60 cents THE 1» AUGUST-SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER. 1979
' NAVY.A *cqi»»ofw/ for potting a% a publication Colvgoiy A EDITOR ROSSCILLETT P.O. BOX 653 1)1 I tt HY, NSW. 2099 THE Phone: 949 6994 Rogi»t»rcd f or potlin gaio publication — Category A NAVY Tho magazine of the Navy toagut lofAusti alio GEORGE 1/o l .41 Al GUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1979 No. 3 i KYPREOS *•! J^~ CONSTRUCTIONS ' i«r -
CIVIL CONTRACTORS
Pleased to be at work for the RAN
An impressive vie* of the bridge and forward gun turrets of I'.S.S. WISCOSSIS, the last American battleship — one ot the 15V photographs from "Battleship Design and Development 1905-1945"by \orman Friedman, published by Conway Maritime Pre\\ and 27 FLOSS STREET reviewed in this issue of "The Wavy " on page 13
HURLSTONE PARK, NSW P»R* ADVERTIS ING AND PUB UCATION: Annual Navj Week Message PERCIVAL PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD I (litor v Comment's SYDNEY A0EUU0E PERTH 4ih October. 1913 B2 Elian** St 17CumeSt IW St Georges Tee Na*> Week Programme Waterloo Adelaide. 5000 Perth. 8X0 Naval Roundup 1 NSW. Ml? Phone 51 6225 Phone: 322*72 T. S. Barwon Telephone: 559 3393 Phone »9 MM Niv> League News Book Reviews HOBART MELBOURNE BRISBANE New Zealand's Spar Torpedo Boats 123 Hurray St Greenan Publications «th Floor Kuropean Navies PtylM Credit Union House Hoban.rout) JMBourke Street W9 Queen Street Phone:3a«9! bad Kile No. 4 — Ardtto Phone 67 1*61 Brisbane. 4000 Kuropean Carriers — A New Generation ** Phone 312531 The German Nav> In The Alliance *' M ti«i* Warship Pictorial — Sweden Aug/Sept/Oct, 1979 ^Av*Y Paoa One Annual Navy Week STEEL SHELVING Message From . . . STEELBILT
• COMPACT ROLLING SHELVING J l The President of The a • Mechanically or manually % operated for industry & 1 6 i • s m Navy League of Australia commerce 1
Her Last Farewell The former Air-Sea Rescue boat. H.M.A.S. AIR SPRITE. made her final voyage under low from H.M.A.S. PERTH, on Tlh May. 1979. I atcr the same da) she was sunk by a dummy Standard missile fired from H.M.A.S. BRISBANE. The 19 years old vessel fell the full weight of the impact with the stern section sinking almost immediately. The forward section remained afloat until small arms fire commenced. The accompanying photos (supplied by Lt. Comm. R. Cawihorn. Surface Weapons Trials Officer, R.A.N.). depict AIR SPRITE during the closing stages of her final day. •H ....
/ mi., i.iiii R. Smith from RA.STAl' rigging recording equipment immediate!} prior to the missile firing. H.M.A.S. DIAMAMINA. (Photo - R.A.N.). Ensign for Naval Reserve Cadets Officers Graduate at Naval College Naval Reserve Cadets now have their own official ensign. The ensign, which incorporates the White Ensign and the crest of the The first Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) Naval Reserve Cadets, has only recently been approved Officer cadets to graduate from the Royal Australian Naval throughout Australia. In due course all Units will receive an College, H.M.A.S. CRESWELL, at Jervis Bay. participated in Ensign to fly at their establishments. the Passing Out Parade at the College on 5th July. The eight WRANS Officer Cadets and 28 male Midshipmen paraded before the Governor-General, Sir Zelman Cowen, who reviewed the Oldest R.A.N. Warship to be parade and later presetted the prizes to the top graduates. Decommissioned German Navy Orders Westland Lynx The Minister for Defence, Mr. D. J. Killen, announced on 11th June. 1979, that H.M.A.S. DIAMANTINA, the oldest warship Twelve Westland Navy Lynx helicopters have been ordered for in the Royal Australian Navy, will be decommissioned at Garden service with the Federal German Navy. The contract, with spares Island, Sydney, during next December. and training, is worth approximately £30 million. Built in Australia during World War II, H.M.A.S. this latest order for Lynx, a N.A.T.O. project, means that DIAMANTINA was launched in April. 1944, and took pan in Navy Lynx will now be operated by six European nations — the surrender of Japanese forces at Nauru and Ocean Island. She Germany, Great Britain, France, The Netherlands, Denmark and was decommissioned in 1946, but recommissioned 13 years later Norway. It is already in service in Great Britain, France, The as oceanographic research ship, based at Fremantle. W. A. Netherlands and additionally. Brazil and Argentina. Orders for H.M.A.S. DIAMANTINA, together with the R.A.N.'« second the Navy and Army versions of the Westland Lynx Helicopter oceanographic research ship, H.M.A.S. KIMBLA, is engaged in currently stand at 299. military and civilian oceanographic research, including work for Deliveries of the German Navy Lynx are planned to start in the C.S.I.R.O., universities and other research establishments. mid 1981, for use on the six FI22 frigates currently under DIAMANTINA consistently spends more time at sea than any construction. The helicopters' primary role will be anti other ship in the R.A.N. submarine warfare, for which they are to be fitted with the new Her replacement, H.M.A.S. COOK, was launched in August, lightweight Bendix AN/AQS18 dipping sonar developed under a 1977, and is expected to be commissioned in the next six or seven German Ministry of Defence Contract. In addition the Lynx will months. be used in the anti-ship missile defence role. NAVY Pa«aS«v«fl Aua/Sept/Oct, 1B7V THE ~~ The Training Ship Barwon Geelong Unit, Naval Reserve Cadets N.T. On any Sunday, off the western shore of Corio Bay, you will find a fleet of small craft scudding over the water propelled by oars, an outboard REAL ESTATE Proud to be Associated motor or sails. They are the boats of the Naval Reserve Cadet unit, T.S. with the RAN Barwon. With cadets straining on oars, clutching tillers or hauling in the sheets, young men of the city of Geelong are taking instruction in PTY LTD practical seamanship. The 63 cadets of (his unit have two, 1967, 1970, 1971 and 1976. In 1964 the believed to be the only Naval Reserve thirty year old. 14 ft. clinker built sailing Geelong unit was awarded the Lonsdale Cadet band in Victoria and will soon be dinghies (one of which is used mainly for Trophy, and, last year, 1978, it was seen and heard leading the ship's Member of the Real Estate Institute of NT pulling instruction) one recently received awarded the Cocked Hat and epaulettes company of Barwon through the streets and with Associated Agents in All Capital replacement training craft, two being the trophy for the best guard in of Geelong. Cities of Australia bond wood dinghies and one aluminium Victoria. With its dedicated and extremely rescue boat powered by a 25 h.p. A band is being formed within the unit, enthusiastic band of officers and outboard motor. Coupled to the base, and at its first public appearance just instructors, the Geelong Unit of the Naval Tootal situated in the unit headquarters, by prior to Christmas, was more than Reserve Cadets is destined for a great radio, these boats are controlled by the favourably received by the audience. It is future assisted by its loyal unit committee. Training Officer during their manoeuvres. Evidence has been found that Sea Cadets were in Geelong as far back as Australia 1915, although the unit as we know it today had its beginnings in 1930. Uniforms, supplied by the government, cost 21 shillings. A far cry from today's cost of $150.35!!! By March 1932. 50 cadets had been enrolled and paraded at Ltd the Geelong Anzac Day service. The King's Colours was won by T.S. Barwon in 1937 and, during the war, many members enlisted and served with the R.A.N, with distinction. The present site of the headquarters, Land and Estate Agents ' Consultants right on the water's edge on Corio Bay, • Auctioneers' Insurance Agents TASMAN STREET was obtained in 1940 when the Geelong Harbour Trust placed a shed at the unit's Will Assist Retired Personnel with Defence DEVONPORT, TAS, 7310 disposal for a nominal fee. In 1949, a late president of the Geelong branch of the Services Home Applications. Navy League, bequeathed a sum of money to the unit. Success has come frequently to this extremely efficient unit, being awarded the Navy League of Australia Efficiency 88 MITCHELL STREET Trophy in 1959 and, in the same year, Lieutenant ft. H. Appirton, CO.. T. S. BARWON, LSMN B. Heat lie. Guard won the Queen's Colours. Following ( ommxnder and Commander J. H. Speed. Commanding Officer H.M.A.S. DARWIN these successes, Barwon won the LONSDALE (who presented the cocked hat and epaulettes shown on the table). (Photo • Queen's colours in 1960, 1962, 1963, - T. S. BARWON). PO Box 230. Darwin. NT, 5794 PEKON FIRE PROTECTION PTY LTD Contact Ian MocGregor Look for the Brand INDUSTRIALS MARINE FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERS PHONE DARWIN 81 6548 "Tootal", Your Guarantee (4 Lines) of Quality SPECIALISING IN DESIGN After Hours Darwin II 5951 or II ?«0> INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE
Telegraphic Code Address MAJOR SUPPLIERS OF FABRICS "NTREALESTATE". Darwin 35 ALEX AVE, MOORABBIN FOR UNIFORMS TO THE R.A.N. Telephone: 553 1855
Aug/Sept/Oct. 1979 Pig« Eight Aug/sapt/Oct. H7» the Navy should "run" the dockyards; if Navy League of Australia The Navy League of Australia this means the replacement of civilian (Victorian Division) workers by uniformed personnel the Notice is hereby gi*cn that the Annual League believes the idea to be General Meeting of The Navy League of Notke is hereby given that the Annual impracticable and in any event in Hansard and copies of the Papers may problems but believes some stand out and Australia will be held in the Conference General Meeting of the Victorian Division South Australia unnecessary — the majority of dockyard be obtained from the Federal Secretary, are capable of solution. For example, Koom of the Embassy Moid, Adelaide or The Navy League of Australia will be South Australia will be host to two workers are skilled men and women who P.O. BOX 227. Hawthorn. Victoria, Williamstown is primarily a "building" Avenue, Hopetoun Circuit. Deakin. held at The English Speaking Lnlon. 146 Ships of the Royal Navy Task Group take pride in their work and in the RAN. 3122. dockyard and although millions of dollars A.C.T. at 8.00 p.m. on Friday, 9th Toorak Road (West), South Yarra on during their tour of Australia. The In administrative terms, within (he have been spent in the last few years November. 1979. Wednesday 5lh September. 1979 at 7.30 Division has made arrangements to Defence Department the Navy already Naval Dockyard Problems upgrtding the yard for this purpose, it is p.m. entertain the Commanding Officers and administers the dockyards but whether it BUSINESS engaged mainly in repair work requiring a members of the crew of H.M. Ships Recent industrial troubles at the controls them in (he (rue sense of (he quite different balance of trade skills. The ill To receive the report of the Federal BUSINESS DIDO and FALMOUTH at a Sunday Williamstown Naval Dockyard received word — in particular, has the authority to yard has no significant building orders on Council and to consider matters lunch at the Old Mill Restaurant at uncustomary media attention due perhaps 'hir- and fire' potential or known hand and no immediate prospect of arising therefrom. {1) To receive the report of the Executive Handorf in (he Adelaide Hills. to the novelty of the workforce 'doing its mischiefmakers at management's continuity in shipbuilding work, with the To receive the financial statements Committee of The Victorian Division Monday, Hth September, 1979. has own thing' and engaging in the building discretion — is another matter. very real possibility that our expertise in for the year ended 30th June. 1979. for the year ended 30th June. 1979. been set aside for the annual general and repair of naval vessels without the warship construction will soon fall to a The naval dockyards (and the non meeting and members are requested to burden of management to advise and To elect office-bearers for 1979/80 as dangerously low level. government Cockatoo Island dockyard) (2) To receive the accounts for the keep (his night free to help plan the direct. While the absence of bosses may follows: are valuable national assets and a vital Division for the year ended 30th objective for the next twelve months. It is seem near-Utopian to many, the Navy It would of course be foolish to build pari of Australia's security. It is poiniless June. 1979. hoped that Commander C. K. Callins, League believes the continual dislocation ships for the sake of doing so or to keep (a) Federal President to go on indefinitely moving from one R.A.N., Naval Officer Commanding of work in the dockyards is highly the dockyards content, but the present (b) Federal Vice Presidents (2) financial or industrial crisis to another (3) To elect the Executive Committee for South Australia, will be able to attend on unsatisfactory and that the causes of government has acknowledged a (c) Federal Council Members and the Navy League believes the Federal 1979/80. thai evening to give his views on The Navy industrial unrest must be identified and if continuing need for the RAN to have (d) Auditor. Government must at a very early dale: Today and the ways in which Navy possible, eliminated. The League however destroyer-type vessels, to be locally built (4) To appoint an Auditor. League can be of help to the senior considers that labour troubles are only a (the current modernisation of the (a) De(crmine a firm shipbuilding Nominations for the above to be lodged service. part of a generally unsatisfactory Williamstown yard is for this very programme; and with the Secretary prior to the meeting. situation in the dockyards, and that purpose). The requirement is for new- (b) Provide the Navy with whatever I*I General Business. This year the South Australian Division financial problems are at least as generation ships from about (he mid legislative support it needs to achieve plans to join in Navy Week activities by (4) General Business. important. nineteen-eighties onwards but to achieve stability in its industrial relations By Order of the Executive Committee. holding a formal dinner at H.M.A.S. (his target a decision as to type, number, if the situation is to be improved. The ENCOUNTER on Saturday. 29th Financial restrictions placed on a By Order of the Council. etc., is already overdue. The Navy League nettle has to be grasped sooner or later. O. V.DIMMITT September. This will be the first time the dockyard, or management' labour suggests that he decision be made and the s(ing is unlikely (o lessen with O. V.DIMMITT Navy League has held such a function and discord, affect very few people compared without further delay. The League also time. the Committee are looking forward to to similar restrictions or discord in Federal Secretary Secretary suggests that dockyards with a sense of South Australian members and their industries such as power and transport, GEOFFREY EVANS purpose and knowing where they were PO s friends making the evening a great where the effect may be felt by tens of going would have far less industrial strife hederal {'resident n«*tr. success. thousands of people immediately a breakdown of output occurs. The effect than is the present case. Navy League Submission to in the dockyards is both short- and long- Apart from (he financial aspects of Parliamentary Enquiry term; ships exceed by months their dockyard troubles and certainly At the end of 1978. the Federal planneJ refit programmes with a contributing to them, the Navy League President and Vice-President made a joint consequential effect on training believes that a keen awareness by some submission to the Defence Sub- programmes, exercises with other navies militant unions or union leaders of the D. Burnett & and on the morale of crews of ships WALKERS Committee of the Parliamentary Foreign dependence by the seagoing navy on "trapped" in the yards; generous ship- Affairs and Defence Committee (the dockyard facilities to keep ships in construction timetables prove hopelessly "kaicr Committee"). service, is a significant factor in employee Sons Pty Ltd inadequate (e.g.. the oceanographic vessel unrest, which at Garden Island and LIMITED The Papers presented by Commanders HMAS COOK due to enter service last Geoff Evans and Tony Grazebrook were Williamstown dockyards during the last year is still unfinished at Williamstown): seven or eight years has cost some two comprehensive and the subjects covered and naval planners inevitably tend to look included our present defence situation, million man-hours in lost time. Whether to more stable shipbuilders overseas for (his loss is due to genuine industrial MARYBOROUGH foreseeable future influences affecting new ships. It is all very costly and Australian security, and the need for grievances or a result of ideological unhelpful to Australia. be'iefs, for either reason it is QUEENSLAND greater self-sufficiency in naval CONTRACTORS TO THE ROYAL unacceptable. shipbuilding. The Navy League does not pretend to AUSTRALIAN NAVY The submission has been incorporated know all the reasons for dockyard The League has noted suggestions that A Wholly Owned With the Compliments of Australian Company
2 Terara St COUNTRYSIDE FOODS Greenwell Point Proud to be associated with the CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS TO THE Royal Australian Navy via Nowro ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY
23 Church Rd, Maddington, WA Telephone: (071) 21 2321 Phone: (044)47 1352 • Telephone: 459 2455
Page Ten Aug/S«pt/Oct, 1979 Auo'Sepl/Oct. 1979 Dimensions. Machinery, Maximum extensive to say the least, but the actual England during early 1979, and will Power, Maximum Speed, Range, story line becomes so involved at certain shortly be appearing on local bookstalls. i Torpedo Tubes, Guns and Complement. stages that it is beyond the average I strongly recommend this publication to Vzc. •mm BOOK A concise discussion of each class then reader's interest. genuinely interested battleship 'fans', follows, completing with a table listing In addition, by commencing at 1905 but for those whose interest lies only in fVt\ the various fates of each vessel. It is (DREADNOUGHT), a question arises the ships' careers and war activities this REVIEWS here, however, that letters are used to about the earlier battlewagons which it is not the book for them. • J,, signify the exact fate of each submarine. must be remembered dated from many .. t \Yv For instance, the British "T" class years previous. Thus, the effects of the BBBBH- V^cV submarine TALENT is listed as "R". first true battleship conflict, void of Reverting to page 7 we find the aircraft and submarines, is missing, i.e., SHIPSHAPE i^L..J~f abbreviation "R" can mean: the battle of Tsu-Shima. The Contrary Sea Nevertheless, the chapters dealing with THE U.S. WAR All said and done, this publication is On first viewing this rather large 1. Reduced to reserve; In 1922. the United States Coast armament, protection and seagoing a very readable and enjoyable addition paged book, I was of the opinion that it 2. Stricken; Guard cutter TAMPA carried out a MACHINE performance I found both readable and to the library. It is a book able to be was aimed at the younger reader, but 3. Scrapped; rather startling measurement of sea Consultant: Dr. James E. Dor nan Jar. extremely interesting. The photographs perused at any time, providing a after reading it from cover to cover 1 4. Employed for other purposes; water temperature. TAMPA was on the Published By: Salamander; Our Copy accompanying the text are of superb goldmine of facts and figures for those changed my mind. Ships Of The 5. Interned in neutral country; or ice patrol on the east coast of the quality and many in number. A brief Supplied by Paul Hamlyn Pty. Ltd. interested in "The U.S. War Machine". Twentieth Century is a book that will be 6. Ceded to another country. American continent, working near the mention is made of the pre-dreadnought Price: $12.95. of interest to young and old alike. What exactly happened to the vessel is famous Gulf Stream. The cutter was era of capital ships and appendices cover Reviewed By: ROSS GIL LETT PRACTICAL POINTS Basically the book is divided into apparently left to the reader's placed as accurately as possible across such subjects as normal displacement twenty five chapters, each being devoted imagination. the "cold wall", i.e.. the edge of the This book, the latest in a series which ON BOAT ENGINES and capital ships 1905-1945. has featured. "The Russian War io one type of ship. Marine casualties, This aside, "Submarines Of World warm Gulf Stream. Temperatures were "Battleship Design St Development Machine", "Soviet War Machine" and by Hans Donat such as "Titanic" of 1912 and War II", is a well written work. It is taken at bow and stern. The bow 1905-1945" was released for sale in "Japanese War Machine", claims to be. Published By The Nautical Publishing "Wahine" of 1968, arc also dealt with, illustrated by some 500 photographs and reading was 34CF. and the stern "an encyclopaedia of American military Company the narratives being well researched. The line drawings, each superbly reproduced. recorded 56°F.. a difference of 22" in equipment and strategy" — and so it is. Review Copy Supplied By The use of colour photography has really Details of over 2500 submarines are 240 feet. For such a small outlay, the buyer Australasian Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd. been exploited to the full, and I given, a force credited with sinking 23 Marine Bookshop particularly admired the two page spread million tons of merchant shipping. obtains a 272 page book, profusely Price $11.25 With the Compliments of A new marine bookshop, offering new illustrated with colour photographs, of "QUEEN MARY", the most Reviewed By "The Dustman" Australia's former OXLEY and and secondhand nautical books, as well more than 120 technical drawings, maps, beautiful passenger ship ever to be OTWAY are given due mention, as is as professional paintings and ship's charts, comparative tables and 150,000 Practical Points On Boat Engines is produced by a British shipyard. the KIX, although the author fails to photographs, has recently opened in words of authoritative text and other designed IO meet the requirements of The illustrations are welt selected, but note the latter's brief career in the SEALRITE Maclcay Street. Kings Cross, just up data. both boat owner and boat designer being a British publication we naturally R.A.N. alike. It is a practical book on how to from Kuttabul barracks. Various "The U.S. War Machine" is find more British ships than we do of select and repair boat engines, and is PTY LTD "Navy" readers have written in published by Salamander and is written other nations. For the proud Australian BATTLESHIP DESIGN indeed a well written text book. It is concerning this new outlet, which, I by fourteen individual authors, including individual there are a few shots taken in not. however, a book that would be & DEVELOPMENT understand also buys unwanted books, Hugh Lyon and Bill Gunston. It is Sydney Harbour, including the Sydney- purchased by the average ship lover, etc. subdivided into sixteen chapters, Manly hydrofoil "Dee Why" and a 1905-1945 Waterproofing Engineers unless of course he was a boat owner or covering such aspects as: The History of wonderful shot of the nuclear powered by Norman Friedman Admiralty Instruction, Issued boat designer as well. aircraft carrier U.S.S. "Enterprise" the U.S. Armed Forces: The Strategic Published by Conway Maritime Press 1747 Various typts of internal combustion steaming in through the Heads. Triad; Army; Air Force; Marine Corps; "No ship shall be selected as a engines are discussed, as are the various Reviewed By "Gayundah" Contractors to the RAN and of course. The United States Navy. I particularly enjoyed the "Titanic" transport with a height between decks of types of transmissions that can be used Having been a devoted battleship The naval chapters span forty-five disaster and the chapter on the "Torrey less than four feet six inches, in order to propel the boat. The important 'fan' for many years I was indeed pages with the Marines a further ten. A Canyon", both of which were well that the troops might be comfortable". incident of engine compartment pleased to see the release of Norman brief but concise discussion of current written and illustrated. ventilation is discussed. We are all aware Friedman's latest publication U.S.N, strategy is followed by technical Taken all round, I found Ships Of Future Issues of the number of fatalities that have "Battleship Design & Development 7 Bushby St, Bellvue WA The groundwork for various articles descriptions of most U.S. warships, The Twentieth Century a well written, occurred through neglect of this feature. 1905-1945". The book claims to be the to appear in 1980 is now in progress, beginning with the Nimiu class aircraft well illustrated, enjoyable book, one for first layman's guide to the design, but some photos are required. If you carriers, through to the major classes of As I have already intimated, this is a the average ship-lover who enjoys both construction and subsequent evolution can assist with such ships as support ships. Details are also given of technical book, dealing with engines for merchant and naval ships. of the battleship, but upon closer GERANIUM, MARGUERITE. the various torpedoes employed aboard small craft, not a book for the ship examination this was not always the Ttlophono: 274 50*6 MALLOW, PIONEER, PSYCHE and ships. This section is set out somewhat lover. The owner of a small motor boat, SUBMARINES OF case. The degree to which research has the Auxiliary Minesweepers of World like "Jane's", however it contains less as well as the owner of a high speed WORLD WAR II been undertaken is without doubt War II, please drop a line to the Editor. colour prints per page than other cabin cruiser, could not go wrong by sections of the book; it appears the investing in a copy of Practical Points by E. Hag n a sco U.S.N, lack colour photographers, while On Boat Engines. Many of the problems Published By Arms A Armour Press that beset small craft owners are very the U.S.A.F. chapters include almost all Our Copy Supplied By Thomas C. annoying and take some solving, but ADELAIDE STEAMSHIP colour. Lothian Pty. Ltd. this book may just be the reference The U.S. Strategic Triad, mentioned book needed to help the owner Price $30.50 earlier, discusses the three forms of overcome his difficulties. Reviewed By "Gayundah" INDUSTRIES PTY LIMITED strategic attack; the S.L.B.N., I.C.B.M. and bomber. Table I lists the "^••"-"rines Of World War II" Polaris/Poseidon building table, while SHIPS OF THE descries all of the classes and types of Engineering Division, Slipway Proprietors, Manufacturers of Mobile another diagram displays the growth of TWENTIETH submarines employed by each combatant U.S. Fleet Ballistic Missiles from the during the years of war 1939-45. Midget Cranes Polaris AI in I960, to the Trident C4 in CENTURY submarines to the German U-Cruisers, 1979. Types of missiles employed Edited by Pat Hornsey as well as projected and experimental 11 SO OLD PORT ROAD onboard ships are also covered in the designs, are also presented. Published By The New English Library chapter entitled. "U.S. Rockets A In typical "Janes" fashion, all ROYAL PARK, SA, 5014 Missiles". A comprehensive index is also Price $12.95 technical data is given via such headings Telephone: 47 5144 Reviewed By "The Dustman" as Builders, Normal Displacement. Page Twelve Aug/Sept/Oct. 1f7ff Aug/Stpt/Oct. 1W» The advantages to bo gained from the employment of duties. In fact, as early as 1886. the Commandant of the New torpedo boats are many. They are admitted to be most Zealand Military Forces admitted that the spar torpedoes were formidable weapons against ships in the hands of daring 'of little value11'. Nor were the boats well suited to the use of and determined men. They could be procured almost at Whitehead torpedoes; as was noted by an inspecting British once, and are not very costly either 'o purchase or to New Zealand's maintain. They do not require specie' f trained men for officer in 1893: working them, beyond the seamen and engineers who are to Be found in every port. Lastly they can be utilised The boats could not live In any sea-way. The dropping in time of peace for the Government service'. of one of the torpedoes would at once capsize the boat. Even in smooth water it is haphazardoua to drop a torpedo without having men on deck to change sides Torpedo and counterbalance the loss of weight immediately the The British authorities were asked to provide drawings of torpedo is discharged. It would be perfectly hopeless to suitable craft, but nothing further was done until 1882, by which attempt using these boats In daylight against a vessel carrying quick-firing guns. lime Scratchley had changed his mind about New Zealand's Boats requirements. Faster, and hence more expensive, boats would be On the other hand, some role was still seen for the boats in necessary, precluding the acquisition of as many as twelve. The night operations, 'giving to the defence a great moral effect, and New Zealand Parliament, reminded of the Russian 'threat' by the fast boats for use as guard-boats"'. They lingered on into the visit of a Russian squadron to the South Pacific from December 1900s, no longer regarded as of much importance to New 1881 March 1882, and by another minor war scare which erupted Zealand's defence system. By August 1904 three had been broken in Victoria, voted £50,000 to be spent on putting the harbour up1* and the fourth, at Port Chalmers, suffered the same fate defences in order, along the lines proposed by Scratchley. While soon afterwards. in the event little of this sum was actually to be spent on the planned fortifications and the guns remained unmounted, it did finance the four second class torpedo boats which the New Zealand Government ordered in England in September 1882*. SUBSCRIPTION FORM They were to be built by J. J. Thorneycroft Ltd. of Chiswick at a cost of £1150 each'. To "The Navy". 