ISSUE 135
MARCH 2010 Australia’s Need for Nuclear Powered Submarines New Generation Navy - Navy’s Wind of Change Seeking Sydney a major life mission: Commodore Bob Trotter & Dr Mike McCarthy - Interviewed Force 2030: Recruitment is Not the Problem Braving the battle, winning the war : Fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden “Will and Vision” - some would see Australia as having strategic vulnerability The Lessons Learnt from Hydrogen Sulphide Incidents in the Royal Australian Navy and more… Journal of the Shipyards: Australia and USA Email: [email protected] Fax +61 8 9410 2564 Tel: +61 8 9410 1111
WWW.AUSTAL.COM Issue 135 3 Letter to the Editor Contents
Dear Editor, Australia’s Need for Nuclear Powered May I congratulate the Editorial Board on the last couple of Headmark Submarines 4 editions. A few years ago I was thinking of giving up my ANI membership because the journal articles appeared largely to be essays for university degrees, New Generation Navy - Navy’s Wind with authors using hi falutin terms for concepts that have been around for of Change 12 years! However, recent articles are more to the point of what I believe the ANI is all about. The Relevance of Modern I am particularly pleased to see contributions from relatively junior people. Naval Experience and Classical Before the ANI was established, the only way an officer (or senior sailor) could Maritime Strategic Thought in the air an idea was to send a letter (through his captain) to the Naval Board. On a 21st Century 19 couple of occasions my captain refrained from forwarding on my ideas, telling me to leave thinking to the admirals! Force 2030: Recruitment is Not the `Don’t call me Sir’ was particularly thought provoking. Thank heavens that Problem 22 some of the routines which were relevant to the days of sail have been dropped without losing the Navy’s standards and traditions (which are different from “Will and Vision” - some would `customs’). I ask the question of whether we still need to use the salute as see Australia as having strategic an informal greeting or acknowledgement (while keeping it for parades and vulnerability 25 formal occasions). I look forward to reading more ideas from serving personnel and learning Cochrane’s Dog, Individual Courage And from interesting articles. Service Loyalty 30
Braving the battle, winning the war : Yours aye Fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden 33 Viv Littlewood Commander RAN Retd HMAS Sydney & Ship’s Company 1941 38
Northern Trident 09 40
Letters submitted by email are preferable to those written in cursive pen. The Lessons Learnt from Hydrogen The Editor can be reached at [email protected] Sulphide Incidents in the Royal Australian Navy 45
Seeking Sydney a major life mission: Errata Commodore Bob Trotter and Dr Mike Issue 133, Sep 2009: McCarthy - Interviewed 48 P. 45 final sentence on p 44: “complimentary” should read “complementary”. Around Australia in a Fairey Seaplane – the Adventures of Wing Commander The picture of the Dickin medal in the article on HMS Ametyst should in fact Goble and Flight Lieutenant Mcintyre on be labelled: “Naval General Service Medal, with bar Yangtze, awarded to the their Pioneering 1924 Flight 59 respective RN ships’ companies and to the RAF Sunderland crew.”
Book Reviews 67 Issue Number 135 Front page: HMAS Waller enters Sydney Harbour for Exercise RIMPAC preparations at Fleet Base East, prior to Visions from the Vault 71 Printed by Everbest departing for Hawaii. Printing Company ANI On-line Guide 72 ISSN 1833-6531 - RAYTHEON AUSTRALIA - BOOZ & company - AUSTAL Style Notes for Headmark 73 - Thales naval GROUP - Defence Maritime Services - QINETIQ Design & DTP: ANI Membership Application Form 75 Diane Bricknell - AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE CREDIT UNION - ATI - LOPAC - SAAB [email protected] Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 4 Australia’s Need for Nuclear Powered Submarines byG iRGIS
he May 2009 Defence White Paper announced that 12 future Tsubmarines would be acquired for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), in what is set to be the largest single defence project ever undertaken by 1 Australia. The Australian Government has placed great emphasis on our future submarine force and, although such emphasis is not out of place, the level of prescriptive detail on these submarines that is contained within the Defence White Paper contrasts markedly with the largely intangible and at times ethereal requirements for other capabilities. It can be argued that this detailed public statement was done for political Astute-class (BAE 2 reasons which have more to do with strategic value of submarines. The strategic environment Systems) the inputs of a few defence analysts It follows that the assumed and industry representatives, who RAN bias can only be overcome by Concurrently professional serving have disproportional influence in the Government direction at the most officers and civilian staff, employed by Prime Minister’s office, than with the senior levels. The whole process the Department of Defence, continue actual capability needs. Indeed, there appears to have the cart before the to assess our strategic needs and force seems to be a long-held misconception, horse, with Government setting the structure requirements. That Australia held by politicians forming the detailed requirements and effectively needs to have strong underwater current Government and a group of pre-empting ‘First Pass’ approval before warfare capabilities, today and in the Cutaway of the new their senior advisors, that the Royal the needs and requirement’s phases has future, is beyond question. Submarine HMS Astute class - Australian Navy (RAN) has a historical been completed within the Department numbers in the Asia-Pacific region are note several sonar 3 dislike for its submariners and hence of Defence. increasing along with their technical arrays (Courtesy 4 Thales) inherently fails to recognise the sophistication.
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 5
The modernisation of the world’s nuclear powered attack submarines (SSN) is of even more concern to Australia’s defence planners. Today six nations deploy SSNs: the United States (US), Russia, France, the United Kingdom (UK), China and India, in addition, several other nations, including Pakistan and Brazil, have declared an interest in acquiring them. Nations which exclusively operate SSNs – the US, the UK and France – continue to demonstrate their advantages over conventional submarines - which are more correctly described as submersibles. This sends a potent message to other nations that nuclear power is better, and that nations that acquire 5 SSNs are members of a ‘special club’. Astute class During the 1950s the US led the that time the Russians have not had protect its own national interests in the submarines being world on SSN development (USS the economic strength to maintain Asia-Pacific and hence the possibility built at BAE Systems’ Thresher), and they subsequently their technological edge. However, the of Russian, Chinese or Indian SSN Barrow-in-Furness helped the UK develop their first SSN Russians still have a submarine force to deployments in Australia’s area of shipyard. (BAE (HMS Dreadnought). Most people be reckoned with, the Akula II (Project interest has increased from a rare and Systems) would agree that the US’s new Virginia 971) and Graney class (Project 885) unlikely occurrence to a likely prospect. class SSNs coming off the production SSNs are some of the best in the world, As indigenous Indian and Chinese line are the most advanced large-size but Russian economic limitations have SSN production increases all ADF 6 submarines in the world. The UK has led to the drying-up of SSN research operations at a distance from Australia since produced their own SSNs, with funding and the cancellation or delay will have to take the possibility of 9 the latest Astute class SSN starting seas of SSN production. Despite such set other nation’s SSNs into account. The 7 trials in November 2009. backs, the Russians have provided Chinese have taken several decades France, learning from the US valuable technical assistance to the to absorb and improve upon SSN and UK experiences and after delays Chinese and Indians navies which has technologies, but they have now turned due to priority being given to their helped those nations to develop their the corner and are able to produce ballistic missile submarines, eventually own indigenous nuclear power plants nuclear powered attack submarines developed their own unique nuclear for their SSNs. that are at least comparable with those power plants for their SSNs. The In the Asia-Pacific region the of other powers. future French SSN, the Barracuda is introduction of new advanced SSNs by The latest Chinese SSN, the Type now under development and the first China and India is changing the way we 093 Shang class, was officially revealed 10 submarine should enter service around must plan for Australia’s future defence. early in 2009. The Chinese People’s 8 2017. No longer can we rely upon US military Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN), with Not to be left behind in the Cold primacy in the Pacific Ocean to a fleet of such submarines would have War arms race, the Soviet Union also guarantee sea control when we operate the potential to deploy a SSN from opted for indigenous nuclear power in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as bases around the South China Sea into plant development for its first SSN in it has since the beginning of the Cold the South-West Pacific and Indian 1959, NATO designation November War when the US Navy effectively Oceans for extended periods, and class. Russian-designed SSNs kept bottled-up the Russian Pacific Fleet not necessarily for purely warfighting pace with their US counterparts until in North Asian waters. The US Navy purposes – such a presence would be a the fall of the Soviet Union, but since now has more than enough to do to valuable political tool that, if declared, Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 6 Australia’s Need for Nuclear Powered Submarines could put extreme diplomatic pressure be a nuclear upon Australian political leaders and powered the leadership of less stable nations in attack 11 our region. submarine, 16 In the meantime, India’s long i.e. a SSN. pursuit of nuclear powered attack The need for submarine technology is finally coming SSNs is even to fruition. The Indian Navy is now clearer if leasing the Russian Akula II class we consider submarine, to be commissioned as the need for 12 INS Chakra, for a period of ten years. Australian Such agreements are possible because submarines nuclear submarine sales are permitted to have long under the 1968 Non-Proliferation endurance, Treaty, which treats nuclear propulsion great as an acceptable nuclear activity. The stealth and The USS Skipjack development of an Indian indigenous large payloads capable of projecting faster than any conventionally powered was the first nuclear- nuclear powered attack submarine power and defending ADF assets at a ship or submarine. This means SSNs powered submarine is now also moving rapidly ahead considerable distance from Australia can operate with, or in advance of, built with the following the launch of the Advanced – in environments where enemy SSNs maritime task forces which include Albacore hull design (USN photo) Technology Vessel (ATV), INS will be operating. It is thus somewhat aircraft carriers, amphibious ships and 13 Arihant. surprising that the Defence White other surface vessels. Modern nuclear Paper 2009 states that the ‘Government power plants have the ability to provide Australian submarine requirements has ruled out nuclear propulsion for much more energy than can be used by these submarines’. Unfortunately there any combination submarine domestic According to the Defence White Paper has been very little public debate on services (hotel load), combat systems, 2009, the ‘future submarines will this issue, and the statement seems and propulsion systems; in addition have greater range, longer endurance to be more a declaration of belief by they do not need to refuel for at least on patrol, and expanded capabilities Government, than a rational well 20 years. 17 compared with the current Collins thought out policy. A SSN, in addition to its inherent 14 class submarines’. In addition, a The advantages of nuclear powered stealth characteristics, has the doubling of the existing submarine submarines are clear – they are even added advantage of high speed and 18 fleet from six to 12 is required ‘in order taught to recruits in the US Navy. unlimited endurance. It is a hunter- to sustain a force at sea large enough Nuclear boats are truly independent killer of conventional submarines. in a crisis or conflict to be able to of the surface. They generate their A conventional submarine, even defend our approaches (including at a own fresh water and oxygen and with the most advanced AIP system, considerable distance from Australia, if never need to surface to run diesels does not have adequate speed and necessary), protect and support other to recharge their batteries. SSNs have endurance to move from home port to ADF assets, and undertake certain an indiscretion rate of zero, meaning distant operational areas quickly, and strategic missions where the stealth they can stay submerged in an area remains especially vulnerable during and other operating characteristics of of operations, essentially remaining any long transit. The development of highly-capable advanced submarines invisible to an enemy, for periods conventional submarines has reached a 15 would be crucial’. measured in months rather than technological dead end. 19 For most international defence hours. The nuclear reactor is capable The decreasing number of nations analysts, an unbiased assessment of of generating great amounts of power that continue to design and build large the Australian submarine operational compared with a conventional diesel- conventional submarines has been requirements, reflecting Australia’s electric power plant, and hence SSNs noted by the Submarine Institute of strategic geography and the great can operate at high speeds for long Australia (SIA), and Australia is now distances involved, would suggest that periods of time – they can transit one of the few nations that are still the future submarine should ideally across the Pacific and Indian Oceans seriously considering building large Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 7
20 conventional submarines. But the the water, on the land, facts should speak for themselves, large in space and within conventional submarines have been the electro-magnetic superseded by their nuclear powered spectrum. colleagues, and in matters of defence In addition to being second best is just not good helping to ensure sea enough. control, submarines need to prepare the What must Australia’s future battlespace for the submarines do? arrival of the joint expeditionary force. Even though large conventional Submarines, while submarines can undertake some continuing to seek sea control and power projection out and destroy tasks, only modern nuclear powered other submarines submarines are capable of conducting and to detect and maritime operations in advance of attack surface 21 a joint expeditionary force. With a forces, contribute speed of around 30 knots SSNs are to amphibious able to deploy at short notice well in operations by advance of a joint expeditionary force undertaking travelling at around 20 knots. The intelligence, SSN can transit underwater over great surveillance, and distances, without being detected, and reconnaissance (ISR) can then conduct a range of tasks in the tasks and land strike operational area as part of an advance tasks. This typically force. Their primary role is to detect, would involve landing deter and where necessary destroy and retrieving Special enemy submarines in the planned area Forces and other of operations. advance parties; The modern SSN is a manoeuvrable, deploying sea mines View of the main stealthy and quiet adversary that can and unmanned underwater vehicles to hostilities and, after hostilities diving and control hunt down and kill enemy conventional (UUVs); and even land strike. commence, the use of highly accurate station onboard the submarines, however, in most The ability to approach close to and lethal warhead against important Los Angeles class nuclear-powered fast circumstances the enemy knowing oppositions forces and monitor their targets which may otherwise be 23 attack submarine that a SSN is in the area will avoid operations and movements whilst relatively invulnerable. USS Hartford (USN 22 contact and likely destruction. Thus remaining undetected is a classic If an enemy were to deploy one photo) a SSN acts as a submarine deterrent capability of the submarine. Using or two of their SSNs into our area that can help to attain underwater sea modern video technology or digital of operations, our mission would be control in the area of operation for the photography a submarine, able to severely imperilled and the lives of duration of that operation. While the approach a coastline in shallow water, many Australians endangered, unless most important role of the submarine can make a significant contribution we also had SSNs to counter them. To is to seek out and destroy other to the intelligence collection effort illustrate this point, you must have a submarines, they also have a well- prior to any subsequent land or Formula One racing car to compete proven capability to detect and attack maritime action. Land attack cruise in a Grand Prix race: a V8 Supercar enemy surface forces. But a submarine missiles, such as the Tomahawk, just would not make the grade. We cannot achieve a strategic effect by provide submarines with a land strike must have a Fifth Generation aircraft itself; other elements of the ADF must capability. Such a weapon allows the to fight for air control over other be present to achieve sea control over submarine to influence the land battle Fifth Generation aircraft: a Fourth the rest of the battlespace: in the air, on by posing a threat in the period prior Generation aircraft just will not do. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 8 Australia’s Need for Nuclear Powered Submarines
Similarly only modern SSNs can claim that the introduction hope to fight for sea control in the of SSNs into the ADF order underwater domain against enemy of battle was ‘not a practical SSNs: conventional submarines, proposition’ has now become whether large or small, are not capable somewhat of a clarion call 25 of fighting and winning at sea against for those who reject SSNs. a technologically superior opponent. These claims do not hold-up SSNs have superior speed, range, under close examination. endurance, and sustainability. The proposed timescales Unfortunately this truism, although for a future submarine well understood by maritime nations project are predicated on an across the globe, is not well understood Australian design of a large 24 in Australia. The ADF’s ability to conventional submarine attain sea control at a distance from based upon the Collins Australia, when there is an enemy class that does not apply to submarine threat, is predicated on the a cooperative Australian USS Drum, a Sturgeon class nuclear boat of the USN (USN photo) availability of SSNs. In the absence of build within an existing SSN Australian SSNs, the ADF would have construction program. For to either rely upon the cooperation example, if Australia wanted of SSNs belonging to an allied nation two new Astute class SSNs to help attain sea control, or lose the we could readily achieve our 26 option of deploying to that area. desired timescales. We Modern maritime operations are could even start training predicated on the ability of a number Australian submariners, of elements within a nation’s armed alongside our Royal Navy forces working in a joint environment (RN) colleagues in the UK, to achieve the military effects desired. next year. The point is that The ADF, alone or in coalition, must once the decision is made work as a layered system of systems, or and the funding allocated, alternatively as a series of nodes within the long term investment The USS Nautilus, pictured, represented a an integrated network. If an Australian into Australia’s nuclear watershed for the U.S. Navy’s submarine submarine was to act in isolation energy future would commence. program. This was the world’s first nuclear- within an area of operation it may itself Given the current status of the powered submarine (USN photo) be subjected to the anti-submarine Australian submarine force warfare efforts of the enemy. In and the current low threat such circumstances the Australian environment, we could even submarine could be deterred from make significant savings performing its tasks or even destroyed. by reducing the number Sea control over the complete of Collins submarines in battlespace is essential for maritime operational readiness and power projection and sea control reallocate such monies to the must be achieved before the ADF can nuclear submarine program. influence events ashore. The SIA statement that ‘Australia lacks the An Australian nuclear industry critical regulatory regimes, industry capacity, nuclear- The RN submarine Revenge commissions in If the RAN requires SSNs because large technology infrastructure and 1969. Nuclear powered and armed, she was conventional submarines are second educational institutions to prepare one of six deterrent boats built to threaten rate when compared to SSNs, why don’t and sustain appropriately qualified nuclear annilhation if the USSR attacked (RN we want to purchase them? The SIA personnel’ is correct, but it does not photograph) Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 9
follow that a decision to employ SSNs political interference was the cause of a safe nuclear industry or to reduce their dependence upon can only follow Australia’s decision the SIA about face. The submariners generated power to pre-industrial revolution levels. It is not to adopt nuclear power for electricity were warned by Lieutenant-General conceivable that any modern society could actually return generation. Rather the requirement David Hurley, at that time Chief of to such an agricultural utopia without suffering a massive for Australian SSNs will help generate the Defence Capability Development social upheaval and a significant reduction in population. the necessary nuclear infrastructure. Group, that ‘pushing nuclear power Australian society cannot reduce the effects of climate change More importantly we cannot dismiss could risk any replacement for while relying upon a dwindling supply of fossil fuels to supply the nuclear option because of an Australia’s conventional powered our energy needs, and our future energy needs can only be 28 assumption that we don’t have a fully- Collins-class submarines.’ So the real met by a nuclear power industry. A future Australia must fledged nuclear industry. Australia debate on Australia’s future submarine depend upon nuclear power generation combined with needs to develop its nuclear industry requirement was stifled within Defence other environmentally friendly carbon-free forms of power and help it to grow over time: in such for reasons other than capability generation. an approach all we really need is a requirements or technology limitations. If we consider the six nations that operate and maintain conception. It is apparent that many of the nuclear submarines, China, France, India, Russia, the UK, Practically, Australia will not be able current Australian leaders see that and the US, for each the defence requirement for nuclear to design and build a nuclear submarine developing a nuclear power industry energy has helped develop the infrastructure for a national for many years, but we can purchase is politically untenable. This may be nuclear industry. Without the defence assistance it is unlikely an Astute SSN. We will need to operate nothing more than an intergenerational that the infrastructure for an Australian nuclear industry and maintain the submarine, and to problem, as the children of the 1950’s would be economically feasible in the short term. It needs do so will require some training in and 60’s have tended to reject nuclear to be given a kick start in order to develop: without such a nuclear reactors. Actually most of the issues ‘on principle’ without worrying kick-start we may never be able to develop a nuclear industry maintenance activities on a modern too much about the contradiction that capable of meeting Australia’s long-term energy needs.30 If nuclear submarine relate to non- results from Australia selling uranium the RAN operated SSNs it would help build the infrastructure nuclear systems and machinery. There to other nations or from Australians for an Australian nuclear industry. is no difference between changing a relying upon the United State’s nuclear Is it possible to introduce SSNs into the RAN before 2022? valve on a cooling water system on a umbrella to help deter other nuclear Yes, if we start soon. It took almost twenty years to build up 29 conventional or nuclear submarine: powers from harming us. the Australian submarine force with the introduction of the each situation is critical to safety. As Importantly younger Australians Oberon class submarines and it would take about the same modern SSNs like the Astute class do and future leaders may not be able time to introduce SSNs. Let us say we wanted to purchase not need to be refuelled at all, and as to reject the nuclear power option two SSNs for the RAN under the existing British Astute SSNs are globally deployed and can ‘on principle’ if their very way of build program. As with the Oberons, Australian submariners transit long distances in a matter of life is threatened by economic and could become familiar with Astutes through training and days, it may even be possible to conduct social collapse and climate change. operational exchange programs. The design and build of the most depot-level maintenance on the Of course Australia cannot ask its Astutes has already been done in the UK. The RN plans to nuclear reactor in the country of origin. navy to operate SSNs if their use is use the Astute class SSNs for global operations and missions The SIA is right in highlighting the objectionable to most of our citizens, that are similar to the Australian one, and we could operate significant political and public concerns but surely the Department of Defence the Australian Astutes using the RN’s logistic support that would need to be overcome and in particular the RAN are the most arrangements.31 before implementing such a project. important organisations capable of Many of the current Australian submarine facilities could This, in truth, is the only reason for informing the Australian public on such be used or modified to help support the SSNs in country. why Australia does not have SSNs. a critical issue. But alas the silence is Such close liaison with an allied nation is common for other Despite the SIA’s support for nuclear deafening and the debate is lost because high value defence assets owned and operated by the ADF, submarines and a nuclear industry in of Defence’s reluctance to state the real such as the Joint Strike Fighter. 2005, which made many statements issues in public. that are echoed in this article, the Nuclear propulsion plants are not Australia’s future submarines need to be SSNs push for technologically superior nuclear weapons - they are a relatively submarines has faded into a fall-back cheap, safe and environmentally Estimates vary on how much it will cost to replace decision to accept second best as friendly means of generating power. the existing six Collins class submarines with 12 ASC 27 good enough. Why? An Australian In future Australians will need to designed modern large conventional submarines but, Financial Review article suggests that decide whether it is better to develop by my calculations, they would cost about A$25 billion Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 10 Australia’s Need for Nuclear Powered Submarines
(Endnotes) (2009 prices) to acquire and A$80 its SSNs in support of a high-intensity 1. Department of Defence, Defending billion (2009 prices) to operate and ADF operation. Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 32 2030, Defence Publishing Service (DPS), support over 20 years. Such figures But what will this cost us? In the Canberra, 2009, pp. 70-1; and Australian demonstrate that large conventional past, nuclear powered submarines have Labour Party: Future submarine project study - Media Statement 6 August 2009
14. Department of Defence, Defending September 2005. Nuclearpower/AlterntiveToNuclearPower> (26 August 2009). Australia in the Asia Pacific Century, p. 70. 29. The Year Book Australia 2008 confirms 31. Royal Navy, Future Submarines,
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 12 New Generation Navy - Navy’s Wind of Change BL Cy iEUTENANT ommander Desmond Woods
A wind of change is logically from the second. We have to Army and Air Force in financial blowing through the manage costs and operate in a resource year 2007/08 recruited 86% and 84 % of navy and its name is New conscious environment giving the their workforce targets and Navy only Generation Navy. government the value for money that 75%. (But the last intake at the naval it rightly demands of us. The Defence sailor training institution Cerberus GN is a timely and vital Strategic Reform Programme which was 90% full and many of the “hard to response to a concatenation of requires $20 billion of savings, makes get” categories are filling after years of problemsN Navy has been facing for it imperative that Navy’s culture and difficulty.) Navy’s persistent manning more than a decade and which must practices are aligned so that they can problems have been compounded by be addressed successfully if we are sustain the rapid transformation that early separation of recruits. In recent to deliver the future capabilities that this major review requires of the whole years up to a quarter of Navy’s new the nation requires. NGN is in many ADF. entrants, both officers and sailors, left ways a re-statement and codification within their first three years of service. of many important cultural changes Recruitment and Retention This can mean that in some categories and sensible initiatives which Navy we needed to recruit more than ten has been introducing over the last five This article addresses only the first sailors to eventually produce one Petty years. NGN principle – the people issue. Officer. That task was unsustainable. Australian governments, of both In 2008 we had technical junior sailor People, Performance and parties, have been driving Navy hard categories where the attrition rate Professionalism for a long time now and people, like made them beyond critical they were ships, need respite or they begin to lose termed ‘perilous’. NGN has been NGN is a three pronged naval trident resilience. If we wear people out we addressing this problem as a priority. addressing people, performance and lose them to other parts professionalism. Firstly, it is about of an economy once again ensuring we have enough people keen to take them. Navy’s with the right training. We need present separation rate is to recruit and retain the trained down to approximately workforce we need to meet our 9% for sailors and 6% foreseeable operational commitments for officers. This is and those of an uncertain future. We very good news. But must be able to man the new surface recently it was up at platforms, aircraft and submarines nearly 12 %. That loss which the White Paper is promising rate was unsustainable. us and which are being built this The rapid improvement decade. in 2009 may be partly Secondly, it is about streamlining attributable to the our structure so that it is aligned financial downturn and to provide clearer accountability fears of unemployment, and responsibility for key activities. but it is also early fruit of There is very little, if any, fat in the the re-invigoration of the system after many years of reviews Navy’s leadership culture and budgetary restraint but we can under NGN. Navy’s always get better organised so that the challenge is to sustain administrative and logistic machinery that improvement in runs with less friction and is more retention as the economy robust. We need to be as lean as is recovers and the usual compatible with retaining stamina suspects start targeting and endurance. our highly trained sailors The third principle leads on once again. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 13
Part of the difficulty has been that it career as those from the past. They The Gap Year Scheme has taken too long to get recruits out of are bright, motivated and inquisitive the training pipeline and to sea. Strong and often more broadly educated and A conspicuous recent success for the motivation and high recruit morale is technically capable than you were ADF and Navy has been the Gap Year the product of a realistic anticipation of at their age. Most are in their early Scheme, whereby school leavers who being a trained member of a working twenties but they range in age from are keen to ‘try before they buy’ go to team at sea soon. We need to nurture 17 to 50. They come from diverse Cerberus for some basic training. They the enthusiasm of our new entrants backgrounds. One young graduate then get a few days at sea, find out what and get them job ready fast if we want some years ago liked the RANC so navy can offer them, and make a start to keep them. much that the next year he sent his on what they can turn into a full naval mother! She was recruited as a nursing career if they chose to do so. Many do Defence Force Recruitment officer. When the Chief Gunnery decide to join the permanent navy and – Can do better! Instructor asked with awe how our they make fine new recruits that we first female chaplain had attained a could not necessarily have attracted Our recruits, both officers and perfect score with the Steyr on her first through the conventional recruiting sailors, belong to that relatively small shoot on the range, she revealed that process. There is now a waiting list for demographic slice of young Australians before she was ordained she had spent the places available on this successful prepared to consider a sea going career. a decade in the VIP close protection scheme and it is being reinforced and They are therefore a scarce commodity squad of the AFP! We recruit from a expanded. This innovative programme and need to be treated as such. We very broad demographic these days and which pre-dates NGN is now being also need to stop losing good potential we need to go further in that direction, incorporated into it. recruits in the overly protracted and particularly into the indigenous and sometimes dysfunctional recruitment minority communities if Navy is to Generation X and Y - pipeline. We could fill every empty become representative of the whole expectations bunk at Creswell and Cerberus with community. NGN has a working group potentially good new entrants who addressing the reasons why women Most of the young people I helped to asked to be considered for entry, got separate early and addressing them train at Creswell are not school leavers. bewildered in the maze that they found swiftly. The whole ADF is looking hard Before they join they have made a the recruiting system to be, lost interest at how it can become a much more start in a good career already and and went elsewhere for a career. women friendly work place. are typically in their early twenties. This longstanding difficulty is being Consequently though they are keen addressed as a priority under NGN I spent six years at the RANC, from 2002 to 2008, getting to know generations X and Y, ‘up close and personal.’ Many of them had a very dim view of the length of time the whole recruitment process took and the number of times they had to find out what was happening to their application. NGN is getting smarter at getting a uniformed member in front of potential recruits and speeding up the recruitment process.
