrier to by the ship's direction team the ideal weapon for coping yards back into commission to intercept a bomber travel- years before by the Ministry with limited wars particularly intercept an enemy aircraft of Supply). This aircraft is after the war, when so much as against the conventional ling at the same speed. It in out of the way places where COCKATOO DOCKS of the old was destroyed by has, however, proved itself claimed to he in advance of there are no friendly bases for fighter which has to be air- anything ol' its kind in the Allied bombing. "Varicella" borne on patrol all the time to be an excellent aircraft operating aircraft or troops. fc ENCINKERINC is the latest ship for Shell during the intensive trials tvorld. This is no doubt true H.M.S. "Bulwark" has been if it is to make an interception. because the N.A.39 lias been CO. PTY. LTD. Tankers. The great disadvantage of the carried out at Ford earlier mentioned as the first com- • • • this year which augurs well for designed specifically to operate mando carrier and it is under- • latter technique is, of course, at low level, a complete break- the need for the patrolling the operational squadrons. In stood that extensive trials are INDONESIAN FRIGATES the strike role it will carry an away from the previous con- being carried out to devise the fighter to refuel — either in cepts of high altitude bombing. Shipbuilders The Ansaldo Yard. Leghorn, atomic weapon and probably tactics for operating Royal flight or. worse still, by land- This design looks like the Marine Italy, has recently completed deliver it at low level — a new Marines in Whirlwind heli- ing back on the carrier. only answer, for however high two very handsome frigates technique developed to avoid copters. This is a brilliant and a bomber goes it still remains of the light destroyer type for Be that as it may. the S.R.53 detection by the enemy's radar and long overdue scheme and vulnerable to the high altitude General Engineers the Indonesian Navy. They is out and the Sea Vixen and (the weapon is then "tossed" it is hoped that none of the fighter and the ground-to-air are the "Inian Bondjol" and the Scimitar are in. Let us from the aircraft in a sudden characteristic cheese-paring at Contractors t* . . . guided weapon. Whereas the "Surapati". With a displace- have a look at the Scimitar, climb, which enables the pilot the Treasury will wreck the bomber flying in on the deck H.M. AUSTRALIAN NAVY ment of 1,150 tons standard since the first squadron has to clear the target area before concept ns it takes shape. One at just under Mach 1 cannot and 1,300 tons full load, an already formed and is due the explosion occurs). As a event this year demonstrated Inquiries Invited be picked up at vital range overall length of 320ft., a to embark in "Victorious" ill footnote to these remarks oil the amazing usefulness of the by radar is extremely diffieult beam of 36 ft. and a draught the autumn. The Supermarine the Scimitar it may be re- ordinary ship's flight heli- to intercept with fighters and, of 8 ft., they are armed with Scimitar succeeds the Sea membered that a production copters when four of them at the moment, is practically four 4 in. guns, six 30 mm. Hawk as the Meet's day in- aircraft broke the London- transferred the whole of a COCKATOO DOCK impossible to hit with ground- anti-aircraft guns, six 20 mm. terceptor with a secondary Malta record in July. squadron's stores and personal to air-guided weapons. The SYDNEY A.A. guns, three 21 in. tor- role as the interim strike air- baggage from one carrier to N.A.39 is also expected to pedo tubes, two squid type craft until the N.A.39 comes The de Havilland Sea Vixen another at sea in under an 'Phone: WB 1941 deliver its nuclear weapon by depth charge mortars, and four into service. Although not trials flight is due to form up hour: this is thought to be a means of the "toss-bombing" (10 lines) depth charge throwers. supersonic straight and level at Yeovilton in the autumn. unique manoeuvre.
THE NAVY November, I9SI policy of closing and tighten- direct opposition to Napoleon. HITLER'S BATTLEORUISER ing the ring around Germany Mr. Mackesy, however, knows with a succession of "tip and better than this and in his "Battleship Scharnhorit." By run" raids on Hitler's "Fes- book brings out the importarfce Albert Vullitz and Jacques THOMAS tung Europa"— particularly of the Mediterranean in the Mordal. (Hutchinson, 25».) in the Mediterranean area — full strategical picture of this The story of the "Scharn- ROBINSON & until the Reich was so weak- concluding struggle against horst" has been told more than ened that invasion would be Napoleon. He is also a true once, and this new version the publishers are to be con- a "walk-over." It was indeed historian in that he realizes, comes from France. So far as THE AMERICAN mainly due to the friendship SON PTY. LTD. gratulated in reproducing tliem and relates, the interdepen- can be judged it is an accurate VIEWPOINT between Roosevelt and Chur- in book form. dence and unity of the diplo- recital of the triumphs and "American Contributions to chill that the compromise plan matic, political, naval and misadventures of this fine ship, the Strategy of World War The author discusses objec- of "Torch"— the invasion of military decisions which, in told in a lively and extremely II." By Samuel Eliot tively anil impartially the North Africa — was finally their alliance, alone pr sents readable manner. Morison. (Oxford University often widely differing views agreed to for the autumn of the full and true picture of Yet behind it all there lies FLOUR MILL AND Press, 12s. 6d.) of the liritish and United 1942. any theatre of war. And what a sadness, even though the ship After "The Turn of the States military leaders on the None the less, as the author emerges from his study is a herself was an enemy. It is WOOD-WORKING Tide" and other authoritative major strategy to be followed emphasizes, in spite of all the balanced history of this little- always sad to read of the hooks giving the liritish views in both the European and arguments and disagreements, known campaign, much of it misuse of a ship, whatever the ENGINEERS on Allied strategy in the Pacific theatres of war. Few the Alliance between Britain a defensive campaign, most of colours of the Hag she flies, and Second World War, it is of people realize how funda- and the United States, forged it a campaign in which the the "Scharnhorst" is no major interest to read the mental these differences some- in the fire of necessity, was the ubiquity of British sea power exception. Stripped of all its American viewpoint from an times were, particularly in the most successful Grand Alliance played the dominating part. frills, this is a story of a ship equally authoritative source. early stages when the U.S. in history. And, he adds, that missed her chances. In Chiefs-of-Staff wanted to The sulistatiee of this little "Woe! Woe! to those who It is a long book, but the company with the "Gneisenau" 160 SUSSEX STREET establish a bridgehead in clarity of Mr. Mackesy's book by the distinguished would try to break it." she ran from the cruiser France in 1942 followtd by a SYDNEY This is a book which every writing and his complete "Newcastle" shortly after the American historian — Samuel full-scale invasion in 1943. officer in the Fighting Services mastery of his sources makes outbreak of war, and a few NAW. Eliot Morison — was given in it a thrilling one to read. It two lectures by him at Oxford The British Chiefs-of-Staff, should read and keep for months later she ran, again in reference. is. moreover, one of those rare company with the "Gnei- University in May, 1957, and on the other hand, favoured a historical books which really G. P. T. senau," from the "Renown." • • • goes to the sources of informa- Both would have been at her tion and follows the source FLEET AIR ARM — from page 29 Among general features of MEDITERRANEAN WAR mercy had she stood and Americans are thought to be through to the resultant action. fought. Later still she ran from adopting. II.M.S. "Ark Royal" the last year has been the "The War in the Mediter- This is not a book to be missed. modation. Already she has ranean, 1803-1810." By Piers the "Ramillie8," which was completed her sea trials and was relieved in the Mediter- training of German Naval air- protecting an Atlantic convoy, ranean by H.M.S. "Eagle" just crew at Culdrose and Lossie- Mackesy. (Longmans, Green P. K. K. has carried out initial aircraft & Co., 45s.) trials preparatory to embark- in time for the latter to take mouth, trials of flight-refuel- ing her air group ill the part in the Jordan air lift of ling equipment, trials of the Two volumes have recently autumn. Everything points to troops; although little pub- Fairey Ultra-Light Helicopter been published which throw a licity seems to have been new light on the British effort NICOL BROS. PTY. LTD. "Victorious" being a formid- operating from a platform on able addition to the Fleet. given to the fact it was air- at sea against Napoleon after INCORPORATING craft from "Eagle" who es- the stern of a destroyer, the Trafalgar. One of them is the development of a new mirror "Ark Royal" completed lier corted the R.A.F. trooping air- correspondence of Colling- PENGUIN HEAVY LIFTING PTY. LTD. second commission which in- craft flying into Jordan — landing aid and the possibility wood. produced by the Navy & cluded a visit to the United yet another example of the of the use of helicopters in Records Society, the other is States and a considerable irreplacable need for carriers. mine counter-measures. In the subject of this review. H.M.S. "Bulwark" has recent- all, a very full year, not for- Mr. Mackesy has been long PENGUIN PTY. LTD. amount of cross-operations of ALL CLASSES OF STEAM, DIESEL aircraft with the U.S.S. ly completed a voyage round engaged on this deep study of getting the memorable fact AND CENERAL ENGINEERING "Forrestal" and "Saratoga". the world. including the the Mediterranean war