Speaker Topics VIRTUAL TOURS VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE DESTROYER HMAS VAMPIRE The last of the big-gun destroyers. Come aboard to find out what life was like for officers and sailors. Also learn the operation of the guns, boiler and engine rooms and how the ship was commanded. VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE SUBMARINE HMAS ONSLOW Explore the museum’s diesel/electric powered Oberon class submarine. See what it was like to live in the confined spaces of an ex-RAN submarine and how the vessel performed her silent service. VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE HMB ENDEAVOUR Come aboard the pride of the museum’s fleet, an authentic replica of the ship in which Cook explored the east coast of Australia. Hear the stories of life on board for the captain and crew and gain an understanding of how an 18th-century sailing ship operated. VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE MUSEUM GALLERIES Join us for a virtual stroll through the museum galleries and get a peek at and an understanding of the amazing maritime treasures on display. KEY NAVY EVENTS WWI HMAS SYDNEY/SMS EMDEN BATTLE First Victory – Battle of the Cocos Islands. Find out how HMAS Sydney achieved the Royal Australian Navy’s first victory at sea at the start of WWI, how the battle unfolded, the aftermath and the strategic importance of the victory for Australia. DAMN THE DARDANELLES. THE ROLE OF THE NAVY AT GALLIPOLI AND THE AUSTRALIAN SUBMARINE AE2 The contribution of the navy, including British, French and Australian vessels, has been largely overlooked under the weight of the army narrative. They played a part in the landings, gunfire support and eventual evacuation. The submarine AE2 was the first to penetrate the Dardanelles, with an extraordinary effect on the whole operation. SAILORS ON HORSEBACK – THE STORY OF THE RAN BRIDGING TEAM AT GALLIPOLI The little-known story of a group of sailors in army uniform who landed with the second invasion at Gallipoli at Suvla Bay. They provided essential logistic support as well as building wharves and jetties. Following the evacuation of Anzac Cove, they were the last out. KEY NAVY EVENTS WWII THE BATTLE BETWEEN HMAS SYDNEY II AND KSK KORMORAN A fierce battle unprecedented in the annals of naval warfare. See photos of the ships before the battle and also on the sea bed. Find out how the pride of the RAN was sunk with none of the 645 crew surviving. FINDING HMAS SYDNEY II A story of passion, commitment and persistence by groups of people to bring some closure to the families, friends and mates of the 645 crew. This involved extraordinary detective work and very sophisticated science and technology. See photos of the memorial at Geraldton, now classified as a National Memorial. THE JAPANESE MIDGET SUBMARINE ATTACK ON SYDNEY HARBOUR Coming ready or NOT....Find out the details of how the attack was carried out by courageous Japanese Naval personnel and the inadequate harbour defenses. THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA In early May 1942, a most extraordinary sea battle took place on our doorstep. No ships fired their guns directly at an enemy ship – the battle was fought entirely by airmen launched from their carriers and land bases. MV KRAIT A successful raid on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour by a group of allied commandos that demonstrated extraordinary bravery, resilience and ingenuity. Find out about the training and equipment required to conduct the raid and the lasting legacy left by these brave men. KEY NAVY EVENTS BEYOND 1945 THE HMAS MELBOURNE AND HMAS VOYAGER COLLISION – AUSTRALIA’S WORST PEACETIME NAVAL DISASTER Just 50 years ago, the destroyer HMAS Voyager was cut in two by the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne with the loss of 82 lives. Find out how it happened – Could it have been avoided? Has the blame really been fairly apportioned? HISTORICAL BASS AND FLINDERS Find out about the backgrounds of these two famous maritime explorers, their fates and their voyages of exploration around the coasts of NSW, Tasmania and Terra Australis in small boats. CSS SHENANDOAH The American Civil War came to Australia in 1865 and Australians were there when the final act of the Civil War unfolded. Shenandoah had been designed as a tea clipper and could do 16 knots under sail. In 1865, the captain found out too late that the war was over and he could be up for piracy, which carried the death penalty. So what did the he do? All will be revealed in this presentation. COOK This talk examines the life and times of arguably the world’s greatest explorer – James Cook. It covers his early life, his apprenticeship in the merchant marine, his decision to join the Royal Navy and his rise to a position of importance in the RN. Explore his three voyages in some detail, his untimely death and its causes. The topic will also touch on his family and his legacy. BOMBING OF DARWIN Darwin, a small town in our remote north, suddenly became Australia’s front line in 1942 when the Japanese launched ferocious bombing attacks, dropping more bombs than used on Pearl Harbor. Were the defenses ready, were they adequate, what was the cost in human lives, how many ships were lost? These and many other questions are answered. GENERAL INTEREST FLYING BOATS The aquatic airman and the ships he flew. The story of an amazing Australian aviator who founded the first water-based regular airline service to Lord Howe Island using surplus WWII aircraft. ALCOHOL AT SEA Find out about the origins of grog and the navy, where the rum ration came from and when it disappeared. We also explore the elaborate ceremony of the rum issue on board navy ships. HEROIC MEN AND FIGHTING MACHINES Find out about the history of the Royal Australian Navy. Appreciate the courage and bravery of RAN men who were put forward for a VC. Learn the background to the names of the Collins class submarines. Also appreciate the ships that gave an outstanding account of themselves in battle. .