Diversity of Recruits
The recruits selected to join are excellent young men and women - every bit as keen on a successful naval Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 14 New Generation Navy - Navy’s Wind of Change to learn they want to know why their time off hot, sandy, puritanical, and we remember our years serving they are doing so. They are subtly expensive, Gulf State cities, which are in them with affection and pride. different from their Cadet Midshipmen less than exciting for Jack or Jill on a These officers and the ‘old and bold’ forebears in two other important rare run ashore. Our minor war vessels senior sailors who moulded us were ways. Firstly they have come from a work very hard in our own northern the people we modelled our own ‘rights based’ culture which means approaches. Insofar as it is feasible we leadership style on and tried to that they see any form of belittlement have to find new ways of combating emulate. But in the past the navy’s or personal denigration as being both tedium at sea and ashore and providing culture also accepted, by ignoring it, surprising and completely unacceptable motivation from within the job itself. that there were also other, less engaged, and therefore a cause for redress. To do that requires officers and senior ways of running ships and there have Secondly, they are not too good at sailors to drive decision making down sometimes been a few individuals, at deferring gratification or putting up to the level at which work can be done all rank levels, who used intimidation with tedium. Baby boomers were safely. Enriching the job experience by instead of encouragement. Sometimes indulgent parents and were materially offering responsibility at a more junior high in IQ but always low in Emotional generous to them and most things level is what motivation feels like to Quotient (EQ) these characters were they wanted came when they asked for our sailors and junior officers. That is as unpredictable as a typhoon. Many them. Previous naval officers may recall a cultural change and NGN signature can probably recall officers and some a fair bit of belittlement and tedium in behaviour designed to meet the needs very senior sailors who were like this. schooling and their early naval careers. of the new generation. They hid behind their rank, prided They expected it and though they may themselves on being tough, but were not have liked it they accepted it. Most IQ and EQ often in fact bullies. Too often they were probably ordered off a bridge as a were tolerated and promoted because Midshipman for a reason that was not The best commanding officers, they got the job done. That their immediately obvious to you and given departmental heads and divisional subordinates were less than happy with some ‘free character analysis’ as they officers have always known that they them was not a major consideration at left. All spent tediously long periods at needed to be coaches and mentors, a time when recruitment and retention sea deferring every conceivable kind as well as ‘the boss’. They ran taut, but was good. of gratification including comfort. It usually happy ships and departments was part of the deal. ‘You shouldn’t have joined if you can’t take a joke’ was an often heard remark. Long careers in the same industry were normal in the working population as they were in the three services so Navy, though a tough life, was not too different from other workplaces. There were compensations. These included the fact that frequent sea time was relieved by some very good runs ashore up top in South East Asia.
Operational Tempo
The operational tempo we have been operating at for the last decade makes those ‘showing the flag’ trips much less likely for most sailors. These round the world voyages do occur still every couple of years, but most of our major combatant ships spend much of Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 15
Eliminating Intimidation learning, and acknowledged success, not reprimand, fear Eliminating this tolerance for and discouragement. intimidation is where the modern Navy culture has changed and is still Reinvigorating the evolving. CN has stated that NGN Divisional System is ‘about changing the undesirable elements of Navy’s culture.’ It has taken NGN’s people strategy is a while for everyone in navy to realise about ensuring that the that messing about with young people’s best leadership practices heads was always counterproductive of the past and present are and is no substitute for good universalized and the new leadership. Gen X and Y won’t accept it culture revolves around and neither will all the new generations coaching, mentoring and to come after them. It is no part of valuing the ‘greatest single their experience, or their life plan and factor’, our important, they have career alternatives, so if they expensively trained motivated, encounter attempts at intimidation people. Under NGN the they often vote with their feet and divisional system is being re- resign. invigorated and made to work everywhere, in accordance Accountability for people with the ‘maker’s instructions.’ There is an online divisional Let me give you a hypothetical example toolbox available from which to make this issue of accountability real busy DOs can take material to you. If a navigating officer loses a for day to day guidance and pair of binoculars over the side worth divisional meetings. It is now nearly development of all Navy people, $200 he is quite rightly held responsible four hundred years since the Divisional Communicate well and regularly. and will have to put his reasons in System was first implemented in the writing for his mistake. If the same RN and it is, as it always was, just as These signature behaviours have officer causes, through his belittlement useful and effective as senior officers to find expression in the daily lives of or harassment of a subordinate the choose to make it in their command. our sailors at sea and ashore. NGN resignation of a junior officer training It requires dedication, empathy and must make a difference down on the as an officer of the watch, who has imagination and the recognition that mess decks as well as in the wardroom. cost the tax payer $200,000 to get being a good divisional officer, or This requires imagination and being to the point where he can be useful, divisional senior sailor, is not peripheral prepared to let go a few longstanding then no particular accountability is but central to any naval career. It is ways of doing things which are no attributable to him. That is illogical. the foundation on which a fine career longer useful. The next four signature In the past, as you may remember, can be built and is the best possible behaviours show how we are being too many senior PWOs devoured preparation for command of sailors encouraged to do this. They are: their juniors in the operations room. both at sea and ashore. That has greatly improved because The first three of NGN’s signature Challenge and innovate it became very obvious recently that behaviours are about embedding this Be cost conscious we were running out of PWOs and renewed command and divisional Fix problems take action even officers prepared to train to culture in every ship and shore Drive decision making down be PWOs were getting hard to find. establishment. They are: Some stress is inevitable in an ops Training the Future Force room, or on a bridge, or in an engine Respect the contribution of every room, or a flight deck. But it can only individual Plan Train is an example of Navy be motivational if it results in new Promote the wellbeing and innovation at work. In April 2009, Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 16 New Generation Navy - Navy’s Wind of Change
Navy’s trained workforce stood at 9, company members as uniformed night ten years or more of service and when 500 with another 500 reservists on watchmen on empty ships have largely the terms of the contract are right, Continuous Full Time Service. We disappeared. But it took a while for us and they are actively recruited, many had another 3, 200 members in the to realise that we could, and should, will return to the permanent Navy or training force. We need to reduce stand our uniformed people down and the active Reserve. We have made the proportion of sailors who are let them get home to their families and a good start in re-recruiting former waiting to complete their training be available, if needed, on the end of members but in 2008 only 7% of all and simultaneously grow the trained a phone. That is a change welcomed RAN enlistments were from personnel force by a further 500. To address this particularly by modern working returning to Navy. That is not because challenge an important innovative partners who put up with separation everyone who has left Navy is delighted initiative, commenced before NGN, only when it is clearly unavoidable. with their new careers. Far from it; to address this imbalance and it is Providing supportive employment many have found that the grass is working very well. It is entitled ‘Plan practices and increasing family not greener outside at all. In the past Train’. Under this initiative two major connection required under NGN are we have just not been very good at fleet units which are temporarily often just the application of simple keeping up with our highly trained withdrawn from operational availability common sense. Whenever Navy pays leavers, our alumni, who may be are made available to ensure that into the “Bank of Mutual Obligation” prepared to consider a return to Navy technical trade trainees who need we always get an excellent return on provided they do not take a reduction to get to sea to complete their that investment from our people. in rank or seniority. Navy can be smart competency logs and qualifications Looking after that all important work enough to make it easy for our former can do so as soon as they are ready. life balance pays handsome dividends colleagues to be welcomed as they This initiative is producing swift results in loyalty and retention. return over the brow. Until recently and will be extended while there is a returning to the service was more like requirement for it. Bringing back our own being slung aboard from a bosun’s None of our major fleet units will trained people chair – an daunting and uncomfortable ever be purely training ships, but in experience. rotation most will have a period when We have plenty of highly trained sailors We also need to look at what training the next generation is their and officers in Australia. They are just people have been doing outside and primary responsibility. Plan Train not in the Navy any more! With the see whether it is relevant and can be will mean that junior officers under age limit for service having been lifted recognised and remunerated. We training, and junior technical sailors, effectively to 60 many former sailors on need to allow people to spend time will be job ready much faster than in rejoining are now able to offer another away from Navy without having to the past and there will be no cause for a sag in morale as they wait ashore to start a career at sea.
Recruit the sailor but retain the family
Let me give you another example of a sensible initiative which NGN is endorsing and mandating. We need to use our people for what they are trained for. Duty watches alongside in home ports in mostly empty ships always were morale busting and as our young sailors live ashore on rental allowance and the older ones are in married quarters or their own homes, the reasons for using ship’s Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 17
permanently discharge. We need to offer an opportunity to many more people to do a mid-career full time tertiary qualification in exchange for a return of service obligation. A period of time in the RANR can be a component of a full naval career not the termination of one. The alternative to flexible career management is brittle management and that is counterproductive and breaks people and careers prematurely and unnecessarily.
Overseas recruitment of trained senior sailors and officers
Outside of Australia there is still a HMAS Canberra and therefore time is presence waiting for them, preferably pool of readily available naval talent short for getting this sorted out. from the receiving unit. Families to be tapped into. Large numbers should be swiftly woven into the fabric of expensively trained and very Smart recruiting of key of their local naval community. They experienced officers and senior sailors categories overseas should not arrive without welcome and are coming to the end of their careers be left wondering why they are feeling in the RN in their forties. The RN is RN sailors and officers considering homesick and unconvinced about the not extending them because they are immigration need to be encouraged wisdom of their partner’s decision to shrinking their workforce through to transfer navies by being allowed join the RAN. That basic consideration natural attrition, restricting promotion, to keep their hard won rank and, has not always been extended to the and their recruiting is generally good. wherever possible, have their existing partner of the transferee. We recruit Under NGN we are making the lateral qualifications recognised. That has the member but we retain the family is entry of specialist shortage categories not been happening as well as it could a good guide. This wise approach just from the RN and other navies much have been in the past and we have lost requires imagination, not expenditure, easier than in the past. valuable potential transferees because and should be a normal part of any Helicopter pilots are an obvious we asked them to drop a rank and in transferee’s family’s first experience of example of highly cost effective the case of senior sailors sometimes Australia and our naval culture. transferees but there are many others. two ranks. That was rarely necessary. For example if we are going to be Despite claims to the contrary that they DHA operating two Landing Helicopter would become ‘roster blockers’ this is Dock aircraft carriers effectively not the case. Individual contracts can While we are on the subject of families, by 2015 we need to stand up a new be offered to transferees to ensure that Defence Housing Australia would be category of large deck aircraft handlers, this is not going to occur when rank is wise to remind its junior staff that their a skill we have not needed since retained between services. In a small top responsibility is looking after our Melbourne was decommissioned a navy like the RAN a few key people, defence members and their families, generation ago. Some of the first people expensively trained overseas, with the not depressing and worrying partners in that new category could bring their right experience are disproportionately of serving members through undue experience from the RN’s Invincible important to retaining specialist attention to minor details on arrivals class and HMS Ocean to train the capabilities. They are also an excellent and departures. DHA’s first priority RAN successors. We are only one investment for Australia. should not be the fabric of the housing posting cycle away from selecting the Overseas families arriving at stock they own, or locks and keys, but commissioning crews for the new airports need to see a uniformed instead needs to be the welfare of the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 18 New Generation Navy - Navy’s Wind of Change serving members and their families by reinforcing existing best practices who live in the houses that DHA and reaching out for new levels of manages for the ADF. When sailors excellence will allow us to hold onto explain in their exit survey why they our great people and successfully are leaving the service prematurely recruit the next generation, our DHA’s rigid approach to minor matters successors. Failure is not an option. We features all too prominently. This cannot afford to become an amnesiac, cultural change is ‘low hanging fruit’ anorexic organization which has lost its that can be addressed by enacting memory for how it did its core business cultural change in that organisation and would lack the strength to do it and re-focussing its efforts on what even if it remembered how. That is really matters. unacceptable and unnecessary. We still have a few perilous sailor categories, Enduring Naval Values and a particular difficulty, which is being addressed, with manning our With all this generational change submarine force, but the navy as a forecast I want to make clear that we whole is not in peril and with this will not be changing our Navy values. NGN renewal programme in place and Lieutenant Commander Desmond Honour, Integrity, Courage, Honesty working it never will be. Woods has served in the New and Loyalty remain front and centre in The RAN is a ‘can do’ organisation Zealand Navy, the Royal Navy, and the the NGN renewal strategy. NGN will full of character, team work and British Army. He is currently a Training strengthen those values and embed dedication. This well designed and Officer with the RAN, posted to the Staff them further in our daily lives. NGN targeted new generation cultural will find new ways for the organisation renewal programme will ensure that College in Canberra. and its people to demonstrate these Navy will remain able to raise, train values to each other. The five Navy and sustain the force we need to man values align with the key signature the new fleet now building. NGN behaviours which are at the core of the will enable the Navy to meet the NGN culture. expectations of the nation, and all The final three of these signature future Australian governments, for behaviours are: the rest of our lives, and far into the unknowable future. It is that important Strengthen relationships across and an initiative and will be looked back on beyond Navy as a major milestone in the history of Be the best I can the service. Make Navy proud, make Australia NGN is Chief of Navy’s top priority, proud. as it will be for his successors. We who are still serving are all being Cultural evolution and encouraged to spread the word renaissance on NGN and enlist community engagement with it. This navy cultural renaissance is well underway. It will be swift, but not instantaneous. It will be five years before the whole NGN programme has been fully implemented. It ties into and reinforces the major expenditure review which will be happening over the same period. NGN can, must and will succeed. Getting Navy culture right Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 19 The Relevance of Modern Naval Experience and Classical Maritime Strategic Thought in the 21st Century byL S iEUTENANT am Fairall-Lee
ome would have us believe that enduring relevance of the strategic environment of the naval experience, strategic twentyS first century will be so different thought and operational to that of the past, so changed by the concepts by considering a global power relationship and the few principles of maritime development of ‘new’ and asymmetric strategy and the operational threats, that all previous strategic art. thought and operational development Almost a hundred will be of little relevance. Some say years ago, Mahan wrote that sea control will no longer need to about the inherent links be fought for, or even that navies will between control of the be no more than coast guards, ferry sea, trade, economic services for troops or even well-armed and social development, water police. and international power. While there is no doubt that the Corbett expanded on and world has changed since the end of finessed these points, and the Cold War, this is just the nature the principles are enduring. of international relations. As John Whilst some might say Mearsheimer so eloquently explained, that the ‘globalisation’ of to predict the future by simply trade has made control extrapolating forward from the present of the sea guaranteed does not make for sound analysis1. (as states are dependent What is more effective is to understand upon one another), there The aircraft Carrier general theories of power, strategy and is little strategic justification for this. resource scarcity, combined with USS Theodore cause and effect. As Corbett told us, States cooperate because it is to their increasing challenges to the unipolar Roosevelt, strategic study is a means by which we advantage to do so, just as always, and strategic environment, is seeing a trend background, joins a multinational battle can assess ‘the normal’ and evaluate in a unipolar international setting there towards states readying themselves for group formation the ways in which one may seize and is no need to upset the balance. When maritime competition. Great power including the exploit opportunities; it should not be a it is to one’s advantage to take control economic competition spilling over to People’s Republic of dogma with an expiry date or a detailed for one’s self and one’s allies however, the high seas is a worrying potentiality, China Navy multirole instruction manual for success. or to deny control to an adversary, then yet as long as Mahan’s original thesis missile destroyer For this reason, many maritime Corbett’s guidance is as relevant now as regarding the links between the sea, Guangzhou and the Pakistan Navy strategic ideas and naval historical it was in 1914 or 1940. trade and economic development frigate PNS Badr experience will always be relevant to Indeed, noting the growing holds true, it is a legitimate concern. us, as they provide us with a means to importance of the ‘trading system’ Likewise, those states (like Australia) evaluate the potential consequences of as it has become, and the increasing which believe that United States our actions, and to identify threats and scarcity of resources, international hegemony allows them free and opportunities. Maritime operational trade itself is now a legitimate target guaranteed access to the sea should concepts are also likely to remain for those who oppose the current state carefully consider their reasoning. relevant to some degree, so long as of international affairs2. This growing The deep and inherent links between ships retain their unique capabilities. the sea, economies and society is an 2 For example, the French tanker This paper will demonstrate the Limburg was attacked by terrorists on 6 enduring principle, but it has both October 2002, see: British Broadcasting advantages and disadvantages. Corporation, ‘Yemen ship attack “was 1 John Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of terrorism”’, BBC News World Edition, 13 The long-term, enabling abilities Great Power Politics, Norton (New York: October 2002.