from that 1958 is the 21st anniver- BOILERMAKERS, OXY-ACETYLENE The operations proved most Caribbean and the Far East the temporary Peace of Amiens sary of the Inskip Award when AND ELECTRIC WELDERS successful and it was interest- in her route. During the crisis to the breakdown of the the Fleet Air Arm returned to PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL WORK ing to see that although the she ferried troops to Agalia Franco-Russian alliance which FLOATING CRANE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES Americans who possessed the whilst her sister ship H.M.S. the control of the Admiralty. followed the Tilsit Treaty. It (20 TON CAPACITY) more advanced aircraft it was "Albion" has been ferrying And to celebrate this historic is a war which, in most ALL CLASSES OF MARINE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE the British who were faster troops in the Mediterranean. occasion » Fleet Air Arm histories, stops at the Battle at launching from the cata- H.M.S. "Centaur" is still Reunion is being held in the of Trafalgar so far as the war undergoing extensive modern- 10-20 WESTON ST., BALMAIN EAST pults (thanks to yet another Albert Hall on 1st December. at sea is concerned, and in the isation whilst "Warrior" took device of British design — the A very illustrious coming-of- land campaign concentrates on 'Phones: WB S121 — S lines part in the megaton tests off the "Continental" strategy of self-centring rollers on the age party! After Hours: UM 9485, WM S225, FM 5708 catapult, a device which the Christmas Island. THE NAVY Nov«mb.r, I9SI and repeated the process a cannot be compared with war and now lives with his few days later when she inter- prison in a democratic society. wife ill a small motor yacht. cepted a convoy off the African An example of what one may In effect this simple unvar- coast. Purely ill the naval expect in Russia is that of a nished tale is a tribute to the sense, this makes sorry Spaniard who was granted men of the Little Ships who, reading. asylum there after the Civil often unheralded, endured not Nevertheless, her story is War in his country, lie kissed a few dangers and more than dramatic in the extreme and what he called the sacred soil a few discomforts in the cause the joint authors make the of Russia. That did not prevent of routine work. most of it. The result is a book his subsequent arrest and sen- The hero of the tale, ('live packed with excitements: tence to many yea>-s imprison- Royee. is an average civilian though below the surface of ment. while the former leader who finds himself in command her story there still lies the of these Spanish refugees, La of a little ship as she darts feeling of frustration that so Pasionara, was leading a life out to tease the enemy ill his fine a ship was permitted to of luxury in Moscow as a own waters. Inevitably he does achieve so little. reward for having sold his not always see eye-to-eye with compatriots. It is therefore not • • K• . P. his superiors, his equals, and surprising that today this man his subordinates. Thus he fights SLAVES OP TODAY wishes he had never set foot an inner as well as an outer "Katorga — ,4ii Aspect of on that "sacred" soil. Our battle. Modern Slavery." Ry Bern- author concludes in hopeful vein, saying that when Soviet His ship, at all events, is hard Roeder. (Ilcinemann. engaged in a series of running 21*.) radicalism is faced with a strong and united front its fights with superior enemy For five years the author of game is up. When that will forces. Sometimes he succeeds this book was condemned to occur, however, we are not and sometimes he almost fails. slavery in the Russian forced told. J. II. B. P. labour camps. lie writes • • • quietly of his horrible experi- • • II• . B. ences in this informative and A GREAT GERMAN important study. Horn in THE MEN OF LITTLE COMMANDER Germany, he studied law in SHIPS "Lost Victories." By Field two universities there and at ".4 I'rayer for The Ship." By Marshal Erich von Mansin. Cambridge. Needless to say Douglas fteeman. (Jarrolds, (Methuen, 50s.) what he found in Russia was 13s. 6cf.) But for bad weather in the that the concentration camp The author of this yarn saw "phoney period" of World in a political dictatorship service in destroyers in the last War 11. France would probably not have surrendered ill June, 1940. The author of this an Australian Margarine informative hook — Field blended to suit Marshal von Mnnstein — tells lis that Hitler, immediately Australian after the conquest of Poland, assumed in fact, if not in name, conditions the duties of Chief-of-the- General Staff and Commander- in-Chief of the Army. He promptly ordered the Army to commence an offensive
on 12th November through 6 thC r0U d Holland and Northern Belgium down T " - Venom ,s to destroy the Allied forces weather, day and nieht iet a two-seat, all- there and reach the Channel coast. But bad weather again W h ,he navies f and again caused a postpone- Austral,a and Great Britain ^^ " ° ment. Meanwhile von Manstein then a junior General, Chief- ^Havflland'sea VeZZionn^ 7*" """ "fT™ «"""**«• De of-Staff to von Ranstedt's Army Group — had been DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT (AUSTRALIA) PTY. THE NAVY November, 19(8
33 urging the Army Command to A VERY VARIED LIFE video ; there and in Australia adopt an alternative plan. He he tells us of happy days. By "Sea Prelude." By Geoffrey the way, his descriptions arc foresaw that were they Rawson. (Blackwood, 18s.) of such excellence that one is defeated in Belgium, the Allies Lieutenant-Commander Geoff- not surprised that this book would be able to fall back and rey Rawson still remembers has the imprint of Blackwood. the ingredients of a meal form a defensive line behind • • H• . B. the lower Somme. He suggested placed before him at Gow's instead a surprise attack Chop House in Cheapside U-BOAT, R.N. when, at the age of nine, he "ll.M. V-Boal." Hij John D. through the Ardennes. This was having his nerves quiet- Drummond. ( IV. H. Allen, would cut off all the Allied ened before being taken to the 18s.) forces north of the Somme Hertfordshire prep, school of and would be accompanied by the famous institution in New- The eapturc of "U.">70" and her subsequent employment in attacks from their rear by gate Street. the blue-coat the Royal Navy as ll.M.S. strong motorised forces. school which has since his time migrated to Horsham. "I was "Graph" is one of the well- known facts of the war. In The General Staff were not reduced to tears," says the author of this interesting book, this book Mr. Drummond prepared to oppose Hitler, and attempts to tell a fuller story von Manstein was quietly on beholding himself arrayed in the quaint Tudor costume of the episode. Front the large removed to command a newly volume of extraneous matter formed Army Corps. Hitler, with the yellow stockings that we know so well. He was to included it is to be assumed however, subsequently heard that Mr. Drummond found the of the plan and adopted it wear many othe costumes in the course of an enviable life, relevant material insufficient to with results wc all know. The fill his book. greater part of the book deals which took him from H.M.S. with this great General's ' Worcester" to voyages in the The author claims that he battles on the Eastern front, "Inversnaid," a sailing ship has had access to both British which provide valuable in- with little about her that was and German official records. struction and information for beautiful except her name. One is forced to wonder the student of war. But the Quite understandably the whether this is the case, for the Field Marshal writes objec- captain would not permit any most elementary search of ... still the finest way to travel tively and in simple language of his crew to go ashore in a either would have revealed to and the layman will find his foreign port, as they would him the fact that the "Graph" narrative most interesting and scarcely have returned to the did not sink a U-boat in the enjoyable to read. ship. Rawson was fortunate in Bay of Biscay, or anywhere having relatives in Monte- else for that matter. The sub- G. P. T. sequent scene between Hitler and Doenitz at which this This is a ship oi the Line that has seen the birth mythical loss is disettssed is, presumably, entirely fictional. and growth 0f tht. greatest Commonwealth of Nations the WAILES DOVE BITUMASTIC PRODUCTS The book abounds in errors, world has known. For one hundred and twenty-one years, P. & O. both large and small. To take has served that Commonwealth, carried its people and its BITCROS SOLUTION AND HARD ENAMEI. but one example, it will be a BRITAIN via SUEZ surprise to most naval readers THE WORLD'S BEST PROTECTION products in peace, kept open its lines of communication in war. to learn that Admiral Stephen- MEDITERRANEAN PORTS P. & O. is more than a shipping line. It is a for son is known as "Monkey" SOUTH EAST ASIA FRESH WATER DRINKING TANKS throughout the Service. He has British institution, steeped in service, built on CRUISES been known as "Puggy" for * as long as t,iis reviewer can traditions as old and solid as this union J. WILDRIDGE & SINCLAIR PTY. LTD. remember, and that is a great of nations to which we belong. many years. If this were the CANADA. U.S.A. aiid tfce 97 PITT STREET, SYDNEY, N.S.W. i:or these reasons people say, "P. & O. only mistake of its kind, it FAR EAST In the ORIENT ft MELBOURNE BRISBANE would not matter greatly, but ^ 's still the finest way to travel." PACIFIC LINES' s*rvic« AGENTS: it is typical of far too many. ADELAIDE GIBBS BRIGHT tc CO. L. C. T. PERTH FLOWER, DAVIES Sc JOHNSON (The foregoing reviews arc HOBART R. L. MILLIGAN from "The Navy." The prices quoted arc. the English pub- lished prices). >4 COMMONWEALTH LIFELINF