3* Waratah Kami. Tarraanrra, As a model for the procurement of weapons, this order left a VS.W.. za-74. AMlralta. lot to be desired. The Admiralty, the Empire's chief authority on naval matters, were not impressed and soon made clear that the I •rtcteM 81.75 batrtg 'autoacrtptlon to "The Navy" magazlna within Australia lot ivi yaar* (rata* not as type was 'not one which would have been approved by the Admiralty if they had been consulted beforehand . . .*'. In October 1883, when the vessels had been completed, the New Zealand Minister of Defence was surprised to be told that such a Name Date. craft 'had not been tried with the torpedo actually fired: there is, perhaps, an unavoidable risk that with such a charge of gun Address cotton as would probably be necessary in active service, the boats I he Nrn Zealand torpedo boat I.AI.AROA. (Photo — New Zealand Defence Historian). themselves might receive more or leas injury from the explosion'. He refused to allow any trials, which, if anything went wrong, would have been at New Zealand's expense*. The boats, which were 63 feet long and displaced 12 tons, had by I. C. MacGIBBON \e» Zealand Defence Historian a top speed during their trials of 171* knots, at which, it was reported, the wave that followed was higher than the deck and a On 2nd February. 1884. the s. s. Lyttalton set out from Britain for New Zealand, carrying on her sharp turn sent water spouting up from the ruddei 'like a small (AtAM HUNT C L!A P. IT j Niagara'*'. They could steam for 24 hours at a rate of 10 knots. A deck two torpedo boats. She was followed in May by the s.s. Peter Stuart with two more. Please make cheques, postal orders or money order s payable to crew of five was carried. Although not the first boats acquired by New Zealand — small gun boats had been purchased "The Navy League". After further consultations with Scratchley, one of the boats Subscriptions commence in January of each year and a for service during the Maori wars in 1864-65' — they marked a new beginning of local naval was fitted with cradles at its side — Corner's dropping gear — subscription reminder notice is forwarded to current activity and were the first vessels acquired by New Zealand for the purposes of external from which Whitehead torpedoes might be fired, and the subscribers — Annual Subscription (Australian Dollars) within Australia S3.00 — Beyond Australia $6 00 (sea mail) — $9.00 defence. necessary equipment for the others was obtained for later fitting (airmail). in New Zealand. This weapon was a type of fish torpedo, capable 'Persons within Australia commencing subscriptions to "The New Zealand was taking advantage of the Colonial Naval operation: the attacking boat would approach as stealthily as of carrying a charge of up to 80 lb at 25 knots for several Nav>" magazine during the quarter commencing APRIL (i.e.. Defence Act 1865. which authorised the colonies to maintain possible, dusk or dawn being especially suitable times for attacks; hundred yards and obviously a more promising means of attack sub for IM years) should remit S3.25; JULY (sub for 1": small non-seagoing vessels for local defence. 'at 200 or .100 yards distance, according to circumstances, the than the spar torpedo. A double barrelled 1 -inch Nordcnfeldt gun years) $4.50; and OCTOBER (sub for I M years) S3.75. The origins of the decision to purchase the craft can be traced spar should be rigged out, the boat put at full speed and steered was also obtained, only the intervention of the economy-minded to the visit to New Zealand early in 1880 of Colonel P. H. (later for the point intended to be struck; at about 30 yards off the New Zealand preventing the acquisition of one of each". Sir Peter) Scratchley RE to report on its defences. The Anglo- engines should be slowed, so that the torpedo may be brought Launched in September 1883. the boats, which were registered Russian war scare of 1878 had awakened .*** New Zealand into contact without risk of the outrigger breaking off. and the numbers 168 to 171, were tested and certain modifications carried With the Compliments of authorities to the need for local preparations to meet the danger instant the torpedo touches the side it should be exploded'. out before they were pronounced ready in December. Upon their of raider attack Twenty-two heavy guns had been obtained from Several boats could attack from different directions, aiming at 1 arrival in New Zealand, they were named Taiaroa (169). Tamioha Britain but were as yet unmounted. the'vital parts of the ship, viz,, the engines, boilers and screws '. (168). Arai te Uru (TO) and Jervois (17])" and were dispatched DIAMOND POULTRY Among detailed proposals for fortifications at the various Scratchley certainly was not over-stating the case when he to Port Chalmers, Lytteiton, Auckland and Wellington major ports, Scratchley suggested the need for 'offensive admitted that such an attack would be a 'service of great danger'. respectively. Jervois, which was named after lieutenant Genera) SERVICES torpedoes to support the batteries on shore'. In his opinion, the The charge only had to be too large and the torpedo boat itself Sir William Jervois, the Governor-General of New Zealand and kind best suited for New Zealand harbours was the spar torpedo was likely to suffer damage. Moreover, the enemy vessel could be trusted adviser of the government on defence matters, was the 'which can be adapted for use from boats of almost any size, such expected to fire at it with every gun available. The boats could be boat with the Whitehead dropping gear and the Nordcnfeldt gun. Suppliers of Poultry to as ordinary steam launches and pinnaces'. Such boats would fitted with bullet proof shields to provide cover for the men Arai te Uru was also fitted with dropping gear in 1886. They were The Royal Australian Navy 'afford a considerable degree of protection" should war occur working the outrigger and for the steersman, while covering the able to carry two Whitehead Fiume Mark IV torpedoes. Manned before the gun batteries were completed'. boat forward would prevent water being shipped when the charge at first by the Naval Artillery Volunteers, the boats were later Baden St, Oj borne Park, WA Spar torpedo boats derived their name from their method of was set off*. In spile of the dangers. Scratchley was confident that taken over by the regulars of the Torpedo Corps of the New attack, which was based upon using a spar, about 40 feet long, to volunteers would be forthcoming and he recommended that Zealand Permanent Militia set up in 1886. twelve boats be obtained, enough for three at each of the four bring an electrically connected explosive chaige up against the In ught of the dangers of the spar torpedo mode of attack it is Telephone: 444*111 main ports. hull of an enemy vessel. Scri.chley explained the modes of perhaps just as well that the boats were never required for active Paga Fourteen THE NAVY AuQ/Sept/Oct 1079 Aug/Sept/Oct. 1979 THE Paoa Ftfta#n • • • .:."•;<•: •• • ••""•'
Australian "River" class carry an Ikara ASW weapon and a twin 4.5 inch turret European — in Chile the turret has been supplemented by four Exocet missiles aft — in the Dutch "Van Speijk" class current modernisation includes the Navies replacement of the 4.5 inch turret by a single 76 mm OTO Melara Compact forward and the fitting of eight Exocet. In the area around Murmansk. This is the A friend from the North-West Pacific said, "What a pity the UK the "Leanders" with one Ikara or centre for a huge assembly which, in four Exocet have had their turret the Chinese have such a meagre naval force." When he round numbers, comprises 55 ballistic removed, leaving them with a gun was told that they muster the third largest submarine fleet missile submarines, 60 nuclear attack armament of two 40 mm. At a time when and the largest number of fast attack craft in the world he submarines, half of which carry cruise the number of hulls available is of great missiles, 30 diesel submarines, a third was justifiably astonished. importance, as ever, the maximum armed with missiles, a carrier, 10 cruisers weapon fit possible requires achievement. Similar ignorance exists over ihe naval hopefully — "The defence of the United with missiles, 20 destroyers and SO forces of ihe European countries — in any Kingdom remains firmly based on the Irigates and corvettes, many of which are But the Type 22, a ship of 4000 tons, consideration of naval balance an instant North Atlantic Alliance, since it is only missile armed although a number carry manned by 223 men. having wide and comparison is made between the USA and through collective effort that the West can only surface to air missiles. Very HBHHHMM spacious areas within, carries only two Ffer liani-h frigMte HMDBJORStS. (Photo - Janes Fighting Ships). the USSR without any consideration of ensure its own defence." The police considerable Light Forces, Minewarfare Sea Wolf SAM systems and four Exocet the fact that there are well over 1000 miles provide "collective effort" but are rarely Forces and a large amphibious group including, in Europe, those of Norway, opposition from the left wing of the missiles. Gunnery is represented by two 40 of Arctic coastline belonging 10 the USSR at the scene of the crime when the family complete the major order-of-battle. an Denmark, Greece and Turkey. Also built Labour Party. A decision on the mm pieces and, apart from the in Europe and that Astrakhan on the jewels are plundered. Too much reliance impressive gathering for their next door to German plans are the considerable replacement, or not, of the small ballistic helicopters, A/S weapons consist only of Caspian Sea is a European city. Thus, is placed on the policing capabilities of the neighbours to consider. number of missile craft and mine missile submarine force will be needed in Mark 46 torpedoes. Once the Exocets three of the four major Soviet fleets are USA when modern technology has allied The four Scandinavian countries, sweepers, as well as some of the older the fairly near future and plans are have been launched, surface action based within European waters and the US with speed of movement to provide ever Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, frigates and destroyers which will currently in hand for the construction of a depends on helicopter-launched Sea Skua Navy is represented only by the greater threats to the households of all have comparatively small populations eventually be replaced by the Type 122 class of non-nuclear submarines. In view missiles whose range of only about five comparatively small Sixth Reet in the Western Europe. The impressive Soviet and defence budgets to match. Although frigates now under construction. These of the areas in which British submarines miles renders their fairly slow-motion Mediterranean as an enclave on the reinforcement of its Mediterranean Fleet each has a considerable merchant fleet are modifications of the Netherlands are best placed to operate, this decision parent aircraft vulnerable to SAM fire. southern flank. Reinforcement from the in October 1973 during the Arab-Israeli none has the financial resources for "Kortenaer" class, which is a success would make good sense. Nuclear boats In the "Invincible" class the only ship- USA in time of crisis would be a lengthy war put it in a position of great strength anything more than a coast-defence navy. story by any standards, resulting from cannot achieve their full potential within borne weapon is the twin Sea Dart process — from Norfolk. Virginia, to compared to the US Sixth Fleet which Both Norway and Denmark are part of close co-operation between the naval the large continental shelf surrounding launcher which is a SAM with a surface to Iceland is a minimum of 2600 miles or 4.3 could never be well placed for engagement the northern defence area of NATO, but staff, the designers and the builders. All the UK and the comparatively narrow surface capability. But in these ships days at 25 knots and to Gibraltar 3330 in the Eastern Mediterranean, within easy the minority Labour government of the current Netherlands construction is to gaps of the Greenland-UK chain could ten helicopters are to be supplemented by miles — 5.5 days at the same speed. The range of Warsaw Pact based aircraft. former consistently refused to allow the their own designs with one exception, the well be patrolled by modem, silent non- eight Sea Harriers, a reasonable aircraft NATO commands hug the phrase basing of foreign troops or their Tripartite minehunters. These are the nuclear submarines. Outside these areas complement for a 19,500 ton ship. Since "warning time" very closely — if this is Thus, in the event of a crisis becoming a equipment on its territory. From the result of a centralised effort by Belgium, nuclear boats are pre-eminent but within the Ministry of Defence in 1966 was leu than 4.3 days the majesty of the US conflict, the European navies will be naval point of view this will mean a very France and the Netherlands — each them they are a waste of capacity and, misled by the Royal Air Force into Atlantic Fleet (those ships that are not in required to bear the brunt of the initial considerable maritime reinforcement country is building its own GRP hulls therefore, money. believing that aircraft of that service upkeep) would still be steaming hopefully action unless the warning has been effort in the event of a major crisis and, as while Belgium provides the electrical could provide adequate maritime air past Cape Farewell in Greenland as the sufficiently electrifying to call for the the Norwegian fleet is stronger in installations for all three countries. The "Leander" class frigates were cover for the fleet the question of crisis erupted. early deployment of the US Atlantic submarines and fast attack craft than it is France the mine-hunting gear and the amongst the first in the world to carry a embarked air groups has only just been The navies of European NATO, as well Fleet. All have a maritime tradition of in major surface ships, this will require main propulsion machinery is Dutch. helicopter. Despite the great success of retrieved from limbo. Nevertheless, the as those thrust into the conflict by the fact varying antiquity but here it is sensible to detachments from other NATO forces. Naval H«J at The Hague have planned this aircraft in the ASW role, follow-on Royal Navy is still seriously deficient in that the Soviet Union is as little likely to consider their possible contributions on a Denmark and Sweden have made a their navy for four strong ASW groups, designs, the Type 42 and 21, continued to ship-borne helicopters and unless or until pay regard to neutrality as Germany was geographical basis. On the northern flank similar choice of ship types as the six patrol submarines, three MCM carry only one and it is not until the Type the AV-8 B version of the Harrier is in the last two wars, will, very literally. Norway's border marches with that of the Norwegians, the latter having paid off the groups, three squadrons of LRMP 22 that provision has been made to carry adopted will lack adequate protection have to paddle their own canoes. A recent USSR, less than a hundred miles from the majority of her larger surface aircraft and two Commando Groups. two Lynx. The Leander hull is a beautiful against fixed-wing aircraft, adequate British Defence White Paper spoke main base of the Soviet Northern Fleet in combatants. Finland, however, is limited Although at one time there was strong hull but the weapon load of the strike capability and adequate by the Treaty of Paris 1946-47 to a total political pressure for defence cuts, the conversions is strangely at variance with reconnaissance. There is no use shedding of 10,000 tons and is prohibited from new construction programme currently the achievements of other countries. The tears over the passing of the last Ark operating submarines and torpedo boats. includes two submarines, ten more In lieu of the latter she runs both missile "kortenaer" frigates and fifteen and gun-armed fast attack craft. The Tripartite mine-hunters. southern neighbours of Finland beyond In Belgium a programme of four 2300 the Soviet territories of Estonia, Latvia ton frigates has been completed, a radical and Lithuania are Poland, and East departure for a navy previously concerned Germany, both busy ship-building areas almost solely with mine-countermeasures. for merchant and naval vessels. The fleets These, the "WieUngen" class, were of these two Warsaw Pact countries are designed in Belgium but mount very similar in their make-up — one or equipment from a number of other two frigates, a number of missile and NATO countries. Similar saving of patrol craft, strong minewarfare and research and development funds was amphibious forces with, in Poland's case, achieved by the Tripartite minehunter four elderly submarines. design and the construction of ten, By contrast the West German navy has possibly fifteen, of these ships will absorb a strong submarine force built to the the majority of the new construction designs of Ingenieurkontor at Lubeck, the budget in the near future. most advanced yards for non-nuclear Across the Channel in Great Britain, submarines in the world, which possess a Royal Navy plans have been moving H.M.S. GLASGOW, type 42 destroyer. (Photo — M. Loinott). large representation in many navies, steadily ahead despite very vocal ItMlh* helKopter entire t AIO DVILIO. (Photo — M. Lcnnon). Page SIxlMn THE NAVY Aug/Sopt/Oct 1171 Aug/S«pt/Oct, 1979 THE NAVY Paat
.••:.-• :. . : . other well-worn cries would be of little use Portuguese fleet. . when the Turkish forces, starved of A little over 800 miles separate Madrid Western support, are faced by major from Rome and in Italy we find a virile problems from the North West, the North and enthusiastic building programme and the North East. Their naval building which is controlled from naval programme, based on the yards at Golcuk headquarters but which is largely the and Istanbul are now producing responsibility of the Melara Club, a group submarines and missile craft — valuable of eight Italian firms concerned with ship these would be but no country in NATO building and the provision of weapons these days can hope for self-reliance. and engines. While this organisation is Before Turkey slips into the same unique, so also is the Legge Navalc which, disastrous imbroglio as Iran the as a parliamentary law, has set the future remainder of the NATO alliance must programme for the Italian Navy. H.N.L.M.S. DE KVYTEK. Nott Harpoon canmisters amidships. (Photo — M. appreciate the fragility of their South Although financial restrictions have Lcnnon). Eastern flank. curbed this plan it is clear that Italy intends to have a strong force of A/S some are passing from the modern to the Black Sea have for some years been Lastly in this European journey lies the helicopters at sea by the mid-1980s, to outmoded. The same stricture is true of replaced by a determination to support navies of Bulgaria and Romania, have hydrofoils, submarines and mine- the Greek navy next door. All her the Turkish First Army in Thrace and to ineffective in their own right but hunters available and to provide adequate destroyers and frigates, three of her protect the logistic lines for the other providing logistic support and backing for THOSDHHW. a Sorwegian Oslo class frigate, was completed im 1966. (Photo — M. afloat support. Italy has the great submarines, several of her minesweepers armies covering the Black Sea coast and any Soviet move towards the Turkish Lcnnon). advantage of a central geographical and a high proportion of her amphibious the passes from Erzurum to the south. Straits. It is this point which is of primary situation in a maritime area of great forces are well over twenty years old, all The main Turkish strength lies in its army importance when considering the navies Royal — a fleet which is to operate in the more. At the same time France is not importance. In the past, even in her destroyers being on or past their — the task of the other services is to of Europe — the Warsaw Pact fleets are Atlantic must be provided with both immune from manpower problems, Mussolini's era, the Italian fleet relied on thirty-fifth birthday. A resurgence of ensure its support and protection. This is continually at a geographical V/STOL and rotary wing airuaft on as although so far this has resulted in its own bases. Current programmes national building is, however, producing the NATO aspect, a vital hinge on which disadvantage and, provided the NATO many platforms as possible. This must dilution of complements rather than the suggest that future plans may encompass a considerable number of light forces, the alliance depends to prevent itself being naval forces are of adequate strength, mean the construction of more, much paying-off of ships. moves beyond these constrictions. some to the French "La Com bat tame outflanked in the Mediterranean- The high availability and sensibly deployed cheaper ships of comparatively small size Spain has the same strategic III" design, others to Greek plans. With perennial bickering between Greeks and they will retain an advantage at all times. to achieve two ends, dispersal and requirements as France, the need to Such plans bring to mind Italian eight German-designed submarines Turks, an inevitable backwash of the The Greenland-UK gaps, the Danish manpower saving. The second of these is protect two coastlines, one in the aspirations against Malta thirty-seven available now or in the near future this centuries of Ottoman suzerainty in the Straits and the Turkish Straits must be a vital element at a time when the late Atlantic, one in the Mediterranean. In years ago but, today, the Premier of fleet is achieving a sensible balance for the Balkans dating from the fifteenth breached if the Soviet navy is to have Labour government's service pay policy addition her commitments in the Balearic Malta is linked more with Colonel Gadafi main task, defence of the Aegean. century, has blinded many, particularly freedom of action. Courage and has robbed the Royal Navy of so many and Canary Islands require a wider of Libya, the supporter of insurrection in It is here, too, that the Turkish navy is the Congress of the USA, to the true determination on the part of Western men that their departure has resulted in deployment of her fleet than would at Northern Ireland and most other areas now concentrated. The long worn-out values of the problems of South Eastern politicians can prevent such operations the immobilisation of a number of major first be expected. Once again, as in most where terrorists oppose the lawful plans for death-or-glory forays across the Europe and the Balkans. Civil rights and and the resultant disaster. warships. European countries, we find the majority government, and, as the Colonel builds The French have kept their two fixed- of Spanish naval surface shipping coming up a navy which is stronger in ships than wing carriers and are providing them with from their own shipyards, while their manpower, the Italians must be watching Super-Etendard aircraft, capable of submarines are built in Spanish yards to events with alert interest, particularly to nuclear strike. Their new Type C70 French designs. Only seventeen year's ago see where the Soviet Mediterranean Fleet destroyers carry only four Exocet and the Spanish navy planned to re-equip their gains freedom to use new ports. In all SAMs of varying types with two Lynx fleet from British shipyards, a project aspects of surveillance the Italian helicopters, A/S torpedoes and one or which was demolished by the offensive submarines, their new 13,250 ton small two 100 mm guns. The fitting of Exocet is remarks of the then leader of the British aircraft carrier (with a V/STOL as well as WILLIS continued in the 1170 ton Type A69 opposition. In the following ten years a helicopter capability), the smaller frigates which are being built in a after this disaster Spanish merchant-ship Vittorio Veneto and the considerable continuing programme. As in so many building accelerated to almost double that force of destroyers and frigates all have of British yards and, today, the ships of an important part to play. COMMUNICATIONS PTY LTD other cases France is having financial problems in her armed forces but has Bazan in Cartagena, Ferrol and Cadiz are amongst the most competitive in the Across the Adriatic the Yugoslavian taken the decision to build a sixth ballistic navy has escaped from its dependence on missile submarine and to prepare designs world. New construction includes the V/STOL/helicopter carrier building at Soviet and other foreign building yards, for a replacement class. Using the nuclear although the hulls built in Kraljevica, knowledge gained from these monsters a Ferrol, new frigates to the American WHOLL Y QUEENSLAND OWNED "FFC7" design, the Spanish-designed Pula, Split and Belgrade are fitted out class of 2700 ton nuclear attack with weapons and sensors from both submarines is being built but, as in the "Dcscubicrta" class of frigates and a AUSTRALIAN COMPANY multitude of patrol craft of local design. Western and Soviet sources. The main British case seventeen years ago, they emphasis of the current programme have abandoned the construction of non- As Spain is poised for entry into the EEC and the passing of dogmatic objections is on submarines, missile craft, nuclear boats. This decision may well be minewarfare and amphibious craft. questioned in years to come. may. before long, see her as part of NATO, so this proud country will Operated with vigour by a dedicated 40 FINSBURY STREET All in all the French navy, more continue to advance in the ship-building group of officers and men this fleet might widespread in its deployment than any arena of the world. Although Spain's well be involved in some form of action other fleet, apart from those of the USA NEWMARKET, QLD, 4051 neighbour, Por:ugal, has small building when the departure of President Tito and USSR, has developed a sensible yards around Lisbon, '.he political could precipitate invasion from without building programme with one or two instability and financial insecurity of the and insurrection from within.- strange omissions. Tripartite minehunters country have prevented a much needed will soon be in commission but the very Since the rift between Albania and the naval improvement programme — Proud to be associated with popular 'Com bat tame" design of fast USSR in 1%1 the somewhat erratic modernisation of her small frigate force is attack craft has been ignored for the support of the Chinese has provided the in hand but the deletion and transfer of The Royal Australian Navy home navy. With wide-ranging squadrons only comparatively modern craft in the many ships consequent upon her it was not until 1976 that the first modern Albanian navy, some fifty boats with withdrawal from Mozambique and replenishment ship Durance was guns, missiles or torpedoes. None of these Angola has reduced the flexibility of the commissioned, to be followed by two THE NAVY is more than a coastal defence vessel and Page Eighteen Aug/Svpt/Oct.lffTV Aug/Sept.'Oct. 1979 P.go Nineteen Aircraft: 2 x AB204B or AB2I2 helicopters. Engines: Two double reduction geared turbines, 73.000 shp, 2 Fact File No. 4 shafts. Boilers: Four Foster Wheeler type. Speed: 33 knots. Sponsored in the Interest of Ship-Board Safety by Ship: ARDITO (Italian Navy). Complement: 380 GO officers. 350 men). Type: Guided Missile Destroyer. Displacement: 3600 tons standard; 4400 tons full load. The three accompanying photographs depict ARDITO, second Dimensions: Length 446.4 reel; Beam 47.1 feet: Draught 15.0 of two Audace D.D.Ci.s constructed for the Italian Navy between feci. 1968 and 1973. ARDITO was laid down at Castellammarc on MARINE & DIESEL SERVICES Armament: 1 I Standard surface to air missile launcher; 2x5 19th July. 1968. launched on 27th November, 197], and inch 54 calibre single mounts; 4x3 inch (76 mm) 62 calibre single commissioned on 5th December, 1973. Two improved Audace PTY LTD mounts (Ota Melara); 2 x triple Mk. 32 torpedo tubes. class ships are planned for the Italian fleet.