seen to what degree states will realise specific strategic developments in Lieutenant Sam that sea control remains the vital the past have generally failed. Who, Fairall-Lee joined the enabling factor for power projection, in 1800, in the midst of the French RAN in January 2000, Beijing certainly seems to have taken Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, graduating from ADFA this onboard and as such are pursuing would have predicted that century in 2003 with a BA a balanced maritime force for the first would be one of the most peaceful time since the Long March. in European history? Likewise who, majoring in history Sea Denial, traditionally the strategy in 1900 when there was no great and politics. In 2005 of the weaker power, will also remain as power war in Europe, would have he received his Bridge a method for the inferior to challenge predicted that century would feature Warfare Certificate in the powerful, as Iraq attempted (with two world wars and the advent of HMAS Newcastle, and some success) in both 1991 and 2003. nuclear weapons?7 In Australia, not Indeed, the coming decade will likely a single Defence White Paper – most following a brief period at the Defence Signals Directorate, see terrorist organisations become designed with twenty year timeframes recently commenced Principle Warfare Officer training. further involved in the Sea Denial in mind – has lasted more than seven Lieutenant Fairall-Lee has interests in naval history and sphere as a way of attacking not just years. This century has already seen maritime strategy, especially concerning RAN capability individual states, but the ‘Western’ two! When looking ahead strategists procurement decisions of the 1980s. trading system itself. We have seen should not attempt to gamble on an
this already both against warships outcome, but seek to identify strategic and merchant vessels, and it is not trends, risks and opportunities. The (The editor’s intention was to publish the winner of the inconceivable that such organisations strategic trends which Mahan first Commodore Alan “Rocker” Robertson essay competition’s may even strive for some degree identified a hundred years ago remain essay in this issue, but as chance would have it the winner – of littoral sea control, especially in largely relevant, if not his operational Sam Fairall-Lee – had already submitted his essay on Mahan regions featuring weak governments. methods. Corbett’s ideas regarding and Corbett for publication in the December 2009 issue. So Australia’s region, especially near the nature of sea control and his we are printing this essay, which he had also submitted to the Borneo and the Philippines, may application of Clausewitzian principles competition. Congratulations!) see terrorist, criminal and politically to the maritime environment also motivated groups striving for local and remain relevant. Operationally, despite temporary control in order to expand the great developments in air power their networks and manage their over the past century, warships still logistics. Columbian criminal groups retain unique capabilities which allow have taken to utilising submarines5 and governments to pursue options other BIBLIOGRAPHY Australian Broadcasting Corporation, ‘US thwarts “cocaine Hezbollah has successfully employed than all out war. It is this flexibility submarine” off Colombia’,ABC News, 17 May 2009.
Runner up essay in the Commodore 3,000 personnel in Harry Adams Essay Competition a period when the overall level of naval Don’t get the wrong impression; capability remained recruitment is a problem for the RAN. relatively static7 is It has been an issue since the time certainly not ideal. of Royal Navy press gangs and will And although a small continue to be, despite initiatives such portion of this decline as the Sea Patrol television series and may be attributed to the New Generation Navy Strategy. the civilianisation of However, in terms of the 2009 White several areas of the Navy Paper Defending Australia in the during this time, these Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030, numbers do appear to Australia’s birth-rate currently sits at The LHDs will be the recruitment is not the problem; our be indicative of a long-term negative 1.6 babies per woman. This rate is well biggest ships ever future capabilities are. trend. Moreover, there is evidence below the 2.1 babies per woman which operated by the RAN (defenseindustrydaily) If the future naval capabilities that this long-term trend will continue the United Nations believes is required outlined Force 2030 are delivered, as a result of the increasing impact to maintain a population.10 As a result, the RAN will become the custodian of several obstacles to any future over the next 50 years, Australia’s of the naval equivalent of an S-Class recruitment initiative. population will first plateau at around Mercedes Benz: ‘a more potent and The first area of concern is the 30 million people and then begin heavier maritime force’1 complete natural decline in the portion of decreasing as the number of deaths with ‘the most advanced weapons’2 Australia’s population who are outweighs the combined influence of and ‘capabilities...to take maximum eligible for recruitment. The ageing births and migration. Interestingly, advantage of technology’.3 Yet while of Australia’s population has been this indicates that the recent ADF personnel make up the engine required well documented in the media and, initiatives designed to increase to move this ‘S-Class Navy’, Force according to the Australian Bureau recruitment of Australian women 2030 seems determined to purchase of Statistics; the median age of the may in fact backfire. If more women the car and then hope the engine population will have increased by become entrenched in time-consuming will turn up on time. By questioning almost four years by 2026.8 While the occupations in the RAN, the birth- this long-held assumption that increasing age of Australia’s workforce rate may fall further and negate the recruitment can always be increased is an issue which will affect all areas benefit of the recruitment increase. to ‘support and sustain the current of industry, the RAN must also And even without the influence of and…new capabilities’,4 I argue that contend with natural limitations on its increasing recruitment of women, the the recruitment problem can never be recruitment. persistence of an inadequate birthrate adequately resolved and should instead Firstly, personnel must be fit will compound the problem of an be considered a limiting factor on the enough to cope with the physical ageing population. This means that development of a future maritime requirements of Navy life. Secondly, the number of people who fulfil the force. although overseas migration will requirements for Navy recruitment will Although the global economic crisis continue to supplement Australia’s continue to decline. and resulting rise in unemployment population,9 migrant workers are a It is not within the power of has increased interest in the Navy as limited, if not untenable, resource for the RAN, or the wider ADF, to a job option,5 the long term ability the RAN. Serving in the RAN requires eliminate the limitations of Australia’s of the RAN to increase recruitment a commitment to both the Navy values demographic. Therefore, these numbers is questionable. The number and the Australian people which places obstacles to future recruitment of permanent personnel in the RAN strict limitations on the use of foreign increases must be taken into has declined from 16,059 in 1985 nationals. consideration when developing naval to 13,230 in 2008.6 A loss of almost In addition to the ageing population, capability. The RAN is generally Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 23
considered to be a medium power navy, to be, a carrier capable navy. It may formidable navy will be outweighed by which means that our navy should have be a nominal capability rather than the reality of an overstretched navy. ‘enough means of power to initiate a realistic one but it certainly has The final consideration for the and sustain coercive actions whose serious implications for the image of development of a more suitable outcome will be the preservation the RAN as a middle power. Similarly, force structure for Australia’s limited of its vital interest’.11 However, it is the development of a multi-purpose population is the United State of important to note that countries such corvette type vessel to replace the America’s domination of the world’s as France, India, Japan and Britain Armidale Class Patrol Boats, the Huon oceans. Since World War II, the US also fall within this definition of a Class Mine Hunters and hydrographic has not only maintained ‘the world’s medium power.12 Each of these nations vessels16 will dictate a substantial image largest navy’,18 it has used its unique hold a population at least three times alteration for the RAN. The larger geographical position and economic the size of Australia13 and therefore and more capable the vessels which power to develop an overwhelming possess a much larger capability to conduct border security and resource control of sea lanes. Essentially, no provide the required workforce for a protection roles, the more formidable conflict can occur today, without the medium power navy. However, the the Navy will appear. influence and acceptance of the US. contrast in size between Australia Unfortunately, the creation of a The Falklands War in 1982 was only and other key medium power nations naval force with a significantly more possible because the US decided not does not necessarily indicate that we formidable appearance may simply to obstruct it and, in another example, cannot be considered on the same reinforce the current ‘structural the French, British and Israeli invasion level. Australia’s ability to protect vital hollowness’17 of the RAN. If of Egypt was abandoned because the interests as well as a desire to achieve recruitment targets are not achieved, US did not approve. For Australia and a higher level of autonomy are key the current naval personnel will be the RAN, this means that despite the indications of its position as a medium put under considerable strain to development of advanced capabilities, power navy.14 The concern is, with a fulfil expanding roles. Placing more any higher level of autonomy remains People are of utmost small population in decline, the RAN responsibility on an already overloaded fundamentally unattainable. importance - flight must clarify the level of autonomy it capability will also have drastic impact By focussing on the capability deck personnel ready a San Diego Coast can provide without overstretching its on the ability of the RAN to retain advancements and expansion for Guard HH-60 for workforce. people. By developing a force structure the RAN, Force 2030 may provide a launch on the flight The second issue for capability without an adequate workforce to man sophisticated and superior vehicle for deck of the aircraft development is the importance placed these new capabilities, the Navy will fail the application of sea power. However, carrier USS Abraham on image during the selection of to capitalise on its force expansion. The by assuming that the importance Lincoln - photo US capabilities. The aircraft carrier debate benefits ofForce 2030’s vision of a more of personnel lies in the support Navy was apparently resolved following the rejection of the Navy’s application to purchase HMS Invincible.15 However, the selection of the LHD design with a ski jump may indicate that the RAN still holds dreams of being, or at least appearing Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 24 Force 2030: Recruitment is Not the Problem
Department of Defence, Defending Resources: a Compendium of Data, Pergamon Press Australia, and sustainment of capabilities, Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Sydney, 1986, p. 108 and Department of Defence, Key Questions for st the 2000 White Paper dictates the Force 2030, presented to Parliament by J Defence in the 21 Century: a Defence Policy Discussion Paper, paper Fitzgibbon, Minister for Defence, Canberra, presented by J Fitzgibbon, Minister for Defence, Canberra, April construction of a naval force structure May 2009. 2008, p. 42. which Australia may be incapable of Department of Defence, Key Questions 7 Based on data from Agnew, et al., Australia’s Defence for Defence in the 21st Century: a Defence Resources: a Compendium of Data, p. 116 and Department of sustaining. The emphasis on personnel Policy Discussion Paper, paper presented Defence, Key Questions for Defence in the 21st Century: a Defence should be at its peak during the by J Fitzgibbon, Minister for Defence, Policy Discussion Paper, p.42. Canberra, April 2008. 8 Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Population Projections, development of naval force structure, Department of Defence, Review of Australia, 2006 to 2101’, Australian Bureau of Statistic, 4 September not once the nature of the force has Australia’s Defence Capabilities, report 2008, viewed 01 July 2009, http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@. prepared by P Dibb, Department of Defence, nsf/mf/3222.0. been decided. Simply put, without an Canberra, March 1986. 9 Ibid. engine to match the S-Class design, Friedman, G., The Next 100 Years, 10 Friedman, G., The Next 100 Years, Doubleday Publishing Doubleday Publishing Group, New York, Group, New York, 2009, p. 54. Australia’s Force 2030 Navy is going 2009. 11 Hill, J. R., Maritime Strategy for Medium Powers, Croom nowhere fast. Hill, J. R., Maritime Strategy for Medium Helm Ltd., Kent, 1986, p. 21. Powers, Croom Helm Ltd., Kent, 1986. 12 Hill, Maritime Strategy for Medium Powers, pp. 22-24. 13 CIA World Factbook, ‘Country Comparison: Population’, CIA World Factbook, July 2009, viewed 1 July 2009, https://www.cia.gov/ (Endnotes) library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html 1 Department of Defence, Defending 14 Hill, Maritime Strategy for Medium Powers, pp. 20-21. Bibliography Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: 15 Cumpston, I., Australia’s Defence Policy 1901-2000, Union Agnew, R., Ball, D., Langtry, J., Force 2030, presented to Parliament by J Offset Co. Pty Ltd, Canberra, 2001, p. 230. McNamara, E., Ward, R., Australia’s Fitzgibbon, Minister for Defence, Canberra, 16 Department of Defence, Defending Australia in the Asia Defence Resources: a Compendium of Data, May 2009, p. 13. Pacific Century: Force 2030, pp.72-73. Pergamon Press Australia, Sydney, 1986. 2 Ibid., p. 71. 17 Ibid., 114. Cheeseman, G., ‘The Howard 3 Ibid., p. 54. 18 Friedman, The Next 100 Years, p. 44. Government’s Defence White Paper: Policy, 4 Ibid., p. 113. Process and Politics’, The Drawing Board: An 5 News article ‘New Recruits Flock to Australian Review of Public Affairs, Vol. 2, ADF’, ABC News, 6 January 2009, viewed No. 1, July 2001. 1 July 2009, http://www.abc.net.au/news/ Cumpston, I., Australia’s Defence Policy stories/2009/01/06/2459824.htm. 1901-2000, Union Offset Co. Pty Ltd, 6 Agnew, R., Ball, D., Langtry, J., Canberra, 2001. McNamara, E., Ward, R., Australia’s Defence
The Australian White Ensign of HMAS SUCCESS against the Sunset in Qingdau, China
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 25 “Will and Vision” - some would see Australia as having strategic vulnerability BL y uDWIG vON Gress
Already in 1911 Admiral Sir Reginald horrifying. Some would call it strategic in our media, Fortress America may Henderson said - “being girth by sea vulnerability. prove to be as useful for the defence and having no inland frontiers to of Australia as Fortress Singapore of protect, Australia is compelled to regard Alone unblessed memory. Firstly, US and Australian interests do not coincide. the sea itself as her first and last line of If we assume that the hitherto What does Australia have that USA defence”. successful Australian defence policy couldn’t be without or get somewhere Even today anybody interested in “she’ll be right, mate” will save us else? Pine Gap? Tindal Air base? the defence of Australia ought to look again in a future conflict, there is no Secondly, in the case of larger conflict at least at the map, but preferably at the need to do anything more than what the United States would have other globe with a pair of dividers. Adjusting Australia is doing now. A gaggle of worries, primarily their own defence, the same, at the extremely conservative planes, a clutch of tanks and a pod of then Middle East oil, then Europe, speed of 20 knots per hour; ie: about ships, just enough to send a handful then ... who knows. Australia might 800 nautical miles per day and guessing of military personnel here or there as come to be considered in the context the original points of departure of our our current allies may from time to of denial of our resources to the enemy, potential enemies, one gets somewhat time for propaganda purposes ask. but the time-honoured tactic of burnt depressed. It is perhaps unnecessary An occasional humanitarian mission land may not be exactly our preferred Will the Alliance to remind readers that fleet oilers and reminds the media that we have option. Even this assumes a friendly, be enough? USS other supply ships can be prepositioned some non-civilian structure and we long term vision, democracy defending Nimitz’s Maritza without anybody taking much notice. have young people (hopefully not all) US administration. Should it turn Chavez explains operations to ABET I would not recommend doing the joining the Navy believing the greatest isolationist, appeasenik or otherwise Sam Whitfield from divider exercise for the Sukhoi Su-30 danger they would be facing would be morally bankrupt, we would be truly HMAS Toowoomba fighter-bombers recently acquired by delivering cornflakes to flood victims. alone. during an exchange Indonesia, because that is particularly No worries, America will provide. In that context it could be useful to programme. (USN depressing. Not just depressing, but She may not. After decades of abuse remember that following an ordinary, photo)
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 26 “Will and Vision” - some would see Australia as having strategic vulnerability democratic election Australia within after the Second Coming, but let’s look and allow Chinese Army geologists to two weeks of the Whitlam / Barnard at more realistic scenarios. prospect for anything else useful we duocracy approved annexation of Dictatorships can rearm may have overlooked underground, the Baltic republics by the USSR, and militarise much faster than why would China bother? Well, recognised the murderous regimes of democracies. Regimes change, perhaps for ideological reasons. communist China and of aggressive, sometimes overnight and can became Indonesia is, to put it mildly, not expansionist North Vietnam. expansive and aggressive very quickly. very stable politically and is busily A self-absorbed, politically correct Just a few examples - Napoleon’s rearming and modernising its armed United States would be obviously bad, France in 1793, Lenin’s Russia in 1920, forces. To be fair, an Indonesian but not necessarily the worst scenario, Hitler’s Germany in 1938 and Sukarno’s watching our foreign politicking could and I would like to say emphatically Indonesia in 1963. Friends can become be forgiven for not trusting us. There that it is my fervent wish it will remain enemies. Japanese sailors were happily does not necessarily need to be a great only hypothetical. protecting our troop ships on the way divergence in ideology or religion, However, with the US out of the to the Middle East and Europe during though the fact that Indonesia is a very equation, its satellites also would be WWI yet a few years later equally large Muslim state and Australia not out of the equation. As it is, we rely happily were sinking them, including yet lingers in the mind. on the goodwill of America to pass those marked with a red cross. The future Soviet Re-Union will be on to us whatever information they During the Cold War we often busily expanding its “near and not so may think we could need. We also heard from appeaseniks that the near abroad” for some time yet. Still, depend on the goodwill of China and peaceful people of the Soviet Union, the opportunity to pre-empt Chinese Russia in not shooting the satellites who lost so many during WWII, do not expansion into an America-less down. Otherwise, as far as I am aware, wish war. That was not of much help vacuum may prove to her too tempting a couple of 40 year old F-111 patrols to Hungarians or Afghanis. Germany, to dismiss her as a potential enemy. either over 8,148,250 km2 of our with its total military WWI casualties Exclusive Economic Zone or, more (including POW) approaching seven Solution likely just the Gulf of Carpentaria in million, ought to have remained I do not believe that a proper reaction order to save fuel for afterburner fly peaceful forever. True, in June 1945 to the forthcoming unpleasant passes on Australia Day. I realise that hardly any German believed that geopolitical situation is to learn the RAAF is doing the best it can with attacking Poland was such a good Mandarin and sew (sorry, buy Chinese- the resources available in a situation idea. Simply, peace loving Indonesians made) white flags. I believe that when no serious military danger exists or Chinese would have very little say Australia, even with its faults, is worth at least in a foreseeable year or so. should their rulers decide that Australia preserving and thus fighting for. It may well be that our naval and is a feasible target. Australia’s hitherto successful “she’ll other intelligence monitors every junk Great hypocrite Mao, who be right” defence policy just will not between Hobart and Vladivostok and murdered 80 million of his brethren, do. At the present time, Australia has nothing flying, submerged or floating still has his overblown picture neither an option of the Swiss defence can surprise us. Somehow I do not reverently hanging at Tienanmen policy – “leave us alone or you will think so, and if there is anything to Square and, in the way reminiscent of never see your money again”, nor learn from history, it is that politicians the democracies dismissing a clear war of Israel defence policy – “leave us do not wish to believe bad news. Even blueprint in Mein Kampf, unmistakable alone or you will never see anything the best intelligence would be ignored, and openly stated belligerent intentions ever again”. Australia has no banks of further reducing our response time. of the Chinese politburo are ignored. In consequence and no nuclear weapons. whichever way left-wing commentators Credible defence obviously requires Enemy may turn it, China is a potential enemy close integration and cooperation of Enemies? What enemies? Great of Australia. Not the Chinese people, all three parts of well equipped and Southern Quarry Inc, formerly known but the faceless, spineless apparatchiks trained armed forces. The army ought as Australia would not have any of the current governing clique. Of to be cable of a rapid and decisive enemies and the brave Australian lamb course, as long as we sell uranium ore, response, i.e. be able to get to any part will lie happily ever after next to the iron ore, bauxite, coal and natural gas of Australia before the enemy does and docile Chinese lion. That might be true at the prices China considers benign, in numbers likely to make a difference, Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 27
for whatever our enemies might lack, it is unlikely they would lack manpower. The Royal Australian Air Force ought to have dispersed and defensible airbases, enough pilots and planes outclassing those of the enemy and the Royal Australian Navy ought to... Let’s stop dreaming. For various and complex reasons, mostly relating to the size and mentality of our population, Australia’s ability to create and maintain a serious defence capability is limited. I believe a new approach is needed. That a fight on somebody else’s territory is much preferable is known at least from the Carthaginian Wars and at least from that time it is known how essential sea power is. Napoleon, Hitler and the USSR never learned. our main trading partner, it would be to it builds atomic weapons at an Sailors aboard the Even better is not to have to fight at all. their benefit. unprecedented rate. Yet Australia is Ohio-class guided That state of affairs is achieved not by For some people anything nuclear, expected to cross its fingers. missile submarine th USS Florida “bring weakness, but by strength, sufficient or for that matter anything above 4 I realise that submarines require her to life” during to make the opponent think thrice. grade science, is frightening. They high technology communications, a return to service Wars start when one side is convinced would not allow H2O past their lips, which Australia is unlikely to possess ceremony. Florida is it would win. Optimism, feelings of they trust only organic, free range and in the “alone” scenario, unlikely the second US sub to invulnerability, of assured victory, not water. However, even ex-PM Keating, to have access to. Nevertheless, the undergo conversion the arms race, leads to aggression. never noted for any sensible thinking, lack of proper communication might to the new SSGN designation. The We can not compete militarily with said in his brighter moment recently make our nuclear response more nuclear powered China, and not even with Indonesia. (24 August 08) that there is no unpredictable, thus greater deterrent. A submarine has the Australia has to acquire a credible reason for non-nuclear states not to little bit of irrationality works wonders capability to launch deterrent force, such as is represented acquire nuclear capability, as long as with bullies. up to 154 Tomahawk by nothing else but nuclear-powered those already possessing it show no Annoying a nuclear tipped echidna cruise missiles, conduct sustained and nuclear-armed submarines. There inclination to disarm themselves. would not be worth the hassle. Special Forces is no need for ballistic missiles - cruise If the biggest bullies on the block, operations and carry missiles such as Tomahawk Block IV armed to the teeth, were to get People other payloads, would do. I believe it is unnecessary to together and say nobody else ought to If the news that some of our six such as unmanned discuss the disadvantages of land based have means of self-defence, because conventional Collins class submarines, underwater vehicles or aircraft-carried nuclear weapons; it could be dangerous, any sensible needing about 40 submariners each, (UUVs), unmanned aerial vehicles the superiority of submarines in that person would laugh. Yet when such a have to be partially manned by US (UAVs) and Special regard is obvious. Admittedly, the lease pact is called The Treaty on the Non- Navy personnel are true, then there Forces equipment. of two or three second hand nuclear proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, is something seriously and drastically (US Navy photo submarines by the USA to us would some believe it has got something to do wrong with our approach to defence. by Photographer’s be a rather tough test of the friendship with peace. China, with a 1,330,044,605 (A nuclear submarine would need Mate 3rd class Clarck Desire) and stretching of the trust somewhat, people (Oct 2009), multi-million approximately triple that number.) The but the United Kingdom, as far as I am men standing army, lifestyle only a defence of Australia is too important to aware, has none to spare. After all, if Bangladeshi would envy and, at least leave to the experts and politicians who the United States could be assured they according to their propaganda, with believe the greatest danger to Australia would not be used against them and an overabundant supply of everything would be their non-election. that the blueprints would not be sold to under the sun, is so scared of attack The Royal Australian Navy seems Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 28 “Will and Vision” - some would see Australia as having strategic vulnerability to suffer the most. Though TV series the undoubted benefits of living in but they usually last much longer than certainly help and the occasional Australia, could object to young men anticipated. The Royal Australian Navy, media excitement as e.g. when HMAS and women devoting one year of their even if it were to get all the promised Sydney (II) was found, does no harm, lives (slightly over 1%) to preparation surface vessels on schedule, would not the public generally is hardly aware of of the defence of the lifestyle, so far be able to protect our sea lanes without the Navy’s existence and the average secured for them by their fathers and being backed by an underwater young man can’t see beyond the tip grandfathers. Naturally, those who threat of disproportionate retaliation. of his surfboard. In order to create would like to improve our lifestyle to The costs of leasing, manning and an Australian maritime mentality it reach the level of communist China or maintaining a nuclear deterrent would would help if the Government stopped democratic Zimbabwe, would object. represent a fraction of lost trade. treating sailing and boating generally The Defence department bureaucrats XXI century Australia, with its as a luxurious pastime to be taxed. may be frightened of additional work vast mineral resources, seems to be It would help, if the government and so may a few defence forces emulating XVII century Spain with actively and generously supported officers, who definitely would have to its South American gold – wealth in, Navy cadets. It would help, if the work harder. Media would be against, wealth out, not much to show for it. For government actively and generously unless convinced that this is in order to the opposite, positive example we can supported an Australian merchant defend ourselves against USA. But the look at Singapore. India, with US$2,700 navy, now practically nonexistent, by, Australian people would be in favour. Gross Domestic Product per capita for example, tax relief for Australian is currently building its own nuclear companies owning Australian-manned Cost submarine. Our GDP per capita is commercial ships. It ought to ignore Would China finance Australia’s US$36,300 (2007 CIA estimates). the so called level playing field myth, rearmament? Hardly. We would have India’s GDP of course dwarfs ours, to which everybody but Australia pays to pay ourselves. The costs would be $2,989 trillion opposed to $761 billion, just a lip service. After all, I think it had painful, but the costs of fighting the but still – we would not need other been proven quite conclusively some chimera of global warming would defence equipment in such large time ago that the earth is not level, but be far greater, not to mention that it quantities. We have much to lose. round. would enfeeble Australia, perhaps Of course, it would also help if the irretrievably. Will government diametrically changed Despite the annual “no foreseeable USN Rear Admiral J.C. Wyllie once its treatment of veterans. The current danger” defence budget dance, when said, “The ultimate objective of all practice simply is to wait until all it, i.e. that not foreseen danger hits the military operations is the destruction but a handful dies, and the survivors fan, money are either found or printed. of the enemy’s armed forces and his then provide photo opportunities for In the past, Australians were dying for will to fight”. Cynics could say that our politicians on Anzac Day. However, in lack of training and proper equipment politicians are doing the first and our the meantime the might of the Defence and I am afraid it would be the same media the second. Department is employed to drag the today. Long term considerations, veterans through every conceivable In the very short term sea transport such as the strategy of our defence administrative obstacle, perhaps in would not be absolutely essential undoubtedly is, are mostly beyond order to save money for feel good (we could tighten our belts for a few the attention span of our elected recruiting advertisements. In fact, I months) but whilst we could import representatives. Pleasing the media and would be surprised if anybody would i-pods and similar necessities by air, we pleasing, or at least bamboozling, the want to join the Navy after reading of could hardly continue exporting our electorate is of paramount importance. the Veterans’ Struggle for Recognition iron ore, wheat or coal. Almost 100% Allocating money for defence produces in chapter 7 of Mr. Pfennigwerth’s of our exports (by volume) goes by few votes. Even those with an interest book. Our treatment of defence sea and only a minuscule proportion in defence matters realise that the personnel is shamefull. of that under the Australian flag. A election probably will come before any The only alternative to the shameful situation indeed, of which military conflict and their self interest manpower scarcity is obviously our various Transport Ministers seem takes precedence. For every Churchill conscription. It is difficult to to be totally oblivious. The length of is there is a full legislative chamber of comprehend why anybody, enjoying any conflict is always a great unknown, Chamberlains. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 29