34 THE NAJY MNlNfUlA* » QUINTAL I. ». CO. (INC. the Orient Line Suez Route to England glitters with Jewels of Travel Interest. ORIENT LINE via SUEZ Orient S. N. Co. Ltd., Incorporated in England Shipping Newspapers Ltd.. 16 Bond Street. Sydney m NAVY Australia's Maritime Journal Vol. 21 DECEMBER No. 12 CONTENTS ARTICLES: Page Saa Communication Vital r—"ft Indian Ocean Drama . . m A " ' • A "Miner" Becomes a Major 10 The British Merchant Service — Flags of Convenience an Inconvenience . 12 FEATURES: Nautical Affairs 15 Book Reviews 18 . CAPSTAN UaCM IIMM feeder Published by The Navy Laagua of Australia, 83 Pitt St.. Sydnay, N.S.W. Circulating throughout R.A.N. Ships and Establishments. 'The Navy" is tha Official Organ of Tha Navy Laagua of Australia and tha Ex-Naval Man's Association (Federal). THOMAS SUBSCRIPTION RATE: 12 issues post free in the British Commonwealth, 20/-. Copies of all photographs published may be obtained direct from ROBINSON & Photo Sales, Sydney Morning Herald. SON PTY. LTD. Wilh. WILHELMSEN AGENCY OIL SERVES OUR NAVY WELL PTY. LTD. FLOUR MILL AND WOOD-WORKING Yes, to-day every ship in the R.A.N, is powered by oil. Each year SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE more than 12 million gallons of petroleum products are used to ENGINEERS maintain the Royal Australian Navy's mobility and Fighting power. Representative for: Inserted by the Petroleum Information Bureau (Australia) on behalf of WILHELMSEN LINES. OSLO AUSTRALIA-WEST PACIFIC LINE. HELSINBORG 160 SUSSEX STREET REFINING COMPANIES AMERICAN PIONEER LINE, NEW YORK SYDNEY MARKETING COMPANIES H C Sl,,; h SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES SYSTEM. STOCKHOLM Amp^ Pe'r nited <» L.nn t,d Australian Oil Re(.nin-) Ply Ltd: N.S.W. BP Rofnery (K^inana) Lim.ted C'.mpany Neptune Oil Company Pty. Ltd Atlantic Union Oi Shell Rafininq (Auitrelia) Ply Pty. Ltd. Tro Shall Company of Austral-a Ltd. December. 1958 BP Australia Linked Limited Standard Varmim Reiininq Com » pany (Australia) Ply. lid. Calttt. Oil (Australia) Pi*. Ltd. Oil Company Pty. Ltd TM NAVY UACm OF AUSTRALIA SEA COMMUNICATION VITAL PATRON: His Eicellency The Ouiseaor GlMK FORMER SECOND NAVAL MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL COUNCIL: COMMONWEALTH NAVAL BOARD EMPHASISES THIS IN President: Rear Admiral H. A. Showera. Oil. (Retd.l. TRENCHANT ADDRESS TO THE GRAND COUNCIL OF Deputy Prealdent: Cdr. B. A. Nettle- ford. D.S.C.. V.R.D.. RjLltX. THE NAVY LEAGUE Secretary: Comdr. R P. Mlddleton. Oil. The R.A.A.F. Now South Walei Division: Patron: Hla Excellency The Governor HE address given by Rear-Admiral George safe and effective medium-range relatiatory or New south Walea. President: Rear Admiral H. A. T Pirie Thomson, C.B., C.B.E.. at the Grand power. Avon Sabre Jet . . Showera. C.B.E. Council of the Navy League on 6/10/58 was Secretary: Comdr. R. P. Mlddleton. Admiral Thomson's address, together with O.B.E. widely reported in the press, and was also the Navy league Annual Report, received Hon. Treasurer: P. E. Trigg. Eaq. the subject of considerable editorial comment. wide publicity in both the London and the Victorian Diviiion: We note here the main points of Admiral provincial press. Moreover, it was the subject Patron: Hla Excellency The Governor Thomson's argument, preparatory to a sum- of victoria. of more editorial comment than is usually President: Captain J. P. WlUlama. mary of the comments on his address. accorded to a naval spcech; and the approving S<2r?w: H. E. Touzel, 443 Little Admiral Thomson foresaw that our greatest tone is a clear indication of the growing dis- Colllna street, Melbourne. danger was probably a major war fought with quiet over the implications of the last De- South Auitralian Diviiion: conventional weapons, since the "deterrent" fence White Paper. Critical comment on this Patron: Hla Excellency The Governor matter has been summarised in numerous or South Auatralla. policy had reached a position of stalemate. President: Surgeon-Comdr. R. P. Russia would try to dominate the uncommit- Matters (Retd.). Hon. Sec.: Lieut. Cmdr. D.A.J. Ul- ted countries by subversion and by economic Ucrapp. V.R.D.. R.A.N.R. iRetd). assistance: she would maintain her huge fleet Rear-Admiral Thomson waa Second Naval 19 Fulham Park Drive. Fulham Member of the Australian Commonwealth Oardena. S.A. as an insurance in case her policy landed her Naval Board from March, 1937, to May, Taimanian Divition: ill major hostilities: and she would continue, 1939. In that last-mentioned year he re- Patron: Vice Admiral Sir Guy Wyatt. K.BJ:.. C3., RN. (Retd.). by her threat of readiness for nuclear war. tired after 37 yean net-vice, and with the President: W. E. C. Hodgman, Q.C.. outbreak of war was appointed Press Cen- to force the West to spend increasingly 011 aor at the Brtttah Ministry of Information. Hon. Sec.: Comdr. Q. E. W. W. Bayly. weapons that would never be used. From that experience was born his amus- O.Bi, V.R.D.. R.A.N.V.R. (Retd). ing book, "Blue Pencil Admiral", which war 726 Sandy Bay Road. Lower Sandy Government policy was to cut our overall Bay. Hobart. reviewed In these paces In the Issue of Western Australian Division: spending 011 defence; to concentrate on mea- May, 1948. . . these, too, use Patron: Hla Excellency The Governor sures to prevent war (i.e.. the deterrent 1 For many years now. Admiral Thomson or Weetem Auatralla. rather than means to wage it; and to halve has written, "Lookout at Westminster" In President: D. W. Brlabane. Eaq -The Navy". Golden Fleece Hon. Sec.-Hon. Treat.: K. Olson. the size of our Armed Forces. It involved us Esq 62 Blencowe Street. Weat in a great measure of dependence on the Leedervtlle. W.A. Queensland Division: United States and on collaboration within Patron: Hla Excellency The Governor N.A.T.O. Admiral Thomson felt, however, recent issues of this "Digest"; and it is per- of Queenaland. President: Comdr. N. S. Plxley. that, if we wanted to preserve our Welfare haps of interest to add that questions in simi- MBX.. V.R.D.. R.A.N.R. (Retd). State, we must be prepared to pay for defend- lar vein are put with increasing frequency to Ryan Houae. Eagle Street. Brlabane. Hon. Sec.: O. B. O'Neill. Eaq., Box ing it and not rely 011 others whose forces Navy League speakers as they travel about 376E-, G.P.O.. Brlabane. the country. Australian Capital Territory Division: might not be available ill an emergency. President: Hla Excellency. G. E. L. Writing of Admiral Thomson's speech, the Alderton. C-M.O. (High Commla- If we were to prevent 11 local war from sloner tor New Zealand). spreading, we must be prepared to defend the "Yorkshire Post", 7/10/58, took up the ques- GOLDEN FLEECE Hon. Sec.-Hon. Treat: Comdr. A. D. tion of sea-borne rocket sites. McLachlan, RAN. (Retd). 49 seas where we had vital interests. Our exist- Froggatt street. Turner. Canberra. ing anti-submarine and minesweeper pro- "The suggestion by Rear-Admiral George P. '. . . proud to bo Australian" A.C.T. 'Phone: J 2311. gramme must not be under-estimated, but it Thomson that rocket sites must be sea-borne AUSTRALIAN SEA CADET COUNCIL: was not adequate to deal with 400 or 500 sub- if they are to provide safe and effective Representatives of the Naval Board: marines. To deal with the nuclear-powered medium-range retaliatory power deserves Director o( Naval Reaervea. Capt. submarine we needed also smaller and faster serious consideration. Rear-Admiral Thom- O. D. Tancred, DB.C. Comdr. P. R. James. R.AJ». nuclear-powered submarines as hunter-killers. son ... is widely known as an officer of the Representatives of The Navy League: Comdr. R. A. Nettlefold. DB.C. Again, even for a limited war we were very soundest and most experienced judgment. Not VXD.. RAN.V.R short of carriers and cruisers and needed to only are his views on the broad aspects of L. O. Pearaon. Isq.: L. Poraythe. Eaq build in these categories ships capable of car- strategy worthy of deep respect, but he is the Lieut. (S.) P. G. Evana. R-ANVJt rying and launching guided or ballistic mis- last man to speak out on this subject without Hon Sac.: Comdr. R P. MMdWon. OXX- siles. Rocket sites must be seaborne to provide being sure of his ground. THE NAVY December, I9SI s "If, as seems likely, the Western Powers "His arguments against land-based rocket situation. It is, we repeat, one well deserving that there could well be a major war without of serious consideration." have all the necessary strength to deter the the H-bomb ever being used by either side. sites are simple and telling. As he points out, Soviet from embarking on a nuclear war, Moving North, the "Northern Echo", of In other words, the Third World War might the Thor rocket has not the range to reach Britain has a particular concern about the pos- Darlington. 7/10/58, reported the speech ex- be fought with conventional weapons and is, industrial areas of Eastern Russia, but sibility of a situation occurring in which the tensively and also wrote in a leader headed therefore, the likelier to happen. For such a obviously if such medium-range rockets were vast naval strength now available to Russia "Sea Power" that the menace of nuclear war possibility are we really prepared with a Gov- carried in ships their chances of hitting areas could be used against this country. which are at present out of range would be had so far monopolised discussion of defence ernment policy which assumes that, because greatly increased. These mobile rocket sites that the nation had only a sketchy idea of the "While accepting the need to economise, it of the 'deterrent' we can with safety econ- would allow for the launching of ballistic nature and size of our defences. Admiral was unfortunate that the official Opposition omise 011 conventional weapons f" rockets or guided missiles from places much Thomson had focussed attention on an impor- decided not to consult with the Government nearer the objective and the effectiveness of tant point in questioning whether our defence on defence policy. No clear statement has yet Reexamine Policy Basis such weapons would probably be doubled. policy took into account that our greatest been made of the reasons which led the Gov- danger lay, not in nuclear war, but in another The leader concluded: "We are reminded "Rear-Admiral Thomson also questions the ernment to allocate so much of its defence world war fought without the H-bomb. that Russia, despite her possession of the 'de- safety of land-based sites. He believes that expenditure to the nuclear side of its plan. This aspect of what is referred to as the em- terrent' and her persistence in developing 'the position of rocket sites in a democratic ways of using it, is at present engaged in country will inevitably become known and, ployment of conventional weapons is one This is Britain's Concern reforming, extending, and greatly strengthen- whether above or below ground, a rocket site which deserves much more attention than Par- ing her coventional armaments. The extra- would not survive a well-placed Hwnissile in The article continued: "If that should come liament has yet given to it." ordinary increase in size and efficiency of the a surprise attack'. This is an extremely im- about, it is vitally important to know how we should fare. The point of the inquiry lies Russian navy is the subject of a most valuable portant point. It is quite clear that, in time, "Conundrums of Defence" rocket bases in this country would become in the fact that quite apart from its nuclear symposium. 