38 HOT HAM PARADE, ARTARMON, NSW
ENGINEERS TO THE RAN
PHONE: 439 4966 An AB 204B helicopter shares the lundinn deck with crew members as ARDITO eaters Portsmouth. (Photo — John Mortimer). ARDITO. starboard bow view, taken at Portsmouth. I.fc.. 29th June, 1977. (Photo — John Mortimer).
DESIGNERS • WIRRAWAY •WACKETT TRAINER Sponsored in the interest ot Australia's defence by MANUFACTURERS • BOOMERANG REPAIRERS • MUSTANG OVERHAULERS _ • WINJEEL DEMAR • SABRE • MACCHI Constructions Pty Ltd • MIRAGE Amidships view showing ARDITO's single 76 mm mounts, triple torpedo tubes and single standard missile launcher right aft. DEFENCE EQUIPMENT • IKARA (Photo — John Mortimer). & SYSTEMS • BRANIK Pleased to be at work with the • BARRA With Compliments from Defence Departments of Australia • LRMPA JACK DYSON PTY LTD • TRANSFORATION • SPACE FRAMES Suppliers of Quality Ingredients to the Baking and Pastry Cooking Industry 33 Bauld Circuit, Alawa, NT • SYSTEMS Contractors to the RAN COMMONWEALTH AIRCRAFT CORPORATION P/L •AIRCRAFT GALLEYS • HYDRAULICS 3 McDonald St. Osborne Park, WA Telephone: 85 4064 304 LORIMER STREET, PORT MELBOURNE. VIC. 3207. PHONE 64 0771. CobUc COMAIRCOR. Man COM AIR AA30721 • ELECTRONICS Telephone: 444 7999
Aug/Sept/Oct, 197S Aug/Sept/Oct, 1979 Page Twenty One Page Twenty EUROPEAN CARRIERS LOCKSMITH — A New Generation 24 HOUR SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK The last month or to has soon H.M.S. INVINCIBLE, H\: \. \\.(.R\/1 IIKIKIk Byrne & the first of Britain's now small aircraft carrlors, got superiority to deal with those types of • LOCK REPAIR & INSTALLATION underway for the first time. Those fortunate enough aircraft with the range to operate well out • KEYS CUT & MASTER KEYING to soo hor on the Arran measured mile woro •SAFES BOUGHT & SOLD into the North Atlantic. Such hostile impressed — a "magnificent ship" wroto ono aircraft may be capable of launching air • LOCKS THAT CANNOT BE PICKED Davidson correspondent to the writer. to surface missiles from outside the range • THE KEY ONLY YOU CAN ORDER of the surface to air missiles carried in • BURGLAR ALARMS. DOMESTIC & However, the structural completion of by four Olympus gas tu-bines, many NATO escorts, SEA HARRIERS INDUSTRIAL INVINCIBLE heralds a great deal more INVINCIBLE has a speed of 28 knots are seen as the only way to cope with such • YOUR EVERY NEED ATTENDED TO than the pleasure of seeing a new Laid down by Vickers (Shipbuilders) aircraft when outside the relatively short Engineering generation of aircraft carrier at sea. Lid. at Barrow in Furness in July 1973. range of friendly shore based air PROMPTLY INVINCIBLE represents a major step and launched in May 1977, superiority fighters. forward in the West's attempts to catch INVINCIBLE has taken some six years to With two CTOL aircraft carriers — W. WILLEME up with the Russian lead in "cut price" build. Her younger sister ILLUSTRIOUS CLEMENCEAU and FOCH - expected 42 Fitzpatrick Street seaborne maritime airpower. KIEV and was laid down by Swan Hunter Ltd. in to remain in service for another decade or Phone: Darwin 85 3964 MINSK are the first purpose built VSTOL October 1976, and launched in so, and their aircraft being updated or Revesby. NSW. 2212 aircraft carriers in the world and the only December 1978. Skilled labour shortages replaced with a new generation. France ones so far in operational service. are reported to have delayed work on now has a seaborne maritime air force 46 Britomart Gardens, Cosuarina Now. four Western European powers INVINCIBLE whilst much better superior to that of Britain, However, the 5792 — United Kingdom, France, Italy and progress has been made on UK will tend to take the lead again as her Postal Address: Spain — have ships in various stages of ILLUSTRIOUS. However, work can be early technology and operational PO Box 102, Revesby construction. speeded up considerably if long lead experience in fixed wing VSTOL aircraft Sofo Distributors for items are ordered well in advance and thii develop. WILLIAM LORD PTY LTD United Kingdom In The Lead is believed to have been permitted by the Nevertheless, the French are planning a LONDON SAFE CO Telex: AA27365 With INVINCIBLE already at sea on British Ministry of Defence in the cases of major step forward in designing their first trials, ILLUSTRIOUS fitting out at both ILLUSTRIOUS and ARK ROVAL. new generation carrier for nuclear power. Newcastle, and the order placed for the In equipping the three INVINCIBLE Phone: 77 0351 third ship (ARK ROVAL), the Royal Class with SEA HARRIER FRS-I France's PA75 Navy is in the lead in getting the VSTOL aircraft, the Royal Navy has recognised Planned for laying down in I98t, long carrier concept operational in Western that the fixed wing VSTOL aircraft will lead items haie been ordered for the as yet WHOLLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED COMPANY European waters. Designed as a multi have sufficient air to air combat un-named 16,400 ton nuclear powered R.J. GOON purpose anti-suhmarine carrier, like the Russians KIEV. INVINCIBLE will carry ^OaU five SEA HARRIER reconnaissance &SONS strike fighter FRS-I aircraft, and ten SEA KING anti-submarine helicopters. INVINCIBLE will be equipped with a SEA DART area defence surface to air missile system which also has a surface to Suppliers of Choice Fruit and surface capability. The ship will be capable of acting as a task force Vegetables to the RAN, RAAF and the command ship. Army The SEA HARRIER FRS-1 will be armed with the P3T air to surface missile and SIDEWINDER AIM9L air to air missile both controlled by Blue Fox radar. The SEA HARRIER'S payload will be Store 20-21, H Warehouse increased by the use of a Ski-Jump take Successful Tender to the RAN in the Flemington Markets off ramp fitted on the port side of the Modification of Air Cooling Systems. Steai flight deck for'ard. It is reported that. Flemington, NSW fuel and oil. High and low pressure piping. while INVINCIBLE's Ski-Jump is angled Crainage Overhaul and Modification. Ship upwards by only six degrees, that of later Repair and Modernising. ships will be considerably steeper. There Telephone: 76 8580 are also reports that later ships will have (heir flight decks extended further for'ard than that of INVINCIBLE. As is well known, the SE<\ KING anti-submarine helicopters are considerably larger than Inserted in the interest ol the LYNX HAS2 and WASP HASI helicopters carried in smaller ships. The Australia's defence extra size of the SEA KING provides greater payload and longer range. Driven INVINCIBLE having Barrow in I'umtss for trials. (Photo — Royal Navy). Aua/Sepl/Ocl. 19? Aufl/Sept/Oct, 1979 PSQ0 Twenty-Two THE NAVY Page Twenty Three •"
The ship will be propelled by four Fiat- General Electric LM2500 Gas Turbines Minsk — Russia's New Pacific driving two controllable pilch propellers. Aircrafi Carrier these will give the ship a maximum speed In June (his year. Russia's second of 29 .- knots, or a range of 7000 nautical aircraft carrier (MINSK) completed a two miles at 20 knots. month deployment in the Indian Ocean Air surveillance radar, surface and passed, with her consorts (an 8000 surveillance radar, 3-D radar, four IFF ton KARA Class guided missile armed systems, a radio navigation system, and cruiser and the new 13,000 ton Tacan. will be fitted as will an electronic amphibious warfare ship IVAN counter-measures system and the hu'l ROGOV). into the Pacific Ocean to take mourned SQS23 sonar system. up her station in Russia's Pacific Fleet. The ship will be manned by 105 More than twice the size of Britain's officers, 186 chief petty officers. 138 petty INVINCIBLE, MINSK carries about officers and 396 other sailors. twelve VSTOL aircraft and some twenty Although the ship will be soirewhai anti-submarine helicopters. The Russian shorter than Britain's INVINCIBLE. ship is armed with surface to surface GARIBAIDI's flight deck will be some guided weapons, point defence anti twenty feet longer which (as the designers aircraft missile systems, and the new SA- assume some flight deck stowage of N-4 anti-aircraft missile, the nature of aircraft in calculating aircraft which (point defence, area defence) is complement) may contribute to the very unknown to ihe west. satisfactory aircraft complement on a ship The size of the new Russian aircraft of 10.100 tons - 18 SEA KINGs carrier, coupled with the fact that she has Spanish Sea compared with INVINCIBLE's !0 SEA Comtrol Ship been operating tactically with one of the KINGs and five SEA HARRIERs. on a detailed design stage (tor which a contract armament — two close-in weapons largest KARA Class cruisers, and the GH SSEPPEGARIBAl IH ship of some 16.000 tons standard was awarded to the National Steel and systems for defence against surface to recent appearance (for the first time) of a displacement. Shipbuilding Co. of San Diego). surface guided missiles. No doubt these "one-stop" carrier support ship (the first On the face of it. the Italian ship Details published by the Spaniards will be the Spanish MEROKA system — ship BEREZINA has been sighted nuclear power, but also h> that type's aircrafi carrier PA75 ihai is to be ihe first compares very favourably with the British show that their new ship will be very which will also be fitted to the FFG7 type operating in the Mediterranean with abilitv to refuel escorts. of three such ships. ship — much the same aircraft similar to the US design. guided missile armed frigates now MINSK'S eldest sister), demonstrate that However. I ranee is well behind Britain The ship will have two emergency diesel complement, speed, armament, etc.. and Displacing 14,500 tons full load, and building in Spain. Russia's seaborne air power is available engines capable of driving the carrier at IH in the use of fixed wing VSTOL aircraft some 6000 ions lighter. with an overall length of about 190 The MEROKA system is of interest. for use in the broad oceans. knots for 3000 miles. Top speed under and, if she maintains the determination to However, the British usually build their metres, the Spanish ship will be slightly The system is comprised of twelve 20 mm Europeans Developing Smaller nuclear power will be 28 kr.ols. Although develop her own weapons and aircrafi for ships heavier, to operate in the more larger than the Italian GARIBALDI. Her guns, which together give a maximum rate Aircrafi Carriers designed primarily for operating anti which she is noted, has ground to make flight deck will also be slightly longer, and demanding northern oceans and to of fire of 3600 rounds per minute. It takes Four European nations have found the submarine helicopters, provision is being up in VSTOl aircraft. the aircraft complement very similar. The withstand greater shock, etc.. from 0.2 seconds to re-aim the system and 0.6 new generation of small aircraft carrier made for fixed wing VSTOL aircraft to he like the French, the Italians are Spaniards plan various mixes of explosions. These differences arc difficult seconds to fire twelve rounds. The ihe most cost-effective way of providing carried tf the need arises — presumably as planning the initial aircraft complement HARRIER VSTOL aircrafi. anti to compare between designs, there being relatively limited armament of the new their maritime forces with large anti CLEMENCEAU and KOCH are of their new aircraft carrier to be submarine helicopters and vertical assault no common measure, but they cost weight Spanish aircraft carrier reflects her sea submarine warfare helicopters, with fixed withdiawn from service and their CTOI comprised of helicopters only. helicopters. The aircrafi complement will (and money). control role, no doubt in conjunction with wing VSTOL aircraft for ground attack, fixed wing aircraft cease to be available. be varied according to the role envisaged In the context of comparison of the Spanish built FFG7s (of the same strike, air defence and reconnaissance Her published aircraft carrying for the ship at different stages of a Giuseppe Garibaldi — Italy's designs, it will be interesting to see what basic type as the RAN's guided missile capability. Ships of the Western capacity - 25 LYNX WG13 ASW particular deployment — along the same the Spaniards achieve with their new sea armed frigates now building in the Uniied European types are available for purchase helicopters or ten of the larger SA321G New Carrier lines as the aircraft complement of control aircraft carrier when more details States) which will provide an area defence by allied nations, on a selective basis. anti-submarine and minesweeping As neither of her two wartime carriers MELBOURNE can be varied. of the Spanish ship are released surface to air missile system, and surface History has shown that totalitarian helicopters or 15 Puma SA330B Army were ever commissioned as such, the Type The Spanish Navy already has in to surface guided missiles. powers are much less discriminating in helicopters — reflects both the flexibility l(N2 ship Thai has been ordered from Spain's Second Aircrafi inventory some ten AV8-A HARRIER The Spanish Navy was the second in the choosing recipients (often effectively free in role of the new type of small aircraft Italcantieri will be Italy's first aircraft type aircraft. 24 SH-3D SEA KING ASW world to put VSTOL aircraft to seaborne of charge) for their weapons, ships and carrier and the extent of that flexibility carrier as such. However, the Cruiser Carrier helicopters, six HUEY COBRA helicopter use. That practical experience of the aircraft. We have only to recall the envisaged for the ship by the French VITTORIO VENETO, commissioned in Some twelve years ago. Spain gunships. and a number of IROQL'OIS advantages of seaborne VSTOL aircraft Indonesian confrontation of the early defence planners. 1969, operates nine anti-submarine commissioned her first aircraft carrier troop carrying helicopters. They will need has led her to invest in a new aircraft 1960s to recognise that it is only a matter helicopters. Doubtless, the practical DEDALO to operate anti-submarine and The possible use of the ship helicopters no new aircraft for iheir new aircraft carrier. The third navy to operate of time before regional powers are experience gained in operating this ship vertical assault helicopters. More for combined operations purposes, in the carrier. seaborne VSTOL aircrafi was that of operating Russian built or designed will be put to good use in the design and recently, the aircraft complement has vertical assault role, is reflected in the The Spanish ship will have limited modern Imperial Russia. seaborne VSTOL aircrafi. provision of exceptionally large medical operation of GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI. been modified to include five AV8-A ground attack HARRIER type aircraft. facilities and accommodation for 1500 On a displacement of 10.100 tons With our Compliments to Navy Personnel passengers on top of the ship's normal (13.230 tons full load), the designers are No doubt capitalising on their complement of some 900 officers and ambitious in both complement of aircraft successful experience with this ship, the sailors. (18 helicopters of SEA KING size, or 16 Spanish Navy has commenced The ship will be armed with two of ihe SEA HARRIERs and one SEA KING) construction (at Empresa National versatile French developed CROTAI.E and armament. The ship will have four Bazan's yard at Ferrol in north western ANCHORAGE BUTCHERS (WA) surface to air missile systems and four surface-to-surface missile launchers (with Spain) of a new smaJI aircraft carrier, the new missile systems designed for defence a maximum of 10 missiles on board), two design of which is in Ihe hands of the well- against low altitude surface to surface ALBATROS point defence anti-aircraft known company Gibbs and Cox. CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS TO THE guided weapons. missile systems (with a maximum of 48 As is well known, during Admiral ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY That France intends the PA75 type to missiles on board), three 40 70 Breda /umwalt's "watch" as Chief of United perpetuate her ability to project power twin close-range defence twin gun States Naval Operations, the US Navy Telephone: 418 1588 across great distances after CLEMEN mountings (with a maximum rate of fire conceived a need for a small aircraft CEAU and FOCH retire is demon of 300 rounds per minute), two multiple carrier to be called a sea control ship. HMdOffln: strated not only by the virtually un chaff rocket launchers, and six Mark 32 Although the project was subsequently limited range imparted by PA75's anti-submarine torpedo tubes. cancelled, it had progressed to the COCKBURN ROAD, COOGEE. WA THE NAVY Aug/Sept/Ocl, 1979 Page Twonty-Four Aug/Sopt/Oct. 1979 THE NAVY PigcToMitiHnn OUT OF THE PAST The German Navy H.M.S. STORM
In 1929 the ftoyal Navy introduced a class of medium gun actions. A surface action with 2 patrol submarines, designated the "S" class, for service landing craft was also fought. In The Alliance in Mediterranean and European waters. A major innovation However, for excitement and of this class was the positioning of the fuel tanks inside the enterprise. H.M.S. STORM's 6lh and By G.LUTHER final patrol from Ceylon to the Mergui pressure hull, thus alleviating the problem of leaking fuel Vice Admiral. Chief of Staff. Ntvj Archipelago resulted in something of a tanks which plagued earlier classes. mini-classic by way of submarine surface (Reproduced from Nato S fifteen Nations 1978/79) The elm proved immensely successful, actions. On 2nd September. 1944, H.M.S. and .is the outbreak of World War II the \U S. ISKI I I Storm attacked a convoy of 11 small 12 boats in service performed sterling vessels consisting of 2 escorts. 1 MTB. I The German Navy has been built up since service, especially in Norwegian coastal and Mergui Archipelago, with the task of gunboat and 7 coasters. In 36 minutes of 1956 — practically from scratch. Now — after waters. During 1939-43, the S class design stopping seaward supplies to the Japanese action. 150 rounds of 3 inch shells were 22 years — with 273 ships and boats and 189 The guided missile destroyer MOLDERS. (Photo — Federal was mass produced with a number of advanced bases. Due to the growing fired, and resulted in the sinking of 2 German Navy). escorts, I coaster and the damping of 2 aircraft it makes an important contribution, variations, and eventually over fco units submarine force in the area, the Japanese coasters and the MTB. ssere built, making it the largest single resorted to sending small coasters and together with the Army and the Air Force, to To be able to si/e up the importance of this regional mission class cser built for the Royal Navy. motor ships by close inshore routes in the After this patrol, H.M.S. Storm sailed the external security of the Federal Republic of correctly, one must see it in the context of the overall concept H.M.S. STORM was launched on 18th hope of avoiding British submarines by to Fremantle to join the 8th flotilla and Germany. In unison with the other navies in of defence. The task is to ward off a large-scale surprise attack May. 1943. at Cammed laird's. losing them in the islands. Many of these H.M.S. Maidstone, arriving on the Alliance, the German Navy makes it clear aimed at gaining rapid possession of Western Europe. Even if Birkenhead. She differed from earlier small vessels were not worth the 22nd September. 1944. However, Storm one assumes that the brunt of such an attack would be borne expenditure of a torpedo, so gun actions only completed 2 war patrols from that the North Atlantic Alliance is able and units in having radar, air conditioning, an willing to defend peace and freedom not only by the armoured and air armies of the Warsaw Pact in Central oerlikon gun and also the capacity to became the order of the day. In this Fremantle and the accomplishments of Europe, a glance at the map makes it clear that the main thrust carry oil fuel. This oil fuel capacity sphere H.M.S STORM built up an the 8th flotilla were small due to the on land, but also at sea, and thus contributes in the central sector can be supported effectively, and perhaps increased the boat's cruising range by enviable record. activities of the preceding American to the effectiveness of the deterrent. even decisively, by co-ordinated operations on the northern hundreds of miles, making the boat more The vessel's first patrol in the area squadrons, who had plundered the area flank. The strategic target of such a flank operation would be: suitable for service in the vast areas of the resulted in her first sinking, that of a 500 and then moved on to bigger things in the To the (ierman Navy, in the event of war. falls the task of — to break the cohesion of defence between NATO's northern Far East. H.M.S. STORM's armament in ton coaster, by surface action. The second South China seas and the Philippines. In ensuring, together with the navies of the other northern and central regions; addition to the oerlikon was 6 X 21 inch patrol netted a 3500 ton merchant ship her last 2 patrols. Storm only sank 11 European parties to the Alliance, that the northern flank area — to outflank forward defence in the central region from the torpedoes, and a 1 inch gun. Tonnage was and a Japanese destroyer, both by schooners used for carrying nickel ore, remains defensible. sea; and approximately B30 tons (surfaced). 9.10 torpedo, followed by a thrilling gun battle then sailed for the U.K. in late January. — to cut lines of communication between America and tons (submerged). length: 217 feet. with an anti-submarine yacht. The 4th She arrived home in Portsmouth on 8th Europe. Beam: 23.6 feet. Draught: 14.3 feet. and 5th patrols accounted for a medium April. 1945, and payed off in the same Propulsion; Surface' 2 Admiralty-pattern si/ed merchant ship by torpedo and no month. H.M.S. Storm was subsequently The German Navy's mission, together with the Danish Navy, H cylinder brotherhoods, each engine less than 5 coasters (varying tonnages up broken up at Troon during November is to defend the Baltic Approaches from a naval attack, in generating 950 h.p. at full power. to 400 tons) and 2 patrol vessels, all by 1949. order to: I nderwater: 2 Metro-Vickers motors. — secure the territorial integrity of the north German coastal With the Compliments of H.M.S STORM, commissioned on Lander and Denmark; 9th July. 194.1. and after working up — to block the united Warsaw Pact fleets in the Baltic; and exercises, proceeded on her first war WEST AUSTRALIAN — to maintain cohesive defence in Central and Northern patrol off North Cape, inside the Arctic Europe. Circle. After completion of this short If they are to fulfil this mission, the available forces must ru patrol, she was ordered to sail for the Far EGG MARKETING BOARD in a position, both quantitatively and qualitatively: East, where she joined the 4th submarine flotilla based at Tnncomalee. with the MCGREGOR RD. PALMYRA, WA depot ship H.M.S. Adamant. Telephone: 339 1011 The duties of the 4th flotilla were to patrol the Andaman-Nicobar Islands area SUPPLIERS TO THE RAN
Greetings to RAN from SEALANE SUPPLIES Providores and Ship Suppliers
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Contractors and Suppliers to the Royal Australian Navy KMDKN (F22I). KARLSRUHE and I i HH h in ike Sort* Sea. HAMBURC. (Photo - Federal German Navy). (Photo — Federal German Navy). Page Twenty-Six THE NAVY Aug/Sept/Oct, 1979 Aufl/Sept/Oct. 1879 THE NAVY Page Twenty-S*ven mine threat. Another six boats are being convened to — io repulse and destroy amphibious operations in the Baltic control boats; each of them will exercise remote control against the main Danish islands commanding the Baltic over three unmanned mineswecping systems to deal with Approaches and or the German Baltic coast before (hey can acoustic and magnetic mines. land: and — In addition, the Navy maintains a very effective search and — to assert or gain superiority at sea. rescue service in the North Sea and the Baltic, consisting of Under this concept the German Navy is adjusted to a mode I .*, 20 Sea King SAR helicopters. They operate from standby of warfare which makes the best possible use of the very centres in Kiel, Westerland and Borkum, by day and night, defensible geography of the Baltic Approaches and the depth under the central control of Reel Command. of the theatre of operations in the Baltic demands a great The Navy is at present 38,000 strong. About two thirds effort on the part of an aggressor. Here one must proceed belong to combatant elements; more than 10,000 are always in from the assumption that the Warsaw Pact possesses air and (raining, since the modern and complicated equipment in ships, naval superiority in the sea areas to the east of the Danish Z5. (Photo federal Herman \at>). boats and aircraft calls for a meticulous and consequently island of Bornholm To be in a position to engage enemy time-consuming schooling for the numerous specialists, forces, especially amphibious forces, in the assembly areas far MM 38 ship-ship missiles while 20 either two or four wire- particularly since young men are often employed in positions in to the east and on the move towards (heir (arge(, our own guided long-range torpedoes and all of (hem have two 76 or • — which they have to act on their own responsibility, being the forces, operating well forward, must have not only the 40 mm rapid-fire cannons. only men on board trained in their trade. The substance and necessary combat power, bui also great depth of penetration The most modern (ype is (he class 143, which in addition to methods of training are continuously adapted to the and the ability to achieve their goals. In the present state of (he her very respec(able armament, also possesses a completely DEUTCHSLAND, fleet training ship. (Photo - Federal German requirements of the mission and the user, viz. the fleet. There art, the mam elements possessing these qualities are submarines automatic data processing command and fire control system Navy). are nine schools, four autonomous special training and fighter bombers with long-range air-ship guided missiles. Ten of (he older boa(s with ship-ship missiles will be detachments, and (wo training ships — supported by units of They. then, are the spearhead of the defence system The base replaced at the beginning of (he 80s by (en 143 A class Southern Norway. NATO control over it ensures the the Fleet as and when necessary — available for training of the system is extensive minefields blocking the main routes boats, which will have an additional mine carrying capacity: defensibility of the northern flank and its protective function purposes. and possible landing beaches. In front of these minefields, fast — 39 minelayers and minesweepers of two classes, wiih light both for the forward defence of Central Europe and for the To sum up, then: the German Navy contributes in the attack craft, fighter bombers, and, later, combat helicopters anti-aircraft weapons, which are also adapted to Baltic lines of communication between America and Europe. Alliance to securing peace by preparing to carry out a mission will form mobile elements to prevent the mines being swept conditions, i.e., they are small, have a shallow draught, and The Navy makes a considerable contribution to this task geographically confined to (he northern flank area but and to attack enemy naval elements. are comparatively fast. The older boats will be replaced in also. Its job here is to assert naval superiority in the North Sea important strategically to the overall conduct of a war. (he 80s by a modern type with a better performance. and to protect reinforcement and supply movements from attack by submarines and aircraft and avert the danger of Although the forces at its disposal are numerically inferior, — 19 utility landing craft with a beach-master company, being mines. To accomplish it the Navy needs elements which are they are of high quality. Given a reasonable warning time as used mainly to support land-based elements of all three designed for long periods at sea, can stand up to the harsh the prerequisite for the maximum exploitation of the services in movements between the Danish islands and the North Sea conditions, and which are fitted with combined geographical features, which in any case favour a defender, the continent. submarine hunting and anti-aircraft systems. For this part of Navy, in close collaboration with the navies of the other parties — The afloat supply component consists of a large number of its mission, the Navy has — to (he Alliance and the Army and Air Force, will be in a special units such as tenders, tankers, tugs and ammunition position to do what is expected of it. and spare part transports. — 17 destroyers and frigates of various classes, the oldest units — The operations of all these units are controlled and co of which — four destroyers belonging to the old U.S. World ordinated by the Commander-in-Chief. German Naval War II "Fletcher" class and six frigates of the "Koln" class Forces, from his HQ in Gluecksburg. which at present is dating back to the 50s — will be replaced w.e.f. 1981 being built up into a computer-controlled command and with modern general-purpose frigates. These ships will be •*V^^ - m\. I information system with a real lime situa(ion display. equipped with ship-air and ship-ship missiles and a highly The Navy's s(reng(h lies in its many small, com bat-effective, effective submarine hunting system, including two helicopters COVENTRY mobile units equipped with high-quality modern weapons per ship and a fully automatic command and weapon systems in the very defensible area of the Western and Central control system. Baltic. An element of weakness is the proximity of its theatre — IS long-range "Breguet Atlantic" maritime patrol aircraft, of operations to enemy bases and the fact that it is positioned the reconnaissance and ASW capacity of which is at present CLEARANCES ahead of (he NATO stationary air defence system. This makes being considerably enhanced. it all the more important to secure the rear area, the North — 18 minesweepers and minehunters which keep open coastal Sea, which is also a taxiway for the indispensable movement of routes and port approaches. This component is also going reinforcements and supplies to North Germany, Denmark, and through a modernisation phase. Twelve boats are being PTY LTD SS2, a type I4S fast missile craft commissioned in July. 1974. equipped with a minehunting system equal to the present (Photo — Federal German Savy).