HMAS Toowoomba’s boarding party climbs into the Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) during workups With the exception of our sporting achievements, our media take malicious delight in denigrating anything they don’t understand. With a few honourable exceptions, our journalists, whose IQ is insufficient to comprehend the difference between carbon and carbon dioxide, can’t be expected to know the difference between a submarine and a submachine gun. Unfortunately, there is tremendous gap between Ludwig von Gress was born in the will of the people and the wishful communist Europe, became an thinking of elites or rather a group industrial chemist, and later, in of semi educated simpletons, calling Australia, a lawyer. He is interested themselves elites, simply because they in defence matters on a macro scale, are able to manipulate the media. Nevertheless, I believe that in a with a cavalry “devil may care spirit” democratic society sooner or later the inherited from his grandfather and will of the people will prevail. It would cautious cost effectiveness approach need significant effort on the part of all, from his guerilla father. He sometimes who remember history and are able to despairs that he may be the only see consequences of the current sorry state of the Australian Defence Forces. I one taking the defence of Australia do not think there is much time left. seriously. I am painfully aware that in stating the sequence: no will – no maritime defence – no defence – no survival, I References am saying nothing new. All that had Geoffrey Blainey –The Causes of War, been said and written before. It is Sun Books Pty Ltd 1977 David Stevens – Maritime Power in the obvious to all from pram tacticians 20th Century The Australian Experience, (even a baby knows that a loud Allen & Unwin 1998 Peng Guangqian – China‘s National scream produces milk) to wheelchair Defence, China Intercontinental Press 2004 strategists, including, I venture to say, Ian Pfennigwerth – Tiger Territory – The Untold Story of RAN in SE Asia, Rosenberg even to the defence bureaucrats in Publishing Pty Ltd 2008 front of their computers. If only it was CDRE Lee Corder AM – „Australia A Maritime Nation?“, The Navy, July- obvious to our politicians. September 2008 Greg Sheridan – „Anzac spirit but not battle ready“. The Australian, 14.08.08
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 30 Cochrane’s Dog, Individual Courage And Service Loyalty byG rEGORY P Gilbert
The French admiral was an imbecile, but yours was just as bad. I assure you that, if Cochrane had been supported, he would have taken every one of the ships. Napoleon Bonaparte1
he Battle of Basque Roads was a major naval engagement that Ttook place 11-12 April 1809 when a British fleet under the commander in chief, Admiral Lord Gambier, launched a fire-ship attack against the French squadron in its fortified anchorage near the Isle d’Aix just south of the French naval base at La Rochelle. The attack was led by a young Royal Navy (RN) captain – Thomas, Lord Cochrane (later the 10th Earl At the time there were two become one of the most brilliant deeds of Dundonald) - who, although factions within the British fleet, one in the naval history of England. lacking seniority, had influence conservative and the other radical, and On the night of 11 April 1809 at the Admiralty.2 Lord Cochrane support for Gambier’s or Cochrane’s Cochrane, accompanied by a handful was an impetuous officer who opinions tended to split along factional of volunteers, led the first of three characteristically exuded reckless lines. This ultimately led to one of explosion vessels against the French. courage, professional mastery, and the the nastiest disagreements within the Becoming unexpectedly stuck on capacity to think outside the box. Not RN and ultimately contributed to the the French boom protecting the Aix only did he prepare detailed plans for end of Cochrane’s illustrious career in Roads anchorage, he decided to light the attack, he developed a new form of British service. the fuse anyway and the crew escaped explosive vessel (a fire-ship packed with Lord Cochrane was a politician in a small boat. According to London about 1500 barrels of gunpowder) to as well as a naval officer.5 He entered Newspapers as they pulled away he destroy French ships. the House of Commons in 1806 with heard a dog barking on the explosion Many, including Lord Gambier, a reform agenda and the desire to vessel; their ship’s mascot had been left believed that Cochrane’s mission expose the naval abuses which were behind. Cochrane promptly ordered was ‘a horrible form of warfare, then rife. In 1807 he received orders to their boat to return and he rescued the and the attempt very hazardous, if join the fleet as captain of the 38 gun dog in the nick of time. Ironically this not desperate.’3 Indeed, during the frigate Imperiéuse; some politicians act of animal kindness inadvertently Napoleonic War, the fire-ship crews thought it was wiser to give him work saved Cochrane’s life. If he hadn’t gone had to be all volunteers for ‘no one was abroad than to suffer his interference back for the lucky mascot, their boat compelled to go, as the enemy by the at home. He was an active commander would have been directly under the laws of war can put anyone to death who was subsequently reproached path of the explosion vessel’s debris who is taken belonging to a fire-ship’.4 for spending more on sails, stores, most of which blew over the crew’s Gambier also advised the Admiralty gunpowder, and shot than any other heads and plummeted into the sea that in his opinion his heavier ships captain in the service. But it was the ahead of them. could not be effectively employed Battle of Basque Roads that was to The French reports stated that the against the enemy and he doubted turn Lord Cochrane into a national explosion vessels did little harm but that Cochrane’s new ‘explosion vessels’ hero. He was responsible for preparing they were followed by a squadron would have any practical effect. and executing the action that was to of fire-ships led by Commander Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 31
Wooldridge, RN. Although many in distress, and requires to be assisted to prevent the fleet from destroying men were killed and many more immediately.’ Assistance in the form the French when they had the chance. suffered from burns, five or six fire- of two British ships of the line and five In his own words, ‘The only victory ships penetrated the roadstead and frigates did not arrive until around 3:40 gained by Lord Gambier in Basque disrupted the French defences. Indeed pm that afternoon, but these ships soon Roads was that of bringing his ships to Lord Gambier’s despatch describing opened a heavy fire on the French. anchor there, whilst the enemy’s ships the battle credited Wooldridge’s vessel Much damage was done to the French were quietly heaving off from the banks the Mediator with breaking the boom. fleet although it was not destroyed. on which they had been driven nine Unable to see clearly in the smoke, the Cochrane tried to continue the action miles distant from the fleet.’ panicked and inexperienced French on the morning of the 13 April but When it was decided to honour gunners fired into their own ships. was repeatedly recalled by Lord Lord Gambier with a Parliamentary Some ships cut their anchor cables to Gambier who wished to end the attack. vote of thanks, Lord Cochrane, as escape the fire-ships, and without sails, Cochrane’s son provides a somewhat member for Westminster, decided to the ships piled up on the nearby shoals. biased version of events. oppose the motion. It was certainly Early on the morning of the 12 Lord Cochrane had already normal practice that the commander April 1809, Cochrane believed that the overstepped the strict duty of a in chief of the British fleet be credited time for decisive action by Gambier’s subordinate, though acting only as with a naval victory gained under main British fleet was at hand. became an English sailor. The fire- his command, while his subordinate Throughout the morning he hoisted ships with which he had been ordered officers and sailors understood a series of signals to the Admiral to ruin the enemy’s fleet had partly that the commander in chief’s recommending immediate action but failed through the error of others. He acknowledgement was also intended to Gambier ‘deemed it unwise to run any did force on some fighting, which was recognise their individual efforts and unnecessary risk, seeing that, in his altogether disastrous to the enemy, increase the honour of the service as a view, the object sought had already and rich in tokens of his unflinching whole. The heroic figure of been practically attained.’6 Cochrane heroism; but it was in violation of Normally the complaints of a Captain Lord Thomas himself describes the subsequent repeated orders, dubiously worded, subordinate RN captain would have Cochrane, RN from events. from Lord Gambier, and, when at last been handled within the service, a portrait of 1809 (RAN) I did not venture to make sail lest an order was issued in terms too the movement might be seen from distinct to allow of any further the flag-ship, and a signal of recall evasion, he had no alternative but should defeat my purpose of making to abandon the enterprise. He was an attack with the Impérieuse; at once sent back to England, to my object being to compel the be rewarded with much popular Commander in Chief to send vessels favour, and with a knighthood of to our assistance.’ … ‘It was then a the Order of the Bath, conferred question with me whether I should by George III., but to become the disappoint the expectations of my victim of an official persecution, country, be set down as a charlatan which, embittering his whole life, by the Admiralty, whose hopes had lasted almost to its close.8’ been raised by my plan, and have Upon returning to London, my future prospects destroyed, or Cochrane proposed to express his force on an action which some had displeasure with the Admiralty induced an easy Commander in as well as in Parliament. He was Chief to believe impracticable.7 certainly upset by the Admiralty’s The Battle of Basque Road, off La decision to attribute all the merit Rochelle (Naval Chronicle No. 21, 1809) of their success during the Battle of Basque Roads to Gambier, who At 1:45 pm the Impérieuse, being hotly Cochrane believed had not only not engaged with three grounded French participated in the battle directly ships of the line, signalled ‘The ship is but rather had gone out of his way Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 32 Cochrane’s Dog, Individual Courage And Service Loyalty
but Lord Cochrane, as a member of consequences – working with a senior, (Endnotes) parliament, had an alternative avenue more experienced, commander whose 1. Napoleon’s comments on the Battle of Basque Roads are from B.E. O’Meara, for raising his grievances. Two versions responsibilities stretch far beyond Napoleon in Exile, Vol. II, Simpkin & of the Battle of Basque Roads were those imposed by any immediate Marshall, London, 1822, p. 292. 2. For a short biography see the Royal used for political purposes to support battle –including perhaps limitations Navy web page on Admiral Lord Thomas the conservative and radical factions in personnel, training, intelligence, Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald 1775- 1860,
“Well then, there is not a moment to lose!” (Captain Jack Aubrey in ‘Master and Commander’)
Scourge at sea: Pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden The spate of piracy attacks on merchant ships plying the Gulf of Aden (GOA), a crucial trade waterway HMAS Toowoomba and a vital sea line of communication, to cover ships passing through the and intensity of attacks in this vast Boarding Party has been commanding international treacherous waters and bear the delay area have increased dramatically in conducts a thorough attention of late. Located near the in shipment of goods and disruption recent years. A combination of factors and effective world’s most prolific oil region, the in shipping schedules is significant. contribute to this - the main one being search of a pirate skiff, revealing a GOA facilitates much of the world’s The cost is magnified amid the tough the dysfunctional state of Somalia, a cache of weapons seaborne oil transport and also enables economic conditions in these times of littoral state of the GOA from which including a Rocket the transportation of a significant slumping demand for shipping services most of the pirates roaming the sealane Propelled Grenade volume of seaborne trade between East and global economic woes. hail. The breakdown in law and order Launcher, six AK47 and West. It is a matter of growing global and in enforcement in the beleaguered Assault Rifles, a G3 Given its strategic importance to concern that the attacks on merchant nation makes it difficult to monitor Assault Rifle and a large quantity world trade, it is imperative that this ships by pirates operating in the GOA and secure the vast waterway from of ammunition waterway is protected from security have not shown any signs of relenting, criminal activities. The perpetual state (Courtesy RAN) threats that may impede the smooth although efforts have been taken by the of conflict and the lack of education flow of shipping traffic passing through international community to neutralize and economic opportunities in Somalia it. Any disruption of the transportation their threat. Despite the passing of have driven youths - who are low on of goods in this busy shipping lane can a UN resolution to allow a coalition hope and high on angst - to take to the hamper the movement of goods across force of international navies to conduct seas to earn money. The disenchanted the global supply patrol and thwart piracy in the GOA, among the population are easily For this reason, the world is the buccaneers in the area appear to recruited by powerful warlords who rightfully anxious of the unrelenting be unperturbed and have carried their control certain areas in Somalia to join pirate attacks on ships traversing business as usual. Even after the daring groups of sea bandits to hijack ships for the GOA. The kidnapping of crew rescue mission to free the captain of ransom. members may endanger their lives. Maersk Alabama by the US Navy that Beside the sorry state of affairs in Attacks on ships carrying crude oil in killed three pirates and the storming Somalia, there are also several other this critical maritime route may cause of a yacht by French Commandos, the factors which contribute to creating mayhem to the global economy. The activities of pirates in the GOA have a conducive situation for piracy to cost to shipowners who have to pay not showed any signs of slowing down. foment in the GOA. Some of the ransom to release their crew and ships, While piracy in the GOA is not pirates operating in the area consider fork out higher insurance premium a new phenomenon, the frequency themselves as a sort of modern-day Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 34 Braving the battle, winning the war : Fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden
Merchant Ship Dubai Robin Hood in justifying their heinous defenders of the homeland who dare from backers with vested Princess applying act of extorting shipowners for money to stand up to foreign vessels violating interest who are based in anti-piracy measures to release the kidnapped crew. These the waters. The legitimacy given to the other countries. A worrying (Courtesy ADF) bandits are known to disburse their pirates by locals, who do not quite view possibility is that the pirates ill-gotten gains to their kin and them as the bad guys, adds another are doing the bidding for terror people from their villages to buy food layer of complication to the discourse groups who ‘commission’ the and supplies in a country where the on the subject. pirates to carry out attacks economy and trade infrastructures and raise money from ransom are in shambles. Some pirates also The modus operandi of GOA payment to support terror see themselves as vigilantes whose pirates activities. attack on merchant ships plying the Operating with impunity, pirates in • Mounting attacks from mother GOA are seen as a legitimate show of GOA have proven to be a daring and vessels acting as ‘floating anger towards the irresponsible acts highly organized lot. The way they headquarters’. Having such of foreign ships which dump toxic conduct their operations and the bases makes their operations in wastes and carry out illegal fishing in tactical nous demonstrated suggest the high seas and the ambitious the waters. There are even bandits who that they are not just swashbuckling scale of their sorties possible. legitimize their dastardly acts of taking opportunists who carry out sporadic Often, these vessels are fishing ransom from shipowners as a form of attacks. trawlers, although in a few charging ‘toll’ on ships sailing from the Media images of Kalashnikov- cases, other types of vessels Mediterranean which pay fees to pass bearing pirates in skiffs, looking and of bigger size, believed to through Suez Canal but sail through ragged an undernourished, belie their be painted over and retrofitted the GOA without paying anything to capabilities to take on large ships. for decoy, have been used. the littoral states, hence bringing no These are among features commonly • Use of sophisticated weapons economic benefits to the littoral states. observed in piratical attacks in the such as rocket propelled Not surprisingly, these pirates are GOA and their perpetrators which grenades and heavy assault hailed as heroes by fellow citizens underline their structured approach weapons. The pirates are who benefit from their ill-gotten gains and brazen nature : also known to be adept at and who have become jaded with handling radio equipment the conflict that have wrought their • Backing by powerful warlords and sophisticated navigation country and the continued trespassing who supply them with funding systems such as GPS, which of foreign ships in the GOA. To and weapons to launch explains their knack of the pirates, they act as the rightful attacks. Some analysts have knowing where to attack, guardian of the waters in the absence even suggested that these evading naval patrol vessels of a legitimate Government in Somalia, pirates receive financial and making a quick escape and to the people, the pirates are brave and institutional support thereafter. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 35
• Ability to mount vessels of others. American crew members by mounting considerable height and size, Although recent actions by an attack on the American freighter and seize them. This suggests international navies to free hostages Liberty Sun without the intention of that they have been given some kidnapped by pirates have been seizing the ship or holding its crew form of highly specialized lauded, a lot more needs to be hostage. The escalation of what is training. Some quarters done to eradicate this modern-day essentially a robbery crime at sea – as have even raised the chilling menace. Confronting the pirates at evidenced by the Liberty Sun incident – possibility of the pirates sea is only one part of the equation to has added another dimension to piracy receiving special forces type neutralize the threat of piracy. The in the GOA. Pirate attacks motivated training to carry out daring attacks at sea are only the symptom by revenge pose serious threat to the raids on large vessels such as of a deeper malaise found onshore. A safety of seafarers. This is a problem the Maersk Alabama container comprehensive approach is needed to which the US cannot handle or solve vessel and the Sirius Star identify the causes on land that give on its own without getting assistance supertanker carrying crude oil. birth to this scourge and to prescribe from other navies patrolling the area. This begs the question whether the remedy to prevent piracy from It would not be possible for even the there exists collaboration taking roots. world’s most powerful navy to conduct between security personnel To be sure, it is a huge challenge to patrol on its own and establish a 24/7 and the very bad guys they are keep the peace in the vast maritime presence to protect all of its ships suppose to thwart. area like the GOA which borders a passing through the sprawling gulf. To • Retreating to their bases country like Somalia, effectively a depend on one naval force alone to onshore once they have failed state. Somalia does not have look for pirates in a vast area like the hijacked vessels. Once the a legitimate government with the GOA is akin to looking for a needle in pirates have taken the hijacked necessary resources, socio-economic a haystack. ships to bases known to be planning, legal and institutional A notable aspect of the work of piratical bases such as Eyl and infrastructure, technical capabilities the international navies patrolling Hobyo on Somalia’s Indian and state apparatus which are essential the GOA is their tendency to protect Ocean coastline, they then tools to fight a trans-boundary, ships registered under the flag of the blend in with and disappear offshore crime like piracy. Therein respective countries and to secure the into the community, making lies the biggest, most important task release of crew who are their citizens them and the hostages hard to to nip piracy in the bud : to provide a only. A worrying mentality of ‘to each trace. This gives the pirates an semblance of stability and a modicum nation its own’ seems to prevail in the advantage in negotiating for of order in Somalia to enable its GOA. This is not helpful in securing ransom, knowing that it would government and people to focus on a vast area which hosts ships from be difficult for security forces nation building. Until a semblance of various flags manned by crews from to attempt a rescue operation law, order and governance is restored many nationalities. Piracy, a trans- of the hostages whose and socio-economic development is boundary crime, affect all countries whereabouts are unclear. generated in Somalia, there is little withy stake in maritime trade, hence hope of neutralizing the threat of the problem cannot be solved by way of Ripping out the roots of piracy effectively. Nations must work nations adapting a posture of ‘rescuing piracy in GOA together and provide financial and one’s own citizens’ alone. While the efforts of international navies technical assistance to Somalia to help The situation in the GOA has to provide a presence in the GOA to the country get back on its feet. reached a critical enough level that deter pirates are lauded, they alone are The importance of collaboration demands naval forces to work hand in insufficient to eliminate the threat of among the navies present in the GOA hand and set aside the ‘going it alone’ piracy. Piracy is not just a crime but is underscored by the subsequent mentality to prevent pirates from a manifestation of a complex problem attack on a US flagged vessel after the picking and choosing victims based encompassing many aspects. The release of the Maersk Alabama captain on their nationalities. Navies present root causes of piracy can be traced to and the shootout that killed three in the dangerous waterway must act socio-economic, political, ideological pirates. In reaction to the death of the in concert to repel pirate attacks on all and geo-strategic dimensions, among comrades, pirates sought revenge on ships regardless of their flags and crews Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 36 Braving the battle, winning the war : Fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden and not just protect their own ships legal complications and violations in and nationals. the process. In the meantime, the It is also not enough to just raid navies, shipping industry and other pirates’ boats and ships to thwart their stakeholders need to increase their attacks. It would be futile for navies vigilance to ensure that the crews, ships to just confiscate their weapons and and cargos sailing through the GOA equipment only to throw them into the are protected. sea and to let the criminals off scot free, While no doubt that an unusual, as always is the case. What is needed critical circumstances like the piracy is the political will among nations to in the GOA presents a set of unusual, take detained pirates onshore and try urgent response to blunt the threat them in a court of law and prosecute posed by the pirates, we must not lose and punish them. France has made sight of the equally important need to efforts to bring arrested pirates in GOA address the issues which contribute to Paris to be tried in French courts. to the proliferation of piracy in the Nazery Khalid is Senior Fellow at The US has followed suit by taking area. On one hand, strong, resolute the Maritime Institute of Malaysia the arrested teenage pirate who held actions are needed to win the battle
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Defence Maritime Services Pty Limited Tel: 02 8001 1600 Email: [email protected] Level 6, 210 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Fax: 02 8231 0172 Web: www.dmsmaritime.com 38
HMAS Sydney & Ship’s Company 1941
hese photographs were recently forwarded by Michael Waterhouse. They show some previously unseen views of HMAS TSydney and some of her ship’s company in 1941, the year of her loss to the raider Kormoran.