'The Soviet Navy', edited by vulnerable targets for the enemy. This is weapons, Russia has a vast supply of what From Scotland editorial comment in the Commander Saunders. So far that navy ap- where sea-based rocket sites would have an are termed conventional weapons. It has built "Glasgow Herald", on 7/10/58. linked Ad- pears to be designed in the main to carry on enormous advantage. Rear-Admiral Thomson a huge navy of over 400 ocean-going sub- miral Thomson's speech with a symposium. an old fashioned war at sea—submarines and has suggested that Britain should start now to marines, .17 modern powerful cruisers, 150 "The Soviet Navy", edited by Commander fast cruisers raiding the trade lanes, flank build new carriers and cruisers 'with part of destroyers and 4,000 naval aircraft. Saunders. Under the heading "Conundrums protection for a land force, and readiness for their flight deck and part of their accommo- "Britain has more reason to satisfy itself of Defence" the leader began: "Not long after amphibious operations. It is asked what the dation and armament ear-marked for the stor- about the possibilities which these facts sug- Parliament resumes there is bound to be a Royal Navy could do against such a superior- age and launching of guided missiles or bal- gest than have the land-based Continental critical debate on defence. Although Mr. ity in the event of a major war not becoming listic rockets, neither of which has any recoil'. countries, who have their own worries in the Sandys will proceed with his usual determina- a world war, and the answer is, clearly, very It seems also that submarines would be ideally form of unnumbered masses of armed Com- tion to continue carrying out his policy ill little. Fifty German submarines did immense suited for carrying such missiles. They are munist soldiers. detail, virtually every item is still the subject damage against our patent superiority in the last war. What could 400 Russian ones not difficult to detect and difficult to destroy." "The run-down of the British Navy has of criticism, informed or otherwise, and of do against an equally patent inferiority? The been swift and has been carried through so determined representations by people gen- Government answer would be that our far with surprisingly little protest. Twenty uinely and loyally interested ill tile future of Russia's Largest Fleet alliances are absolutely sure and so turn years ago the British and Commonwealth the Services. Such criticism, such representa- The "Nottingham Guardian-Journal" on the inferiority into at least equality and almost Navy boasted of 20 battleships, three battle tions. are indeed valuable, but more to the same date, in a leader headed "A Dose of certainly into superiority. But any alliance cruisers. 11 aircraft carriers, 60 cruisers, 180 point would be a reasoned examination of the Realism", referred to: "an air of anxiety at is sure only so long as the situation which destroyers and 61 submarines, built or build- conclusions on which the Government base the meeting in London yesterday of the Grand established it remains constant. Any radical ing. Ten years ago the active Fleet consisted their present policy. There is actually only Council of the Navy League. Too great an alteration therein and the bases of our present of two battleships, five carriers. 15 cruisers, one basis. This is the supposition that a major emphasis had. it was contended, been placed policy, actual and hypothetical, are gravely 30 destroyers and 30 submarines. war can only be a nuclear war. and that a on the possibility of a major nuclear war, and nuclear war must be so destructive, if there shaken. Hence the necessity of a re-examina- "According to Admiral Thomson, we have not enough on that of a major conventional is general use of the H-bomb, that no one will tion of the suppositions, political and mili- tg-day an active Fleet of only four carriers war. with the result that the Royal Navy was, dare start one. That may well be a supposi- tary. on which our present policy is based." and three cruisers, an anti-submarine force of in terms of quantitative strength, now dan- tion which history will turn into a certainty, :!2 destroyers, 44 new fast frigates and 250 It is natural that Portsmouth, one of the gerously weak." The leader summarised Ad- but there is one deduction from it that is very new minesweepers, which were provided old homes of the Navy, should comment on the miral Thomson's argument for an adequate open to question, the deduction that, with the before the days of the H-bomb. possible future, and on the implications for fleet and his appraisal of Russian strength, dividing line so firmly drawn between the free the town and dockyard. The "Portsmouth and concluded: "What is the purpose of this "No one now can pretend to claim that and the Communist world, a minor war must Evening News" wrote 011 7/10/58: "The Navy greet array? Russia does not, as we do. de- Britain rules the waves. That is one of the become a major one. Therefore, so runs the l.t-ague is one platform where it may be ex- pend for many of the necessities of life upon most striking evidences of the changing pat- argument, a minor war also is virtually im- pected with the greatest confidence that the the unimpeded passage of sea-borne traffic. tern of warfare and of our place in the scheme possible." maintenance of the Senior Service for defence No, she has, as Admiral Thomson sees it, built of world defence. The fact that we can no Wars could, the article continued, be local- will be urged. In recent years this platform her large fleet 'in case her subversive policy longer take pride of place among the navies ised. though this was becoming steadily more has been used to good effect to point short- should involve her in hostilities. But she is of the world is one consequence of the East- difficult. There was further the danger, comings in the constitution of the Royal Navy, not going to start an H-bomb war, and she is West division of forces, and the need of the pointed out by Admiral Thomson, that, if the and yesterday's annual meeting was no excep- quite confident that no Western government West to combine in order to match the vast tion." deterrent were to put major war out of the would deliberately start one either'. There is forces of all kinds which are directly con- question, there is: "... the grave possibility a ring of troth about this appraisal of the trolled by Soviet Russia. It summarised Admiral Thomson's argu- » December. 1951 THE NAVT » ment and proposals and concluded: "Admiral George Thomson, Master of Corpus Christi not be able to provide a first-rate contribution the war. Thomson's address will at least cause fresh College, Cambridge, was reported in the of conventional forces." ("The Times", In the event of a war between the Russian- interest to be taken in the Navy. For cen- "ManchesterGuardian" of 18/10/58 as saying 25/10/58.) dominated Communist block and the Free turies the Senior Service has been Britain's to a meeting arranged by the Association of World, Lord Montgomery believed that we His detailed views on defence policy for the 'sure shield', and the role has not yet passed Atomic Scientists that: "Whatever agreements must concentrate on confining Russia to a next ten years were summarised in the "Slun- might be arrived at now, if a war came, land strategy and securing for ourselves the from the Royal Navy despite the advent of day Times" of 19/10/58, where he wrote that nuclear weapons would 'certainly be made and free use of the sea and air. In the present modern science. As Admiral Thomson and some new thinking was necessary, and it must almost certainly be used'." day of missiles with ranges up to 5,000 miles others have pointed out, missile sites to be be global thinking. It was the great lesson of and nuclear war-heads, all defensive problems, effective must be sea-borne. It is upon state- It is further of interest that Air Chief -Mar- history that the enemy confined to n land and the problems of the nuclear offensive, ments such as these that Portsmouth people, sh n I Sir Philip Joubert, in an article in "John strategy was in the end" defeated. Lord Mont- must be viewed globally. The geographical whose economy is based upon the Navy and Bull" of 8/10/58, put forward views some- gomery recalled that the Second World War limits of N.A.T.O.. in' Lord Montgomery's the Dockyard, cling for hope for the future." what similar to those of Rear-Admiral Thom- had been fundamentally a struggle for the opinion, were too narrow; the risk in Europe son. Air Chief Marshal Joubert wrote of the control of the major oceans and seas; that was was small, but the risk outside the N.A.T.O. importance of the polar crossing by U.S.S. to say, for the control of sea communications. Unprepared