Behind the minefields there is a floating supply and repair IMPORT-EXPORT component under cover of the islands dotting (he Baltic SPECIALISTS Approaches which enable* the combat elements 10 operate independently of bases. This component in turn is resupplied from depots in northern Denmark and southern Norway. For Those Who Care For its missions in the Baltic (he Navy has (he following elements - ST JAMES CHAMBERS — 24 sibmarines of a (ype specially developed for Bailie warfare and using wire-guided long range torpedos. 114CASTLEREAGHST These boats are no larger than 450 (ons, extremely quiet, and for all practical purposes amagnetic. This Rives (hem SYDNEY. NSW the best possible protection against location by the enemy in (he rapidly changing sea conditions in the Baltic. — 112 naval F-104G fighter/bombers wiih (he Kormoran air ship missile as (heir main armament. In the near future, Phone: 26 6201-2-3 these will be replaced by the same number of MRCA Tornado fighter'bombers with (he same main armament and an extensive arsenal of droppable weapons. S42. a type 143 missile craft. Top speed . W knots. Corvette THETIS and guidrd missile destroyer ROMMEL. — 40 fast attack craft of various classes, 30of which have four Federal German Navy). (Photo — Federal German Navy). P»geTwem>Etght THE NAVY AUQ /Sept/Oct. 1979 THE NAVY Page TwentyNine IAII Photos Courtesy Royal Swedish Navy) WARSHIP PICTORIAL SWEDISH WARSHIPS-PAST & PRESENT
Leadship and nameship of the class, torpedo-boat T12I, SPICA, was first commissioned in 1966. She was soon fallowed by a the Coast Defence Battleship DROTINISG VICTORIA Acquired from the Royal Xavy on 15th July, 1959, the midget further five 230 ton fast attack craft, each being armed with a displaced 7.400 tons. She was authorised in 191$ and launched at submarine SPIGGES was a former British X-cratt. She was built 57 mm bofors gun forward and six 21 inch torpedo tubes. Goteburg. Sweden, in September, 1917. Armament; 4 x 11 inch. by Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd., Barrow, and launched as H.M.S. Currently all boats are having two twin missile launchers fitted in Thr monitor, JOH\ ERICSON, 8 i 6 inch. 6 x 14 pdr., 2x6 pdr., 2 x M.G.s and 2 x 18 inch STICKLEBACK on 1st October. 1954. SPIGGES was sold by place of the after pair of tubes. Following the initial group of torpedo lubes (submerged). Length x beam x draught; the Swedes in 1970. She displaced 35 tons and measured vessels an additional twelve T131 Spica class were delivered 393 x 61 i 22 feel. Maximum speed was 22.5 knots. In 1927 and later between 1934-35 the ship was rebuilt, the armament S3 x6h x 7'j feet. between 1973 and 1976. Top speed of all craft is + 40knots. modified and her funnels trunked into one. DROTTING VICTORIA remained active until 1952 as did her two sisters SVERIGEandGVSTAV V. ^^. ^f^^fmaVm
\ordenfelt's first submersible during trinls at t.andskrona. Sweden. Built M Stockholm during 1880-82. the vessel displaced 60 Ions and was 64 feel in length. Two vertical propellers were driven by a 6 h.p. ••team engine. This submersible was the first to carry a locomotive torpedo, the weapon being carried in a One of the twelve original Bredskar class minesweepers in the discharging tube outside the hull in the bow. In 1886. the boat Swedish fleet, RAMSKAR first look to the water on 28th was purchased by the Greek Government. October, 1940. She displaced 530 tons Ml load and measured Displaying the recognition letters "Shu", the submarine 'I he minelayer A L VSBORG was ordered in 1966 and launched on 187 \ 25 \ 7 feet. Armament: 1 x 4.1 inch, 2 x 25 mm. Deleted SJOHVNDEN is armed with 4 x 21 inch torpedo lubes and 11th October. 1969, as a replacement tot the submarine depot 1967. 2 x A/S tubes. Her complement is 23 officers and men. ship PATRICIA. She boasts facilities for one embarked SJOHUNDEX displace 1,125 tons standnrd nnd can dive to 500 helicopter and is defensively armed with three 40 mm guns. Top feet. Maximum speeds are 15 knots surfaced and twenty knols speed Is in the region of 16 knots and principal dimensions submerged. There are five units of the class, all built from 1965 to 301.8 \ 48.2 % 13.2 feet. A sister ship. VISBORG was 1969. commissioned in February•; 1976. 1 Our Compliments to Navy Personnel S.S. ENGINEERING & FOUNDRYPTYLTD Manufacturing Engineers and Suppliers to the RAN The destroyer VISBY was originally built in 1943, but during 1965-66 underwent rebuilding as a frigate. With a fuU load displacement of 1,320 loam VISBY now carries 3 M 4.7 inch. 2 i 57 mm and 3 x 40 mm guns. In addition one bofors A/S 10 BALLANTYNE RD KEWDALE. WA WRAXGEL. a destroyer built between 1915-1918, was originally rocket launcher is mounted. Leagth x beam x draught; armed with 4 x 14 pdr. and 2 M.G. 's and 2 or 4 torpedo tubes. 321 x 30 x II : feet. Three other sister ships were also converted, Telephone: 458 8577 Length x beam x draught; 236 x 21 I 9 feet. but all four will be paid off for disposal in the near future. Aufl/S«ptJOet. 1979 P«0« Thlrly-Om P*Q» Thirty THE AVY Auo/S«pt/Oct, 197V Join the NAVAL RESERVE CADETS BUILDING if you are between the ages of 13 and 18 years:
Trie Naval Reserve Cadets provide for me spiritual, social and educational seamanship, handling of boats under sail and power, navigation, physical training, welfare of boys and to develop in them character a sense of patriotism sell- rifle shooting signalling, splicing of wire and ropes, general spoiling activities and CONTRACTORS reliance, cituensfiip and discipline other varied subtects Uniforms are supplied free of cnarge instructional camps are arranged lor Cadets and tftey are also given Cadets are required to produce a certificate Irom then doctor to confirm tftey opportunities, whenever possible 10 undertake training at sea in ships of the Royal are capable of carrying out the normal duties and activities of the Cadet Corps I' Australian Navy miured while on duty. Cadets are considered for payment of compensation Parades are held on Saturday afternoon and certain Units hold an additional Cadets, if considering a sea career, are given every assistance to join the Royal parade one night a week Australian Navy, the Mercantile Marine or the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, bul The investing syllabus of training covers a wide sphere and includes mere is no compulsion lo ruin these Services
For further Information, please contact the Senior Officer in your State, using the addresses provided bolow.
SENIOft Off ICERS NAVAl tESEIVE CADETS: SOUTH AUSTRALIA Stuff Off lea Codafi. HMAS Fncounltr. PO to* NEW SOUTH WALES: Staff Offk* Cad.i* HAAAS Walton WaHont 117. Pert AcUlo.d. 5015 Bay NSW. 2030. VICTORIA: Staff OHIca CotUti HAAAS LomdaU Roui. Straw*. Port QUEENSLAND: Staff Offlca Cod.t* HAAAS Mo.ion Bo. MtfT, GPO Malbourna. 3307. oriibano. 4001. TASAAANIA: Staff Offko Cad.!. HAAAS Huon. Hobo.t 7000. WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Staff Offko Cobots, HAAAS loawwin. PO Bo. AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY: Staff Offko Codata. HAAAS SI Froftiantlo. oliO. Watlon. Wotiom for. NSW. 2030.
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the principal obtectrve of the Navy League ol Australia is to stress the vital who do not intend to follow a sea career, but who given this knowledge will form a Completion importance of Sea Power to the C^rnrjnwealth of Nations and the importanl role valuable reserve for the Naval Services played by the Royal Australian Navy The league supports the Naval Reserve Cadets who are administered by the The League consists of Fellows and Associates Ail British subtects who Royal Australian Navy, winch Service provides lechrocal sea training for boys who support the objectives of the League are eligible for membership Members receive intend to serve m the Naval or Merchant Services, also to those sea-minded boys, copies^ the League'smagume "The Navy
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,- J Published by Perclval Publishing Co Ply Lw, 862-870 Elizabeth Street. Wetertoo. 2017. phone tag 2600. with permission ol the Pago Thirty-Two Au(j/Sept/Oct. 1978 Navy Leegueot Australia, end printed by Maxwell Printing Co Pty Ltd. — a new word in anybody's language! Vickers Cockatoo Dockyard is the main refitting base for the Navy's submarines. Advanced technology in weapons, sensors, and fire control systems being installed at Cockatoo makes these fine Oberon class boats a very powerful and effective arm of Australia's defence.
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Editor's lommtnl 3 Annual Report of the Navy I eague of Australia 4 40 Finsbury Street ADVERTISI NG AND PUB LICATION: Navy League DivMooal News S PERCIVAL FPUBLISHIN G Cl O PTY ITD The Indian Ocean * HMAS PSYCHE • STONEY AoeuuoE PERTH Newmarket, Qld, 4051 Fact File No 5 — HMS IN VINCIBLE 12 KEIuaoMnSt 17CurrieSt SHiFloof. EpojeHouM The End of AUSTRALIA 13 Wilwloo AoeUklfl.SOOO 1IWilliamStrwt.Ptnti.E0n Review Article — "Cosmayt All The Worlds Phone: (07) 356 8515 NSW. mi; Phone 516225 Pnone. 322 «72 Ptaftt flMMOO I illhlinii Ships. 1M0-I905" 14 The United States Aircraft Carriers 16 "Warship Pklorial" 2» MELBOURNE BRISBANE H0BAH7 "TOHRUK" 22 Greensn Publications 4th Floor IBMurriySI Out of Ike Pa« 23 Proud to be associated with Ply Ltd Credit Union House HobutTOO IMBourke Street M9 Queen Street PrwwJItJK Booh Reviews 24 The Royal Australian Navy Pnone 671461 MbM, *000 Naval Round-up 26 Phone: 31 2531 The Flower Class Sloops 3B Ml 1 Index lo Volume 41 32
Nov/Doc/Jan. 1979/80 ,VY PngoOn...... Editor's Join the NAVAL RESERVE CADETS Comment if you are between the ages of 13 and IS years: The largest warship constructed for the Royal Navy since the Second World War, HMS The Nmi Reserve Cadets provide tor me spiritual, social art educational seamanship, handling of boats under sail and power, navigation, physical Mining. werfve of boys and to develop tn them chafed*, a sense of patriotism, self- rifle snooting, signalling, splicing of wire and ropes, general sporting activities and INVINCIBLE, is scheduled to commission reliance, atuensrtip and discipline other vaned subjects within the next few months. As a prelude to Uniforms are supplied tree of charge instructional camps are arranged lor Cadets and mey are also given Cadets are required to produce a certificate from their doctor to confirm they this important event in naval air power, "The opportunities, whenever possible to undertake training ai sea in ships of the Royal are capable of carrying put the normal duties and activities ot the Cadet Corps f Australian Navy Navy** publishes a brief, but informative, injured while on duty. Cadets are considered tor payment of compensation Parades are held on Saturday afternoon and certain Units hold an additional Cadets, it considering a sea career, are given every assistance to tom the RoyU report on the ship, illustrated by a selection of parade one night a week Australian Navy, me Mercantile Marine or the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, but photographs taken during trials off the Scottish The interesting syttabus ot training covers a wide sphere and includes mere is no compulsion to torn 'nese Services coast. for further information, plaaaa contact mm Smnlor Off tear in your Stata, using mo addrassas provic Whether or not the Federal Government decides to purchase a bofow. similar vessel, the Spanish or Italian Sea Control Ships, or extend MELBOURNE'S paying off beyond 1985. is still SINIOt OFF!C«S NAVAL RfSHVI CADETS: SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Staff Offlca Codeti HMAS Encounter PO • NEW SOUTH WALES: Stvtt Offtc* Cod*. MMAS Wni.on WatiMl 117 Port Adalalda. SfltS. undecided at the present time. The need for effective air •ay- NSW. 2030. VICTORIA: Staff Offlca Cod-'. HMAS lon.dol. tovto Street P support for the fleet at sea has been dealt with in this magazine QUEENSLAND: Staff Offk* Code*. HMAS Morton, ftoi M14T. GPO MoJbowrno. 3107 before. •ritborM.4001. TASMANIA: Staff Office CodeN, HMAS Huon. Haewrt. 7000. In other features. Captain John Moore highlights naval WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Staff otffc* Cadet. HfWAS Uovwrtn. PC* to. AUSTRAUAN CAPITAL TERRITORY: Staff Offka Codata. KM developments in the Indian Ocean, while Harry Adlam reviews SO. Fremont!, 4100. Wataan. Wataam ten;, NSW. 3030 the Australian and New Zealand Flower class sloops. Three newly released warship books are reviewed in this issue, including "Conways All The World's Fighting Ships I860 to 1905" and "Destroyer Weapons of World War II". The former is (he subject of the first review article to appear in the magazine. The response to requests for articles, long and short, brought "The Civilian Arm forth several new contributors, but the editor is again short of material for future issues. This problem applies equally to HMAS OVENS, July. 1971. (Photo — Navy Public Relations.) Commanders of Naval Reserve Cadet establishments and the of the Navy" Secretaries of Navy League Divisions, who are invited to submit news, be it past, present or future. February/March/Aprit will focus upon the Australian Fleet, The pnnctpal objective of the Navy League of Australia ts to stress the vital who do not intend to tonow • sea career, but who grven ttns knowledge will form . including articles on HMAS MELBOURNE, to mark the 35th OUR COVER PHOTOS anniversary of her launching (as HMS MAJESTIC); RAN importance of Sea Power to the Commonwealth ot Nations aivl uSe important rote valuable reserve for the Nam Services Top: HMAS VENDETTA makes her departure to the played by the Royal Australian Navy. frigates of World War II; and Out of the Past HMAS reserve fleet moorings on 10th October. 1979. (Navy The League supports the Naval Reserve Cadets who are administered by the The League consists of Fellows and Associates. All British subiects who PENGUIN. Public Relations.) Royal Australian Navy, which Service provides technical sea training tor boys who support me objectives of me League are eligible for membership Members receive The editor would like to thank Navy Public Relations Sydney intend to serve in the Naval or Merchant Services, also to those sea-rmnded boys, copies of the Leagues msgattne "The Navy" Bottom: A sad but proud moment for members of tbe and Canberra, Royal Navy Public Relations. Harry Adlam, eM-VENDETTA Association wben tbey briefly rejoined Tom Allen, David Diment, Cmdr L. Forsythe, Peter Houn- their old sbip on the occasion of her paying off after 21 slow, Capi John Moore, Ron Wright, Conway Maritime Press years service with tbe Australian fleet. (Navy Public THE NAVY LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA and Vickers Armstrongs for 'heir support with this issue of Relations.) Application for Momborship "The Navy". To: The Secretary. The Navy League of Australia. ROSS GILLETT
am deslrooi of becomJog • Mcojber of taw Navy Leogoe of Aastralfa wild wfcoee objects I an la synpaihy. Stmt (Mr) Beaufort Air-Sea Equipment Pty Ltd I Mrs) (Mtssl PLEASE PRINT CLEAP.IV (Raak) Suppliers to the RAN ol inflatable life jackets and life rafts and aeronautical safety equipment Street Suburb Staie Postcode 37-51 Day Street. Lansvale, 2166 Signature Dale
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AFTER COMPLETION. THIS FORM SHOULD BE DISPATCHED TO YOUR DIVISIONAL SECRETARY - NOTE Proud to be at work for the Royal Australian Navy LIST OF ADDRESSES ON PACE 3.