Michael’s uncle Keith Waterhouse held the rank of Paymaster- Lieutenant in Sydney. He is the third from the right in the close up of the Sydney officers. He was serving in Sydney during the engagement with the Bartolomeo Colleoni and gave up his bunk for an injured Italian sailor who later died. Keith was posted off the Sydney the night before it sailed from Fremantle to take up a post assisting Captain Collins, the former commander of the light cruiser.
The official in the centre of one of the semi-formal photo is Brigadier General Alexander Hore-Ruthven, First Earl of Gowrie, VC, GCMG, CB, DSO & Bar, tenth and longest serving Governor- General of Australia.
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 39
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 40 Northern Trident 09 byC P aPTAIN eTER Leavy SHIPHANDLING CORNER
etween April and October 2009 and out of the locks are worked HMA Ships Sydney and Ballarat around the tide). Ship’s speed Bcompleted Northern Trident, a was reduced and both APUs were circumnavigation of the globe. The lowered in good time. Two tugs deployment saw the ships operate in were used – both powerful tractor a number of unusual circumstances tugs with one secured through including ice, canal, lock and river the Bull Ring forward and one navigation. This article outlines some through the centre fairlead aft. NT 09 ship handling experiences from The ship commenced a 90° turn the FFG perspective. But first some to starboard to line up with the ship specifics. lock (perpendicular to the line RAN FFGs have one right-handed of the river) early to compensate HMAS Sydney Thames Barrier (top photo and two photos below) controllable pitch propeller (CPP), for the flooding tide. The APUs and a single rudder. With only one and rudder were both used for propeller the Paddlewheel Effect is the turn, but most of the turning quite pronounced and will tend to take moment was provided by the two the stern to starboard, particularly with tugs, which also held the ship up astern power ordered. They also have against the tidal flow, gradually two Auxiliary Propulsion Units (APUs) letting the tide carry her down forward which provide good control of adjacent the lock. Once lined the bow, although they are either “on” up with the lock, ahead power or “off”; they have no speed control. increased to move the ship For close manoeuvring and ship forward (the APUs were kept handling the process of “Balancing Up” running throughout). Once the is often used, where the APUs drive the bow entered the dock, the tidal ship astern, the main engine drives the stream forward reduced which ship ahead (3-4 knots on the engine tended to ‘screw’ the ship. The will counter two APUs running directly APUs and forward tug were used astern) and movements of the rudder to maintain the ship’s bow along and APUs can then move the ship the centre of the lock with the aft laterally sideways. In the “Blanaced tug and rudder used to control the Up” state movement ahead or astern stern. The aft tug was critical; the are achieved by small increments rudder in the balanced up state ordered on the main engine. was not enough to counteract the tidal stream. London Unfortunately, the lock was not In London, Sydney berthed at the West big enough to cater for Sydney plus London, West Idia Lock visible (below) India Dock in the Docklands precinct two tugs, so the aft tug had to be just short of Greenwich. The Thames cast off before the outer lock gate River is tidal but the berth itself was could shut. By this time the ship accessed through a lock, which was was far enough out of the tidal quite tight. The transit up the Thames stream that rudder movements was a standard river pilotage, passing alone controlled the stern. Once through the “Thames Barrier” which is in the lock the forward tug had designed to protect London from large no room forward and had to lie tidal surges (see photo). back on Sydney’s shoulder. Hence, As Sydney approached the West although she remained in the lock, India Dock the tide was flooding at she was not in any position to just under one knot (timings into control the ship’s bow so the ship Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 41
was held in position by balancing up metres and partially into with the ship’s main engine and APUs. the basin itself. We used This was one of the few times when the APUs to achieve I have split the APUs and controlled this: the lines were them independently. One was kept progressively moved right astern, while the other was used to bollards further between Red 170 and Green 170 to along the wharf by the make very fine movements of the ship’s berthing party. The bow left or right. In essence. Only very APUs worked well as fine adjustments were needed as it was the wind was keeping very easy to over-correct: one APU the ship off the side of ten degrees displaced (when required) the lock. By moving worked very well. I remained at the forward partially into centerline pelorus throughout and the basin the ‘three exactly the same manner as for the Baltimore - Looking astern from berth used a headmark and ship’s heading to quarter gate’ behind us could close arrival. One APU was trained right hold the ship in position, although it and that last quarter of the lock was ahead and one right astern (another would be equally valid (perhaps better) then lowered back to the Thames level of the few times that I’ve split them). to proceed to the Bridge Wing to gain to allow the after tug in. The three This allowed some degree of control a feel for how much room there was on quarter lock was then raised back to over the ship’s forward/aft movement, either side. the level of the rest of the lock, the particularly as the aft tug (now the The lock itself was about 12m three quarter gate opened and the tug first to enter the lock) would lose some wider than the ship so it was quite re-connected to the ship. control as he approached the lock wall. tight, particularly as the bow entered Once the two tugs were re- I could use one APU to move astern and moved out of the tidal effects connected and the ship balanced up, and one to move ahead – although it that still impacted the rest of the ship we moved ahead into West India Dock is important to remember that there (which caused the ship to “screw”). basin. We had to go ahead about two are no speed options on the APU’s However, once inside the lock the ship’s lengths and then laterally to port and there must be around 5-6 seconds tidal stream was not an issue and about 50 metres to our berth – which between starting and stopping each the wind was fortunately very light, (as luck would have it) was directly of them so the electrical distribution so it was relatively easy (although adjacent the headquarters of a major within the ship is not overloaded. The constant work) to maintain position London newspaper, all of whose key point here is that APUs are not and then temporarily berth port side to journalists seemed to take a coffee ideal tools for inducing movement in alongside the lock wall while the Dock break and watch proceedings! Given tight situations, particularly without Master secured the lock and adjusted the distance we had to move laterally, the main engine to compensate. water levels. There were no fenders the two tugs assisted the sideways The tugs pulled the ship off the along the lock wall, so we passed lines move with the APUs and rudder used berth parallel and then the APU but allowed the wind, which was for the final alongside. running aft was used to provide blowing the ship off the berth, to keep Upon departing West India Dock some sternway, although most of the the ship’s side about one metre off the there was insufficient room forSydney movement was induced by the tugs. concrete. Once lines were across we to swing adjacent the berth, and so The ship entered the lock and secured powered down while the Dock Master the ship was required to sternboard alongside while the water levels were did his work. back through the lock. Given that adjusted. Again the wind was blowing The lock had a “three quarter lock” the Paddlewheel Effect is more us off the berth, which protected the – essentially a gate three quarters of pronounced when making sternway, ship’s side. The reverse procedure to the way along (see photo) allowing we moved back into the lock cold. That get the aft tug back into the Thames two different water levels within the is, the main engines were not running was used with the ship stopping short lock. Once Sydney and the forward and consequently the propeller was not of the three-quarter lock, the after tug were at the same level as the West rotating to produce any paddlewheel tug being cast off and moving into India Dock basin, the forward gate was effect. This obviously required tugs that final quarter. The tug was then opened and we moved ahead about 25 and they were again positioned in lowered back to the Thames level, the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 42 Northern Trident 09 SHIPHANDLING CORNER gate closed and the three-quarter lock since, coincidentally, Sydney did, re-flooded so the ship could move 25 some 18 years prior. Unlike the metres back to the outer gate. While in Suez Canal, which is essentially the lock the main engines were started, a single, long trench at sea level, so when the gates to the Thames were transiting the Panama Canal opened the propeller was rotating. The requires passage through three movement out of the lock and into the distinct locks, one of which Thames was mainly achieved by the raises the ship 26 metres above tugs who were also the prime tools in sea level to a freshwater lake, rotating the ship through 90 degrees and two that lower it again at the to face back down the river once clear. other end. The APUs were not running and the The entire movement of engine was kept at stop (propeller water through the lock system is rotating at zero pitch) until we were gravity fed, so each time a lock is wall the ship is held in position in the Panama Transit well into the Thames, so the whole opened water from Lake Gatun (nearly centre of the dock by four locomotives, evolution relied on the tugs. Once 200 million litres each cycle) is released all controlled by the pilot on board the ship had turned the tugs were cast into the ocean, and not recycled. The the ship. Each locomotive can control off and a river pilotage commenced, width of the locks obviously limits the the tension on the wire and can also passing through the Thames Barrier beam of ships that can use the Panama drive forward to pull the ship through again. Canal, with a current maximum the lock, hold position, or run aft to Our berth in Baltimore was very allowable beam of 33.5 metres being check headway if required. Whilst similar to London where we had to do termed a “Panamax” ship. There is they do not look like much, they a 90 degree turn (to port this time) and significant work underway to build proved to be extremely powerful. The enter what appeared to have been an more locks which are both wider and entire system is designed to allow very old dry dock. It was similar to entering which will have pumps to reuse most of unmanoeuvrable ships to proceed the West India Lock, except once we the water. through the locks controlled entirely by passed into the basin we berthed. Two In preparation for the transit we the locomotives. complicating factors in Baltimore came to anchor in Cristobal, on the The first lock, Gatun, was only four was the sides of the basin were not Atlantic side of the canal. Once the miles from the commencement of the parallel, which can be deceptive, and formalities were completed the ship canal and consisted of three stages we only had one tug. The tug was weighed anchor and proceeded to the that ultimately raised the ship from placed on the centreline aft and the first lock. Before approaching each sea level on the Atlantic side to 26m ship remained balanced up throughout lock 16 line handlers joined by boat, above sea level in Lake Gatun. Once to provide control over the bow. This with half going to the Forecastle and through this lock the ship conducted was particularly important during the half to the Flight Deck. As the bow a relatively straightforward river sternboard departure. By having the enters the lock two small rowing boats pilotage for approximately five hours ship balanced up, subtle moves of the approach either bow with messengers, before entering the second lock (Pedro Panama Canal - View bow can be made by training the APUs which are hoisted up by the line Miguel), which was in two stages, of Gatun Locks slightly. If they are not running and handlers on the forecastle. They you need to move the bow (which you quickly heave in the messengers will have to do at some stage during a which are connected to steel sternboard), you must contend with an wire ropes that are in turn immediate two knots of thrust when connected to large electric one is started which will inevitably lead locomotives (called “Mules” - to over correction. see picture) that run on railway tracks along the dock wall. As Panama Canal the ship continues to enter the Sydney and Ballarat sailed through the lock the process is repeated Panama Canal on the 11 August 2009, down aft, so that by the time the first time the RAN has done so the transom crosses the dock Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 43
lowering the ship approximately or emptied once the gates were closed. half way back down to sea It was an eight minute evolution and level. The third and final lock you could actually see the ship move up (Mira Flores) was less than a or down. mile further along the canal and Northern Trident provided some again was a two-stage lock that challenging ship handling situations lowered the ship back to sea in circumstances not often seen on level on the Pacific side. Given the Australian station. While each the Pedro Miguel and Mira situation can be handled in a variety of Flores locks are close together, ways, this article records how Sydney the same linehandlers remained handled the ports of London, Baltimore Gatun Lock Control Station onboard for both moves. The and the Panama Canal transit and will process for connecting up to hopefully generate some discussion on the locomotives in each case alternate methods of handling the FFG was identical, and the pilot, line Class. handlers and locomotive drivers all proved to be very capable and professional. Sydney’s pilot was very happy for the ship to use APUs and main propulsion even once the locomotives were connected. However, it quickly became clear that the best way to transit Panama Canal -HMAS Sydney in Gatun Lock the locks was to start the APUs on approach so that directional control was possible prior to the locomotives being connected, but once the lines were connected Captain Peter Leavy is currently it was simpler (and normal the Commanding Officer HMAS procedure) to allow them to do Sydney. He joined the RAN in 1984 the bulk of the work. and completed the RAN Principle In many ways, the approach Warfare Officer’s course in 1993. He to the Panama locks was much simpler than that to West has served in a wide number of ship Indian Dock in London as the classes, and has deployed as Chief stream was either negligible or Panama Canal Mule of Staff to Commander Task Group running either with or against 633.1 operating in the North Arabian the ship. That is, the locks were Gulf during early 2003 and again as lined along the river, rather then perpendicular to it. There were, Commander Task Force 158.1 in the however, unique currents that North Arabian Gulf in 2008. Ashore he exist around each lock as they has served in Electronic Warfare and empty and fill. The exact nature Strategic Policy postings. of each current depends on the state of the locks and the pilot’s advice on these currents was excellent . One element that caught most of us by surprise was Gatun Lock - Panama Canal the rate at which the locks either filled Journal of the Australian Naval Institute
Issue 135 45 The Lessons Learnt from Hydrogen Sulphide Incidents in the Royal Australian Navy BSbL y u - iEUTENANT David Midson
Toxic hazards are some of the greatest Marine Pollution by threats to those aboard a naval ship in the Dumping of Wastes 1 peace time. They can cause serious and other Matter injury or death and unfortunately they and the Convention 2 are not uncommon. The RAN has for the Prevention of recorded many thousands of toxic Pollution from Ships hazard incidents of varying degrees (MARPOL Convention) 3 over its history. Whilst a variety of were created.12 These chemicals can cause a hazard, the most conventions, together commonly fatal of these is Hydrogen with subsequent 4 Sulphide (H2S). protocols have provided an international Causes regulatory framework on Hydrogen Sulphide is a simple how waste is disposed chemical, consisting of one atom of of at sea.13 Importantly Sulphur and two of Hydrogen, but its both conventions place simplicity belies its lethality.5 This small limits on the disposal of chemical can have a devastating effect oily wastes and sewerage, on human physiology, beginning with meaning that such respiratory irritation and ending in wastes have to be stored asphyxiation.6 It is a silent killer, as at on board since those relatively low concentrations it shuts conventions came into down the olfactory sense, meaning its force.14 presence cannot be detected.7 There It was this change in are electronic and chemical detection regulation that in a sense
devices that can provide an early created a H2S problem warning, but these will only provide which had long been protection when they are in effective avoided by dumping such working condition.8 waste overboard.15 It This toxic gas is potentially within was as these regulations AB Cook Ryan many areas of the ship, but the most were being adopted by the RAN that and gas detection devices were fitted.20 Kuipers carries out important sources are stored sewerage incidents aboard HMA ships Stalwart TheStalwart incident led to an his secondary role and oily-waste compartments.9 In both and Tobruk occurred.16 inquiry resulting in changes to the as part of the Ship’s Medical Emergency cases bacteria utilise the microbial food procedures used by the RAN in Team in an exercise 21 available in sewerage or oily-waste to HMAS Stalwart responding to toxic hazards. The on board Tobruk generate H2S, which then accumulates Stalwart was a destroyer tender inquiry found many of the injuries (RAN photo) to potentially lethal quantities in closed designed to provide afloat support for were caused by people moving into compartments.10 the RAN destroyers.17 In 1985 almost the contaminated spaces to rescue Hydrogen Sulphide toxic hazards 20 years after she was commissioned shipmates.22 Whilst the intention of are a relatively recent problem, largely Stalwart suffered one of Australia’s the rescuers was noble it led to more occurring since the 1980s. Ironically, worst toxic hazard incidents.18 On 22 casualties. The procedure was changed a primary cause for the rise in the October, 1985, as the sewerage tanks so that a rescue could not be attempted
prevalence of H2S hazards has been were being pumped, H2S gas leaked until proper breathing apparatus was international environmental regulation. into the ship, causing three fatalities being worn.23 These changes have 11 In 1972 and 1973 respectively, and 60 injuries.19 Following the helped prevent a reoccurrence of the the Convention on the Prevention of incident, action was taken immediately injuries that occurred on Stalwart.24 Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 46 The Lessons Learnt from Hydrogen Sulphide Incidents in the Royal Australian Navy
HMAS Tobruk sewerage systems.31 Whilst systems TheTobruk incident provided new Tobruk has a distinguished record are improving there is always room to impetus to better managing the design of service in Australia and overseas, improve safety. A timely reminder was and construction of HMA ships, and however she has suffered from the non-lethal toxic hazard incident the care needed in designing sewerage technical problems.25 In her early aboard HMAS Maitland in 2007 where systems. The tragedy aboardStalwart period of service she suffered many several personnel were injured due to caused the RAN to fit 2H S detection problems with sewerage plant, and faulty operations in a sewerage plant.32 devices and change the procedures these problems led to a most tragic In more general terms, the lesson of for how H2S victims are rescued, incident.26 On 14 December, 1981, a putting people before platforms has procedures that no doubt save lives naval cadet, Kenneth Dax, was gassed most recently been reinforced by the today. It is important for the RAN to whilst he vomited into the heads.27 The New Generation Navy initiative.33 continue to improve the capability to parliamentary inquiry that followed H2S toxic hazards present a clear deal with toxic incidents. This can be was not impressed by the RAN danger to the RAN, they can and do done through research, but it is also response to the incident.28 The inquiry occur through both war and peace, achieved through continual learning. It found that the sewerage system was and the nature of the hazard makes continues in the RAN today as lessons of inadequate design and that many them both hard to detect and lethal. are learnt from incidents such as the known risks of H2S developing onboard Since international obligations have, as Maitland incident. Whilst the danger 29 had been overlooked or ignored. a side effect, created 2H S problems for of H2S cannot be escaped, vigilance and The ADF has been accused in other the RAN there has been much work to willingness to accept and learn from incidents of putting platforms before minimise the risk. Each time there is a past tragedies stands the RAN in good people and the inquiry suggests this toxic hazard incident it is devastating, stead to minimise the risks. was the case of Tobruk.30 Fortunately especially for those personnel directly it appears that this lesson was learnt: affected, but it is also a chance for in relation to H2S the RAN now has the RAN to improve its practice and strict procedures in place for managing minimise the dangers. HMAS Tobruk-photo by Chris Sattler
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 47