to Meet Russia urea was tremendous. "Nautilus" and the lessons to be drawn from Until we had secured that control it had not been possible to proceed with our plans to win I From "The Navy League Digest of Current Finally, the "New Chronicle", ou 7/10 58. it. in particular the advantage which it offered Opinion on Maritime Affairs"). wrote ill a leader: "As Mr. Duncan Sandys to Russia. Not only did it promise a "covered sits down to do his homework on next year's way" between Murmansk and Vladivostok Defence White Paper, Rear-Admiral Thom- for peaceful trade—an advantage which would son gives him a shrewd reminder of naval not accrue to Russia alone; it also offered a INDIAN OCEAN DRAMA thinking. The argument is that the next war. possible route for the transport of troops, and if it comes, will not necessarily be a nuclear for the deployment of rocket-firing submar- one. Admiral Thomson feels that we have ines for coastal bombardment of Britain and made insufficient preparations to meet the the United States. vast Russian build-up of conventional naval ROYAL NAVY RESCUES BURNING TANKERS Of what use, the Air Chief Marshal con- forces, particularly their fleet of ocean-going tinued. would he surface ships, armies antl submarines, which he puts at 400 and others IILE exercising in the vivors. There was no sign of aircraft! The carrier task force he foresaw by a searching Skyraider and put considerably higher. . . . This speech is Gulf of Oman, at the the second tanker. reported on fire and listing, limited to an attempt lo cope with submarines clearly of more importance than one just entrance to the Persian Gulf, Those tankers which hail soine 25 miles from the scene in narrow waters; and he recalled that last made to the Navy League. Obviously there on September 13th, ll.M. Ships injured survivors on board of the collision. Having em- war experience had shown that submarines are many calls on the money allocated for de- Bulwark and Loch Killisport were asked to close the Bul- barked the injured, the Bul- were virtually immune to air attack except fence needs. But assuming the Navy has had intercepted distress signals wark. who was steaming to- wark steamed south passing when forced to the surface. Defence against its day is something that this island nation indicating that the Liberian wards them, so that helicopters close to Melika, who was on the modern submarine, with little need to sur- can only do at its peril." tanker Melikn and the French could fly medical aid as soon fire atlmidships. A party of face. might best come from another patrolling tanker Fernand Gelabert had as practicable. When the ships four was put on board to fight Two turn-over articles in "The Times" of submarine, backed by a line of "forts" of collided some 150 miles to the were in range, doctors from the fire. 15/10/58 and 16/10/58 by the Defence Corres- Mulberry type: and by counter-attack by mis- southward, antl that both ships the Bulwark >vere flown ahead pondent also argued that the world had siles fired from ships, aircraft and land sites Bulwark then steamed to- were ablaze and abandoned. by helicopter. About an hour reached a stage of thermo-nuclear stalemate, on the enemy's bases. For this, "the major wards Masira to fly off a Sky- The Bulwark recovered her later, the Bulwark joined com- largely due to the arrival of the nuclear sub- part of the navy must in future lie under- raider and three helicopters aircraft, except for one Sky- pany with the rescue tankers marine, which exposed the United States, the water. the balance would be missile ships and with injured survivors to the raider, and proceeded at best mid the ships steamed south- main holder of the deterrent, to direct attack patrol vessels." R.A.F. Station at Masira for speed towards the collision wards while helicopters of 845 by long-range missiles. The justification for onward flight to Bahrein and area, telling Loch Killisport to Squadron transferred the in- maintaining an independent British deterrent hospital. follow. The Skyraider went jured to the Bulwark. Two thus became entirely a military one. This Conventional Forces Vital off to locate the stricken other helicopters transferred On her return to the Melika, deterrent force should therefore be kept to a Field Marshal Montgomery also believes vessels. Puma and St. Brides the Bulwark's Commander and H.M.S. Bulwark found the minimum, and ever}' possible means used to that we have arrived at a stage of nuclear Bay, who were in the area, a small fire-fighting team to the Puma standing by. Some of ensure that it could not be knocked out by stalemate. He put forward in his Annual Lec- were ordered to proceed to the stricken tanker which was the Puma's ship's company surprise attack. In this connection the Cor- ture to the Royal United Services Institution scene of the collision. now about 12 miles away from had managed to get on board respondent referred to the missile-firing, on 24/10/58 ti very similar opinion to that When the Skyraider reached the Bulwark and had been the after end of Melika but nuclear-powered submarine, virtually unde- expressed in "The Times" articles a week the scene one tanker, down by identified by a relief S -vraider they could not join with the tectable. lie summarised the priorities for earlier. In particular, Iyord Montgomery was the bow and burning fiercely as the Fernand Gela' -rt. Bulwark's party because fire British defence policy in the new conditions clear that the first priority for the N.A.T.O. forward, was in sight. Dense Reports from ti rescue amidships "cut" the ship in as, first, preparations for the coltl war: nations must be the provision and upkeep of smoke made identification ships and the survi s indi- two. The only communication second, for limited war "which the deterrent efficient conventional forces: "If any X.A.T.O. from the air impossible. The cated that after the . THE NAVY t D«c«mb«r, I9SI * The celebrations in honour A MINER BECOMES A MAJOR of her "coming ot' age" were held on board on September H.M.S. "PLOVER" 21 YEARS OLD 12. A gold-jiainted key nine feet long and festooned with beer in By R. V. B. Blackmail in "Sea Cadet" garlands hung from the rig- ging of the minelayer on her NE of Her Majesty's Ships roughly from Scotland to the recent operations had been 21st birthday at Portsmouth. handy cans commanded by a former River Thames). Further afield completed, in the bad weather On the quarter-deck pride of O place was given to a 20-lh. boy seaman. A warship in she carried out "lays" off conditions then prevailing, cake, made in three-tiered which all official documents Narvik and the coasts of Hol- reflected credit on all con- land. Belgium and France, cerned, continued: American style, by an ex- addressed to the Engineer leading eook. formerly of some of these latter being to "Their Lordships have also Officer are dealt with by a H.M.S. Plover, who is now a FOSTER'S LACK! observed with satisfaction that senior rating. A naval vessel cake decorator. The cake had H.M.S. Plover has now laid to which a signal was recently 18 decorated panels with VICTORIA BITTER over 10,000 mines since the out- sent in the form of a poem. A motifs of the Plover's crest, break of war, and that the ship which lays metal eggs. A FOR THE mines, etc. and, of course, a work of the ship has been vessel which received the key 21st key. of the door on coming of age. SEA CADETS marked throughout by its per- sistence, accuracy and freedom Which ships? All one ship: In the Captain's cabin was a from breakdown." H.M.S. Plover, a coastal mine- sheaf of signals and con- layer. cover our I'orees engaged in Since the war the ship has gratulatory messages from An anniversary unusual in the Normandy landings in 1944, kept up a varied round of warship and front naval |ier- the history of the Royal Naval from both U-boat and E-Boat national and N.A.T.O. exer- sonnel who had served in the attacks. cises. For example, 200 prac- It was a proud day for Com- always lieen in the charge of a was marked with all due veteran minelayer. Among mander Thorpe, who started Among the most highly tice mines were laid during Chief Engine-Room Artificer, ceremony a few days ago when them was one from the Com- his naval career as a boy at prized messages received by 1957, and courtesy visits were the present "Chief" being the Plover had been con- manding Officer of the Royal H.M.S. Ganges, the Boys' H.M.S. Plover during this paid to ports in Scandinavia C.E.R.A. W. Poultney. tinuously in commission for Navy's Underwater Counter- Training Establishment at period, was a letter from the and Flanders. Since commis- twenty-one years. Provided measures and Weapons Estab- Shotle.v. In 1939 he was serv- The Plover. Pennant No. Admiralty which, after stating sioning Plover has steamed for in the 1935 building pro- lishment with which Plover ing in Plover as a petty officer N.26. has a displacement of that the manner in which six nearly 150.000 miles. gramme, she was built by the has worked ill close liaison for on milling trials from H.M.S. 805 tons standard and 1,020 famous shipbuilders. Messrs. many years. It read: Vernon. Later in the war, in tons full load with an overall "Wm. Denny Bros. Ltd., Dum- "Progressing on lethargic legs. the rank of commissioned gun- length of 195} feet, a beam Tiarton, at the Leven Shipyard INDIAN OCEAN DRAMA—From Page 9 The Plover lays her metal eggs ner, he was again appointed tu of 37V» feet and a draught of on the Clyde. She was laid This she's done for many years, Plover as torpedo officer, and 8 feet 2 inches. Her main down on October 7. 193ti and were cur out and that St. Bay had managed to get And with success—or so one hews. recently he returned to her in profiling machinery com- launched by Lady Wake- Brides Bay and Loch Killi- Fernaiid Gelaliert in tow by She's also done our Ucwe trials command. prises triple expansion steam sport were standing by her. the stern and was making for reciprocating engines of 1,400 Walker on June 8. 