P«ge Three Pago Two Nov/Doc/Jan.lSTt/M Nov/Dec/J«n. 1878/80 THE NAVY Girl (sea) cadet units have been With regard to the maritime defence Navy League must take an interest in Report presented tom functioning under the auspices of the outlook, delays in making decisions on them. Navy League in Western Australia for three widely publicised major equipment I venture to say the League is well- some years, and more recently a unit has projects — the carrier TFF and follow-on- placed to understand the large defence THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING been formed in Victoria. This is an aspect destroyer projects — no matter how it has issues involved and to explain them to our of cadet training which will undoubtedly come about have created a situation in fellow-Australians: When all is said and OF THE NAVY LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA receive more attention in the near future. which approval for the acquisition of all done, this is the task the Navy League was three in much (he same time-scale must established to perform. by the Federal President The Months create tremendous financial problems, I wish to conclude (his report by and a possible need (o look at new ways [hanking the office-bearers of the Navy Ahead {for Australia) to finance major League in Australia and my many friends Admiral Zumwalt shared the platform Slate of the seas communications. A further reason is equipment. in an organisation it has been privileged to with the well-known commentator Mr B. With (he strain on defence funds likely the involvement of the parent of all Navy lead (or at least be at the top) for the past Navy League A. Santamana and had the meeting been to continue i( is improbable the NRC, Leagues — (he Navy League in the United These matters are noi the sole concern eight years. publicised it is clear that a venue at least Army and Air cadets will receive all (he Judged by reports to hand from the Kingdom — with cadet activities, a lesser of governments and defence authorities twice the size would have been required. facilities they may require: It will be a Divisions the League appears to be in responsibiliiy (o the League in our — the decisions made (or not made) on Unfortunately, the Admiral had to continuing task for the League to pursue reasonably good shape. One would like to country because of the government projects such as (hose mentioned will GEOFFREY EVANS return to the United States earlier than with Navy the best way of helping to ovei- see however a further increase in the commitment. affect every Australian in one way or Balwyn, Victoria expected and was unable to accept an come possible short-falls in equipment present strength of just on five hundred It need hardly be said that our links another and organisations such as the 12th October, 1979. invitation by the League to visit and facilities. fellows and associates, and a wider spread with the United States and Canada are of Tasmania, or to fulfil a program planned of effort among members. considerable value to the League as we are for him in Sydney by a number of While (he financial contribution of our kept aware of current thinking in these organisations including the Navy League. "sleeping" colleagues is necessary and countries and this is helpful when we are Despite these disappointments the visit grsatly appreciated. I often feel sorry thai considering our own situation. It must be attracted a great deal of publicity and NAVY LEAGUE DIVISIONAL NEWS more people do not play an active part in a continuing aim of the Federal Council attention to (he maritime scene and must the affairs of the League — even by (o maintain existing ties and to extend be considered a success. simply attending some of the numerous (hem wherever possible — not leasi with at (heir HQ. but the extremely wet Visit of Royal Navy Task Group: At functions arranged by Divisions New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Tasmania weather hindered an extensive boat-work the time of writing this report an RN Task South Australia throughout the year — so that they could program. TS LEVEN now appear certain Group (CTG 317.8) comprised of a On Friday, 27th July. Mr M. see for themselves the work being carried TheNavy" The Annual General Meeting of the to obtain the old wharf complex at Ulver- destroyer, five frigates, two supply ships Hodgman. MHR, an ex-cadet, officially out in their name by the "activist" South Australian Division was held on stone to covert into a training HQ. and two tankers is completing a four- Magazine opened the headquarters complex of TS members of the Navy League; I am sure Monday, 17th September. 1979. It was a The storage shed, now being used as a month stay in Australian and New Although articles and other DER WENT, watched by a large gathering they would want to do more in our most disappointing roll-up of members, fibreglass shop, will be partitioned into Zealand waters. contributions have been prepared by of officials, supporters and representa particular spheres of interest, the cadet but we hope for much greater support two halves, one to LEVEN, one to the members of the League and published in tives from other units. movement and the maritime security of The League was asked by the British from them during the coming year. State Emergency Service. Once LEVEN various journals and newspapers during Australia. Defence Liaison Staff to assist and We were most fortunate that Com have completed their conversion, their old the year. The Navy magazine is the outlet It was with deep regret that the Division entertain the visitors in the 16 Australian mander C. K. Callins. RAN. Naval building, believed built around 1900. will for (he League's views on evems and (he learnt of the death of Mr Arthur Gates, a ports of call and from advice received this Officer Commanding South Australia, be demolished. best way (o keep members in touch with previous Senior Officer Cadets (Tas). Maritime Affairs request has been met wherever there are and Mrs Callins, were able to be with us On the 22nd September. CMDR A. K. what is happening within the Navy Arthur commenced as a P/O Instructor in Navy League branches. on this occasion. Wertheimer. RANR, representing In the latter part of 1978 a two-part League: It's continued publication is quite 1954 at DERWENT, becoming CO and DNRC. and LCDR A. McPhcrson. RAN, submission was made to the defence sub Relations with vital (ous. Mr Don Schrapel was re-elected as finally Senior Officer. His ashes were scattered in a private ceremony from the inspected TS MERSEY for the Navy committee of (he joint parliamcniary Some months ago Mr Ross Gillett President and we are most grateful for his shore at TS DERWENT. League of Australia Efficiency Award. foreign affairs and defence committee, Other Organisations succeeded Mr Dennis Trickett as editor of untiring efforts over the past year and one paper relating to the Australian wish him every success during the next 12 LCDR McPhcrson later made informal li is pleasing to note an increasing The Navy which over the years Mr Officers and Cadets from EMU and defence outlook and the other to the need months. We are also very pleased (o visits to TAMAR and DERWENT. tendency for the League and other Trickett developed into an informative LEVEN joined with an Army cadet camp for a capability to design and build certain welcome Susan Burchell and Tim Wendt It has recently been announced that defence and mari(ime-orienia(ed and very useful magazine for all those for 10 days at Buckland during the classes of naval vessels in Australia: Sub as new members of the Committee. DERWENT and EMU have been organisaiions to work (ogether. particu interested in naval affairs. September school holidays. The cadets sequently your vice-president. Com awarded grants of S2400 each from the larly in arranging meetings with leaders in Plans to expand the content of The The Port Lincoln Division recently enjoyed the experience despite the bad mander Tony Gra/ebrook. and I Silver Jubilee Trust Awards for 1980. The the Australian and overseas communities: Navy have been prepared but nothing will received a gram of $900 from the Queen's weather, leeches and scorpions. appeared before the committee at a Not only is it a more attractive be possible until (he amount of Silver Jubilee Fund to assist them in the awards are to be used to assist with the hearing in Melbourne. proposition for prospective guest speakers advertising material is increased, and this maintenance of (he boa(s owned by the During the same period, 30 cadets of construction of their respective headquarters. Later (he defence sub-committee (or (they have a wider audience) but it is in (urn is likely to depend upon an TS Flinders Cadet Unit. TS MERSEY held a 10-day training camp "Ratter" committee as it is geneially usually more "cost-effective" for (he increase in circulation which brings us called) sought (he League's views on organisations involved. Bodies which back (o the interest value of the magazine. coastal surveillance and these were put come to mind are the Naval Association, To overcome a seeming impasse I ask forward after consultation with the (he Naval Institute, United Service all members with appropriate commercial Divisions. Institution and the Australian Defence resources to start advertising their wares ADELAIDE STEAMSHIP Admiral Zumwalt: In February, Association, all of which share at least or services as soon as possible. following a major address at the Aus some of (he League's objectives. tralian Naval Institute's "Seapower '79" Cadets INDUSTRIES PTY LIMITED seminar in Canberra, Admiral Elmo R. It is not appropriate for me to comment Zumwalt Jnr. former Uni(ed Slates Chief Overseas Connections upon the state of the Naval Reserve of Naval Operations, accompanied by his Due very largely to "exchange" visits Cadets in this report; I hope this will be Engineering Division, Slipway Proprietors, Manufacturers of Mobile wife, arrived in Melbourne as the guests by (he United States and Australian Navy made known to the Federal Council of the Victorian Division of the League League presidents in 1975 and 1977, in the shortly and published in a future issue of Cranes for a three-day visit. course of which many personal friendships The Navy. I do not however believe the The highlight of this ra(her strenuous were formed, and a longer association community is contributing to the cadei 1180 OLD PORT ROAD period was an address to over 500 people between Commodore R. I. Hendy, QC. movement in Australia as much as it at a "private" meeting arranged by the ROYAL PARK, SA, 5014 RCNR, of the Canadian Navy League could, or would be prepared to do if League and the Victorian branch of the and myself, correspondence with North actively encouraged by the government Australia Defence Association. Telephone: 47 5144 and the defence department. PagaFour America has rather dominated our over- THE NAVY Nov/Dec/Jan, 1879/80 Nov'Dec/Jan, 1979/80 P.g. Five India will remain an enigma for many. With a population increasing by 20 per cent every 10 years and now probably numbering over 600 million she supports a standard of living only marginally The Indian Ocean higher than her eastern neighbour, N today's world the appreciation of distance has destitute Burma. It is over 30 years since Pandit Nehru I been dulled by air-travel. Modern voyages can pass from said, "We are friendly with all countries Australia to Africa, to the USA in a few hours and make — Our main stake in world affairs is their appreciations of the country visited from the Mian l.eander class frigate VDA YGIRI. photographed here on 26th Jume, 1977. peace." Unfortunately, the complications (Photo - J. Mortimer.) of international affairs and the magnitude cloistered area of a transit lounge. of her internal problems have prevented support can be expected by the govern flanked by Oman and Iran. While the the achievement of this aim. If one flies from Perth lo Capetown direct it could take 10 ment in Mogadishu. second of these remains an unknown hours or less — in a ship proceeding at 20 knots it would take a In a strategically important position at quantity the former now regards itself as War with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 the bottom of the first of the two spurs of the guardian of the Straits of Hormuz. brought losses but today, with only about little under 10 days. And yet nearly 98 per cent (by weight) of the CAPTAIN four per cent of her GNP devoted to traffic across the Indian Ocean is carried in ships and no shore- the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Although Oman has one of the lowest J.E. MOORE, RN Persian Gulf, Somalia is a country of incomes per head of any of the states on defence, India has built-up a considerable based aircraft can offer more than a fleeting protection for these great importance to the non-Communist the western shore of the Gulf, past experi naval force Apart from Australia she ships in the event of a crisis. world. ence has provided an incentive to furnish possesses the only sea-borne naval air dcnl in the Chtncsc-huilt Tanzan rail-link. force in the Indian Ocean, using the Non-aligned she may be at the moment effective defence forces. But China is not the only provider for the elderly carrier VIK'RANT, launched tn The Lockheed P-3 Orion can remain on Of nigh on 50 countries in Africa the but her Ethiopian neighbour claims the At present the Sultan's navy centres Tan/anian navy — Fast Germany and the 1945 only a few months after HMAS patrol for three hours at a radius of 1750 Republic of South Africa can claim one same status, whilst signing treaties of around (he re-armed missile craft of USSR also share this distinction — MFI BOURNE. nautical miles from ils base while the P-2 major distinction, that of mounting although the base at Dar-es-Salaam was friendship with the USSR and welcoming Brooke Marine design with a number of Sea-Harriers have been ordered to re- Neptune has a maximum overall range, elections at periods regulated by a consti built with Chinese co-operation. the soldiers of Cuba, another so-called amphibious vessels of various types — not a formidable force but one which would equip the refitted VIKRANT but it must with ferry tanks, of 7200 nautical miles. tution. As she is also a competently Tanzania showed her attitude as a non- "non-aligned" member, and East be able to exploit (he capabilities of their be more than time that a decision to Were Western P-3 patrol aircraft organised producer of minerals ~ aligned slate with (he happy greetings to Germany. Exocet missiles in the 35-mile exit from replace this ship was taken. India's provided with landing facilities at Sri amongst the world's top 20 in the Queen Elizabeth II in July, 1979, but, New Soviet bases in the Dahlak Islands, the Strait of Hormuz. submarine fleet consists of eighi Soviet Lanka (an outside chance), Cocos Island provision of iron ore, copper and lead with an economy that is shaky even by offering support to the missile and patrol "Foxtrot" class but their successors are and Mauritius it would be possible to (Namibia), manganese nickel, tin. average African standards, aid may well craft provided for Ethiopia by the USSR, Within the Strait the power of oil planned to be of Western design built in cover the whole of the Indian Ocean if uranium, silver, diamonds, gold and bolster friendship. are well positioned opposite Hodeida in revenues is building up a series of India. adequate numbers of aircraft were phosphates — this country has a major Although Kenya's latest budget is £(K) North Yemen for the interdiction of important naval groups — those of the This dual approach extends throughout available. interest in the retention of free traffic 66 million in the red and 15 per cent of her Indian Ocean traffic to and from the Suez UAE, Qatar, Bahrein, Saudi Arabia and the fleet — Soviet alongside British Using only Cocos and Diego Garcia it upon (he oceans. expenses are funded from external aid her Canal. Kuwait. It will be worth watching this destroyers, "LEANDERS" and would be possible to cover the majority of To her north Mozambique espouses general stability is greater than that of her Both Yemeni states have a fair smatter effulgence of maritime capability; it could "PETYAS", "NANUCHKA" and the important shipping lanes on a surveil non-alignment with one arm, the Soviet neighbours. ing of ex-Soviet light forces, while the close the Gulf to both Communist and non-Communist naval forces in a bid to "OSA" missile craft from the USSR, lance basis provided some 50 aircraft were Union with the other. Although this left- From the naval standpoint her seven South Yemen base at Aden provides an protect the tankers which provide the "TON" class minesweepers from Britain, deployed to these two centres. If hand action has not yet been evidenced in patrol craft based at Mombasa are all excellent port for the Soviet Indian Ocean wherewithal to produce a standard of "NATYA" class from the Soviet Union. Australian forces were involved, at best the procurement of naval vessels, at least British built and adequate for coastal squadron of Vice-Admiral Yasakov. living unknown in many other areas of the The result, for a nation dedicated to about h.ilf this total could be deployed, the provision of naval anchorages to the operations but unlikely to be of much With the withdrawal of Soviet forces world and the naval forces called to peace, is an impressive force with the remainder having to be found from Soviet fleet is well documented. efficiency in the 200 mile EEZ during the from Somalia during the Ethiopian War protect that standard. considerable offensive potential. As the external sources. Northward once more to Tanzania, a middle of the South-East monsoon in of 1977-78 and the consequent loss of the Indians are perpetually loath to discuss But the external sources around this country with a low standard of living, July-August. It will probably not be long very extensive Soviet base and com Compared with the conditions of her their maritime affairs with outsiders, a ocean are very varied in their affiliations. health, production and equipment where before action is taken to reinforce munication facilities at Berbera, Aden has oil-rich neighbours Pakistan's citizens can ,n conclusion that this is more than a Nearly half the population °' °° the defence vote has been trimmed in an offshore patrols in (his area. become of even greater importance than only be considered as verging on the deterrent force is inescapable. Africa and Asia live in stales bordering attempt to fortify a declining budget. The Such action must already be needed in before. bread-line. Despite this she retains a navy Many of the older officers incline to the the ocean or have connections with that operations in Uganda have cost (he Somalia, whose navy is entirely provided This harbour has become the centre of of some pretensions, based in an area of West, many of the younger to their other Ocean. Well under a tenth of Australia's country *-d YI 500 million, a harsh blow from Soviet sources. With desultory a network of Soviet havens and logistic total instability, with chaos in Afghani providers — the future balance may population is directly connected with this in what is described as "a difficult period actions still taking place on the Ethiopian support areas throughout the Indian stan to the north, insurrection bubbling in depend upon (he attitudes of the younger vast sea-area, although the fate of about a of reconstruction". border and remembering the Somali Ocean, a web which was well reconnoitred Baluchistan and an internal political generation. quarter of that continent's trade depends In the summer of 1979 heavy rainfall agreement with Egypt of 2nd May. 1979. in the early flag-showing cruises of 1968- situation (hat frequently gives cause for upon free passage on those vast ocean cut rail communications with Zambia, a it seems unlikely that very much Soviet 9. alarm. Tucked in at the north of the Bay of routes. At that time visits were made to Sandwiched between the upheavals of Bengal, Bangladesh is steadily expanding During (he recent "non-aligned" Madras. Bombay, Karachi, Bandar, Iran and the uncertain bulk of India there her naval strength by purchase from countries' conference in Cuba only Iran. Abbas, Umm Quasr, Berenice (Egypt), is little to surprise us in the emphasis abroad and. more recently, by local Pakistan, Thailand and the Republic of Mogadishu, Aden and Colombo by the placed on Pakistan's armed forces. building at Dacca. South Africa joined Australia in being the first group and to Mombasa, Dares- Of all the countries about the periphery At present, despite the two ex-RN Indian Ocean states absent from that Salaam, Massawa, Hodeida, Chittagong of the Indian Ocean none has more cause frigates, this is no more than a coastal and meeting. and Mauritius as additional visits by the to look to her own safety than this. off-shore defence force nor, as things So. theoretically, there should be little second squadron. to worry about over the future of trade- Of these 15 ports those in the two routes in that area — there should be Yemens, Ethiopia, Iraq and Mauritius are little danger of violent action. And yet currently available to the Soviets while what is the true state of affairs? India and Singapore provide certain Of all the two dozen or so states of the logistic facilities. Anchorages off Socotra, Indian Ocean the status of only Australia Chagos Archipelago and the Seychelles and Thailand has remained unchanged provide additional areas for support and since 194$. From the west to the east new maintenance; all in all a fairly satisfactory governments, new problems have come to grouping for the Kremlin planners. South African frigate SAS PRESIDENT PRETORWS. plague an unsettled world by (he very fact The entrance to the second spur of the of their instability. Collection.) Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, is Indonesian Whisky class . (Photo — Janes Fighting Ships.) Pag* Six PaQeSflven Nov/ Dsc/ Jan, 1979/80 THE NAVY and expanding light forces. The circuit is completed with the main 9 5 land of Australia which, to an outside HMAS "PSYCHE observer, appears to have concentrated more on the northern and eastern sea HEN people discuss the work of the Royal frontiers than thai to the west. Australian Navy in World War One, most seem to Admittedly only some 30 per cent of W imports and 10 per cent of exports cross remember "SYDNEY" and perhaps "AUSTRALIA", but Australasian waters seeing much more of the Indian Ocean but the resolution of the are at a loss when other names are mentioned. In New Zealand than she had done in the strategic problems in that area could have particular, the name "PSYCHE" seems to be virtually past. profound effects, far outweighing these unknown. She fought no heroic actions, but in her own The outbreak of the Great War saw the bald figures. 15 year old cruiser ready for action. Lastly, and of considerable way performed a wonderful, if boring, job. Convoys to the German Pacific colonies importance, are the islands in this huge were escorted by the old warrior, but as "PSYCHE" came to the Australian Her machinery was built by Keyham ocean. Sri Lanka dwarfs all others, except we all know the Pacific Campaign was of Station in 1905 as part of the Imperial Dockyard and was of the twin screw triple Madagascar, in both size and beauty but, a very short duration, and so "PSYCHE" Squadron, allocated as a "drill ship" expansion type. The cylinder dimensions despite her fertile soil, has as many was not really needed. under the 1903 Naval Agreement. were 20';", 33" and 54" with a 27 inch economic problems as several of her A very small entry in her deck log of Her job was to train locally enlisted stroke. neighbours. 22nd January, 1915. merely states "Paid The Malaysian Yarrow-built general purpose frigate RAHMA T. (Photo — Yarrow, t sailors, and her area of training centred A speed of 20 knots was to be obtained The defence votes allows for no more off at 0900". The career of HMS around the southern states. She became with 7000 ihp but this was very rarely stand, would there seem to be a need for Of these, eight are equipped with five than a coastal force which is currently "PSYCHE" came to an end. Probably well-known in Port Phillip, almost as made. The displacement was 2135 tons. anything more potent. Israeli Gabriel missiles, so there is a adequate but may need expansion to deal she would have been left to rot in Sydney much as the ship she relieved. HMS The main armament comprised eight The same is true of Burma, although in steadily growing capability on both sides with the problems of a 200 mile EEZ. Harbour had not a chain of events in the "KATOOMBA". four inch QF Mark I guns, backed up by her case a considerable proportion of her of what is a vital link between the Pacific Some of the other islands have already Bay of Bengal area given her a second numerous patrol craft is over-age and in and the Indian Ocean. been mentioned — the Chagos Archi lease of life. urgent need of replacement. Orders have In plain figures the use of the Malacca pelago. Seychelles. Socotra, Mauritius — Although there were no German been placed for six "Carpentaria" class Straits by a ship steaming to Aden from all available as anchorages or a fuelling military or naval forces existing in the from Hawker De Havilland of Sydney East Japan will involve a journey of base for Soviet ships, with a regular Pacific region, a valid cause of worry was and a further contract for a British- roughly 6500 miles. The use of the Aeroftot service to the last named. the intrigue that had been brewing in designed "Osprey" class patrol ship may Indonesian Straits to the south would add Diego Garcia remains a point of India, sparked off by the Germans, shortly be completed in Denmark. 