13 Hodgeman, Fletcher and Upsher, op Marine Pollution by the Dumping of Wastes cit, p. 2. and other Matter, 1972, London. 14 The International Convention for the The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of Ships, as modified Prevention of Pollution of Ships, as modified by the 1978 protocol, 1973, London. by the 1978 protocol, 1973, London. 15 Hodgeman, op cit, pp 5-6. Lewis v Commonwealth of Australia [1999] 16 Hodgeman, op cit, pp 5-6. FCA 1292. 17 Royal Australian Navy, 2009, HMAS Brown, G. 2002, Decades of Disasters: Stalwart (II), http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_ Major Project Management in Defence, Stalwart_(II), accessed 3 September, 2009. Submission to the Senate Committee on 18 Royal Australian Navy, 1986, ‘Naval Foreign Affairs and Trade. Board of Inquiry into HMAS Stalwart, HMAS Crane, Vice Admiral, R., RAN, 2008, Stalwart Toxic Gas Accident 22nd October Submarines in Australia’s Future Maritime 1985’, Australian Government Printing Defence - Chief of Navy Perspective, Sub-Lieutenant David Midson recently Service, Canberra, Summary of Board of Speech to the SIA Conference, Shine Dome, Inquiry Report. Australian National University, 6th November completed NEOC 41 and is now working 19 ibid. 2008. as a Legal Officer in the RAN. He 20 Royal Australian Navy, 2009, op cit. Department of Defence 2007, Defence 21 Royal Australian Navy, 1986, op cit, Instructions (Navy), Control and monitoring comes from Tasmania where in 2008 Summary of Board of Inquiry Report. See also of Hydrogen Sulphide in Ships and Support Lewis v Commonwealth of Australia [1999] Craft, LOG 34-5, Navy Headquarters, he graduated from the University of FCA 1292 para 7-15. Canberra. 22 Royal Australian Navy, 1986, op cit, Director General Navy Communications Tasmania with a Bachelor of Science Summary of Board of Inquiry Report. and Coordination, 2007, ‘Navy Stands by 23 Royal Australian Navy, 1986, op cit, Armadale Boats, Crew’, Navy News, Royal and Bachelor of Laws. Summary of Board of Inquiry Report. See also Australian Navy, 15 November 2007. Lewis v Commonwealth of Australia [1999] Doolan, K. 2007, HMAS Tobruk: Warship FCA 1292 para 7-15. for Every Crisis, Grinkle Press, Queanbeyan. (Endnotes) 24 Department of Defence, op cit, pp. 1-9, Hodgeman, D.K. 1994, Hydrogen Sulfide 1 Notes Annex D. Generation in Shipboard Oily-Water Waste: A Department of Defence 2007, Defence 25 Doolan, K. 2007, HMAS Tobruk: Safety Hazard in Ships, Defence Science and Instructions (Navy), Control and monitoring Warship for Every Crisis, Grinkle Press, Technology Organisation, Melbourne. of Hydrogen Sulphide in Ships and Support Queanbeyan, p.56. Hodgeman, D.K., Fletcher, L. and Upsher, Craft, LOG 34-5, Navy Headquarters, 26 ibid, p.56. F. 1995, Hydrogen Sulfide Generation in Canberra, pp 1-4. See also for toxic threats in 27 Joint Committee of Public Accounts, Shipboard Oily-Water Waste: A Safety Hazard other navies, Shulman, S. 1992, The Threat at 1984, HMAS Tobruk, Report 223, Australian in Ships: Part 3. Ship Factors, Defence Science Home – Confronting the Toxic Legacy of the Government Publishing Service, Canberra, and Technology Organisation, Melbourne. U.S. Military, Beacon Press, Boston. p. 110. Hodgeman, D.K., Fletcher, L. and Upsher, 2 Department of Defence 2007, Defence 28 ibid, p.111. F. 1995, Hydrogen Sulfide Generation in Instructions (Navy), Control and monitoring 29 ibid, p.112. See also Brown, G. Shipboard Oily-Water Waste: A Safety Hazard of Hydrogen Sulphide in Ships and Support 2002, Decades of Disasters: Major Project in Ships: Part 4. Minimising the Risk, Defence Craft, LOG 34-5, Navy Headquarters, Management in Defence, Submission to the Science and Technology Organisation, Canberra, pp 1-4. Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and Melbourne. 3 Royal Australian Navy, OHSIR Trade, Annex 1. Joint Committee of Public Accounts, Reporting System, Defence Web, navy. 30 Examples include, Joint Standing 1984, HMAS Tobruk, Report 223, Australian defence.gov.au/ohs/index.asp, accessed on 2 Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Government Publishing Service, Canberra. September 2009. Trade, 2009, ‘Sealing a Just Outcome: Report Joint Standing Committee on Foreign 4 Royal Australian Navy, 2003, ‘Ship’s from the Inquiry into RAAF F-111 Deseal/ Affairs, Defence and Trade, 2009, ‘Sealing Safety Hazards’, Navy Video Unit, Garden Reseal Workers and Their Families’, Australian a Just Outcome: Report from the Inquiry Island. Government Publishing Service, Canberra, into RAAF F-111 Deseal/Reseal Workers 5 Hodgeman, D.K. 1994, Hydrogen Sulfide pp.86-89. and Their Families’, Australian Government Generation in Shipboard Oily-Water Waste: A 31 Department of Defence, op cit, Publishing Service, Canberra. Safety Hazard in Ships, Defence Science and pp.1-9. See also for Department of Defence Pimmel, A. and Craypool, G. 2001, Technology Organisation, Melbourne, pp 4-6. knowledge on how to minimise the danger ‘Introduction to shipboard organic 6 ibid, pp 6-7. of toxic hazards, Hodgeman, D.K., Fletcher, geochemistry on the JOIDES Resolution’, ODP 7 ibid, p 6. L. and Upsher, F. 1995, Hydrogen Sulfide Tech. Note, 30. 8 Pimmel, A. and Craypool, G. 2001, Generation in Shipboard Oily-Water Waste: Royal Australian Navy, 1986, ‘Naval Board ‘Introduction to shipboard organic A Safety Hazard in Ships: Part 4. Minimising of Inquiry into HMAS Stalwart, HMAS nd geochemistry on the JOIDES Resolution’, ODP the Risk, Defence Science and Technology Stalwart Toxic Gas Accident 22 October Tech. Note, 30, p 5. Organisation, Melbourne. 1985’, Australian Government Printing 9 Hodgeman, op cit, pp 1-9. 32 Director General Navy Service, Canberra, Summary of Board of 10 Hodgeman, D.K., Fletcher, L. and Communications and Coordination, 2007, Inquiry Report. Upsher, F. 1995, Hydrogen Sulfide Generation ‘Navy Stands by Armadale Boats, Crew’, Navy Royal Australian Navy, 2003, ‘Ship’s Safety in Shipboard Oily-Water Waste: A Safety News, Royal Australian Navy, 15 November Hazards’, Navy Video Unit, Garden Island. Hazard in Ships: Part 3. Ship Factors, Defence 2007. Royal Australian Navy, OHSIR Reporting Science and Technology Organisation, 33 Crane, Vice Admiral, R., RAN, 2008, System, Defence Web, navy.defence.gov.au/ Melbourne, pp.1-5. Submarines in Australia’s Future Maritime ohs/index.asp, accessed on 2 September 2009. 11 ibid, p 2. Defence - Chief of Navy Perspective, Royal Australian Navy, 2009, HMAS 12 Convention on the Prevention of Marine Speech to the SIA Conference, Shine Dome, Stalwart (II), http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_ th Pollution by the Dumping of Wastes and other Australian National University, 6 November Stalwart_(II), accessed 3 September, 2009. Matter, 1972, London; The International 2008. Shulman, S. 1992, The Threat at Home Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of – Confronting the Toxic Legacy of the U.S. Ships, as modified by the 1978 protocol, 1973, Bibliography Military, Beacon Press, Boston. London. The Convention on the Prevention of Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 48 S eEKING Sydney a major life mission: Commodore Bob Trotter and Dr Mike McCarthy - Interviewed byL C iEUTENANT ommander Tom Lewis
For most people, a life of naval service The Australian cruiser was never seen and a rise to the rank of Commodore again. would suffice. One should retire and After years of inquiry, argument, take up growing roses, perhaps. But for and several revealing books, the non- profit organisation HMAS Sydney Bob Trotter, it was not enough. To find Search Pty Ltd, became a trustee for the wreck of HMAS Sydney became a the Finding Sydney foundation in 2003. Bob Trotter (left) new life focus. It was born out of the smoke and fire of and to analyse practical operational & Mike McCarthy the 1999 Senate Inquiry into the loss of issues. We decided we also needed to (right) he story of the cruiser is well the warship, although its identity as a believe Detmers – why would he lie known. TheSydney was returning future leader was lost in the myriad of about where his ship was sunk and his Tto Perth after a northerly mission other organisations all professing to do survivors could be located?” in mid-November 1942. She came the same thing: find the wrecks of the The organisation sought and found across the German raider Kormoran, two ships, and provide at least some patrons: former deputy PM Tim disguised as a Dutch trading vessel. beginning answers to the mystery. Fischer; Professor Geoffrey Blainey, Instead of standing well off where her There were several important and retired Rear Admiral David Bottom left: David superior gunnery control could prove original founders, says Bob Trotter, as Holthouse. The Chairman was Ted Mearns navigational decisive, Sydney came closer and closer. we sit in the Perth offices ofSydney Graham, and the Directors became reconstruction When it proved elusive signalling was Search. Ironically, the premises were Don Pridmore, Keith Rowe, Glenys outlining the larger not going to work much longer, the scheduled for closure in a month’s time, McDonald and Bob Trotter. 1,768 sqnm search Kormoran’s commander Detmers gave the Sydney having been found some Volunteers came forward, and box for the Kormoran search and the smaller the orders to open fire. The German months previously. The organisation they concluded that although 360 sqnm search scored decisive first hits, but theSydney still has a role, but it will gradually discrepancies existed in the Germans box for Sydney in fought back, and after engaging each wind down as its functions lessen. “Ted survivors’ accounts, there was a general red pencil. The final other at close quarters, the Kormoran Graham, Professor Kim Kirsner, Don consistency within the stories. wreck and battle site was sinking and Sydney was on fire. Pridmore – all were original founders, Trotter explains: “The survivors locations are also The cruiser drifted off, “to the south- “ says Trotter. “Originally we wanted were rescued from lifeboats some plotted. east” according to the Kormoran’s to locate the ship”, he outlines. “To do days apart so any opportunity for crew, the majority of whom survived. that we needed to define a search area; collusion were limited. We defined a mathematical model showing degrees David Mearns, Search of certainty within the accounts, and Director, The Finding came up with box for Kormoran and a Sydney Foundation sector to the SE for Sydney”. at the Charting Table.
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 49
Meanwhile overseas, international wreck finder David Mearns and some colleagues were also working on the problem Sydney in 1938 with independently, Walrus aircraft on looking for catapult (Courtesy RAN). verifiable evidence. The two groups “Commitment, Persistence and joined forces. Some factors remained Science”, concludes Bob Trotter, “make elusive; for example, was it a noon a formidable team.” sighting Detmers used or was it the battle location? The team studied the So, I ask him, did your career movements of the Kormoran liferafts in the RAN set you up for the search for the Sydney? and ship’s boats. After deliberations stretching into years, they finally Trotter outlines his past briefly: as a had a search site. Now the question submarine engineer after joining in was whether they would have the 1964, served in HMA ships Vampire, money…. Anzac and Melbourne, engineering The team ended up with training in the UK, HMAS Sydney How has the organization Sydney II’s $5,160,000 funding, from the WA Vietnam trips, more submarine reacted to the various forward guns. and NSW state governments, the training in UK, serving in various conspiracy claims? Federal Government, and both boats and then Navy Office. He went “They weren’t part of our agenda,” private sector and public donations. back to sea in HMAS Stalwart, and Bob says. “We were only interested This was enough to fund about 30 then into Personnel, and senior staff in finding the wrecks. We did try days of ship and equipment hire. jobs, and saw the start of the Collins to engage those people with other David Mearns was placed in charge boats. Positions in Materiel followed, theories to our way of thinking – why of prioritising the search area, and and then he returned to personnel as don’t we get together and pool our the chartered Geosounder put to sea. Director-General Naval Manpower. resources, for example? It did not work: Arriving at the location searching He finally served as a commodore in everyone stayed in their trenches.” commenced with two sonars lowered WA and retired in 1998. Altogether, a to within 500m of the seabed. Bob complex and capable background gave Has the finding now lessened the clamour? Trotter recalls it was a process him a variety of skills essential for the described as “mowing the lawn” search. “Yes – many people have quietened as the search rigs processed their down. A good four out of five of these information from sensors three This sonar image, covering a 750 kilometres below the ship. metre expanse of the seabed, shows A comparatively early find of the the wreckage found in the location Kormoran early in the 30 day window four nautical miles south of Kormoran’s wreck site. The wreckage is widely occurred. TheSydney wreck quickly scattered over a distance covering followed, so there was more money 1,700 metres and fits with the scenario available to use Remote Operated of Sydney being torpedoed and Vehicles to take photographs. Sydney, heavily shelled by Kormoran resulting upright but smashed and broken on in the loss of parts of the ship. The approximate NNE – SSW trend of the seabed, was definitely located this debris trail fits with the course of some miles to the south-east of the Sydney as she altered course south to German raider. avoid Kormoran’s fire. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 50 S eEKING Sydney a major life mission: Commodore Bob Trotter and Dr Mike McCarthy - Interviewed So what does theorists, once the wrecks were found, the future came up and said: “Well done – I was hold for Sydney wrong”. Three or four remain and they Search? will never be satisfied and they will “There are still some remain so, I think, even if you took 1300-odd photos that them down in a submersible.” can be published, but our organisation’s role I ask what was the low has nearly come to point in the years prior an end. We’re now to the discovery of the going through the wrecks? construction of the “When we were given a lot of web phase. There assurance by many people and will be a page for organizations that if we were to show every member of the we had a degree of government company including MV Geosounder- support that they would come to the the RAAF blokes and the Maltese ship’s were against the search – they were Sonar & Survey party, but when that happened they did company members. Also we will be afraid of what might be found, and also Control Room not fulfil their promise.” writing to all of the relatives and asking a feeling of let it lie. But when she was Was the organization confident them to provide photos and materials.” found, there was relief, and then from about finding theSydney following the many heartfelt thanks.” finding ofKormoran ? “Yes, even when I ask him if he can describe we were in the area definition phase the reaction overall from And the Kormoran people? the Sydney ship’s company we thought we had 70-80% chance of “TheKormoran Association does not relatives? findingKormoran , and then Sydney have many members now, and they was a 90% chance – just go down “Not euphoria but…I guess it’s best have an annual get-together, but there Detmer’s bearing..” explained by saying that some people hasn’t been any statement of intent
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 51
by the German people. The German conservation and preservation. Ambassador has been most thankful… but it has not ever been a matter of Are there plans for any mystery for them.” further mapping of the ocean floor around the wrecks? r Mike McCarthy Dof the Western The Museum’s role now is to provide Australian Maritime advice to the Commonwealth, so if Museum had a busy participation with there was a requirement we would the Sydney story over do that. We assess what other decades. He spoke to organizations might do too, and again Tom Lewis at the Museum provide advice to the government. about the journey…
Does the Museum have What has public interest any plans relating to the been like relating to the Sydney discovery? discovery? Has it been greater than interest We have branches in Fremantle, before the discovery? Albany, Geraldton – plans are in place to feature aspects especially in Sydney was reported to us as being Geraldton, and the archaeology side found at least 24 times. Every time of things will be featured. I would anything was found on the Australian like to see the social aspect of Sydney west coast it was believed to be developed: effects on the populace; 25 Sydney-related. The Channel 7 report men and boys from Fremantle did not [of 2007] was the pinnacle of interest, return, for example. But we have to be and was reported to be the absolute careful of not letting Sydney take over truth with very little criticism. There the naval side of things in the Museum. seemed in relation to reports such as We have to place it in the context this, and others, to be very little critical How have you personally 3rd pass of the too that navies lose ships in warfare: examination by the media of the reacted to the searches, sidescan photo, Sydney-Emden in WWI, and AE2 for sources. claims and counterclaims, showing the example – their stories should not be TheSydney Search web site was and the discovery – or is it Sydney wreck ignored. AE1’s story needs to be taken a good idea – a fabulous job, which just work for you? Top photo: further too. But sometimes the mystery reflects the duty to show people who I first came across the story in my Sydney sonar vessels such as Sydney have a moral have donated public monies what’s 20’s, when I met J Robotham, a guard obligation over us. going on. There is still a great deal to the Germans, and the first of the of information to be published, and I conspiracy theorists alleging he had Are there any plans for the hope when the Cole Inquiry is over that a German diary reading “the colours recovery of any artefacts a lot of this can be shown. I hope that had been lowered” during the fight near the wrecks? Kormoran wreckage all people with theories have presented We’re not aware of any such plans, them to the Inquiry too. and we would advise that a properly Public interest now has waned for a presented overview would be necessary while....We presently have people who if there were any such thoughts. HSK are centred around one conspiracy Kormoran is still owned by the German theorist who says that what is shown Navy, and Sydney by the Navy. We on the seabed is all a put-up by the would provide advice if requested – but government to keep people quiet and we always stay at arm’s length from any to hide the truth. That is completely organizations. That was why we stayed disgraceful. There’s another that alleges apart from the Sydney Search people buried bodies, but he provides no – we are professional facilitators of credible evidence. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 52 S eEKING Sydney a major life mission: Commodore Bob Trotter and Dr Mike McCarthy - Interviewed between Sydney and a German the Port Gregory region, cruiser. I visited Red Bluff to see including a bombardment where the Germans had landed and by a Japanese submarine. eventually joined the museums and Both then published, became Inspector of Wrecks. I met as did John Ross who Michael Montgomery when he was produced Lucky Ross. All writing his book [Who Sank the this was underpinned by our Sydney?]. Then Barbara Winter [who responsibilities under the wrote HMAS Sydney: fact, fantasy Historic Shipwrecks Act. and fraud]. Then the Sydney Research Group who used to meet at the Any final closing Museum occasionally and I met thoughts? many of the people associated with The key to the search was the that. Sydney became more and more German battle position and of an interest to me. But I tried to her survivors rowing towards treat it as any other wreck so I could Sydney –then she disappeared. ask questions such as “Is this piece I think given the astounding of evidence verifiable”. I got to know allegations over time that it should John Ross, a 1930s Sydney officer be an offence to play with the minds and author who always provided a of relatives by falsely claiming things calming influence. Gradually, with Kim related to lost ships and their crews. Kirsner’s help this built up to the 1991 Finally, once the lessons of Sydney seminar on the 50th anniversary of have sunk in we should look at HMAS Sydney’s loss. strengthening the relevant legislation So I’ve been lucky to work with like the War Graves Act. Sydney is them all. a ship to be proud of – it is a great ship even in its loss. Can you tell us more about the first inquiry which set so many agendas?
The first inquiry into whetherSydney could be found was held at the Museum in 1991, and it made eight recommendations, one of which was to search the position Detmers gave for Sonar SM30 Breaking the battle; another was to search the Surface During archives. After that it all tended to be Recovery. dominated and derailed by conspiracy theories. Most of these were aired at Top photo: Hauling the 1997/8 Parliamentary Inquiry, in SM30 Sonar Tow Fish. which also said to look in the Detmer- Lieutenant Commander Tom Lewis, given position and recommended PhD, OAM, is the author of seven history another inquiry which was held in books, one of which – Sensuikan I-124 2001. We helped many researchers. - covered the story of the Japanese Wes Olsen produced his brilliant submarine sunk outside Darwin in analysis of the Carley float and other ships that survived after taking January 1942 suggested by some similar battle damage to Sydney, as being connected with the Sydney and Glenys McDonald went out sinking. and investigated claims of a battle in Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 53
5.9 Gun (HSK Kormoran)- Kormoran’s 5.9-inch gun in the forward hold pointing to starboard and aft of the beam
Buckled Stern HMAS Sydney II - The buckled stern and collapsed quarterdeck clearly indicated that Sydney had struck the sea floor stern first.