1937. being From Orford Ness to Scllly Isles. In his cabin he welcomed Ablaze amidships, her gun- the shelter of Ras al Hadd. indicated horse-power equal commissioned on September Now one and twenty years have run nine of Ihe ship's ten previous wale awash and seas forming Progress was painfully slow to a designed maximum speed 24. 1937 as a ship of the Ver- We all sincerely say. 'Well done. " commanding officers (one. non Flotilla. geysers through the mid-deck and towing extremely difficult. of 14.75 knots. After only a few hours this Lieut.-Commander R. H. Immediately before the hatches, Melika made an im- The celebrations included a tow parted. Bad weathers White, died in 1949). They Plover is the eleventh war- Second World War she was pressive sight as Bulwark pre- commemoration service con- temporarily prevented another were: Commander A. W. C. ship to liear the name. The at Rosyth for the Reserve pared to pass a tow. Ill tile ducted by the Chaplain of the tow being passed, but a party Nicholson. Retd., Captain R. first two ships were prizes Fleet exercises. At 1700 on moderate swell both ships were Dockyard, the Rev. W. H. S. of engineers were flown on If Johnson. Retd. (who com- captured in 1652 and 1657 September 3. 1939. six hours rolling considerably, making Chapman. R.N.. a cocktail board the Fernand Gelabert manded the ship during the and renamed Plover, while the after the declaration of war. boat work difficult. On one party for Service officers and by helicopter from the Bul- war I. Commander C. J. Ben- fifth was originally part of she began laying the first occasion a seahoat was caught Dockyard officials, and an "at wark. who had arrived to lend nett. Retd.. and Lieut-Com- the famous East India Com- under the Bulwark's counter, home" on hoard for past and minefield southward of Bass a hand. manders P. W. Williams, Retd.. panv. lieing purchased by the injuring two of the boat's uresent members of the ship's Rock. On September 6 she P. R. Fletcher. R.N., M. P. Admiralty in 1842. crew, and on another the Eventually tows were suc- company. In the evening a arrived at Dover, and was Chapman. R.N., T. B. Aston. Melika's bows holed the Bul- cessfully passed to both the dance was held at the Royal The early Plovers were all employed in the Dover Strait II.V. 11. H. Hawkins, R.N., and wark above the water line. tankers. Loch Killisport took Sailors Home Club for the relatively small, fast, well- for two months. J. C. Wemyss, R.N. Throughout the war she was The tow was at last secured, the Fernand Gelaliert slowly Ship's Company. At the dance armed vessels and their history During her 21 years' con- employed laying minefields all hut progress was slow as to Karachi, while Bulwark the icd cake was illuminated is one of hard fighting against tinuous service and 150.000 round the coast of the United Melika yawed widely. After towed Melika to Muscat with and cut by the wife of the privateers and pirates. Out- miles of steaming Plover has Kingdom from Hartland Point only two hours the tow H.M.S. Puma secured to the Commanding Officer. Lieut.- standing success was achieved never hnd an engineer officer north almost to the Kast Coast parted. stem of Melika to make steer- Commander Charles F. Thorpe. by the first ship to be built of commissioned rank. The barrier (the latter stretching Meanwhile II.M.S. St. Brides ing pofsihle. R.N. and named Plover for, in five engine-room department has months in 1809. three famous 10 THE NAVY D.c.mk.r, IfSt II about, but, at the same time, 'Where then would be our life- French Privateers, the Aurope, was never hit and suffered no "Old Ploverites" from as far it cannot be denied that many line t What would replace the Hirondelle and Saratin all casualties. back as 1937 wrote to the ship 'cheap flag' ships are as well handsome contribution of struck their flags after fierce Now under much easier asking to attend the re-union. equipped as those in the British British shipping to invisible engagements and were cap- physical conditions, the ship Anil so many officers have Merchant Navy, with accom- exports? What would become tured. is employed on experimental either served in the ship or modation which is equally as of our seafaring tradition as Not to be outdone by her duties, testing new types of have been closely associated good and with rates of pay in exemplified by the men who forebears, the present Plover mines and equipment by which with her and were thus entitled excess of those laid down by sail in British ships to-day? was, within minutes of the Britain intends to maintain the to join in the celebrations that the National Maritime Board. Second World War, 1939-45, the only way they could all It has been advocated in Par- '"Up till now the officers lead in underwater warfare. and crews of ships which fly being declared, engaged on the be accomodated was to invite liament that we should be 'awk- M.V. "Dunlroon"—10300 torn first of her lt>5 sorties against When I was invited on them in parties or occasions ward' when 'cheap flag' ships Hags of convenience have been the enemy. In her remarkable board Plover by her Captain spread over the actual day or come into British ports if stan- largely drawn from those who MELBOURNE he told nie that his ship was have received their training in career Plover laid well over previously. dards are not being adhered STEAMSHIP no mere local " in-and-outer". seafaring countries. If the 15,000 mines in offensive and Senior officers who attended to, but what action can be The ship visited Gibralter early flags of convenience countries CO. LTD. defensive minefields. Under the official party included tile taken when, as many do, the this year, also France. Belgium. of to-day become the maritime cover of darkueas. several Admiral Superintendent of ships conform to the highest Head other- Holland anil Norway. She is off powers of to-morrow, where 51 KING ST., MELBOURNE sorties were made to within a Portsmouth Dockyard, Rear- standards demanded by Lloyd's to Londonberry next month will those who want to go to Branches or Agencies few miles of German-occupied Admiral J. II. Unwin; the Register of Shipping or the and Harwich at the cuil of sea be able to get their train- at all ports Channel ports and mines laid captain of the H.M.S. Vernon. American Bureau of Shipping' October. ing.' Can you imagine it being Managing Agents tor in coastal traffic sea-lanes Captain K. A. Blnndell. R.N.; Boycott by I.T.F. - affiliated unions may solve the unions' given in sea schools or nautical HOBSONS BAY DOCK AND caused heavy losses to the Ger- Visitors to the ship were the Queen's Harbour Master. ENGINEERING CO. PTY. mans and. even more important, problems, but in the long ruu colleges in Panama or Liberia. pleased to see her fully loaded Captain K. II. Maurice: the Honduras or Costa Rica .' LTD. dislocated coastal traffic and with mines and realised that Captain (l>) Portsmouth it will be only action at Worlu: WUlianutown, Victoria Government level which will thus increased the strain on she is still working as hard Squadron. Captain M. P. " 'This is a very serious prob- HODGE ENGINEERING CO. achieve a complete solution and the German minesweepers. as ever after 21 years. Pollock: and the Captain II.M. lem. British seafarers and PTY. LTD. Underwater ' 'ounter-measures it is to the Government, and shipowners are on common Works: Sussex St., Sydney It is interesting to note that From my brief visit I could not to such bodies as the I.T.F.. and the ship's motto is noli me see that Plover was a proud and Weapons Establishment. ground in recognising it as Captain White, and dockyard that British shipowners must such and I doubt whether any COCKBURN ENGINEERING tangere (Don't touch me). ship and a happy ship. She look for assistance." PTY. LTD. Throughout the war Plover probably always has been, for representatives. other industry evokes such a Worlu: Hints Rd„ Fresnaastle The matter was also raised sympathetic interest in Parlia- Ship Repairers, etc. at the Trades Union Congress ment, irrespective of party. meeting at Bournemouth early Sympathy, however, is not enough. It is griticallv urgent ill September, when it was dis- Always ask for . . . cussed by the Chairman, Mr. that the Government and all THE BRITISH MERCHANT SERVICE T. Yates, of the National Union those concerned with shipping of Seamen, ill his presidential should find, nationally or inter- HERE has been condemna- nationally. some means to halt FLAGS OF CONVENIENCE" ARE MORE THAN AN address. The "Shipbuilding and SHELLEY'S T tion of flags of convenience Shipping Record." 