750 miles to this total, the passage of contention, despite which the UK/US naturally. Torres Strait 1500 miles and the voyage base is steadily improved. Lastly, as a A scheme for an Indian revolution had It is unlikely that Burma can afford south of Australia would be one of 12,000 south-western monolith is the 900 mile been devised and had every chance of much more than these vessels unless miles. length of Madagascar with five success. Gun running was planned, if not considerable extra aid is made available. In the event of rapid reinforcement or anchorages but, so far, still non-aligned in actually put into operation. One A point of interest here is that a supply being needed the figures speak for their use. schooner, the "HENRY S" did try to get dictatorial, socialist non-aligned country themselves. On the southern flank of the In the future the vast acean area we away from the Philippines with a cargo of has turned to non-Communist countries East Indies the sprawling bulk of have discussed will remain a necessary rifles and ammunition, but the US for her new equipment. Indonesia presents a huge physical barrier focus of attention, the affiliations of its Government thwarted the effort and The same is true, under very different although her economic condition, despite surrounding states being of the utmost confiscated her cargo. circumstances, of Thailand. USA. Italy. oil and other mineral resources, is not yet importance to the non-communist world. The British Government were quite Singapore and Great Britain are the in a position to support any more than a Australia has freedom to all four points concerned and requested Australia to sources of Thai new construction. With comparatively small naval force which of the compass — a serious situation commission "PSYCHE" and send her to persistent problems on her eastern land includes a few frigates and submarines could well develop to the west. the seat of the trouble. and sea frontiers (here is little to spare for On 21st June, 1915. the Australian her 300 mile coastal area facing the Indian Naval Board was asked by the Admiralty Ocean. if they could commission "PSYCHE", Not so for Malaysia — in the past naval HMS PSYCHE shown here as drill ship for Ylcloria. South Australia and Western and with the usual speed of the RAN, bases have been at Kuantan on the east Australia. (Photo — H. Adlam.) replied that "PSYCHE" could be coast. KD MALAYA on Singapore Island eight three pounders as an anti-torpedo commissioned on 1st July and ready to and Labuan on the island of Borneo. But before we examine "PSYCHE's" leave Sydney by the 15th. career, let us take a look at the ship boat battery. Two 14 inch torpedo tubes Now a new base — a headquarters, were carried, but were normally not On 1st July, 1915, His Majesty's training complex and repair facilities — is herself. mounted. Australian Ship "PSYCHE" was com under construction at Lumut on the west "PSYCHE" was one or II third class They were carried racked up inside the missioned by Commander H. J. Feakes, coast. This will be the main centre of the protected cruisers of the "PELORUS" quarter deck and only mounted when RAN. The crew were to a large extent Malaysian navy and shows an interesting class, not a very '.uccessful group by any required. A couple of Maxim's were members of the Naval Brigade, as the shift of emphasis, while other plans are in means. Three types of water tube boilers carried for arming boats, as well as the reserves were known as in those days, and hand for doubling the number of were tried out in the class, but otherwise usual field gun. were mainly untrained. RMNVR divisions. With a steady increase they were extremely "old fashioned". "PSYCHE" was outdated even when Two of "PSYCHE'S" four inch guns in the strength of the fleet itself, now The sailors still stowed their hammocks first built, but was still useful as a training had been removed to give a respectable being reinforced by four Swedish "Spica- in "nettings" around the waist bulwarks ship, and so was ordered to Australian armament to the old survey sloop M" class missile craft, a powerful force as they did in Nelson's time, and lived in waters. "FANTOME", but for the job in hand will be available at the northern end of the similar crowded conditions. Being coal six guns were quite sufficient. fired she could not be expected to be a The years between 1905 and 1913 Strait of Malacca. Working up commenced, the raw crew really clean ship. passed quite peacefully, "PSYCHE" The southern entrance to this vital link didn't make any great headlines, but being knocked into some sort of order at is dominated by the 225 square miles of Laid down at Devonport Dockyard on the same time. The original destination 15th November. 1896, "PSYCHE" was carried on doing her job in an unhurried Singapore Island, with the main dockyard manner. was thought to be Shanghai, whilst tucked away near Seletar on the Straits of launched on 19th July, 1898, and On the 4th October, 1913. the new "FANTOME" was to be deployed to the Johorc. This is the main base for a small completed in 1899. Her length between Persian Gulf, but the situation changed Australian fleet unit arrived in Sydney, navy consisting mainly of fast attack perpendiculars was 300 feet, her beam 36 and both were ordered to the Bay of and the days of the Imperial Squadron craft. feet, and when fully loaded drew 17 feet 6 Bengal patrol area. RSSISTRKPID, 9thApril, 1979. (Photo—R. Gillett.) came to an end. "PSYCHE" remained in Pag* Eight inches aft. THE NAVY Nov/D«/Jan, 1979/80 Nov/Dec/Jan. 1979/80 THE NAVY PageNlrw "-:—-~v--. --*T<
Barracks. I feel very much for the unlucky Garden Island, but the end was in sight. towed to Port Stephens, where she was Many of the old timers referred to members of "PSYCHE's" crew. The Admiralty had no use for the old used as a dumb lighter, but finally gave up "PSYCHE" as "The Fish", as ihey said Even if ihey were unhappy, ship, and asked the Australian Govern the ghost and sank at her moorings. She she spent more time under the water than "PSYCHE's" ship's company were at ment to sell her, and so on 2lst July, lay quietly on the bottom for many years, she did on t he su r face. They were least seeing the east. The ship visited 1922, "PSYCHE" was sold as scrap and and was eventually attacked by the naval probably right at that. If ihey were correct Penang. Singapore, Calcutta, Nancowry, handed over to the Moreland Metal clearance diving teams, who used her as a it was just one more reason why Rangoon, and of course Port Blair. Company on 22nd August. training target. By 1970, just about all "PSYCHE" was not the happiest ship in Tourists, today pay great sums of money As a stripped hull "PSYCHE" was traces of the old ship had gone. the RAN. to visit these eastern ports, but "PSYCHE's" crew were quite happy to sec the end of lhem. THE NAVY LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA To them the job was quie boring, the PATRON IN CHIEF His Excellency the Vktorion Division Sou i s Australian Division ship was uncomfortable and not designed Governor-General Patron: His Excellency, the Governor of Victoria Patron: His Excellency, the Governor of South for the tropics, they would rather have Australia been in other places. President: B J Bird. Esq Leave breaking seemed to be the main FEDEKAl COUNCIL President: Mr D G Schrapol Secretary Lieut Cmdr O V Oimmilt. VRD. PSYCHE as an HMA ship 1915-17. (Photo - National Libnry). President: Commander F. G Evans. MBE. VRO. offence, and a note on 19th March, 1917. RANR 'RANR. Box 227. Post Office. Hawthorn, Hon Secretary: Miss A Fiuoerald. Box 1&29M. tells us that Warrants Nos 72, 73, 74 and Victoria. 3122 Telephone 29 6294 GPO Adelaide. SA. 5001 On 24th August. 1915. both ships were around trying to find an enemy who 75 were read. The last Warrant recorded Vic*-PrMid«ni: Commander O M Blake. VRD. at Thursday Island, and in early didn't seem to exist at all. was No 94 on the 13th August, 1917. By RANR September. 1915. arrived in Singapore. Sickness was rife, and as was the this date the ship had been on station for 1 oimonlon Division Vtca-Pr*Bid*nt: Mr A W Gra/ebrook Quoonslond Division Ii would be very pleasing to say that practice in Eastern waters, a group of Patron: Vice-Admiral Sir Guy Wyatt, KBE. CB two years and the end was in sight. Patron: His Excellency, the Governor of "PSYCHE" was a very happy ship, Chinese labourers had to be employed as "PSYCHE" was at last ordered home, Oueensiand taking a boring job under her wing President Mr 0 M Devilt "ash and trimming party", so that the and didn't need much persuation to get Secretary, lieul Cmdr O V Oimmitl. VRD. without any trouble at all. but this does RANR Box 227, PO Hawthorn. Victoria, 3122 President: Surgeon Commander A. H. ship could stay at sea. under way. She needed another dry- Hon Secretary: Mrs B McMeekin. 24 Clemetina not seem to be the case. The reasons were Telephone 20 6294 Robertson. RANR At times the routine was varied by some docking, but the lads could wait until the Street. Launceston. Tas 7250 varied, but when grouped together it is unusual event, and this did help to break ship reached Sydney for this particular Hon Secretary: Lieutenant E W Croofce. RANR. easy to understand why "PSYCHE's" the monotony. On the 12th November. exercise. The ship's bottom was very foul N*w South WDI.I Division 760 Gympie Road. Chermstde. 4032 crew became fed up h a very short space 1915. we find some following notes in her and for the trip home the cruiser had great Patron: His Excellency the Governor ol New Wost Australian Division of time. South wales Australian Copliol T.r.lioty Division Patron; His Excellency, the Governor of Western log. difficulty in even attaining her economical Patron: Admiral Sir Victory Smith AC. KBE. CB. Australia Some sections of "PSYCHE's" logs 12/11/15 — In Bentinck Sound; speed, and it was with tired arms that the are missing, but from what is available we DSC 6.10 am — Landing party under Mr Yeo stokers fed the hungry furnaces. President: Commander O M Blake. VRD. President: Lieutenant Commander J J can get a reasonable idea of her (12 ratings); 9.50 am - Sailed. This time they didn't mind. They were RANR. Johnson. MBE. RAN (retd) movements and her troubles. A few Honorary Secretary: Lieut Cmdr Bryan Rowland. on their way home. extracts from the log may help to clear the Special note in log for that day. "Lost, RD, RANR. 39 WAraiah Road. Turramurra. 2074 Hon Secretary: Lieutenant F Whetton. 66 Hon Secretary: Mr T K Whitelaw. 99 For once luck was on "PSYCHE's" Phone; 440 6124 (home). 239 1022 (office) Bradfield Street. Downer. ACT. 2602 Bndgewaler Drive Ka'laroo. 602S air. aperture backsight, one". Not only was side, as it was not known at the time that 29/9/15 — Anchored, Basseine River. the ship falling to pieces, it seems the the German raider "WOLFE" was in 30/9/15 — 9.10 am, Anchor weighed rifles were. too. eastern waters. "WOLFE" noted in her (at this time the 24 hour clock was not in And so the boring duties went on, day tog that during the passing or the East use. all times being AM and PM>. in, day out. Working from odd Indies a British cruiser was once sighted at 1/10/15 - 8.40 am, Entered Rangoon anchorages, like Port Blair in the night. River. Coaled with 360 tons. Andaman Islands. "PSYCHE" did her Not wanting to give herself away, 2/10/15-At Rangoon. share of patrolling, searching suspicious "WOLFE" gave the enemy a wide berth. D. Burnett & 3/10. 15- 10.14 am. Slipped to sea. merchant ships, and still more patrolling. It seems that the cruiser sighted was 9/10/15 - Warrant No 13 read. With all this sea time the old ship was in "PSYCHE", although some historians The ship had been in commission only need of a refit. seem to doubt the incident. two months, yet there were 13 serious From 5th July to the 13th August, However. "PSYCHE" was the only offences admitted. Worse was to come. 1916, the ship was in dockyard hands in cruiser in the vicinity, and if indeed it was Sons Pty Ltd On 27ch October, 1915. we sec an entry Hong Kong, being drydocked between the her that "WOLFE" sighted she was in the log "Brushes painters, duster (Patt 11th and 21st July. It appears thai the extremely lucky. In her condition she 4) lost by accident painting ship". Things ship's company were accommodated in would have been no match for the were not going well in "PSYCHE". HMS "TAMAR", the station depot ship, German raider. With nearly every day at sea; anchoring as there is much mention in the log of After being away for two years and five Contractors to the overnight in some bleack anchorage; then "Crew marched to 'TamarY'etc. weeks. "PSYCHE" reached Sydney on off again in the early hours of the A sad note appeared in the Special the 28th September, 1917. and was ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY morning; and extended stays in harbour Notes for the 9th August, 1916. "3 pm — formally paid off on 16th October. This only when the ship needed coal; was not Stoker Frederick Brown died ai the RN should have been her last commission, but conducive to good order and naval Hospital. Hong Kong. Pneumonia". On events in the Pacific decreed otherwise. discipline. 10th August a small entry "Funeral On 20th November, 1917, "PSYCHE" Coaling was hard, dirty work, and 2 Terara Street party" indicated that the crew had paid a re-commissioned for coastal patrol work, washing facilities were primitive. When last farewell to one of their shipmates. with a very reduced armament. She now leave was granted there was practically Greenwell Point By 30th September. 1916, trouble was carried two 4.7 inch guns and two three nowhere for the sailors to go. well established, as we find the following pounders. The job was much the same as In the bigger eastern towns the upper via Nowra entries for that day. the Bay of Bengal effort, but in much crust areas were normally out of bounds "1.30 pm — Everybody aft. Read better surroundings. This commission was ANTENNA ENGINEERING to the lower deck. And to top it all off, Wanant No 63. One rating discharged to quite short as the emergency soon passed, AUSTRALIA PTY LTD food was of a very poor quality. Most of Phone: (044) 47 1544 Detention Barracks. 2.30 pm — One and on 26th March. 1918, "PSYCHE" GARDEN STREET. KILSYTH. VICTORIA. 1137 the sailors would have preferred to have rating returned onboard from Detention paid off for the last time. CABLES "ANTENNA" MELBOURNE been sent to the fleet in European waters Barracks." or 47 1352 Tied up alongside her sisler-ship PO BOX 1*1. CROYDON. VICTORIA. AUSTRALIA. SIM where they could have a crack at the Hun, Having personally seen the grim "PIONEER", "PSYCHE" served for PHONE: (03) 72i 1777 TELEX 38274 but instead found themselves moping exterior of the Hong Kong Detention several years as an accommodation ship at PaQ«T»n THE NAVY Nov/DecJ Jan. 1979/80 Nov/Dec/ Jan. 1979/80 Page Eleven •
FACT FILE No 5 The End of HMS INVINCIBLE HMAS Australia INVINCIBLE, first of ihe new dass of Anti-Submarine Warfare Cruisers, left Barrow on 26th March, 1979. at the By DAVID DIMENT commencement of her sea trials. The 19.500 ton cruiser is the largest warship to have been built for the Royal Navy in 25 years, "HMAS AUSTRALIA, Ihe former flagship and entailed the installation of over one million components. served by 1000 kilometres of cables and 100 kilometres of pipes. of the RAN was sunk 24 miles off Sydney Heads, As well as the "on ship" workforce, which peaked at 3500 during due easl, on Saturday afternoon." fitting out. 35,000 people in contractors' works throughout With these words the Sydney Morning Herald announced the Britain were involved in her construction. "death" of AUSTRALIA on 12th April. 1924. To read in the Five ships of the Royal Navy have borne the name press, the sinking of the AUSTRALIA was, on one level, a INVINCIBLE. The present INVINCIBLE is the sixth in the national tragedy. The press stated that: famous line which began with the French 74-gun ... it«i fining thing that her last cruise — so short and yet so LINVINCIBLE, captured off Finisterre in 1747. The second HMS INVINCIBLE, June, 1979. (Photo- Vickcrs.) sadly long — should be associated with the solemnity and moving INVINCIBLE was a third-rate. 74-gun ship launched at Depiford ritual of a national ceremony ... in_I765. Her adventuious career included three historic sea battles On another level, the sinking of the ship was likened to a and ended when she was wrecked off the Norfolk coast in 1801. personal tragedy with the actual ceremoney being a funeral. This Number three was built at Woolwich in 1808. and was again a theme was taken up by the people of Sydney who sent wreaths third-rater carrying 74 guns. This ship was broken up at and other flowers to be placed on board: Plymouth in 1861. ... the regard for the old flagship was pathetically evident ... a INVINCIBLE number four, an armour-plated "broadside great pile of wreaths bore testimony to the sentimental ship", was built by Napier on the Clyde in 1869. She mounted 14 attachment... With the destroyer HMAS AN/.AC in the background. guns and saw action in the Egyptian War before being relegated The sinking of AUSTRALIA was a result of the Washington AUSTRALIA keels over and. . . (Photo - RAN Historical to depot ship duties at Portsmouth. She foundered off Portland Treaty which, in line with the general immediate post-war trend Section.) while under tow in 1914. The fifth INVINCIBLE was built by to outlaw war and promote disarmament, limited the size and Armstrong Whitworth on the Tyne in 1907. She was a battle number of capital ships which the principle naval powers could cruiser, and saw action during (he 1914-18 War off Heligoland possess. before steaming off secietly and at speed to avenge a British The navies of Great Britain, the United States, Japan, defeat at Coronel in the Battle of the Falkland Islands. She blew France and Italy were limited, relative to each other, in the ratios up at Jutland, with the loss of all her complement, save six. of 5:5:3:1.75.1.75 respectively. The present INVINCIBLE was laid down on 20th July, AUSTRALIA was included in the British Empire total and 1973. and launched by HM Queen Elizabeth II on 3rd May. 1977. as a result, although only a decaae old but outdated due to war- At standard displacement the cruiser is 16.000 tons and has an lime advances in design, was regarded as expendable and had to overall length of 677 feet, a beam of 104 feet 6 inches across the go to adhere to the treaty terms. flight deck and 90 feet at the waterline. with a draught of 24 feet. There was some opposition to the loss. The Australian Her 550 foot long flight deck is angled at ' I degree to port and leaving Barrow for sea trials. (Photo — Vickcrs.) Worker for example protested bitterly and called Prime Minister terminates 80 feel from the bow. S. M. Bruce a "liveried lackey of overseas armament trusts" for This leaves space forward for (he provision of the twin Sea allowing the vessel to go. These emotive words were not used in Dart missile launcher. In addition a ski jump has been built on the larger dailies but the sense of loss was echoed. ... takes the final plunge. (Phnto —RAN.) and the light cruisers DELHI. DANAE, DRAGON and the foreward section of the angled deck inclined at seven degrees. The Herald contrasted the situation in 1924 with the DAUNTLESS. The smart appearance of these ships were When commissioned in 1980 INVINCIBLE will be able to AUSTRALIA'S triumphal entry in October. 1913. embark nine Sea King helicopters and five Sea Harrier aircraft. contrasted in the press with the AUSTRALIA, "lying broken, The Herald states: This breakdown of aircraft types was arrived at after a neglected and forlorn". . . . today a broken battered thing, rent from foremast to stern, detailed study of the vessel's roles and possible scenarios in which dismantled, dispoiled of her brass embellishments bereft of all the The actual scuitling of AUSTRALIA in water of 150 she might find herself entailed. The aircraft are housed in a grace and glamour of the halcyon pre-war days ... fathoms was witnessed by BRISBANE, HMAS MELBOURNE hangar deck, having three bays. Two hydraulic lifts service this The press gave very detailed accounts of the preparatons for who carried Prime Minister Bruce. HMAS ADELAIDE and the level, with one of the centre-line at the fore-end of a narrow scuttling and the actual deed. The preparations were very destroyer STALWART. Also present to pay their respects were central bay and one to port in the after hangar bay. thorough. "several large steamers crowded with sightseers". The British The hangar is supported by the usual workshop services such ... the hand of her spoiler had touched every corner. Her squadron saluted AUSTRALIA before turning north to visit as component repair shop, aircraft mechanical and engine repair anchors were gone. Her sides were streaked with grime. Her Brisbane and two aeroplanes flew overhead. workshops, instrument maintenance room and air ordnance foremast cut off. Her midship funnels down ... She had no deck According to the HERALD: workshop, etc. An unusual and practical feature of the two rails. Her little guns. Her search lights. Her ladders were all in the ... shortly after half past two. amidst tense silence, a long, sullen elevators is that they can be loaded with aircraft from three sides, breakers yard. roar rose from the AUSTRALIA. Like some sad lament ... if providing a greater utilisation of the hangar space. AUSTRALIA was towed up the harbour by four tugs and rang out across the sea. The old ship was dying . . Propulsion for the ship is via four Rolls Royce TM3B gas was accompanied by HMAS BRISBANE: The scuttling of AUSTRALIA, achieved by opening her sea turbines, developing 112,000 shp to provide a maximum sea She seemed almost reluctant to leave the heads and go out to cocks and by internal explosive charges, marked the end of speed of 28 knots. Range of action at 18 knots has been set at sea. She was making little or no progress ... The massive ship Australia's first and only battlecruiser. Although necessary in 5000 miles and electrical power is provided by Valenta diesel that at the surrender of the German fleet had led the starboard terms of the Washington treaty, it would have been interesting to generators by Paxman. To keep the ship at operational efficiency division of the British fleet was now being dragged to her doom see the situation if ihe scuttling had not taken place and INVINCIBLE boasts accommodation for a complement of 1000 ... The old ship did not seem to like it. It was almost AUSTRALIA was available in the S*cond World War. plus, including an Admiral, his staff and the ship's air squadron. inexpressively sad ... Modernisation would have been necessary NH very possible as Two sister ships ILLUSTRIOUS and ARK ROYAL are In Sydney at Ihe same time was the British Special Service shown by the drastic alteration given to other pre-1914 battleships presently under construction with Ihe former due for completion INVINCIBLE turns on Ihe speed daring trial- off the Scottish in other navies. Ii is an interesting thought. in 1981 andthe!at:erin 1985. Squadron which was visiting the Empire. The squadron consisted west coast (Photo — Vickers.) SOURCES S,0fWy Mwntftg H.nW - 0*1 T«Hff »pft — Tt» AuilrlMn Wo-k.r Page Twelve THE h of the battlecruiser HOOD (the last-word in baitlecruiser design) AVY Nov/Dec/Jan, 1979/80 Nov/Dec/Jan. 1979/90 THE IAVY Page Thlrt»»n BOOK REVIEW ARTICLE CONWAYS ALL THE WORLI) S FIGHTING SHIPS 1860-1905 I'he years 1X60 to 1905 witnessed the introduction of the torpedo, hrnih loading gi n. armour plating and lurhinr machinery, ( nupkd with these advancements, warship designs altered dramaiici lly to change the entire composition and tactic, of most navies. This period has. up to now. received little inform ation in print, and il is with great interest that "The Navy" has been given the opportunity to review "Cor ways All The Worlds 1 ighling Ships IX60-I905". which is due for release in Australia during early 19X0. The sije and originality of the undertaking is immediately apparent and accordingly an appropriate review article has be rn prepared. I HK Hill OR CONWAYS ALL THE WORLDS FIGHTING SHIPS 1860-1905 PHce: £Mi. Published Conway Maritime Press. Reviewed by "fiayundah". "Conways All The Worlds Fighting Ships 1860-1905" must rank, with ihc all-nrnc great naval reference works. Within its covers, measuring 12' > b> K1 • inches, are 448 pares of mostly EDINBURGH as completed, a Colossus class turret ship. (Photo — Conway Maritime Press.) unpublished facts and figures, as well as 471 photographs and HMS SULTAN, constructed as a central battery iron clad, 506 line drawings. The degree to which the writings have been operated between 1871 and 1946. and is shown here following her The quality of the photographs are for their age remarkable researched is plainly evident from the first page to the last. 1893-96 reconstruction. (Photo — Conway Maritime Press.) and the number of rare and previously unseen views is a tribute Naturally, the larger navies are well covered, under the heading to the various contributors' powers of discovery. "The Great Powers". "Ihc I lecis of Great Britain and The A book such as the one described, obviously carrys a Fmpirc" are followed by "The United States of America". substantial price tag, but is still strongly recommended. Russia. Japan, Germany. Austria-Hungary, Trance and Italy describing a gun as both QF and BL, this book deserves "Conways All The Worlds Fighting Ships 1860-1905" is Each nation is introduced by a resume 6( the economic as well naught but praise. extremely well bound and features large blue covers, gold as the political climates affecting each navy and (hen Reverting to the book as a whole, the majority of large blocked on the spine and protected by an attractive dust jacket. subdivided within each nation by warship type, which in turn is fighting ships are given a half page coverage of text, photo It will be followed by two subsequent volumes. 1906-1922 and prefaced to covet the technical factors affec;ing the ships. and/or line drawing, as well as a table of specifications, 1922-1945. The smaller or Coast Defence Navies arc then featured, armament, etc. This format is employed throughout the book, followed by the Minor Navies of which 12 and 2.1 nations arc down to minor navies, such as Hawaii, Persia, and Zanzibar. The following extract was taken from the Great Britain Section .At 8500 tons the Imperieuse ilass armoured cruiser HMS represented respectively. As stated in the foreword it would which boast only one or two vessels of note. — Capital Ships and illustrates the style used throughout: H'ARSPITE was found to he unsuccessful in her role, largely due have been impossible to include every naval vessel of the period to being seriously over-height when completed partly as a result Constructed under the 1878-79 in a single volume, but as the book is concerned with fighting COLOSSUS class turret ships of additions during construction, as well as Inaccurate design Estimates, COLOSSUS and EDIN ships of the period, the following limits were set: calculations and inefficient control of construction material. In BURGH were basically enlarged versions Displacement: 9420t load 1. Only seagoing vessels were included, eg, patrol craft on the above photograph she is shown as built w/r/r military rig. of the Ajax class with a slightly higher Dimensions: 325ft pp x 68ft x 25ft 9in(99.06ppx 20.73* 7.85m) inland waterways were not considered. (Photo — Conway Maritime Press.) speed, a heavier secondary armament, Machinery: 2-shaft. Maudslay(Edinburgh Humphreys) 3 cyl IC. 7488ihp — \6.ikn (Edinburgh 2. Generally speaking all warships down to 400 tons were increased endurance and improved 6808ihp— 16kts) Armour: Citadel 18 inch-14 inch sides. 16 inch-13 inch bulkheads, turrets 16 inch-14 inch, CT 14 included although torpedo boats displacing only 10 tons are covered, due to the fact that these craft assumed an handling and sea-keeping qualities. inch, decks 3 inch-2'/i inch importance out of all proportion to their size. However, they incorporated several Armament: 412 inch BL (2x2), 5-6 inch BL (5xl». 