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 54
HMAS Sydney II - This cluster of four 5.9-inch shell hits within a line 20-feet high clearly demonstrates the deadly precision of the German gunnery.
Commodore Bob Trotter and David Mearns at the final dinner celebrating the find of Sydney and Kormoran
HMAS Sydney II - Without doubt the most chilling find in the debris field was the presence of five of Sydney’s life boats. Note Sydney’s official badge mounted on their bows.
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Torpedo Flap (HSK Kormoran)- The simple flap designed to conceal the starboard and port above-water torpedoes shown here on the starboard side in the open position.
Name 08KO (HSK Kormoran)- The writing 08KO painted in white on the hull just beneath the bilge keel identifying the wreck as HSK8 Kormoran.
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HMAS Sydney II - Compass platform and bridge - Sydney’s badly damaged compass platform, bridge and remnants of the base of the Director Control Tower.
HMAS Sydney II - One of Sydney’s port propellers and shafts dislocated from its normal position against the hull.
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HMAS Sydney II - Sydney’s inverted bow was our first major discovery within the debris field.
HMAS Sydney II - The area of impact where Kormoran’s torpedo inflicted fatal damage on Sydney’s upturned bow section.
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Note: All underwater photos of the Sydney and Kormoran are credited to “The Finding Sydney Foundation”, as are the photos of Lieutenant John Perryman, the chart of David Mearns, and the photos of Sydney’s forward guns.
(from left to right) John Perryman - Senior Historian, Royal Australian Navy, David Mearns - Foundation Search Director, Ted Graham - Foundation Chairman.
Directors (Left to Right) Ted Graham ( Chairman) Keith Rowe, Bob Trotter, Glenys McDonald and Patron Rear Admiral David Holthouse, RANR, and some of the ship’s company of the modern HMAS Sydney IV.
Directors, CN, & Bell on Anzac.
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 59 Around Australia in a Fairey Seaplane – the Adventures of Wing Commander Goble and Flight Lieutenant Mcintyre on their Pioneering 1924 Flight DTmC r i oYLE
Of the series of long distance survey The flights carried out by the RAAF in planning and the 1920s, the 1924 round-Australia preparations flight of Wing Commander S. J. Goble for the flight (navigator) and Flight Lieutenant I. included the E. McIntyre (pilot) in a Fairey IIID positioning seaplane was the most noteworthy. of spares and Beginning and ending at Point Cook, mechanics Victoria, the flight circumnavigated at Thursday the continent of Australia covering Island and 7182 nautical miles. The flight was Perth, which undertaken to: were to serve (a) evaluate a seaplane-based air as repair and Fairey IIID floatplane defence route along the east coast to overhaul bases. Fuel, oil and water Goble had recently complained of the type used Thursday Island by examining the were placed at locations around the about the pilots’ compasses fitted in by Goble and coastline and harbours for permanent coast and flight progress reporting RAAF Fairey IIID seaplanes. He and McIntyre for the bases; arrangements were negotiated McIntyre had carried out a Melbourne round-Australia (b) ascertain the suitability of the with local authorities.3 The aircraft to Hobart reconnaissance flight in flight. Photo: RAAF Historical Section. Fairey IIID seaplane for cooperation was fitted with extra fuel tanks and February 1924 during which the Type with the Royal Australian Navy in underwent radiator, engine and 5/17 compass fitted in the pilot’s the hydrographic survey of the Great airframe modifications. Apart from the compartment was judged Barrier Reef, and pre-positioned equipment, the aircraft to be ‘absolutely useless, (c) determine the effect of tropical carried a wide range of spares for swinging as much as 45 conditions on the airframe, engine and running repairs.4 degrees either way, and components.1 Navigation preparations comprised making a steady compass Since the formation of the Air an ACO Type 259 compass for the course impossible’.9 He Board and the Civil Aviation Branch pilot and an ACO 6/18 aperiodic noted that the standard of the Defence Department in 1921, compass for the navigator.5 The pilot’s compass in Fairey funds had been allocated for the aperiodic compass was fitted to a seaplanes in England was purchase or lease and the preparation wooden platform and mounted inside the Type 259 but lack of ACO Type 253 compass. The Type 259 fitted to of suitable landing grounds on overland the fuselage with the dial flush with funds precluded the purchase of this Goble’s aircraft was routes considered to be of strategic the top of the fuselage behind the type of compass in that financial year. similar.7 importance. Many of these locations observer’s cockpit. It was thus able To rectify this deficiency an aperiodic had been surveyed by motor vehicle; to serve as both the master compass compass was fitted behind however, the disadvantages of the and a bearing plate.6 The reason for the navigator who directed overland coastal surveys were the not fitting two aperiodic compasses the pilot by hand signals. absence of roads, the difficulty of to the aircraft may have been due to This arrangement proved much of the country, and the lack of the short supply of the instruments, satisfactory and was population. A proposal to undertake which was exacerbated by the distance adopted for the round- coastal surveys by naval ships was first of Australia from the United Kingdom Australia flight. suggested in 1919 and periodically suppliers. The Type 259 compass Wing Commander reviewed until 1923 when a decision failed twice in-flight; the glass burst Goble had held a ACO 6/18 aperiodic was made to use aircraft. While more and spilt the alcohol damping fluid commission in the Royal compass. The economical than using ships, aerial because the liquid expanded. The Naval Air Service and had transferred damping system can surveys presented considerable risks to aperiodic compass functioned perfectly to the Royal Air Force on its formation be seen through the 2 the crews. throughout the flight. in April 1918. Goble was acting as glass.8 Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 60 Around Australia in a Fairey Seaplane
air adviser to the RAN in the period the floats and strand the aircraft, April, the aircraft immediately prior to the formation of requiring Goble and McIntyre to was hoisted out the RAAF during discussions between manhandle it out of danger. Serious of the water by the navy and army to determine these mechanical breakdowns, particularly crane and all services’ air support requirements. an unscheduled engine change at seams painted The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Carnarvon, added to the strain. over with carbon P. Grant, RN, declared that because The first incident of bad weather expanding paint the new service would be providing occurred on the afternoon of the first to enhance the air support to both the navy and the day of the flight, 6 April 1924 when, water tightness army, the head should be a naval after passing Paynesville on Lake of the floats. The nominee because the navy was the Victoria, the weather deteriorated to aircraft remained senior service. This annoyed the army, such an extent that the crew descended there until 14 ACO Type 5/17 particularly as Lieutenant Colonel the aircraft to 250 feet. After a April and adding to the crew’s anxieties compass. The Richard Williams, the head of the refuelling stop at Eden, NSW, the bad was the attention of a large crowd with horseshoe-shaped pre-RAAF Australian Flying Corps, weather continued to Sydney and the a number of individuals attempting structure is the correction was a permanent army officer who aircraft flew at 150 feet with practically to ‘souvenir’ articles from the aircraft. mechanism to damp had commanded air forces in the field no visibility. Leaving Sydney the next More seriously, McIntyre’s feet, ankles out aircraft magnetic during World War 1 and was senior day they flew at 100 feet but were and eyes swelled as a result of the insect interference known to Goble. The Secretary of Defence, T. forced to land north of Newcastle. The bites and a cut finger became septic. as deviation. This Trumble, decided on a compromise islands at the entrance to Port Stephens He was given medical attention which type was used ‘for small machines whereby both Williams and Goble were obscured so the aircraft alighted was repeated at Cooktown. Departure only’.14 were appointed wing commanders on the Myall River, north of Port for Thursday Island, at the tip of Cape in the new service with Williams as Stephens.12 York, was delayed by a day due to the senior. The four-member Air Torrential rain flooded the floats impossible flying conditions and when Board included Williams as First Air which required the aircraft to be they did take-off, the ensuing flight Member and Director of Operations grounded to save it from sinking. proved to be most trying. Continuous and Intelligence, and Goble as Second The crew telegraphed the Air Board heavy rain practically obliterated Air Member and Director of Personnel requesting a type 5/17 pilot’s compass visibility for the majority of the flight. A and Training. Williams and Goble from Sydney stocks to be forwarded particularly heavy cloud-burst caused experienced an uneasy professional to Newcastle for installation in the them to alight on the sea and when relationship over the ensuing 16 years aircraft. The reason for this was not proceeding they had to steer a compass with Goble assuming the position stated; however, the 259 compass fitted course outside the Barrier Reef to avoid of Chief of the Air Staff in Williams’ in the pilot’s cockpit may have lost its colliding with cliffs.15 absences on staff courses and alcohol damping fluid as stated in the A RAAF corporal rigger had been secondments to the RAF.10 ‘alterations and modifications’ of the positioned at Thursday Island to carry report. out running repairs and servicing The round-Australia flight Once the floats had been repaired because this location was regarded as and the weather cleared, the aircraft the end of the first stage of the flight. The flight was characterised by difficult departed Myall River before the arrival The aircraft was taken from the water weather conditions which reduced of the 5/17 compass, which was sent on on a boat trolley, the carburettors and visibility to dangerous levels, and by to Townsville.13 The flight proceeded magnetos overhauled and the floats unremitting strain on the crew in without further incident via Southport replaced from pre-positioned spares. flight and after landing. Of the over to Gladstone, Queensland, where The 5/17 compass was finally fitted but 7000 miles flown, some 2500 were refuelling was carried out in extreme the lack of adequate facilities precluded 11 through heavy rain and low visibility. discomfort due to mosquitoes and ‘swinging’ to correct deviation.16 After a difficult day’s flying the aircraft sand flies. The task was completed at Consequently the 5/17 was not used required laborious refuelling from 0200 hours on 11 April but sleep was for navigation but simply as an aid four gallon petrol tins, with the fuel impossible because of the constant for the pilot to maintain the heading filtered through chamois. Hazardous insect attacks. provided by Goble from the master landing areas threatened to hole On arrival at Townsville on 11 compass. McIntyre was directed onto Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 61
the prescribed course and assisted in and it performed maintaining it by a pair of string reins creditably for the attached to his arms, which Goble first half of the manipulated.17 flight to Darwin. The crew left Thursday Island at However, the 0640 on 23 April for Darwin via a trouble returned fuelling stop at Elco Island. Flying requiring more directly from Thursday Island towards work at Darwin a landfall at Cape Arnhem, they were where the crew out of sight of land for 350 miles. From re-seated the valves 0830 two engine valves began sticking, and fitted stronger causing vibration and loss of power, springs. This work and some apprehension to the crew. occupied two Goble used the bearing plate feature days in hot and of the 6/18 aperiodic compass to sight uncomfortable on ‘white horses’ on the sea surface conditions and to find the wind direction and speed, temporarily from which he calculated drifts and restored the engine wind components.19 There was an eight performance, to 10 foot swell running, providing which the crew numerous breaking surface waves on hoped would be which to take drift sightings. The wind sustained until the speed and direction on departure from planned engine Approximate aircraft 21 Thursday Island was logged as south- change at Perth . inhabitants who all rushed to the track Cooktown to east at 20 mph (17 knots), which would Leaving Darwin on 27 April the aircraft and, with the engine under full Thursday Island 16 have provided a six-knot tailwind and a aircraft flew to Napier Broome Bay. power, pushed it into deeper water. The April; 395 nm. The 10 degree drift to starboard against the The route was coastal to Cape Ford, manhandling caused the left hand float black rectangle marks the point at 13 track required of 245 degrees magnetic. then over water to Cape Rulhieres, to become badly sprung, half-filling it degrees 40 minutes 23 At 0755 Goble noted the wind had thence to Napier Broome Bay where with water. south where bad veered to the south, continuing the 10 they refuelled. The refuelling process The damaged float made for a weather concealing degree starboard drift but imposing a involved carrying eight-gallon tins of difficult take-off on 28 April but cliffs forced the flight headwind of approximately six knots. fuel to the beach, decanting them into the flight to Broome was otherwise to track outside the A further wind shift to the south- two four-gallon tins and pouring the uneventful. A RAAF engine fitter Barrier Reef on a compass course at a southwest, logged at 0920, reduced the contents through chamois strainers joined the expedition at Broome and very low altitude.18 ground speed from 91 to 68 knots. By into the aircraft tanks. This was done remained with it until Perth. The this time the aircraft was flying at 800 while the aircraft was floating on a engine again lost power en-route feet and the wind speed had increased receding tide thereby progressively from Broome to Carnarvon and the from 17 knots to approximately 35 extending the distance they had to sticking valves continued until arrival. knots. The starboard drift increased transport the fuel. Following fuelling, The next day the engine could not slightly to 13 degrees. Finally, at the aircraft was anchored 200 yards develop sufficient power for take- 1030, the wind returned to a south- from the shore to catch the night tide off so two further days elapsed in easterly direction and the ground that would re-float it around midnight. attempting to rectify the problem. speed increased to 91 knots. For this The crew planned to stand-by to The crew realised that the engine had first RAAF flight out of sight of land, keep the aircraft afloat until daybreak to be completely overhauled but the Goble’s judicious wind-finding and before departing. However the night exposed conditions precluded this. course corrections to McIntyre resulted tide fell short by around six feet and Goble decided to carry out a complete in a landfall at Cape Arnhem with a did not arrive until 0300. The water engine change and ordered the engine two-mile navigational error.20 simply lapped the floats and the aircraft that had been pre-positioned at Perth At Elco Island the engine was remained aground. The crew ran to to be sent to Carnarvon. Because examined to rectify the sticking valves the Catholic mission and awoke the there was no ship due in Carnarvon Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 62 Around Australia in a Fairey Seaplane for two weeks, the engine was railed From Perth the to Mullewa and conveyed from there crew flew to Albany, by truck, a distance of 700 miles. Two remaining until RAAF fitters accompanied the engine 15 May when they to Carnarvon and it was installed and departed for a fuelling flight-tested on 10 May24. stop at Israelite Bay on The aircraft arrived at Perth the the western extremity following day after a difficult flight. of the Great Australian Weather conditions were adverse, Bight. Having met requiring flying at 500 feet in heavy very heavy rain rain, until they landed at Geraldton to requiring the aircraft refuel. During the refuelling, unruly to descend to 100 feet, children threatened to damage the the crew arrived at aircraft by their antics. The effects Esperance Bay, 235 of this were felt on departure, again nautical miles from into poor conditions. The auxiliary Albany. No shelter Denial Bay near the town of Ceduna. Thursday Island − Cape Arnhem − Elco fuel tank ran dry after 40 minutes, could be found there so they decided The arrival at Denial Bay illustrated Island (marked by instead of the expected two hours, to continue to Israelite Bay, a further the added strain imposed on the crew black rectangle), and although tanks were switched 115 miles. En-route the visibility was after flying long and arduous sectors, 23 April 1924; 420 to the main, the source of the leak so poor that the crew had to zigzag to as often the alighting areas were nm. Elco Island to had to be investigated so the aircraft avoid hitting cliffs and islands which hazardous or otherwise unsuitable for Darwin, 24 April; 22 alighted on the open sea. The children they came upon with little warning. seaplanes. As little or no information 320 nm. had removed the binding wire from Approaching Israelite Bay they could was available for many of the alighting the drain cock thereby allowing the see neither the sea nor the coastline. sites, the crew had to conduct a auxiliary tank to drain unchecked. The They flew out to sea and circled an reconnaissance of an area before take-off in rough seas was so dangerous island in the Eastern Group, gradually committing to alighting. In the case of that the aircraft was almost lost.25 climbing in a clear patch until a break Denial Bay, exposed rocks at low tide in the rain enabled them to steer a required the crew to reconnoitre the compass course to Israelite Bay where bay until deciding to alight near a mud an overnight vigil was required to bank half a mile from the shore. Men safeguard the aircraft from being from the town assisted the crew to damaged in the surf.26 refuel the aircraft.28 The next day the aircraft covered The final two days of the flight were the 350 nautical miles to Ceduna relatively incident-free with the aircraft for refuelling and an overnight stay. flying from Denial Bay to Port Lincoln The coast from Israelite Bay to Eyre, and on to Beachport on 18 May, where a distance of 155 nautical miles, was a RAAF officer and airman met the lined with sheer cliffs. The aircraft aircraft and assisted in the refuelling flew at 800 feet under an overcast and routine servicing. The last sector, which held them at that height. Goble from Beachport to Melbourne, was judged that they would not have been flown in good conditions in a flight able to safely cross the cliffs if they had time of four hours 15 minutes. The to force-land so they steered clear of aircraft passed Port Phillip Heads and the coast and flew by compass direct Point Cook and was joined by an escort to Eyre. He judged the alternative of of service aircraft before alighting off Flight Lieutenant I E McIntyre, left, and Wing alighting on the sea in an emergency the St Kilda pier at 1430. Commander S V Goble following their arrival to be less hazardous. Conditions This remarkable flight laid the in Fairey III D seaplane AIO-3 of the RAAF, 24 improved after passing Eyre and a foundations for a RAAF coastal April 1924. Courtesy NT Library PH 0238/1698, planned refuelling stop at Eucla was not reconnaissance and long range Peter Spillett Collection. required so they pressed on to alight at maritime operations capability. It Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 63
also established a nascent service and civilian logistics support infrastructure which could be called upon to sustain such operations.29 Two outstanding examples of navigational innovation demonstrated on the flight were the over-water sector from Thursday Island to the Cape Arnhem landfall, and the arrival at Israelite Bay. To make a landfall after 360 nautical miles over-water, with a two mile error, was a notable achievement. So was zigzagging to avoid islands and cliffs in poor visibility, then using the off-shore Eastern Group of islands as a landfall to set a compass course to Israelite Bay. Goble compiled 97 reports on geographical features and Albany to Israelite infrastructure details of the various coast was generally well supplied with provide a reconnaissance capability in Bay, 15 May; 350 nm. bays, inlets and harbours in which sheltered bays and inlets, it was too areas unsuited to shore bases.32 The offshore marker they alighted or overflew. The sparsely populated to provide support The Goble survey flight proved denotes East Island which the aircraft reports included assessments of the facilities. Perth to Albany was not a that a military seaplane could circled searching for suitability of bays for emergency use, good route but Albany was an excellent deploy from Point Cook, then the a clear patch after for refuelling, or as permanent bases. site for a base. Coastal geography to only RAAF base, and carry out zigzagging to avoid They listed accommodation, maritime the east presented similar problems of coastal reconnaissance operations in cliffs and islands. The infrastructure, and transport and dangerous coasts and isolated outposts remote areas provided basic support aircraft then proceeded on a compass course to communications facilities which could until the Port Lincoln – Investigator infrastructure was established. While Israelite Bay. Israelite support seaplane operations. The Strait area, which was suitable. The many of the regions overflown on the Bay to Ceduna (Denial information provided a compendium remainder of the coast to Melbourne survey were unsuitable for routine Bay) via overhead Eyre of practical information should RAAF provided little shelter.30 operations, with adequate planning, a and Eucla, 16 May; 560 seaplanes need to deploy for operations To meet ‘minimum defence rudimentary reconnaissance presence nm. Ceduna to Port in remote areas. requirements’, the report could have been mounted in an Lincoln, 17 May; 235 nm.27 Goble concluded that the coast recommended the establishment of emergency, particularly if operating from Melbourne to Cooktown a training and Bass Strait patrol base in cooperation with a warship. In was generally suitable for seaplane at Corio Bay in Victoria, a patrol base this case the aircraft’s surveillance operations provided support facilities at Sydney to cover the coast north to capability could have extended the such as fuelling and basic maintenance Newcastle, and a north-east patrol ship’s ability to intercept and engage equipment were established. However, base at Townsville with a possible ships approaching the Australian the coast from Cooktown north to temporary base at Thursday Island. coast. A Fairey IIID, deployed to an Thursday Island and westwards to One flight of seaplanes should be based advanced base on Thursday Island Darwin was unsuitable because of the at each location.31 Although Goble and operating in cooperation with a lengthy distances between inhabited concluded the coast from Townsville RAN light cruiser, could have provided areas, lack of shipping to support to Thursday Island was unsuitable a surveillance capability covering isolated bases, and dangerous coasts. for routine operations, he thought the Torres Strait and its approaches. Goble suggested a ‘seaplane carrying the route might be viable if air force Details of ships of interest sighted by ship’ might provide an alternative to an wireless telegraphy (W/T) stations the aircraft could be communicated air surveillance presence in the Darwin and at least one refuelling base were to the cruiser by wireless telegraphy. to Napier Broome Bay area. While established. He recommended the The aircraft’s radius of action would the remainder of the West Australian acquisition of a seaplane carrier to be increased were the aircraft to alight Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 64 Around Australia in a Fairey Seaplane