11/9/58. this erosion of an industry INCONVENIENCE TO BRITAIN'S LIFELINE from Trade Union quarters summarised the relevant part vital to this country and put FAMOUS DRINKS during the last few months. of his speech as follows: "To- British shipping into a position On 11/9/58 the "Journal of ward social services of the ately to disrupt the services day the position of the British of competing on terms of Obtainable from leading Commerce," in company with countries of registry. A state- they provided. They might merchant fleet was being parity. Let me add that there several other papers, reported ment at the end of the meeting possibly benefit if flags-of-con- threatened by the rapid is no more time to lose'." •hop* and saloons a proposal by the International referred to the drafting of in- venienee ships were subjected growth, to 15 million tons, in Transport Workers' Federa- structions to the affiliated to long delays, but the manner the fleets operated under flags Later in the meeting a reso- tion. meeting in Antwerp, for dockers' and seafarers' unions, of the boycott was too close to of convenience. That was a lution was put forward by .Mr. CORDIAL FACTORY a general "blockage" of cheap and to the decision of certain discrimination to be accepted development which threatened Hill. General Secretary of the flag ships where no collective ship repairing unions to sup- as anything but discrimination the livelihood of all those who Boilermakers' Society, whose agreements on wages or condi- port a determined effort "to against a particular section of sailed in British ships and in- proposal was based on the pos- SHELLEY & SONS tions were in force. A spokes- combat the growing menace to the shipping industry. deed in the ships of other tradi- sible threat to the United King- man for the Federation said the genuine maritime coun- The leader concluded: "It tional countries as well. It dom shipbuilding industry. afterwards that the boycott tries." must be pointed out, also, that threatened the economic well- The resolution would have PTY. LTD. would take many forms, includ- The "Journal of Commerce" the Federation is on uncertain being of those countries and pledged Congress to do every- ing refusal to load or unload a commented ill a leading article ground in saying that crews particularly of our islands. thing possible to force all ship- MURRAY STREET ship, denial of a pilot, and on the same day, under the in these ships 'work under bad owners to apply international similar actions. He claimed heading " Boycott is not the conditions and low pay.' The " 'Imagine for a moment maritime law. and "' Fairplay." M ARRICK VILLE that owners of such ships Answer." British shipowners, Federation is an organisation what our position would be if 11/9/58, commented that the forced their crews to work in said the leader, were unlikely closely connected with the sub- this continued growth were to threat to this country's mer- N5.W. bad conditions at low pay, and ject and must be given credit drive British shipping off the chant marine from flags of con- to sympathise with what 'Phone: LA 5461 took advantage of the back- amounted to a plan deliber- for knowing what it is talking seas.' Mr. Yates continued. venience fleets was very real. December. 1958 II THE NAVY I* shipyard workers will suffer because British shipowners will NAUTICAL AFFAIRS not be able to afford to buy POOLE & STEEL LTD. new tonnage. It is to be hoped that, no matter how keen they 43 STEPHEN STREET, BALMAIN might be to protect British NAVAL AND MERCANTILE NOTES AND NEWS N.S.W. shipping and shipbuilding, for WAVY TRIES TO SICKEN whatever purpose, the T.U.C. Telephone: WB2511 ARMY FROM ALL COMPASS POINTS general council will look HE Australian historian the closely at all the aspects and were kept afloat only by were not in the best conditions late Chester Wilmot, in his General Engineers, Boilermakers, Shipbuilder!, possible consequences of such T strenuous baling by troops for strenuous action OB description of the Normandy Dredge Builders action as that proposed when who used their steel helmets landing.'' they examine the resolution." landing at Omaha Beach in the as buckets. None but the most early morning of the 6th June, Recognition of this still- Plans, Specifications and Estimates prepared The "Daily Telegraph" also hardened stomachs were 1944. in his book "The existent problem of sea- for Mining Dredges and Plant of all kinds. commented in a short leader unmoved by the pitching and Struggle for Europe" tells sickness in amphibious landing on Mr. Yates' address: "Mr. tossing, and men became weak Electric Welding and Oxy-acetylene Work. how: "Soon after 3 a.m., Naval operations led the Army to Yates, the sailor President of from sickness long before they Force 'O' (Hear-Admiral J. L. co-operate with the Navy in the T.U.C., devoted much of a began the run-in. The men Hall, Jr., U.S.N.) began lower- experiments recently carried Telegrams: mainly sensible address yester- approached the shore under ing the assault-craft from their out at Gosport, Hants., ' POOLSTEEL," BALMAIN, N.S.W. day to a topic on which he will the gravest disadvantages. As 'mother-ships' into a rough and England, by the Medical receive universal applause. one report says: ' Men who had unfriendly sea twelve miles Research Council. Two officer* British shipping is in competi- been chilled by their wetting, off shore. Several craft were and 90 other ranks from the tion with that flying 'flags of cramped by immobility in the tices are as dangerous as they swamped within a few minutes Army's Southern and Eastern and that drastic measures convenience' . . . The most de- small and fully-loaded craft Command spent an hour every are unpalatable. of touching the water; others would be required if ship- leterious consequence is that and weakened by sea-sickness other day tossing up and down owners were to be put in a "Mr. Hill told the trades British firms cannot set aside position to meet it. However, union delegates at Bourne- out of undistributed profits THE BRITISH MERCHANT joyed by shipping with which the comment continued: "The enough to keep their fleets SERVICE the British Government moat mouth that, of the 15,000,000 British owners are obliged to protect the national interest by action suggested by Mr. E. Hill, tons of Hags-of-eonvenience modernised. What this means, (Concluded from Opposite Page) compete. If Furness Withy the Boilermakers' Society sec- in a time of increasing competi- relieving British shipping of ito shipping, about 53 per cent, cern, the more deeply rooted and all the other British ship- present handicap — which retary, in a resolution at the was under Creek ownership tion and of a falling off in ship- problems are infinitely more ping companies, large and Trades Union Congress in building orders, needs no elabo- means it should drastically eat and 40 per cent, under Ameri- perplexing. Chief among these small, which constitute the taxation. British shipowners Bournemouth last week, ration. can ownership, but that the is the extraordinary growth of British Merchant Navy are to thrive on competition; but tbey though drastic, can by no bulk of it had been financed fleets registered under flags of "The problem is thus continue contributing to the can only do so if able to meet means be regarded as a satis- by American banks or insur- non - maritime 'Panhonlib' squarely on the plate of the national wealth, then, in the their competitors on an eqnal factory way of dealing with ance i-ompanies. lie also said nations, and the other impor- Chancellor of the Exchequer. absence of effective counter- footing. Handicapped as now, the problem. He is seeking to that in the foreseeable future tant and insidious menaces Much as we must all dislike measures agreed between the as a certainty they are only ban the building and repairing about 25 per cent, of the which continue to flourish and discrimination in the taxation traditional maritime countries. fighting a losing battle." world's shipping would be remain unchecked in various of all convenience-flag ships. of different industries, there under flags of convenience. He forms of discrimination. As The resolution was supported seems no other way of securing criticised the Americans on Sir Ernest observes, the British by Mr. D. Tennant, secretary justice — and, perhaps, even the grounds that 278.000 tons Government, and in particular of the Merchant Navy and Air survival — for this most •if shipping was being built in the Ministry of Transport, are Line Officers' Association, who British of industries. Inter- America to fly ••onveniencc well aware of the facts, much suggested that the resolution national agreements on this WINNS flags and the building cost was having been done in recent could be remitted to the T.U.C. point can only be wishful being subsidised to the extent months to remove a variety of general council. Mr. T. Yates thinking. Boycotts of 'flags of of 45 per cent. Mr. Hill men- domestic restrictions which "THE BIG FRIENDLY STORES" (general secretary of the convenience' are self-damag- tioned the case of a shipowner owed their existence to war- National Union of Seamen), ing. The only solution seems who recently failed to raise time conditions. But a know- the chairman, said that the to be to make British registra- Courtesy and service give a pleasant glow to £4,000,000 iii London to build ledge of the facts is not enough. general council was prepared tion as financially convenient a tanker, but raised the money It is all very well to acknow- to agree to this course and ex- as registration elsewhere." Business, and WINNS like to do Business that in America and would prob- ledge the importance of British amine the resolution when it ably put the ship under a shipping to the welfare of the wry. In that spirit they are happy to serve you. was remitted. It will be re- The problem was also re- foreign flag; he added that if ferred to in the report of Fur- State and the national called that a similar proposal this were not remedied the economy, and to remove domes- has been put forward by the ncss Withy & Co., discussed in Americans would control the a leading article in the "Ship- tic restrictions; but this is in- British section of the Inter- whole of world tanker tonnage. sufficient to counteract the dis- WINNS, Oxford Street, Sydney national Metalworkers' Fede- ping World" of 10/9/58. This Mr. Hill's concern is, of course, concluded: "But if a protracted crimination, freedom from ration (" Fairplav," " Ship- that the maritime unions will spell in the trade doldrums taxation, subsidisation and building Notes," 14th August). & Branches suffer and that, ultimately. causes British shipowners con- other benefits which are en- However, discriminatory prac- THE NAVY 14 Dmnbw. I HI could carry. The "enemy" Ceylon, and visited Trin- poster in 1805. For eight days and other Royal Marines in rubber rafts while the Navy 200 officers and men. Fittings contalee and Colombo before include reading lights at force was provided by the in September, several hundred formed a "riotous mob," which tried to make them seasick. sailing for Mombasa, where "Royals" of 1958 vintage The trials took place in Sep- bunks, light controls at billets Regular Army. Highlight of the was dispersed to allow a exercise centred on the rescue the population turned out in demonstrated their 20th cen- vehicle recovery team to get to tember and October in an 890 for slinging hammocks, power force to greet