4-6pdrQF(4x1). 2-14 inch TT innovations which marked them as a 3. Only genuine warships were dealt with, thus ruling out Complement: 396 auxiliaries, mercantile conversions and also vessels of major advance over the earlier design — Builder Laid down Launched Comp File Government agencies such as the army, coast guard, police, the substitution of BL guns for ML guns, Nunc etc. the use of compound armour for the hull COLOSSUS Portsmouth DYd 6.6.1879 21.3.82 31.10.86 Sold for BU 1908 These restrictions aside, some 3700 warships of the period are as well as for the turrets and the use of EDINBURGH, Pembroke 1) V J 20.3.1879 18.3.82 8.7.87 Sold for BU 1910 still given coverage. As well, statements listing each navy's steel instead of iron for the majority of (cx-MAJESTIC strength in the year I860 appear at the beginning of each the hull structure. 1882) national section, allowing the reader to effectively gauge the The citadel was similar to that in AJAX relative growth of each navy. but was larger and of oval shape with they had a long, fast roll making them Both ships ran trials during 1883-84, but completion was delayed because of Of all the world's navies. Great Britain and The Empire Forces semi-circular end bulkheads to deflect bad gun platforms in a seaway. the late delivery of the armament. are alloted a majority of space and even the Australian colonial projectiles. It was 123ft long and 16ft They were difficult to handle and COLOSSUS served in the Mediterranean forces are given mention. In respect to the latter, "Conways deep, the outer thickness of armour being manoeuvre but were better in this respect until 1893 when she became a coastguard All The Worlds Fighting Ships" is the first book in recent compound. than the AJAX class. ship at Holyhead. years to correctly date the New South Wales torpedo boats The area fore and aft of the citadel, The ships were originally designed to ACHERON and AVERNUS as entering service in the 1878-79 above the protective deck, was extensively carry the same main armament as the She was placed in reserve in 1901, and period, and the fact that they were built totally in Sydney. sub-divided, the compartments at the AJAX but this was altered to 12 inch BLs then became a tender to EXCELLENT in Most publications have them completed in England during ships' sides being cork-filled and bounded while they were under construction. They 1904. EDINBURGH served in the 1885. All colonial warships are given space, except the by cofferdams, while the inner compart were the first ships to have a secondary Mediterranean from 1887 to 1894, and Queensland torpedo boats MOSQUITO and MIDGE, which ments were employed as coal bunkers. armament of any significance, with one 6 then as the coastguard ship at Hull and for some reason are missed entirely, whilst their sister boats are The CT gave good all-round vision. inch on each side of the forward super Queensferry from 1894 to 1897. included. being placed forward of the mainmast structure and one 6 inch on each side and In reserve from 1897 to 1899, she was tender to WILDFIRE at Sheerness from HMS SEAGULL, a Plover class wooden gun vessel, was CERBERUS appears earlier in the book along with her sister with the charthouse on its roof. The one at the extreme aft end of the after 1899 to 1905, and was finally employed completed in the late 1860s and sold in 1987. At 755 tons dis ship MAGDAI.A. In the foreword the editor comments that it stability level was even higher than in the superstructure. as a target ship for experiments with shell placement she carried one se\en-inch MLR and two 40 pdr HI would be unrealistic to expect no errors or omissions, and earlier citadel ships and anti-rolling tanks These weapons were replaced by 6 inch and armour plate in 1908. guns. (Photo — Conway Maritime Press.) apart from the earlier points mentioned and another statement and deep bilge keels were provided, but QF guns in 1898. NAVY Nov/Dec/Jan. 1979/80 Page Fifteen Page Fourteen THE Nov/Dec/Jan, 1979/80 THE NAVY The secondary armament consisted of 12 x 5" 25 cal guns. An unshielded STANDARD LAUNCHED version of this weapon was commonly United NUMBU NAME TONNAGE CLASS COMMISSIONED found as a deck gun on US submarines CM Lanein I1JB0 l*«tky 20322 Sunk Ja»aSea 26,2.42 for the period. Both ships were re-armed o: Ltnn|[on KJM Leiiafion 3 1025 Sunk Battle Coral Sea I'5/42 to cope in the AA department. (W Sjriiofi moo Letia|lon 7-4/25 Tarpt Bikini 25 7 46 — As LEXINGTON was lost at the Battle States Navy CV4 taajja 14.500 Ranter 23-2.33 Saapped2 4* of the Coral Sea relatively early in the CV3 iwktown tMBO Vorklo«n 4 4 M, SunkBaiileMidwa.fc6.42 war, she was armed only with 4 x 3" 50 CV, Enterprise li.W Yorkiown 3 10 36 Scrapped 21'l/M cal and 18 x 40mm, whereas the Saratoga, o* Was Wup 4 4 39 Sunk Solomon liland* 15 9 4 i4.no 1 which survived the war was finally armed CVI H - - n; • 19.900 Yorkiown 14,4'40 Sunk Santa Cru/27 1042 with 8 x 5" 38 cal in four twin mounts Aircraft CV9 Euex r.mi Eaa 31 T/41 Scrapped* LaieTO't CV|fl Yorkiownllll 27.100 Eun 21 1 J' Scrapped latent (similar to a Gearing Class Destroyer's CVII Intrepid 27.100 1 HB 264/4] Ream main armament), 8 x 5" 38 cal in eight CVIJ Koran 27.100 I tw 30'M3 Restne single turrets (as in a Fletcher Class Carriers (AM Franklin r too 1 Ml 14/10/4; SCTappedl-lQ64 Destroyer), 100 x 40mm in quad mounts 1 \:i TlCOfKJoOfJ tr.ioo Etta • : 44 Scrapped Utt^O'v and 16 single 20mm Oerlikon guns at the I By cvu Randolph 27,100 Etta 29/6/44 Scrapped UteTO'i aft end of the flight deck. LnuiftotHll! n.wc I >*i 269/42 Orerattonal Trjimnt Ship CVII The fourth Carrier. USS "RANGER". PETER HOUNSLOW or Bunker Kill 17,100 Etta 7/12/42 Scrapped 1/It'66 displaced 14,500 tons and was an attempt i w. Wupdll :• loo 1 MO 17/1/43 Scrapped 1/7/72 CVI9 Hancock 27.000 Earn 24,1/44 Scrapped late'0'i at getting as many aircraft — 86 as it In the past 57 years i v & Benninfton r.m i na 26-2 44 leant turned out, into as small a hull as 146' aircraft carriers have cv:i Boaer ttJUL Eon 14 12 44 Snapped 1 12 69 possible. However, to do this she i \:: Independence 11.000 Independence 22'S 42 Ttt|« 29/1/51 sacrificed speed and armour and as a commissioned into the cvu Pnnceion 11,000 Independence IS 10 42 Sunk Leyit 24/1044 result was relegated to training in 1944. CVM Bdlcau Wood .; BOO Independence 6 12 42 Scrapped I960 The fifth and sixth Carrieri, United States Navy. These 1 CV23 Cow pent ::.'•' Independence I 1 43 Snapped 1962 The stem section of America's first Mircnft carrier VSS "YORKTOWN" and "ENTERPRISE", carriers fail into three CVM MOOICTC) 11.000 Independence 2S 2 4) Scrapped 16/70 LANGLEY is shown graphically in this view, with eight biplanes drew from experience in the design of i * r linf\e\ (II) 11.000 Independence 22 5 43 Scrapped 1964 groups as follows: on her flight deck ready for launch. (Photo — USN.) "RANGER" and were therefore faster, OM Cabot 11,000 Independence 4 4 43 Operational Spanish "Dedalo (a) I leot Carrier* which are ships fast CVM ban 11.000 Independence 1 t 43 Scrapped 1961 The first Aircraft Carrier in the USN be scrapped under the Washington Treaty better protected and of course heavier, enough (o keep up with an attacking I VM San Jacinto 11.000 Independence 26 9 43 Snapped 1970 was the USS LANGLEY. of 11,000 tons. (which disposed of many fine ships 19,800 tons. warship fleet also having large 031 Bon Hommt Richard 27.100 Eata 29 4 44 leant She was commissioned on 20/3/22 with including our own Battlccruiser, HMAS "YORKTOWN" was torpedoed by the :-.!'•> 23 8.45 enough air groups to launch CV32 1 tya Eucx Scrapped 1 6-64 Captain S. H. R. Doyle in command and AUSTRALIA). Japanese Submarine 1168 off Midway CVJ3 kcarurfE 27,100 Euti 5 5 45 Scrapped 1 '6/69 offensive as well as defensive attacks was originally built as the Fleet Collier With their 184,000 shaft horse power Island on 6/6/42, just after the Battle of CVM '!•••.'!•. 27.KO Eaa 13 I0'4S leant and sufficient armour and ordinance USS Jupiter just before World War I. pushing them through the water at 33 plus Midway. The Destroyer "HAMMANN" CVM Repraal r.i'i' Ena Cancelled 11 845 to offer a good defence if caught Between 1919 to 1922 she underwent knots, 6" main belt and *'" bulkhead (Sims Class) was also torpedoed alongside CV36 Aniietam r mi IsWl -20-8/44 Snapped LjieTO'i carrier conversion which included armour, and 90 aircraft embarked the YORKTOWN while attempting to take without their aircraft. ( w !'•'..;Mr. ill. r.]i«i 17 45 Snapped 30 1 70 Etta off the Carrier's crew. The "ENTER (b) Escort Carriers which were converted CVM Shangri-La r.M' ! Ma 24'2/44 Scrapped Late Wt addition of a flight deck, a centre-line lift "Lex and Sara" were mighty ships even PRISE" survived the War complete with from merchant ship hulls were built i'. K Lake Champlain 27.100 Eaa 2.11-44 Snapped III 69 and the conversion of the coal bunkers to by today's standards. during World War II to escort the CV4D Tarawa I7.HB i m 12/5/45 Scrapped 3/10/6! aircraft stowage holds. The superstruc Both originally shipped 8 x 8" 55 cal 20 Battle Stars, an honour probably many convoys as fleet carriers were CV41 Midway 4Wr Midway 20/3-45 Opaaiioul ture of the collier was removed to the guns in four twin turrets mounted at flight forced upon her, for at one stage in 1942, not available in sufficient numbers CV42 1'jn' :i D Rootevclt 45,000 Midway 29/4-45 Snapped 30 9/7- upper deck level and a wooden flight deck deck level, fore and aft of the island/stack she was the only operational Carrier in the i< ,ii, for this duty. They were slow relative CV4J Coral in Midway 2 4-46 Opoaiwnal was installed supported aft by the remain (typical A, B, X, Y, in line turret Western Pacific. cv« Innamed tym Midway Cancelled] II 4? 10 fleet carriers and could not carry- ing superstructure, about Wths of the arrangement). The seventh Carrier, the USS CV4J VaJky Fot|e r in I v-O -11/11-45 Scrapped 15'1/70 as many aircraft. The Escort ship's length, with the remainder These guns were fine for the heavy "WASP", was limited in displacement by CV4J l*o Jima 27,100 1 aa Cancelled 124/49 supported by iteel columns up to the cruiser of the pre-war era for which they the tonnage left available under the Carriers' ranks were made up ot evn Philippine Sea 27.100 Eaa -SAV4S Scrapped I'l2/69 foc'sle. Washington Treaty after the other classes such as "Long Island", cva Satan I4J00 Ha* tV7'4J Scrapped Late "«\ had been designed and had been used in "Bogue". "Sangamon", "Com CV49 Wnfh 14,500 MOM 1 9-45 Snapped 1 12^77 This left an open area under the flight the Pensa Cola Class, hut considering carriers' tonnage had been subtracted mencement Bay" and "Casa cvsoA deck for the remaining " • th\ of the ship. bombardment of shore targets and from the 135,000 tons allowed. This left blanca". Fifty "Casablanco" Class CVJIJ | Aircraft were lifted out of the holds and protection against other ships was fast her at 14,700 tons. She too was torpedoed ships were built in just under a year. CVS2I Innamed 17.100 Eua Cancelled 27 3 45 transported to the centreline lift by two passing over the carrier's aircraft, these by a Japanese Submarine, the 119 on The first ship, "Casablanca", CV53) . _ three ton overhead travelling cranes guns were becoming redundant. 5/9/42 en route to Guadal Canal. commissioned on 7/8/43 and the CVMI mounted below the flight deck. last, "Munda"", on 8/7/44. c/inj Once on the deck the aircraft were Construction time for the final CVS6 Lnnamed DjON Midway Cancelled 2* 3 4« CV57 I nnamtJ j-.i.i - Cancelled » 3/4< assembled for launching. Despite this vessels was 3'.- mon.hs. and the Midway CVM LniiedStam United Stato - Cancelled 1949 cumbersome method of aircraft entire class was built by one builder. CV39 Fotrestal M 10 Forraial 1/10/5_ 5 Operational handling, Langley could still stow 55 (c) The third group consisted of iwo CVtt SaraiOfillll itjm Formal 14/4/56 Operational aircraft in her holds. She differed in training carriers. Originally side cvti Ranter i III H.MIII Formul 10/S/57 Operational appearance to later US Carriers in not CVtt fjll.ll.IJ paddle wheel commerce ships, they Independence(II) Forreual 10/1'59 Operational having any island superstructure. were taken in hand during World
Page Si*teer. NovfOsc/Jan. 197111 Nov/Dec/Jan. 1979/80 THE NAVY Page Setvantewn The eighth Carrier was bui.i to a constructed on uncompleted "Cleveland" "YORKTOWN" Class design. Named Class light Cruiser hulls and were built to "HORNET" she had perhaps the most fill in until the Essex Class units could be colourful if not the shortest career of any completed. US Carrier. Commissioning in October, Being Cruiser conversions they were 194), she launched the famous Doolittle fast and relatively well protected. The one Raid on 18-4/42. took part in the Battle surviving unit of this nine ship class is of Midway 2 — 6/6/42 and was engaged now the Flagship of the Spanish Navy, in constant battles for the Solomon "DEDALOPH0I". Islands right up to the Battle of Santa The "Midway" Class was next to be Cruz where she was bombed and launched. These ships at 45,000 tons were torpedoed bv aircraft and destroyers, out*-zed only by the Japanese Carrier 27/10/42. "ShINANO" a "Yamato" Class, 18" The list of active Carriers at the end of Battleship conversion. 1942 was dwindling fast as this list shows: A Midway Class Carrier could strike down 137 aircraft and the original design CVJ Icxington Sunk 8 5/42 called for 18 x 5" 38 cal, 84 x 40mm, and CVJ Saratoga Badl> damaged 31 8/42 82 x 20mm guns and so were to be the Yorkiown Sunk 6/6/42 rvi ultimate in Carrier design. CV« Enterprise Operational Built originally as the I'SS SAIPAS and converted to a Unfortunately, only three of the class CVi Wasp Sunk 15/9/42 communications relay ship between 1963-1965. the of six were completed and even those n> Hornei Stat 27/10/42 ARLISGTOS remained in commission until 1970. (Photo — three were too late to take part in any The "ENTERPRISE" must have been RAN.) World War II actions. They have been feeling quite lonely at this point, however, The time between Pearl Harbour and enable the American ship builders time to extensively modernised and two are still in help was certainly on the way(s) in the the end of 1942, approximately one year, tool-up to build a large fleet. service today. form of the numerically large "ESSEX" had cost four Aircraft Carriers but this The ninth Carrier USS "ESSEX" was The "Saipan" Class (two ships) was and "INDEPENDENCE" Classes. was the price which had to be paid to lead ship of a Class of 24 of which 17 were built too late to take part in World War commissioned during the War and none II, They resembled the "Independence" of which was lost. Of this Class the Class and at 14,500 tons were classed as "FRANKLIN" should be mentioned at light Carriers or CVL. this point. A one ship class, the USS "UNITED This ship sustained massive damage as STATES" was laid down in 1949 and part of Task Force 58 commanded by cancelled soon after. Her pendant number Vicc-Admiral Marc A. Mitcher while wasCVB58. conducting air strikes against targets on The "Forrestal" Class, CV's 59.60. 61. Kyushu, Japan as a lead up to the 62, heralded the era of the Super Carrier Okinawa landings. and at around 60,000 tons, four steam As a result of battle she lost 724 dead, catapults, 70 aircraft and approximately A stern view of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS 265 wounded and after an order to all but '^-mile long, are something no other S1M1TZ taken during September. 1976. whilst in the Mediter key personnel to abandon ship over 1700 country has yet matched (or perhaps ranean Sea. as a member of Task Force 60. (Photo — USS.) men were rescued from the water. She was don't want to match). taken in tow by the USS "PITTSBURG", "FORRESTAL", lead ship of the made available by the now widened decks. CA72 a Heavy Cruiser of the Baltimore the island moved further aft and the lift Class, was modified early in construction One characteristic of the angled deck Class, but the following day was under positions changed. to enable her to be finished with an angled carrier is the huge deck overhangs along way on her own power and went on to sail The gap in the middle of the "Kitty deck. The remainder "SARATOGA". the side of these ships particularly obvious halfway round the world to New York via Hawk" Class pendant numbers'belongs "RANGER" and "INDEPENDENCE" if viewed from the bow or the slern. Hawaii for repairs. to "ENTERPRISE" CVN 65, a one ship were completed to a similar design. The "Kitty Hawk" Class. CV's 63, 64, class which differs from the "Kitty Originally 32 Essex Class Carriers were A side effect of the angled deck was the 66. 67, were an improvement on the Hawk's" but has roughly the same deck projected, eight were cancelled leaving the extra aircraft handling and parking space "Forrestals" being slightly larger, having layout and the same amount of aircraft, remaining 24 to still constitute the largest 85. class of fleet aircraft carriers ever built. She is nuclear powered by eight Their building times during World War II Westinghouse Reactors driving four ranged from 14 months to two years Westinghouse geared steam turbines which must have added to the bewilder through four shafts delivering 280,000 ment of the Japanese in 1944-45 and bore SHP for 35 knots. out Yamamoto's words of "Awakening a sleeping giant". She is easily distinguishable by her island which not only lacks a funnel, but Many served through the Korean and gives her a certain science fiction appear Vietnamese Wars after modernisation ance. The "ENTERPRISE" was including enclosed bows and strengthened unarmed, except for her aircraft, for the flight decks to take heavier aircraft. first three years of her life when in I967 a Angled decks were added to operational short range Sea Sparrow basic point ships in the mid 50's as well as the more defence missile system was added. powerful steam catapult in some units. The latest class is the "Nimitz" Under fleet rehabilitation and comprised of CVN 68 NIMITZ, CVN 69 modernisation (FRAM II) conversions DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER and CVN sonar was added in the early 60's and so 70 CARL VINSON. They are the heaviest some of these ships became Anti-sub carriers yet at 81,600 tons, can strike USS MIDWA t CVA 41. shows off her teeth in the form of 70 marine Warfare (ASW) Carriers (CVS). One of the earliest views of CVA 59. USS FORRESTAL. taken down 90 aircraft, have a crew of 6300 men The next class of Fleet Carrier was the combat aircraft, including A-6 Intruders and F-4 Phantoms, whilst on trials during March. 1956 (Photo — Newport News per ship and are a far cry from poor little ' 'Independence'' Class. They were ranged on the forward flight deck. (Photo — USN.) Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.) LANGLEY back in 1922. r^ge Eighteen THE NAVY NoWDec/ Jan, 1979/80 Nov/Dec/Jan, 1978/80 THE NAVY Page Nineteen WARSHIP PICTORIAL Royal Navy New Construction (All photos courtesy Royal Navy Public Relations)
RFA FORT GRANGE. November, 1)70. FORT GRANGE displaces 20.000 tonnes and measures S03 by 7) feet.
HMS BROADSWORD seen here on speed trials. May, 107), Is the first all metric British warship and the first to be built around an all missile armament.
HMS BRECON. October, 137), the tint of live ships of the new "Hlent" class of coastal minesweepers/mlnehunlers displaces 725 tons full load and la manned by S officers and 39 ratings. Page Twenty THE NAVY Nov/ Dec I Jan. 1971/80 TOBRUK The accompanying photos (courtesy Navy Public Relations, Sydney) show three stages of construction during 1979 of the new amphibious ship now being built by Carrington Shipways at Tomago.
lOHRt K Al'Utl.. 1979.
An extreme!) nre pkotognpk of Her Mtjeslys Skips LORD WARDEN tloregrnundl. tier sister skip LORD CLYDE % on 01 mi PASi (From Coaways All The World's Fighting ships 18M-1905) LORD CLYDE CLASS bulwark. The vessel rearmed in 1869/70 area being 31,000 sq ft. They were handy with 10-8 inch MLRs on the main deck in under sail but rolled heavily. alternate ports, 1-8 inch MLR on each The LORD CLYDE class were purpose side on the upper deck, 2-7 inch MLRs at They were also good steam vessels but built, wooden-hullen, ironclad frigates, the forward end of the main deck and 1-9 LORD CLYDE'S engine deteriorated and the last of the broadside ships. inch MLR at the aft end of the main deck quickly and she was re-engined in Construction was approved in 1863. and 1.9 inch MLR behind the armoured 1869/70. In 1872 LORD CLYDE was LORD WARDEN was the heaviest bulwark at the forward end of the upper found to have rotten hull timbers. wooden ship ever built. The ships were deck. LORD WARDEN was completed Attempts to correct this were lengthy and based on the design of BELLEROPHON with this armament. unsuccessful and she was sold out of with dimensions modified to suit a service early. wooden hull and the battery armour These vessels were ship rigged, the sail extended the full length of the ship. The wooden hull had a I '/i inch iron skin and LORD CLYDE class wooden broadside iron clad a waterline belt sheathed with 4 inch oak, Displacement: 7750t load LORDCLYDE; 7*42 load LORD WARDEN. and it was divided by iron bulkheads and Dimensions: 280 ft pp x 59ft x 261U8S.34 ppx 17.9$ x 7.92 m). strenthened by iron in some sections. Machinery: I shaft. Ravenshill 2 cyl HT (LORD WARDEN Mauditay 3 cyl RCR), 9 LORD WARDEN, like BELLERO rectangular boilers. 6064 ihp = 13.4 kis (LORD WARDEN 6700 ihp m 13.5 PHON, has a clipper/ram bow, whilst kts). LORD CLYDE had a standard ram bow. Belt and battery 514 inch amidships, *'•. inch ends with 6 inch wood backing CT A'/> inch. Armament: 2-9 inch MLR, 14-8 inch MLR. 2-7 inch MLR. 2-20 pdr BL. LORD CLYDE completed with 24- Complement: 60S 7 inch MLR, 23 being on the main deck (20 amidships, 2 forward and 1 aft) and Laid down Launched Coop Fate one at the forward end of the upper deck LORDCLYDE Pembroke DYd 29.9. IMS 13.10.64 2.6.66 Sold for BU 1875 protected by a 4'/i inch semi-circular LORD WARDEN Chatham DYd 24.12.1863 27.3.65 30.867 BU1B89 Nov/DeC Jan, 1979/80 Page Tw9nty-Thr#* ' to read. The text is well written, and the whole range of illustrations are excellent. Both writers understand their chosen subject, and as I said before they have closed a very large gap that has existed for far too long. Destroyer Weapons of World War 2 is presented with the same high standard of quality, which we have come to expect from Conway. My only regret is that the famous old 4 inch QF MK V as fitted in the old "V &. W" class was not covered, and that is my only Destroyer Weapons of regret. An excellent book, recommended World War 2 to all shiplovers. By PETER HODGES and NORMAN FRIEDMAN Published by Australia's Ships of War Conway Maritime Press Reviewed by "The Dustman" ByJOHNBASTOCK Published by A great failing by writers of naval ANGUS & ROBERTSON reference books has been the lack of Price: S45.00 information supplied as regards Reviewed by Harry Ad lam armament. We often sec such notations as The famous "quad" pompom, the standard anti-aircraft weapon "4 x 4 inch guns", and it is left (o the of British destroyers. (Photo — Conway Maritime Press.) reader to find out if the four inch guns This book was first published in 1975, mentioned were quick firing or breech as a leather bound volume retailing at in Sydney in 1885. while actual fact they very good effort in showing practically loading, whether they were on pedestal or $150 per book, but the present issue is were built by the Atlas Works in the every ship in photographic form. When central pivot mountings, and all the other presented in "paper back" type, a form Haymarket. Sydney, in 1879. This is an we consider that there were at least 400 details necessary to find nut just what the which does not do justice to the work error that is very common amongst naval ships included in the navy lists during the guns really were. In Destroyer Weapons itself. writers. In the case of the Tasmanian war years, and almost half of these were of World War 2 many of these mysteries Surely this book justifies at least a hard torpedo boat "TB 1". this is said to have impressed small commercial craft, this is a are cleared up, in the case of British and cover. Otherwise, it docs not appear to been transferred to South Australia in the very creditable effort. In the cases where a United States destroyers at least. Being an have been updated from the original late 1880's, a statement not borne out by photograph could not be found John ordnance enthusiast, and a self confessed issue. The cost, at S45. is still rather steep, Captain Cres well's report of 1905, where Bastock has provided one of his very neat destroyer buff. I found this book to be but there is no doubt that the information he goes to great details to tell how pencil drawings, which faithfully depict one of the greatest possible additions to contained between its covers is worth it. I "PROTECTOR" was sent over to the ship concerned. the great range of naval books that are still would have preferred to have seen a Hobart in 1905 to tow "TB I" to Port stiffer cover on the book, because I feel I am not in agreement with all now coming forward. Thr American destroyer FLETCHER displays the post-war modifications applied to Adelaide. that the volume will not stand up to the statements made by the author, and in many US ships. These changes, as well as the principal wartime developments, are One can never be too sure about certain The book is divided into two seperate constant use that would be given to it by a particular I take an Ex- 'WARREGOV* parts, section one deals with British covered in detail in "Destroyer Weapons of World War II". (Photo — Conway facts, but when one is actually serving in a ship lover. ship at a certain time, the matter becomes umbridge at the statement that destroyers and section two, the Maritime Press.) "BARCOO" was refloated under her Americans. There has to be a starting The book is well laid out and covers the more clear. I read that HMAS truly Australian Ships of war, the own power from the beach at Glenelg. 