Submarines Association Australia NSW Branch ABN 11 449 001 785 Correspondence, 10/7 Bringelly Road, Kingswood NSW 2747
Hon. President Geoff Anderson Phone: 0413 980 091 Hon. Vice President Ken Norris Phone: 0421 058 513 Hon. Treasurer John Chambers Phone: 0418 184 802 Hon. Secretary Carol Wilson Phone: 0411 757 782 Minutes Secretary Carol Wilson Phone: 02 4707 5268
HMAS PLATYPUS REMEDIATION
Submission – Platypus Sydney Harbour Federation Trust PO Box 607 MOSMAN NSW 2088
Dear Sir
On behalf of the Submarines Association Australia, New South Wales branch, please find below our thoughts for the future of HMAS PLATYPUS.
As you are aware, HMAS PLATYPUS was the home to the Oberon Submarines for some 30 years, and most of the members of the association have fond and enduring memories of their time at the base and onboard submarines. As such we would like to pass on our thoughts as to the final restoration and use of the site, which includes the landscaped terraces and wharf plus a Memorial for all submariners who served from HMAS PLATYPUS and especially for those who paid the ultimate price.
Submarine Memorial
The SHFT may not be aware that a number of serving personnel tragically passed away whilst serving on board Australian Submarines or at HMAS PLATYPUS. An Honour Board at the Chapel on Spectacle Island records their names. It is noteworthy that the Navy has given approval to erect a memorial to the three sailors who died whilst in active service on Submarines: ABUWSM Christopher Passlow, ABUC Hugh Markrow and SMNUC Damian Humphreys. This memorial has been erected in the Naval Park in Rockingham, WA adjacent to the "ORION" fin. The SAA-WA Branch Executive organised the memorial.
In the past it was requested that a memorial in NSW to the lost submariners be sited in Anderson Park, but this was not approved by the North Sydney Council. It is therefore requested that HMAS PLATYPUS would be an ideal site for a memorial, as the Heritage Centre on Garden Island is the site for memorials to AE1 and AE2.
The SAA-NSW has access to the anchor from HMAS OTWAY from a member who has indicated that it could be provided to form a central part of a Memorial where families could place a plaque for departed submariners. A concept design has been proposed and is shown at Figure 1.
Figure 1 shows a mock-up of the submarine memorial with the names of the Six Australian Submarines with approximate sizes and lettering proposed. The steel is “corten” which after a while gives the rusted Page 1 of 8 SAA NSW Branch General Meeting Minutes 03/4/2011 affect, with the lettering in 25mm brushed silver steel. The Oberang would be a light box which can be set on a timer to come on at night. The size could be amended as required once the location is confirmed. Note that the scale does not reflect the actual size of the anchor, which is bigger.
A meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 7 July with the SHFT (Mr Willem Clasie) at HMAS PLATYPUS to review the landscaping and possible site for a Memorial. Unfortunately this had to be cancelled.
In reviewing the plans for the site, it is proposed that the memorial be situated on the lower terrace to the North of the site.
Seating
The proposed seating comes from the Submariners Walk Heritage Trail which is located at New Farm on the Brisbane River in Brisbane, Australia, where the US Navy's Task Force 42/72 was located during World War 2 and is dedicated to the memory of Submariners of all nations who have given their service, and in many cases their lives, in the defence of freedom and the protection of Australia.
In cooperation with the Brisbane City Council, the Submarine Association Australia Queensland Inc. established the interpretive walk to tell the community the story of submariners and submarines, their crucial role in defending Australia during all wars and the people who served and those that gave their lives. A similar presentation could be considered for HMAS PLATYPUS, possibly incorporating all submarines that have been based in Australia, but in particular Sydney Harbour.
In discussion with the Submarine Association Australia Queensland Inc., they have agreed to provide the details of the design and where they were manufactured. The seats are shown at Figures 2-4 and further viewing can be seen at http://saaqld.wildapricot.org/page-1811433.
General
It is understood that it is the view of the SHFT that the history of the site/story should be represented throughout and that descriptive panels talking about the different sections of Platypus and what or how the building or artefacts were used is being considered. In addition the car park area is planned to be landscaped. The SAA supports these future project works.
The SAA NSW members were approached to provide suggestions and the following were noted:
Oberon, Platypus and submariners’ story and how it directly related to the site, including. o HMAS PLATYPUS dates Commissioning and Decommissioning. o Names and dates of Oberon Submarines stationed at Neutral Bay. o Names and dates of UK Submarines stationed in Sydney. o History of submarines. o Mural that shows the history of Australian Submarines that could be added to as each new class of submarine comes into service. o Recognition of allied submarines which operated out of Sydney during the Second World War. o Links from Platypus to Garden Island, Cockatoo Island, HMAS WATSON, RANTME and the torpedo range at Pittwater. Page 2 of 8 SAA NSW Branch General Meeting Minutes 03/4/2011
Silhouette of O Class Submarine to form central theme of a memorial at PLATYPUS, to be mounted in Cliff face and be made out of 1/2 inch steel.
Submariners Walk. ie. designed benches on wharf with names or history of specific submarines (an example is provided at Figures 2-4).
Submarine memorial (Refer above).
Meeting Room
It is further requested that consideration be given to providing a Meeting Room for the SAA-NSW to hold meetings and possible forums on submarine related topics. It could also be the possible venue for hosting events such as Dawn Services on ANZAC Day and display of submarine memorabilia.
Conclusion
The NSW-SAA requests that you consider the above points. We would be willing to discuss any aspects you wish and would be prepared to work with you to formulate plans for the future use of HMAS PLATYPUS.
Yours sincerely,
Geoff Anderson
Geoff Anderson President SAA NSW.
14 July 2015
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Figure 1: Concept design for Submarine Memorial
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Figure 2: Submarine Walk Seat
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Figure 3: Submarine Walk Seat – Illuminated at Night
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Figure 4: Submarine Walk Seat – Yellow Submarine
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Figure 5: Submarine Walk – Signs
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