her and H.M.S. points for electric razors, of a "political prisoner" from tury life at the Corps' first work. Motor cycle rough riders ft. long, 18 ft. deep tank, in "Bulwark," and officers and comprehensive exhibition at which the rafts were subjected stainless steel fittings and enemy-held territory during a played a courageous game of secret move under heavy ratings had a monster pro- Southsea, Hampshire. The chase up a 12 ft. high bank, for fiO minutes to waves two diffused strip lighting in bath- gramme of sightseeing. rooms. and tiled, all-electric guard. The identity of the exhibition was opened by the and, just to show their variety, feet high. The six rafts were Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, moored diagonally to an artifi- galley. When the ship's com- prisoner was kept as secret as more than 20 stands showing pany marched oil board at the rescue details. He was Cr. A. L. Blake, who is himself static exhibits depicting other cial current to give them a ail ex-"Royal." Helicopters of corkscrew motion, and the Portsmouth on the 30th Sep- flown out after rescue by a BODOET SUBMARINE aspects of Royal Marine tember. before falling in to helicopter of the Fleet Air the Royal Navy landed Com- activities were on show in a soldiers were transferred from CROSSES ATLANTIC mandos in full battle order, one raft to another to give hear the Commanding Officer Arm. Average age of the 600 ft. long marquee. variety of movement. — Commander R. G. Gaunt, volunteers was 25, and they The midget submarine came from many trades and "Sprat", which had been Before they embarked in the D.S.C.. R.N. — read the Com- missioning Warrant, they made professions in the London area. on loan from the Admiralty rafts the soldiers had to eat to the United States Navy since a standard meal of meat, their way to their small messes for their first "tot" and hot June of this year, returned to vegetables anil "fairly substan- Portsmouth in September — meal ill the new ship. tial sweet." They were then H.M.S. "ULYSSES" ACTS UP but she did not cross the given one of the six different • • • TO NAME Atlantic under her own power, kinds of seasickness pills. The LONDON MARINES IN Ulysses, the Roman-named but as a "passenger" in U.S.S. object of the experiments was "Antares." She had been to WATSON & CRANE PTY. LIMITED to decide which of the six STRENUOUS EXERCISE hero" of Homer's "Odyssey," was 20 years on his epic America to exercise harbour • MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS of tablets was the most successful. During September. 250 • • • officers and men of the Royal voyages, on which he saw so defences for the U.S. Navy. Her operational and passage Marine Forces' Volunteer many wonders and had such All Standard and Special Brassware Fittingt, including the FIRST SEA LORD 8 adventures. The anti-submarine crew, consisting of Lieutenant Reserve (City of London) left "WATCRANE" Spring Cock, for tha Plumber and Hot Water AMERICAN VISIT frigate II.M.S. "Ulysses" was T. J. Anderson, R.N. (in their civilian jobs to take part Engineer. During October the First iu a novel annual training only seven-and-a-half months command), two other officers Sea Lord. Admiral of the period of great interest to the on her voyage which she com- and six ratings, received warm Fleet the Earl Mountbatten of Royal Marines and Amphibious pleted with her arrival at hospitality while in the United • SUPPLIERS of Burma, visited Canada and the Warfare Headquarters. They Devonport, England, in Sep- States. During her time in United States to meet the carried out training specially tember, but during that period America, H.M.S. "Sprat" was Full range of Gunmetal, Cast Iron and Steal Valves for Chief of the Canadian Naval designed to prove their short she saw more of the "wonders manned entirely by Royal Water. Air, Oil and Steam; Baths, Basins, Lowdown Suites, Navy personnel. Staff and the Chief of Naval notice operational efficiency. in the deep" than did her Heaters and "IDEAL" Hot Water Boilers. Operations. United States Assault and raiding craft namesake. She steamed over Navy. Their talks were crews and Commandos trained 38,000 miles. crossed the confined to exchanges of views under war conditions, and Equator six times, visited nine • ELECTROPLATING SPECIALISTS in on naval matters of mutual Crown Colonies, two Common- briefings, rehearsals and joint "TELL THAT TO THE Chrome, Silver, Nicltel, Cadmium and Tin. interest. It was the first visit schemes culminated ill Exercise wealth countries, the Panama MARINES' of the First Sea Lord to "Mickey Finn." Joint plan- (.'anal Zone and Jordan, and Canada and the U.S.A. since ning was completed in London was the first ship of her type "All young men of respect- • FOUNDERS of by the raiding squadron and to pass through the Panama able character, good counten- October • three year• s ago• . Commando staffs ill their Canal and go round the world. ance and robust health, who do Non-Ferrous Castings and Hot Pressings, etc., in Brass, normal volunteer training time. not exceed 25 years of age, and Gunmetal, Phosphor Bronze, Aluminium Alloys. H.M.S. LEOPARD — TWO She took up duties at are full five feet six inches CENTURIES OF HISTORY The force sailed from Ply- Christmas Island (Pacific high (shoes off), can enjoy a The first H.M.S. "Leopard." mouth oil the morning of Ocean) in April, anil a nuclear 'glass of grog,' etc., or are fond • DIE MAKERS a 40 - gun frigate, was built September 15. and landed near device was set off at the end of a jovial life, have now an in 17-'I4. The present Dawlish, on the Devonshire of her period of duty there. opportunity of enlisting in that "Leopard," an anti-aircraft coast. Exceptional problems of From Christmas Island she gallant corps, the Royal WORKS AND FOUNDRY: navigation and technique for sailed for Singapore, stopping frigate, was commissioned on Marines, where they may have Fairfield Street, VKIawood, N.S.W. September 30, 1958, having the landing craft crews were at Tarawa, in the Gilbert the good fortune to visit been launched at Portsmouth included in the exercise, which Islands, where the native popu- foreign parts, gain glorious 'Phone: YU 7171 in May, 1955. In contrast to was also a severe test of the lation performed their tradi- honour, and return to their endurance, fleldcraft and tional dances at a "Itatere" the "hard-lying" conditions friends with pockets well lined WAREHOUSE: found in her predecessors, the tactical skill of the Com- given in her honour. After with gold." new frigate has self-contained mandos. They had to move, three weeks in Singapore she 1037-1047 Bourlte Street, Waterloo, N.S.W. undetected, over at least 50 sailed with the Far East Fleet That was what was "told to messes, each with its own 'Phone: MX 5761 heater controls, for her ship's iniles of rough country, for joint exercises with the the Marines" — or to prospec- company, which numbers some existing entirely on what they Indian and Pakistan navies off tive Marines — in a recruiting D*umb*r. 1951 M THE NAVY 17 ing on that subject. In this way a pointer to some 600 -\h\KY • MKI.IIOI US I . \|>»:i.MI»l • I III \T WTJ.K • n,| UNA . Kill IT - NACI.IX • M.\H«i:il.l.KS • UlMHAl.TAH • KSdUXD I references is given, and not the least valuable section is that which shows how to use a Public Reference Library FAST and FABULOUS efficiently. the Orient IJne route to Enpland rin Sues, glitters A MEMORABLE ACTION efforts of the crew of ll.M.S. Captain Frank Knight in the "Jervis Bay" were crowned war became well known to icith jewels of travel interest. After vou call at a "The Jervis Bay." By George by success was their reward pupil navigators in Bomber Pollock. (William Kimber, succession of big Australian cities. Colombo — typically even though the majority did and Coastal Commands, R.A.F., 21 s.) not live to know the result, but he is fundamentally a I astern and teeming with life and colour — provides the Mr. Pollock has written an sailor who writes pungently ft is to be hoped that the linest introduction to overseas travel. The famous overland unusual book. With exhaustive readers of this book will he and crisply of the element that was his first love in whose care he has collected memor- many and that the gentle Suez - CAIRO • Port Saitl trip is again available and the service in the Merchant Navy able phrases actually uttered moral drawn by Mr. Pollock is by those concerned, together he obtained his Extra Master's excursions from Naples — around its celebrated Bay to storied not so gentle that it will be certificate when only 24. with descriptive accounts of ignored. Pompeii and lovclv Sorrento — are highlights. There are Orient actual incidents by those who D. S. E. T. B. J. H. witnessed them. ine fares for all purses—f irst Class or Cabin Class and Tourist 'B' The welding together of SEA VADE-MECUM as well as Tourist-One Class . . . with greatlv reduevil 'Economic*. isolated remarks and happen- "The Sea Story." By Frank FROM COURT MARTIAL 'OH-Season' and 'Boomerang I xcursion' tickets. ings into one connected narra- Knight. (Macmillan. 21s.) TO OLORY tive is no mean achievement, Captain Knight, Extra " The Kid." By Philip and the result in this ease is Master Mariner, has produced McCutehan. (Harrap, 12s. the production of an enthrall- a most valuable reference book 6 THE NAVY IS 8ant'hla*ting Ike hull of a hiy liner in the port of Sydney Sandblasting and chemical inhibiting of ships' platei hat brought a new era to ship's husbandry . . the most positive, (leiible and economical meant of removing rust and Ihe old paint that tends to hide the inroads of erosion. The speedy and letting process we apply in the port ol Sydney to vessels of all kinds rates higher in ships' maintenance than any other form of rust elimination. MARITIME MAINTENANCE PTY. LTD. ANTI-CORROSION ENGINEERS — SANDBLASTERS SHELL HOUSE, CARRINGTON STREET, SYDNEY PLEASE NOTE THIS MATERIAL WAS FILMED AT A REDUCTION RATIO 16.5x SOME PAGES MAY CONTAIN FLAWS AND OTHER DEFECTS WHICH APPEAR ON THE FILM