1 point in all works of this type, and in this see the various types that were used by "TALLAROOK" was commanded in "FLETCHER" Class destroyers carried a Australian Auxilliary Squadron is well feel that "WARREGO" did a lot of case both of the writers picked as their both nations, and it is interesting to note 1948 and 1949 by Lt Cdr J. J. Cody, grand total of 3005 rounds of 5 inch covered, as this force was paid for in part pulling in this incident. I was present in staniiig point the destoyers built after the that both ended up with weapons RAN, and undertook surveys of Geelong ammunition on board, 2775 rounds in the by the Colonies. Each RAN ship is "WARREGO's" engine room during end of the Great War. In the Royal Navy common to both nations. There are and Hobson's Bay. magazines and 250 rounds of ready use identified, described, her career detailed, the whole refloating operations. I suppose this of course meant the experimental naturally the 20 mm Oerlikon and the From my own personal experience I can ammunition at the guns, and it is quite and in most casts is illustrated with a I can claim "professional pride" for the "AMAZON" and "AMBUSCADE", the 40 mm Bofors. All stages are well covered definitely say that for the full year of 1948 evident that all this shot was required photograph. little sloop in this case. Americans new construction got under and the reader is left with a very clear when "Kamikazes" were met. Lt Cdr J. J. Cody was 1st lieutenant of The ships follow on chronologically way with the "FARAGUT's". We foHow understanding of the weapons "as In the British Navy great faith had been HMAS "WARREGO" and did not Apart from the small number of errors the main and secondary armament of the fitted". from the individual state naval units, command "TALLAROOK" during that that come to the surface, I feel that placed in the old pom pom and the 0.5 through the formation of the destroyers of both nations, and we can The book does not deal with guns only, year. I served in the survey ship Australia's Ships of War will be regarded inch four barrel machine gun mounting as Commonwealth Naval Forces to (he appreciate the difficulties which gun we find all the other items of naval "WARREGO" at that time, and the as a first class referrence book for many being the answer to attacking aircraft. formation of the Royal Australian Navy. designers were faced with. The Royal hardware such as torpedo tubes, depth tender to "WARREGO" was years to come. Errors are a fact of life, War experience proved that something Any unusual feature of each ship listed is Navy had great faith in the famous 4.7 charge throwers and gunnery control "JABIRU", and "Tex" Cody did do and I doubt if any book has ever been better was needed, and the same applied given a special note, and we find such inch gun, being a breech loader in the case directors are described in great detail. to the US Navy's four barrel I.I inch survey work in that GPV at various times. written that did not have some mistakes. notes as that "AUSTRALIA" (I) was the John Bastock has made less mistakes than of "AMAZON" and "AMBUSCADE", The book is well illustrated. machine gun. The answer came in the This may seem a small point to stress, but only ship of the RAN to round the many of the so-called "giants" in this followed by the change to the quick firing Photographs and line drawings are shape of the 20 mm and the 40 mm, guns i' is hoped to illustrate the hard job a southernmost part of South America. field. My main concern is that for a book system in later classes. On the other hand provided for most types, and in the that have become household words. The writer has to put together a co nplete story There are quite a few mistakes of this price the binding is not of the same the US Navy commenced its new British section I think it would quite in full range of these well known weapons of every ship in the RAN. John Bastock regarding the early colonial navies and I calibre as the book. It certainly deserves a construction with the dual purpose 5 inch order to say that for completeness of the are covered, and neither author is afraid took on a large order and did it very well. would have hoped that these would have stronger presentation, and one point that 38 calibres gun, a weapon that was the subject this is the best we have seen yet. to describe the actual value of them. Minor points such as this are very easy to been corrected after the original issue of does annoy me is that while the dust standard weapon for all war built US The American section is well illustrated When it comes to the failures they are pick up but by the same token, they are this book, but it seems that the book is a jacket is quite attractive, the actual cover destroyers. The development of the 4.7" but with fewer line drawings than the equally frank, and this is an admirable exceedingly hard for the writer to uncover re-print and not a revised edition. In the of the book leaves a lot to be desired. is followed through, and the introduction British section, but is well provided with trait, of which we could certainly hope to when gathering the material for a book case of the New South Wales torpedo of the now well known 4.5" receives the photographs. see other writers follow. such as this. boats "ACHERON" and AVERNUS". In short, an excellent reference book, same type of attention. Many interesting points come to light, I would sum up this book as being one As regards the ships that served in well written and well illustrated, definitely John Bastock states that these were built World War 2, John Bastock has made a a book of world class. In the case of close range weapons we and I was surprised to find that the of the best works it has beem my pleasure Nov/Dec/Jan. 1979/80 Page Twenty-Four THE NAVY Nov/ Dec /Jan, 1979/SO TKE NAVY P«g« Twentv-Five .-..•••• '-:.,., •.. New Patrol Boat To NAVAL ROUNDUP Be Named Officially ik^*> Canadian Exercises Four Canadian Forces helicopter-equipped destroyers, an ('ompiled by ' 'Gay undah' operational support ship and several anti-submarine patrol aircraft participated in Exercise Ocean Safari 79, a major NATO Westland SM King MA 4HC helicopter for the Royal Navy. exercise in the wide areas of the North Atlantic and the The patrol boat, TULACI. was built by de Havilland (Photo— Wcstltitd.) Norwegian Sea f'om 24th September, to 5th October. 1979. Marine, Sydney. The total cost of the project, including spare The destroyers, part of Maritime Command's Fifth parts, training and advisory assistance was over $800,000. The First Flight of New Destroyer Squadron, under the Command of Captain John boat was formally handed over to the Solomon Islands Harwood. including HMCS IROQUOIS. ANNAPOLIS and Government on 1st May, this year. Westland Sea King Helicopter FRASHR, as well as HMCS NIPIGON which recently joined the During its first three months of operation, the TULAGI The new troop transport and logistic support version of the standing Naval Force Atlantic. The Canadian complement arrested a Japanese fishing boat which was operating illegally, Westland Sea King made its first successful flight on 26th participating in Exercise Ocean Safari also comprised the supply helped rescue the crew of a sunken vessel and carried out several September, 1979. ship, HMCS PRESERVER, and four Argus aircraft from 415 mercy missions. A total of 15 of the new Westland Sea King Mk 4HC have maritime patrol squadron. The TULAGI is the country's first patrol boat and is popular been ordered for the Royal Naval Air Commando Squadrons, A key part of the exercise was the passage of military supply amongst the Solomon Islanders. The boat's crew for the delivery based at Royal Naval Air Station. Ycovilton, England, and will and reinforcement shipping from North American ports, across voyage from Australia included two marine engineer officers be used in support of the Royal Marine Commandos. the Atlantic to the Norwegian Sea in the face of "enemy" attacks from the Solomon Islands. They, together with three other Due to begin delivery before the end of the year, the new from surface ships, submarines and aircraft. Solomon Islands personnel, had previously undergone Westland Sea King is designed to carry 20 fully equipped troops Belgium, Canada. The Federal Republic of Germany, the maintenance training in Australia. or 6.000 lbs of cargo and will be able to operate in artic and Netherlands. Norway, Portugal. Britain and the United States all In appreciation of the Australian Government's gift of tropica] conditions. The new helicopter is equipped with folding participated in Ocean Safari with over 17.000 men, 70 ships and TULAGI to the Solomon Islands Government, the Prime main rotor blade and tail unit for operation from ships. 200 aircraft. Minister, Mr Peter Kenilorea, recently presented the Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Mr A. J. Melliuish, with an inscribed plaque made from Australian copper and showing the TULAGI and her crew. In his address, Mr Kenilorea October Class HMAS FREMASTi.E OR trials. (Photo—RAN.) referred to Lieutenant Olney's, detached to provide advisory Vosper Thorneycrofl of Portsmouth recently completed a The first of 15 new fast patrol craft being built for the Royal assistance and practical instruction in all aspects of the boat's major modernisation of two Egyptian "October" class missile Australian Navy. HMAS FREMANTLE, was to be officially operation, outstanding work and the good results that the boats. These vessels, buili in Alexandria 1975-76. possess the TULAGI had already achieved. same hull design as the Soviet "Komar" class and are fitted with named at a ceremony to be held at the British Brooke Marine Soviet dicscls. The armament is now of Western European Shipyards, Lowestoft, on Monday, 8th October. Lady Freeth, Japanese Visitors Manufacture including British electronics. Ottamat missiles are wife of the Australian High Commissioner to the United To Portsmouth mounted in single ramps aft, backed up by two 30 mm guns. Up Kingdom, Sir Gordon Freeth, will perform the ceremony. to six will be refitted by Vosper and another three in Europe. The Japanese training ship KATORI and destroyer MOCHIZUKI, recently visited the British port of Porstmouth HMAS Vendetta during a round-the-world cruise. The accompanying view shows KATORI tying up alongside (he Railway Jetty in August, 1979 Leaves The Navy with the MOCHIZUKI following her in the background. The Daring -lass destroyer. HMAS VENDETTA, paid off from the Royal Australian Navy on 10th October, I979, ending a 2" year career with the Australian Fleet, covering service in peace and war. Commissioned into the Australian Fleet in 1958, VENDETTA left the Navy, a shell of its former self, at a brief ceremony attended by the fleet Commander and members of the ex-VENDETTA Association. At 11.30 am a bugler sounded "Sunset" and the White Ensign was lowered for the last time. About l'/i hours later VENDETTA was towed from Garden Island Naval Base to the dolphins in Athol Bight (see cover photo) SIPV TULAGI. (Photo — RAN.) with possibly one last duty to perform — the provision of spares for the remaining Daring class destroyer, its sister ship HMAS Defence Aid Patrol Craft VAMPIRE. On The Job In Solomon Islands At Athol Bight VENDETTA joined DUCHESS, and A 16 metre patrol boat, provided to the Solomon Islands together will both now await disposal by the Department of Government under the Australian Government s Defence Co Administrative Services. Egyptian "October" class running trials on 23rd August. 1979, operation Program, has been demonstrating its operational Built at WjHJamstown Naval Dockyard in Melbourne, VEN after modernisation by Vosper-Thorny croft. (Photo — R. effectiveness with extensive patrols, apprehending illegal DETTA completed its last voyage on 28th June last, when it steamed into Sydney flying a 110 metre paying-off pendant. fishermen and carrying out mercy missions. Wright.) NAVY Page Twenty-Seven Page Twenty-Six THE NA' Nov/Dec/Jan. 1979/80 THE " guided missile cruiser USS CHICAGO; the 30-helicopter capacity H MS Speedy USS TRIPOLI, an 18.000-tonne amphibious assault ship designed to throw Marines into enemy areas by airborne SUBSCRIPTION FORM HMS SPEEDY, the Royal Navy's firsi jetfoil was recently invasion; the amphibious transport dock USS DULUTH, which put through ils paces in Puget Sound, near Seattle, USA. can carry nine medium landing craft and six helicopters, as well To The Navy". Built by Boeing, the forty-five knot, waierjet-propelled 39 Uintah Rowl. I urrimurn. as over 900 troops and the fleet oiler USS PONCHATOULA. N.S.W.. 2074, Australia. vessel will be evaluated by ihe Royal Navy in a variety of roles, which renewed an association with Sydney begun 14 years ago, including off-shore pairol and is expected to go into service when the 38,000-tonne ship first visited Australia. I enclose $3.75 being 'subscription to "The Nevy" during 1980. magazine within Australia for 1V« year* (refer notes below). jVaroe Date.. (PLEASE MINT CLEARLY) Please make cheques, postal orders or money orders payable to "The Navy League''. Subscriptions commence in January of each year and a subscription reminder notice is forwarded to current subscribers — Annual Subscription (Australian Dollars) within Australia $3.00 — Beyond Australia $6.00 (sea mail) — S9.C0 (air mail). •Persons within Australia commencing subscriptions to "The Navy" magarine during the quarter commencing APRIL (i .;., sub for \V* years) should remit $3.25; JULY (sub for J'".- years) $4.50; and OCTOBER (sub for I H years) $3.75. VSS TRIPOLI. LPH 10 — note YTOL A Y-9 Harrier aircraft aft HMS SPEEDY. (Photo— Royal Navy Public Relations.) of the bridge structure. (Photo — USN.) With the compliments of Hand-over of keys — following the paying off of HMAS YENDETTA the Fleet Commander. Rear Admiral David Leach trighti. handed the keys to the Master Attendant. Commander LYONS and PEIRCE Colin Barilett, who then assumed responsibility for the ship. (Photo — Navy Public Relations.) Specialists in Cupro-Nickel, Stainless and Carbon Steel Pipe Fabrications to RAN Specifications having steamed 671.000 nautical miles since commissioning in 1958. During its service with the Navy. VENDETTA >aw 4 Co.iingwood Street, Osborne Park, WA extensile service in south-east Asia, the Pacific and Australian water*, taking part in numerous exercises. In November, 1966 it Phone: 446 4222 gave valuable assistance to the United States Navy submarine, TIRU. which had gone aground on Fredericks Reef, North Queensland. Then, in 1969, VENDETTA became the first Australian- built warship to serve in South Vietnam and had the distinction of Seasonal Greetings to the RAN from being the first Darling class destroyer to engage in the role for which it was primarily built — naval gunfire support The paying off of VENDETTA has released personnel ACB Marine Sandblasters Pty Ltd required for the manning of the first two of the Navy's new HMS SPEEDY. (Photo - Royal Navy Public Relations.) guided missile frigates (FFGs), HMAS ADELAIDE and HMAS CANBERRA, being built in the United States. SCRIBBLY GUM SQUARE Uncle Sam Sails Into Sydney vVI;,.it VENDETTA paid off it was a considerably lighter Four powerful units of the United States Navy sailed into WILLETTON.WA ship than its normal 3,670 tonnes, all guns and other equipment, Sydney Harbour on 1st November, heralding a mini-invasion by including radio and electrical, having been taken off for use in thousands of American servicemen. Phone: 457 4236 various fleet units and for training purposes. The ships formed Task Force Seven Five under Rear Members of the ex-VENDETTA Association boarded the Admiral A. M. Sinclair USN and visited Sydney following the Contractors to RAN ANZUS exercise KANGAROO THREE. ship at II am and at 11.30 am (he Fleet Commander. Rear Admiral David Leach arrived for the brief paying-off ceremony. The harbour rolled out the red carpet for the 18,000-tonne Nov/Dsc/Jan. 1979/80 Page Twenty-Mint; Page Twenty-Eight THE I AVY NOW Dec/Jan, 1979/80 .. ,. The two ships had been refitted prior to transfer to New Zealand, and were a THE FLOWER CLASS SLOOPS much better opposition than the three By HARRY ADLAM RAN ships. Each was given a main arma ment of two 4 inch QF MK IV guns, controlled by a "light type" director, a pounder 12 cwt gun on the foc'sle and a 3 far cry from the odd selection of guns RAN pounder AA gun aft. carried by their Australian counterparts. The second group were slightly larger, Three little known ships of the The operational control of the two having a displacement of 1250 tons sloops was shared by the Admiralty and RAN were the sloop-minesweepers standard, length overall of 267 feet 9 the New Zealand Chief of Staff, the GERANIUM, MARGUERITE and inches, beam 33 feet 6 inches and draught Admiralty being responsible for II feet. Horsepower in this type was maintenance. MALLOW, that were presented to increased to 2000 ihp to give (he same 16 (he Commonwealth of Australia in Life on the New Zealand Station was knots. quite pleasant between the wars, although 1919. These vessels were sent to The two ships also carried a different ~HMAS MARGUERITE. (Photo - K. Brown.) "VERONICA" went aground during the scheme of armament. GERANIUM many ways they resembled small coastal disastrous Napier earthquake in Australia to sweep the minefields laid Old timers who served in these ships carried a 4.7 inch gun and two 3 pounder ships, their distinguishing features being a February, 1931. by the Germain raider WOLFE, and often referred to GERANIUM as "The AA, whilst her sister ship raised foc'sle, a long boat deck and two Old Jerker", so could we hope that at The sloops did good work on the after the task was completed were to MARGUERITE was armed with one 4 vertical funnels. some later date we may hear a matelot station, and are remembered with greal be turned over to the RAN for mine- inch gun and two 3 pounder AA guns. affection by (hose who knew them. Their careers were varied. There was no poop deck, but the ships talk about "The New Jerker". sweeping training. The group carried were fitted with steel bulwarks instead of Let us hope so. In February, 1934, the new "Grimsby" GERANIUM paid off as a minesweeper class sloop "LEITH" replaced out the sweep and were paid off in on 30th lune. 1920, and recommissioned the normal naval type guard rails. At the after end of the boat deck the bulwarks "VERONICA" and in February, 1935. Sydney on 18th October, 1919. the n.-xl day as survey ship. In this role RNZN "LABURNUM" sailed from Auckland HMAS GERASWM — note Faire) were carried to boat deck height to allow she was painted in the standard British The three "Flower" class sloops in for the last time, being relieved by survey colours of white hull and buff Seaplane mounted above the stern, which for extra accommodation if required, but On 17th January. 1920, GERANIUM the RAN were not the only units of "WELLINGTON". funnel and masts. was employed in conjunction with this was not done in MALLOW. commissioned in the RAN as a mine On return to the United Kingdon sweeper and MARGUERITE com She became well-known in her new surveying operations. (Photo — Cmdr L. In that ship the waist-height bulwarks this type to operate in the Pacific. Forsythc.) were carried in a straight line to the stern. "VERONICA" was paid off, and sold missioned as & Reserves Training Ship. duties and at one time earned a Fairey Two were on duty with the New out of service in 1935. "LABURNUM" N!ALLOW was held in the reserve fleet. seaplane to assist in surveying. The ships were designed for working up voyage to New Guinea and the Solomon mines, and for thai reason they were triple Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, was retained and ended up as a base ship The three ships represented two distinct GERANIUM was fully employed Islands in 1924. at the new naval base at Singapore. types of the Flower Class. GERANIUM bringing the Australian charts up to date, hulled for'd. and between (he pair, served a total The vessel paid off and recommissioned Should a ship be unlucky enough to It is reported that "LABURNUM" was and MARGUERITE were members of the and was joined in 1925 by HMAS as the needs for her services occasioned. of 25 years in New Zealand waters. taken over by the Japanese in 1942. Some Arabis type, while MALLOW belonged MORESBY (I). The latter had been built strike a mine, it would have a good MARGUERITE was laid up for the last chance of survival. HMS "VERONICA" arrived in New reports claim she was lost in Japanese to the earlier Acacia type. as a sloop of the 24 (Racehorse) class with Zealand in 1920, and was followed in time on 23rd January. 1929, joining her The trio had one feature that was service, whilst others report that she was The latter was built by the well-known the name SILVIO, being renamed on sister ship in reserve. 1922 by HMS "LABURNUM". recovered and scrapped immediately after conversion to survey. followed in the later Bathurst class mine Scottish shipbuilders Barclay. Curie. She MALLOW lived a much easier life, Both were of the "Acacia" type, and the war. TiiC depression era was coming into full sweepers, they were very lively at sea. It was launched on 13th July. 1915. and spending a greater part of it as the Group were launched in 1915. "VERONICA" However, one salient feature stands swing, and it was inevitable that there has been said that the Flowers were fairly completed in September, 1915, as a single Ship for vessels in reserve in Sydney. At was constructed by Dunlop, Bremncr in out. The sloops of the "Flower" class in would have to be cuts in the sea-going stable in dry dock, but would roll on wet screw coal-burning ship of 1200 tons times she was utilised for reserves May. 1915. "LABURNUM" by Connell New Zealand saw considerably more standard displacement. naval forces. One such cut was grass. When first built the sloops were training, but on (he whole spent a fairly issued with steadying sails, but it is & Co, in June the same year. service than those in the RAN. Her length overall was 262 feci, her GERANIUM. On 10th November. 1927. quite time during her service. uncertain as to whether these were ever beam was 33 feet and her maximum the 11 year old sloop hauled her White She was held in reserve at Westernport used in the RAN. draught was 11 feet. The triple expansion Ensign down and paid off into reserve. in Victoria for a time, and (hen steamed The Flower class was one of the largest engine driving MALLOW developed 1800 In the meantime. MARGUERITE had back to Sydney to lay up for the last time. classes of mine-sweepers ever built for the indicated horsepower, to give a speed of been carrying out her appointed role as a In 1932 the three ships were handed Royal Navy, and some 72 of the ships 16 knots. training ship for naval reservists. Most of over to Cockatoo Island for scrapping. were completed. A few saw service Id the When taken over by the RAN her days were spent steaming on the east After the hulls had been stripped down, Second World War, but it was a great pity MALLOW was armed with one 12 coast of Australia, although she did they were taken ou(side the heads and that they were not retained in the Royal sunk. First to go was GERANIUM. On Australian Navy. 24th April, 1935, the old surveying ship GERANIUM had seen only seven years was taken in tow by the tug service with the Australian fleet and CHESTERFIELD and hauled out to the nearly three years with the Royal Navy. ships'graveyard. The Flower class sloop-minesweepers The tow was cast off and the were a part of the development of the demolition charged Tired. The first of the RAN, but their names are practically Australian Flower class sloops had gone. unknown to the modern sailor. When Almost four months later the other two, WARREGO and BARCOO were engaged MARGUERITE and MALLOW were in the survey service after the Second towed out and expended as gunnery World War, they were issued with 34 foot targets. And so the Flower CIPSS vanished motor launches fitted with echo-sounding from the Navy list. gear. As regards to the ships themselves, they These boats were given names, one were a unique group. Designed for the being GERANIUM. The survey service dual purpose of cunvoy escort and fleet . emembcred the Flower class, why minesweeping, they were built by yards doesn't the RAN -s a whole? When the that normally did not engage in naval Attack class of patrol boats were built, construction. surely three of them could have been Numerous featu"*s of merchant ship issued with the names MALLOW, m NVI t F.kOSICA (Mi), imf LABERNVM. (Photo -- Roval Nfu Zetland HMAS GERASWM. (Photo - Cmdr L. Forsythc.) practice were used in construction. In MARGUERITE and GERANIUM. Nivy.) Nov/Dec/Jan. 1979/60 Page Thirty THE NAVY hoWDec/Jan. 1979/80 THE NAVY P«0« ThlrtyOn* "THE NAVY" VOLUME 41 IRONCORE Index of Articles TRANSFORMERS Best February, 1979, to January. 1980 Proud to be Associated PTY LTD with the RAN Tklt Author Moath Pate NLI for baby, 111 FERRARS STREET ADfcLAIDE Reborn H Cliff February • Admiral!? "S" Class Deuroyen of ih< SOUTH MELBOURNE KAN H Adlam htaj 5 AMUKI KV H Adam ktfl) Annul Repon of ihe Na*y League o( » SUPPLIERS TO THE RAN best Australia G Evans November 4 AHAKAN and ARDENNES Brooke Marine May M OF AUSTRALIA. The End of D Dirncnt November 1) Boot; ROITM May a Tootal - tafM u PORTABLE - November :J for you. Cradle of ihc RNZN. HMNZS - TRANSFORMERS PHILOMEL H. Adlam February jl Defence Procurement - A Problem AW Gnuxrxooi May 25 Custom Built to Naval Specifications European Camen - A New General* n A W. Grazebrook ImjH C European Navies I E Moore tap n 16 Australia FKI File No 2 - HMAS BANGALO V H. Cbff February 15 (Wholly Owned Australian Company) Fact File No 3 - HMAS DOOMBA R.GiUctl May 14 FacthleNo4-AR0IT0 1 Mortimer Alga* :i Fan File No S - HMS INVINCIBLE Viclrn November 12 Enquiries: Phone Don Kent Flower Clan Sloop. The H Adlam November N German Na«y in the Alliance. The G. Luther taajarj V (03) 699 7677 Indua Ocean. The J E Moore November 6 Ltd Israeli Navy, The Israeli Consulate May ll Leanden. The - Two Decades Onwv IsR GtUett Februarv :i 1 | I l in "-r< • • Westhwd February 5 Naval Hardware May 1) Naval Roundup Uvunda- h February 27 Utundah May 16 Gavwvdah l«rjH 6 Uyundah !»iovembet 11 VANTAGE TASMAN STREET Navy Leafue News lanjanj 10 - November 5 DEVONPORT, TAS, 7310 Navy Week Proa/am — August 5 New Zealand's Spar Torpedo Boat 1- C MacGibbori ftjBJM M October 4th, 191) D Drnetit lUpM ADVERTISING OTAMA. HMAS February a* Oul of ihc Pan - HMS ANSON -R Wnght February 24 - HMS DEER SOUN D- Mav 19 - HMS STORM S. Brett tafMI 24 -LORD CLYDE Oai % - November 21 PSYCHE. HMAS H.Adtam November 9 Vic Shelsher — Proprietor RAN Motor Launches of World War 1 H Adorn February 10 Review Article Gaytrttdah November 14 • Rote of [he Heavy [ andtni Ship, The A. W. Gnuebrooi February 12 ShefHttt Oats. TV R.Gilktl May Shipshape Aajpal :i]: Spnunce Class, The -R Giimt J. Mortimer February s TS BAR WON T S. Barwort August 9 TS CONDAM1NE - Piu. Presew k Future I S Condamine May '5 Look for the Brand TOBRUK Hay Street, West Perth November "Tootal", Your Guarantee Unties Stales Aircraft Carrier — November M:: Victorian Dn mortal News May 17 PO Box 285, West Perth of Quality Warship PKIOTUI - KAN Boom - WushipPiciorial November Defence Veuds February »M Swedish Warihtps - Aafottt a Phone: 321 2798 MAJOR SUPPLIERS OF FABRICS Worthwhile Vn*. A —G Ivan * Mav 2) FOR UNIFORMS TO THE RAN. Page Thirty-Two Nov/Dec/Jan, 1979/8 CLAM ENGINEERING CO PTY LTD 11 PROGRESS STREET MORNINGTON, VIC, 3931 Manufacturers & Suppliers of Steam Traps to the Royal Australian Navy INSERTED IN THE INTEREST OF AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE Telegrams: Toreador Telephone: (059) 75 1266 Published by "eroval Publishing Co Pty Lid. 862-870 Elizabeth Street. Waterloo. 2017. phone 699 2600. with permission ol the Navy League ol Australia, and printed by Maxwell Printing Co Pty Ltd