(Endnotes) alongside the cruiser at sea, refuel and 1 National Archives of Australia File resume the patrol. Goble’s conclusions Series A9376, Control Symbol 92, Report on Seaplane Flight Round Australia 6 April did not identify areas of particular to 19 May 1924, Section “A” Fuel Supplies, reconnaissance interest except for the 1. Division of Flight into Stages, p. 6. Other reasons for the flight were to report on ‘the suggestion that a seaplane carrier could practicability of utilizing sea patrol aircraft, cover the Darwin to Napier Broome based at strategical points, in the carriage of mails etc., without undue interference Bay segment. This area may have with the regular training of the crews’ and been considered for forward patrols ‘to ascertain to what height the south-east trade wind in tropical areas holds its surface against an enemy maritime raid on direction’. the populated south-west of Western 2 Ibid, Introduction, p. 3. 3 Ibid, Section “A” Fuel Supplies, p.6. Australia. 4 Ibid, Section “C” Selection, Alterations, Despite the considerable Lieutenant Commander Modifications and Overhaul of Seaplane and Engine, pp. 16 - 23. The additional achievement and the proof of concept Tim Coyle RANR petrol tank held 40 gallons. The normal the flight demonstrated, it did show fuel capacity was 102 gallons providing an Lieutenant Commander Coyle has been endurance of five hours 30 minutes. The the vulnerability of the seaplane type. additional tank extended the endurance to Flying boats, with planing hulls rather an active naval reserve intelligence approximately seven hours. 5 Ibid, Section “C” Pilots Compass and than the fragile floats of the Fairey IIID, officer for 20 years. In his civilian Navigator’s Compass, p. 18. The British would have provided a more robust employment he is an adviser to Admiralty Compass Observatory (ACO) aircraft. By their nature seaplanes devised the 6/18 ‘aperiodic’ compass which Government on international arms countered the dangerous ‘northerly turning are more vulnerable to damage than error’. This error occurred when an aircraft landplanes. However at the time of control issues. In August 2006 he banked, causing the compass card to assume the same banked angle. This resulted in the the Goble flight, the seaplane was the submitted his PhD thesis on the history compass needle appearing to revolve in the most suitable for the round Australia direction of the turn and thus not continue of air navigation in the RAAF. to point to magnetic north. Most pilots flight and for the nascent military and therefore did not trust their compasses. national development flying on which The aperiodic compass rapidly returned the needle to north-pointing, when deflected, 33 the RAAF was embarking. by ‘damping’ the compass magnetic system. The flight received deserved The damping mechanism consisted of fine wires suspended in the compass bowl liquid. recognition. Both Goble and McIntyre The ACO 6/18, so designated because it was were made Companions in the issued for service in June 1918, was the first practical aperiodic aircraft compass. Order of the British Empire, and the 6 A bearing plate was used to measure British Royal Aero Club awarded the the drift angle by vertical observations which in early models was a dummy compass card Britannia Challenge Trophy of 1924 to fitted with vanes for taking bearings. The the airmen for ‘the most meritorious ACO 6/18 compass as fitted could be used for both these purposes as a ‘bearing plate’. performance in the air during the year’. 7 Wimperis, H.E., A Primer of Air The imperial significance of the flight Navigation, New York, D. Van Nostrand Company, 1920, p.34. was not overlooked. At the trophy 8 Wimperis, p. 35. presentation ceremony to Goble in 9 NAA File Series A9376, Control Symbol 22, Hobart Seaplane Reconnaissance London, C.J. Fairey, the chairman of the by Wing Comm. Goble and F.Lt. McIntyre company that manufactured the Fairey 2/2/24 to 11/2/24. The primary flight IIID seaplane, stated that the flight ‘had objective was to survey the route with a view to ‘despatching seaplanes to Hobart to re-established in the eyes of the world co-operate with the Fleet during exercises in the prestige of British Aviation which Tasmanian waters’. 10 Williams, Richard, Sir, These are now outshone that of foreigners after Facts: The Autobiography of Air Marshal Sir their initial post-war supremacy’.34 Richard Williams KBE CB DSO, Canberra, The Australian War Memorial,1977, pp. 128 –129 and 137 – 138. 11 Control Symbol 92, Part II, Narrative of Flight, General Remarks, p. 47. 12 Ibid, Part II Narrative of Flight p. 33 –34. 13 Ibid, p. 34. 14 Wimperis, p.33 15 Control Symbol 92, Part II, Narrative
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 65
of Flight, p.35 – 37. 16 Swinging corrected the compass against magnetic influences in the aircraft which could give erroneous readings. The aircraft was placed on a rotating base, or a ‘compass rose’ painted on the ground and headed in various accurately pre- determined directions. Internal magnetic influences were corrected by the adjustment of compensating attachments within the compass. The residual, which could not be totally eradicated, was noted on a deviation card and posted next to the compass. The pilot, when flying a compass heading, made allowance for deviation. 17 Control Symbol 92, p. 38 18 Chart: Australia Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reefs, Published at the Admiralty 9th June 1886, New Editions to 9th October 1914, Large Corrections to 22nd July 1938; Australia (Northern Portion), London, Published at the Admiralty, 28th December 1934. Aircraft track analysis by author. 19 Control Symbol 92, Section “B” (2) Spare Parts and Gear Carried in Seaplane. There were no sea markers or navigation smoke floats listed as carried in the aircraft. These markers were designed to be thrown overboard; smoke was released upon landing on the water and the wind speed and direction measured with the bearing indicator by sighting on the smoke. 20 Goble did not record changes in wind speed; only direction. The analysis of wind components and drifts from data in Goble’s log was by the author, using a Howse navigational computer. 21 Control Symbol 92, pp. 39 – 40. 22 Chart: Australia (Northern Portion) and the Adjacent Islands and Seas South of the Equator, Admiralty, London, 28 December 1934. Track analysis by the author. 23 Control Symbol 92, p. 40. 24 Ibid, pp. 41 – 42. 25 Ibid, pp. 42 – 43. 26 Ibid, pp. 43 – 44. 27 Australia (Southern Portion) 1884, London, Published at the Admiralty 20th July 1885, New Editions to 11th December 1922, Large Corrections to 3rd February 1933. Track analysis by the author. 28 Control Symbol 92, p. 45. 29 Ibid, pp. 45 – 46. 30 Ibid, Part III Coastal reconnaissance, Section “B”, 2. Conclusions, p. 182. 31 Ibid, Part III Coastal Reconnaissance, Section “B”, 3. Recommendations, p. 183. 32 The seaplane carrierHMAS ALBATROSS was commissioned into the RAN in 1929. 33 The terms applicable to water-borne aircraft are usually interchangeable. A ‘seaplane’ is a generic term and might refer to ‘floatplanes’ or ‘flying boats’. The Fairey IIID was a floatplane as it rested on the water on two floats. A flying boat had a planing or boat-type hull usually with two small steadying floats positioned near the wing tips. 34 Coulthard-Clark C.D., The Third Brother; The Royal Australian Air Force HMAS Toowomba approaches waiting family at Diamantina Pier, Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling, after being deployed 1921-1939, North Sydney, Allen and Unwin, for six months on Operation Slipper. 1991, p. 388.
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 66
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Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 67 Book Reviews
operating platforms for aircraft at early stages by their respective air forces. For the USN this sea. For example, by 1910 the USN meant having to argue strongly to maintain an independent had modified a ship to enable aircraft naval air arm, while for the RN, after World War I, it launches and in 1917 the RN carried meant being subject to Royal Air Force control and general out the first shipboard landing. There indifference for about 20 years. One outcome was that by was much trial and error involved the beginning of World War II, RN aircraft performance in these developments and no small lagged that of land-based equivalents considerably and was amount of courage needed by all also significantly worse than that of USN carrier aircraft. involved. Nevertheless, despite the Substantial differences in operating methods also emerged limitations of ships modified from their between the RN and USN, with the latter favouring dive- original purposes to operate aircraft, bombing over torpedo attack for anti-shipping strike, not several were able to do so to limited least because it was less risky for the aircraft and crews. A Century of Carrier tactical effect during World War I. Despite the dead hand of the RAF over the years, the Aviation: the Evolution of The author shows very plainly RN still managed to be the first to operate twin-engine and Ships and Shipborne Aircraft the different design philosophies jet aircraft at sea before the end of 1945. The increasing adopted by both the RN and USN performance of aircraft and their associated growing weight in the 1920s and 1930s, as they built and size demanded innovation in design, and Hobbs explains By David Hobbs, US Naval Institute dedicated aircraft carriers, and the in some detail two excellent British examples, the Buccaneer Press, 2009, 304 pages, hard cover, operational impact of these approaches. and the Sea Harrier short take off and vertical landing illustrated. USD $69.95 The RN was more conservative and aircraft. The latter was a response to Britain’s decision to incorporated greater margins of safety discontinue building large fleet carriers, although the original ISBN 978-1-59114-023-8 and protection, whereas the USN interest emerged from the Kamikaze threat in the latter part approach led to larger flight decks, of World War II. In detailing the development of carrier- Reviewed by CDRE Jack McCaffrie RAN more flexible and effective use of them borne aircraft from the beginning, the author shows clearly (ret’d). and thus much greater striking power that the early lack of performance by embarked aircraft by its air groups. These differences has all but disappeared with the current and emerging David Hobbs is a retired RN pilot became manifest during World War II. generations of tactical aircraft. who has built a reputation as the The USN maintained its carrier Operating aircraft from ships at sea has always been author of a series of very good books design advantages after the War, despite demanding, exciting and dangerous. The author illustrates on naval aviation. His latest offering the fact that several significant design this only too clearly with different aspects of flying operations is a large format work detailing the innovations, including the angled described throughout the book. Flight deck and hangar deck development of naval aviation over the flight deck, mirror landing system operations, aircraft launch and recovery and the tactical last century, from an understandable and ski-jump originated with the RN. control of aircraft all receive detailed treatment, which RN perspective, but with frequent David Hobbs laments some appalling highlights differences among the major carrier operating reference to the efforts of other navies, design features of the Invincible-class navies – including the Japanese carriers with port-side islands primarily of course those of the USN, “through-deck cruisers” and the failure and the early carriers with arrestor wires rigged for landings but also the French and Japanese to incorporate some excellent ideas from both astern and ahead. The author’s description of the navies. His fascinating story is lavishly from the CVA-01 concept cancelled in terror associated with night vertical landings in Sea Harriers and effectively illustrated by many fine 1966 by the-then Labour government. suggests that little of the danger has been removed from the photographs, most from what must be Hobbs pays due homage to the USN’s process over 100 years. a very large personal collection. The Nimitz and CVN 21 classes, the most For anyone with an interest in naval aviation A Century book follows a generally chronological recent and perhaps the ultimate in of Carrier Aviation will be a treasure trove. It may not be thread and deals with the development aircraft carrier design, and remains “everything you ever wanted to know” about naval aviation of the carriers themselves, their aircraft hopeful for the RN’s latest and biggest but it comes close. There is a great amount of detailed and carrier operations. carriers which may yet, however, be information about virtually every aspect of the business, What is most striking in the author’s victims of the global economic crisis. supported by a very imaginative and comprehensive description of the development of David Hobbs shows that the collection of photographs. If I have any quibble it is that there the aircraft carrier is the speed with development of carrier aircraft has been is perhaps too much technical detail in some places, but that which the RN, USN and the French equally fascinating, with the efforts of is a very minor point indeed. Very highly recommended. Navy attempted to provide suitable both the USN and RN influenced in the Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 68 Book Reviews
historians over the years. in his 1994 book.2 But a book emphasising surface The book describes and analyses combat is not the best vehicle to demonstrate this a myriad of surface actions in both contention as, by the author’s own admission, the eastern and western basins of the the Regia Marina’s performance in surface action Mediterranean, from a slight clash against the Royal Navy was poor. As he states, by between the French and Italians on the end of 1940 the British and Italians had fought 14 June 1940 to a small but complete eleven surface actions in Mediterranean and Red victory by two British destroyers Seas. In these ‘Allied surface forces had sunk a against three German torpedo boats cruiser, three destroyers, and torpedo boats and on 18 March 1945. In between are had damaged eight others. In turn, Italian surface the major actions of Calabria, Cape forces had damaged five British cruisers and five Spada, Cape Spartivento, Matapan, destroyers, most of them superficially’ (p 75). And the British surface attacks on the Axis those ‘eight others’ damaged included a battleship, a Vincent P O’Hara, Struggle convoys to North Africa and the two heavy and a light cruiser. Indeed, in his conclusion for the Middle Sea, the Sirte Gulf actions. The bulk of the book Mr O’Hara notes ‘…the Royal Navy’s superiority in Great Navies at War in the concerns itself with actions between intelligence, doctrine, technology and resources…’ Mediterranean Theatre, the British and Italian Navies between (p 260). 1940 and 1943, but the author also As Mr O’Hara’s account makes clear, the 1940-1945, Annapolis, includes actions involving the French Italians had problems with night fighting, air/ Naval Institute Press, 2009. and Germans. He includes operations surface cooperation and, mostly, were insufficiently in the Red Sea, which are relevant to aggressive. The RN usually annihilated the convoys xviii+324pp, Photographs, Maps, the Mediterranean theatre, but less it attacked, whereas Italian interceptions with heavy Tables, Acknowledgements, relevant is the curious inclusion of forces never achieved decisive results. The Italian Introduction, Endnotes to text, Operation MENACE, the British/ Navy was supreme in the Eastern Mediterranean Bibliographical references, Inde Free French attempt to take Dakar in from December 1941 until mid 1942 when the Senegal. A final chapter discusses the Royal Navy had no battleships or carriers available. ISBN: 978-1-59114-648-3 minor actions that occurred between Yet it had made little direct difference to British 1943 and 1945. naval operations. Axis successes were mostly by Reviewed by Richard Pelvin Each account is preceded by a air forces. For example, in the case of the two Sirte table giving the date and time of the Gulf actions, the RN had no battleships or carriers The Mediterranean was the central action, the weather conditions and to counter the major fleet units deployed by the strategic focus of the Western sea state in which it was fought. The Regia Marina against two convoys defended by light Allies from 1940 to 1943 when the force commanders and the vessels cruisers and destroyers, but the attacks were never operational centre of gravity shifted involved are listed with an assessment pressed home. It was air attacks that caused the to North West Europe. Vincent of the level of damage received in the severe losses to the convoys. O’Hara has written an account which engagement. The actions are described The Regia Marina’s most effective strokes were seeks to do two things. The first is to clearly and the major encounters are not achieved by surface action but by the minefield recount the story of the Mediterranean illustrated with useful maps. that devastated Forces B and K and the brilliant Campaign with an emphasis on surface A second aspect of Mr O’Hara’s miale attack on Alexandria that put the battleships warfare in that theatre. This follows two book is a determination to overturn Queen Elizabeth and Valiant out of action. This is previous books in which the author the myths of an ineffective, comic not to say that the Italian Navy lacked courageous successfully covers surface combat by opera Italian Navy. He believes that men, as O’Hara amply demonstrates in his account the German and United States Navies.1 these started during the war in Allied of the Espero action and the conduct of Lupo and The second object is to rehabilitate propaganda and continued ‘in muted Sagittario in defence of their convoys off Crete. the Italian Navy’s reputation which form’ in post-war British and American Mr O’Hara outlines the strategies to be followed he claims has suffered badly from histories. This is to a certain extent by the both navies at the outset of hostilities. He true and Mr O’Hara is not the first claims that the Royal Navy was unable to achieve 1 The German Fleet at War 1939- to point this out. He follows closely theirs whereas the Italians essentially did by 1945, Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 2004; The US Navy against the Axis, in the footsteps of James Sadkovich 1939-1945,Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 2 James Sadkovich, The Italian Navy in World War II, 2007. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1994 Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Issue 135 69
successfully passing the majority of Convoys, air attacks, submarines and The strikes on Pearl Harbor are the subject of men and materiel dispatched to North amphibious operations are mentioned hundreds of books, reports, monographs and Africa. However the Italian success only where they provide context to the articles from the past to the present. Naval was facilitated by the fact that the surface battles. As such I recommend historian-author Edwin P Hoyt (Leyte Gulf) takes only British base from which effective Struggle for the Middle Sea as a us in Pearl Harbor Attack to that tragic Sunday attacks could be made was Malta, but valuable contribution to the literature morning of 7 December 1941 over the Hawaiian the basing of effective forces was often on the Mediterranean naval war which Islands. He lucidly narrates the events of the day obviated by intense air assault. When highlights many lesser known actions, of infamy in twelve chapters, beginning with a the British could base sufficient forces including those fought by the French discussion of the roots of conflict and why the there, they were effective. and German navies. I have, however, Japanese went to war. British naval strategy was considerable reservations as to its Hoyt then proceeds to provide the reader constrained by the resources available, conclusions regarding the relative a background on the Japanese strategy, force especially after the fall of France. It was effectiveness of the British and Italian composition and key officers of the Pearl Harbor affected by the tactically challenged navies, which the author needs to strike force. He details the subsequent warnings of British Army and the imposition of address in a wider context than surface war with the United States and Japan hours before unrealistic strategies in respect of the actions. For a wider ranging and the first bombs fell on the US Pacific Fleet base. The Balkans. These left the RN with the balanced account of Mediterranean four succeeding segments of the book capture the siege of Tobruk to support and the operations Greene and Massignani opening of hostilities as the destroyer USS Ward difficulties of the campaigns in Greece remains the standard work.3 (DD-139) made contact with a Japanese Midget
and Crete, difficulties which could 3 Jack Greene and Alessandro Submarine, and then continues through the first hardly be foreseen pre-war. Yet for all Massignani, The Naval War in the waves of attack as the bombs fell on battleship row. Mediterranean 1940-1943, London: this the RN was able to supply Tobruk Chatham, 1998 Notable sections compose the eyewitness and relieve the Australian garrison, accounts of four Pearl Harbor veterans namely transport troops to Greece and George D Phraner, an Aviation Machinist Mate evacuate them, see off the attempted aboard the USS Arizona, Dr. Adolph Mortensen seaborne invasion of Crete and of the USS Oklahoma, Technical Sergeant Joseph evacuate many thousands of troops Pezek of the US Army Air Force at Hickam Field, from there. In doing so it took heavy and Marine Corps Private First Class Art Wells on losses, but in general it succeeded. board the USS Pennsylvania. Despite the great cost, Malta was held The closing chapters cover the aftermath of the and was available as an air and naval attack, the United States declaration of war against base when the time came to land in Japan and the author’s afterword of how Pearl Italy. Had it fallen it would have needed Harbor united the American nation with the resolve retaking. of combating the Axis war machine. In these operations the dangerous The book is in the category for young adult enemy was not the Italian surface readers. It is well written and researched. I found forces, which were well beaten remarkable the accounts of the veterans. Of new at Matapan, it was the German information to this reviewer is the role of the liner submarine and air forces. Yet in a book Pearl Harbor Attack Taiyo Maru as a spyship and the presence on board emphasising surface warfare they of IJN officers. receive little attention. Suffice to say the Reviewed by CMDR Mark R Condeno, Pearl Harbor Attack is well depicted with Germans were responsible for sinking Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary by 15 photographs, three maps showing Asia, a battleship and two carriers and Edwin P Hoyt, Sterling Point Books, the positioning of US warships, and the force crippling another battleship and two Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. composition and route taken by Japanese aircraft. carriers, never mind the losses inflicted A silhouette chart of the Japanese Fleet is also off Crete and on the Malta convoys. (www.sterlingpublishing.com), 387 included. A cast of characters list and index As the book is avowedly about Park Avenue South, New York, NY supplement the book. Pearl Harbor Attack would surface action, it should not be read as 10016, 2008, 130 Pp, $ 6.95, ISBN-13: be a valuable gift to today’s generation and is a an overall history of the Mediterranean 978-1-4027-5704-4 significant addition in the literature of naval history. naval operations, as its title promises. Journal of the Australian Naval Institute Trusted Partner
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Collins Oct09 A4.indd 1 21/10/2009 10:14:55 AM Issue 135 71 Visions from the Vault VisionsVisions from from the the Vault Vault ne of the most recognisable photographs of the Australian Navy Oduring World War II portrays members of HMAS Sydney’s ship’s company peering out from a large hole on the port side of her forward funnel; the sole hit sustained in the engagement with the Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni on 19 July 1940. These two photographs provide a somewhat different perspective on the damage caused by the enemy shell. According to reports, having torn ‘a hole 3 feet square’ in the port side, the explosion emerged on the starboard side, on the way damaging gratings, ladders and stiffening angles inside the funnel. Many splinters were found in the boiler room, while others caused superficial damage to the aircraft catapult, and three of the boats stored on the upper deck. Fortunately the damage was largely cosmetic and no casualties resulted.
Damage to HMAS Sydney’s funnel port and starboard
Journal of the Australian Naval Institute 72 ANI On-line: A guide to the website.
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ATIN 37543 Headmark 185x130_art_OUT.indd 1 Journal of the Australian11/16/09 Naval Institute 11:43 AM 74 Australian Naval Institute
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More details are available on the to borrow the books. Members are Councillor: MIDN Jeremy Baumgarten RAN Institute’s website. requested to ring the SPC to confirm Councillor: MIDN Sarah McDonagh RAN Article submission. Articles and access, particularly if visiting from Councillor: MIDN John Abbott RAN correspondence should be submitted outside Canberra. Website Manager: electronically in Microsoft Word, with The ANI/Sea Power Centre-Australia Mr Ernst Power (non membership position) limited formatting. (See the style guide in will gladly accept book donations on Public Officer: this issue for further details.) naval and maritime matters (where they LEUT Tristan Skousgaard RAN (non mem. position) Articles should ideally range in size will either be added to the collection from 3000-7000 words, but smaller or traded for difficult to obtain books). 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Journal of the Australian Naval Institute HMAS Tobruk returns to her home port of Sydney after participating in Operation Samoa Assist, where she provided humanitarian relief to the people of Samoa and Tonga affected by the September tsunami