Newsletter Incorporating NCCV’s newsletter Rogues’ Yarn

Navy Victoria Network October 2014 Volume 4 Edition 10

Calendar Events (see calendar for details of all events) NVN current membership: 959 Editorial    27 Sep – NHS (Vic) AGM OUR FORGOTTEN SAILORS 02 Nov – RAN Recruits wreath laying

Have you heard of the Dominion Yachtsmen Scheme 1940-1945 09 Nov – HMAS Sydney I centenary affectionately referred to as the Yachties? If you have, then you 11 Nov – Remembrance Day are one of a very limited number of people who have. 16 Nov – HMAS Goorangai service 19 Nov – HMAS Sydney II service Australia received a request from British Admiralty in early May, 1940, for arrangements to be made to appoint a limited number 24 Oct – NHS (Vic) end of year function of men to direct commissions in the Royal Naval Volunteer 01 Dec – Corvette Assoc. wreath laying Reserve (Known as Wavy Navy because of the distinctive gold lace curves on the sleeves of Officers to denote Rank, instead of ANZAC Centenary Events the normal straight gold lace) and accept a number of volunteers 14th Aug – 12th Dec 2014 as ordinary seamen with a view to their promotion to the “The Australian Red Cross in the Great commissioned ranks in the RNVR after a period of service. War exhibition” Royal Historical Society of Victoria The Naval Volunteer Reserve had originated in the late 239 a'Beckett St nineteenth century with a nucleus of men formed from Melbourne VIC 3000 yachtsmen and members of rowing clubs. While men from all 15th Aug 14 – 1st Mar 15 walks of life ashore were theoretically eligible, naval interests “Behind The Kitbag” and skills were considered desirable. At the outbreak of World 11:00am–3:30pm Creswick Museum, Town Hall Building War II the approximate strength of the Volunteer Reserve in the United Kingdom was 1000 Officers and 7000 Ratings. Many 30 Aug 14 - 30 Nov 18 - WW1: Love & Sorrow at Melbourne Museum were yachtsmen who had previous sea experience in the Royal 4 Oct - 07 Dec - Coming Home Navy or Merchant Navy but others were a mixed group of exhibition stockbrokers, barristers, bankers, authors, actors and other 01 Nov 14 — 2:00pm–4:00pm professionals all keen on sailing and the sea. Most temporary Knox Roll of Honour Memorial Project Officers came from the lower deck and had been marked as Tim Neville Arboretum ‘White Paper’ candidates by their Commanding Officers and 12 Nov 14 – 8 - 9:30pm recommended to the Admiralty. “Farewell, Dear People” – A special The Dominion Yachtsmen Scheme volunteers were recruited as potential Officers through this method. Without the Volunteer presentation by Ross McMullin Reserves, both from England and the Dominions, the Royal Etham Senior Citizens' Centre Navy would not have been able to continue the war at sea. For details of all Centenary events in Victoria go to: The first group of Australian Yachties of fifty-eight Ordinary http://anzaccentenary.vic.gov.au/ne Seamen and fourteen Officers embarked in RMS Strathnaver in ws-events/events/ September, 1940, as RANVR, although they went in civilian dress and were given no preliminary training in Australia. They were Latest News kitted out when they arrived in England and were on Australian    rates of pay. Apparently the Officers (the ‘A’ Class) were able to Arunta and Parramatta visit have a flash, ‘Australia’ on the shoulder of their uniform if they Melbourne HMA Ships Arunta and Parramatta applied to do so and the Commanding Admiral agreed that the visited Melbourne 17-20 October, Ordinary Semen could have shoulder flashes but they had to coinciding with the centenary of the organise it among themselves. departure of convoys for the First World War from Port Phillip The work of Ken Halliwell, Bob Fotheringham and Roy Hall Bay. More..... during the 1980’s resulted in 467 Yachtsmen Scheme enlistments Further funding approved for local being identified. Later work by Clive Taylor and Keith Nicol has grants program increased the nominal roll to five hundred. The story board in The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the World War II gallery in the is Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, incorrect as it states 370 Yachtsmen Scheme Volunteers. Sadly today announced that a further 231 grants totaling $1.96 million have the exact figure will never be known as they generally all came been approved under the Anzac home and resumed their civilian careers. They never formed an Centenary Local Grants Program. Association. This brings the total number of grants approved to 605 grants across 123 While some were lucky to keep together, many ‘Yachties’ served electorates, with $5.5 million being as the only Australian on board. They were spread across the made available to date for Fleet in a variety of ships from Aircraft Carriers, Battle Cruisers communities to implement commemorative projects. More..... and Destroyers to Fairmiles. The theatres of war in which these men found themselves were equally varied and many were New training system for ADF initiated rapidly into the realities of life at sea during wartime. helicopter crews A modern helicopter training system However the majority of the Yachtsmen served on light coastal for Navy and Army personnel has forces craft ranging from Trawlers to Motor Launches (MLs) to, been approved by the Australian Government, Defence Minister later in the war, Landing Craft – Tank and Infantry (LCTs and Senator David Johnston announced LCIs) where their particular skills were important. Some today. More..... volunteered for Special Forces units. Tanker pumping with new life One group of the ‘Yachties’ were not posted to sea and they are HMAS Sirius is back out at sea doing what she does best, refueling ships for remembered for the incredibly courageous work they carried out the first time since February. More..... in mine disposal or rendering Mines Safe. These men were awarded the highest honours of either the and/or Australia lends a hand in the George Medal. James Kessack died in action Bougainville with Operation RENDER attempting to render a mine safe in April 1941. He was one of five who sailed with the first Yachtsmen Scheme mobilization in September 1940 in Strathnaver. He had in that short time in SAFE England dealt with ten unexploded mines. The only four George Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have arrived in Bougainville Crosses awarded to Australians during the Second World War to address a potentially deadly legacy all went to ‘Yachties’: posed by unexploded ordnance from past conflicts as part of Operation LCDR Leonard Verdi GOLDSWORTHY, G.C., D.S.C., G.M., is RENDER SAFE 2014. More..... Australian Navy’s highest decorated Naval Officer. (Died aged 85) Correcting the record on submarines – Opinion Editorial, Adelaide LEUT Hugh Randall SYME, G.C., G.M. and Bar (Died aged 62) Advertiser LCDR George GOSSE, G.C. (Died age 52) The first priority of the Abbott LCDR John Stuart MOULD, G.C., G.M. (Died age 47) Government is to ensure the safety and security of our country. Right Three of the four died at relatively young ages and it is now, the Abbott Government is wondered what impact their incredible brave service had on this. considering options for the Navy’s future submarines that will replace the Collins Class. More.....

Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston and Air Commodore ‘Joe’ Vincent Iervasi, deliver the second briefing in the Australia room at the Australian Defence Offices in Russell, Canberra. Transcript.....

DFWA - Media Statement - Defence Service Personnel Overwhelmingly Reject Government Pay Offer On 10 October 2014 all members of the ADF finally received advice via a message from the CDF that a pay offer of 1.5% per year increase would be taken to the Defence Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) for endorsement as No story of the Yachtsmen Scheme would be complete without early as Wednesday 15 October the mention of their contribution to D-Day. Keith Nicol believes 2014. More..... that about three hundred of the men must have served in the Message from the Chief of the Normandy landings in June 1944. Defence Force to all members of the Australian Defence Force regarding In summary, the young Australians recruited through the the proposed Workplace Dominion Yachtsmen Scheme to be trained as Officers in the Remuneration Arrangement were successful in achieving their ambitions. They Please click here for the full message were a highly selected group whose level of education and social from CDF. skills qualified them for acceptance within the RN. The ADF pay claim progresses achievement of gaining a commission gave them a sense of The Government today confirmed the privilege and status. They were welcomed by their fellow continued progress on the Australian officers and the men with whom they served and succeeded in Defence Force (ADF) Workplace Remuneration Arrangement acquiring the skills and professional competence necessary within the RN in various theatres of war in the northern (WRA). More..... hemisphere. Certainly Lord Louis Mountbatten believed the First LHD accepted by DMO Australians had special qualities and reputedly requested some The Defence Materiel Organisation of ‘those hot-shot Australian’ for his destroyer flotilla and (DMO) has accepted the first LHD, Combined Operations. They earned respect, acceptance and NUSHIP Canberra, from contractor acknowledgement. Their presence in Britain was noted and they BAE Systems. A ceremony took place in Canberra's hangar to mark the were aware how important this was to public morale. Many of significance of the signing of the the men recorded the positive comments they received from the acceptance certificate. More..... British public. They were proud to be Australian and were Speech in recognition of the men and welcomed also, as Dominion servicemen supporting the mother women of the country. delivered to the House of Representatives Yours Aye! On Wednesday, 1 October 2014 a NVN Team speech in recognition of the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy NOTE: This month’s editorial was extracted from a Paper prepared by was delivered by The Hon Teresa Janet I. Roberts Billett, in July 2009 and presented at the King-Hall Gambaro, MP, to the House of Navy History Conference, 30-31 July, 2009 in Canberra. Click here to Representatives, Parliament of download the complete Paper. Australia. I rise to speak today in recognition of

the tireless and often thankless service undertaken by the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy. More..... CAPT W.F. Garner RANR, 19 October 2014. Defence support to Albany Convoy CPOCK J.M. Sloper, R52339, 16 October 2014. Aged 75. Commemorative Event Defence has confirmed significant CPOMTH3 F. Eastwell, R42607, 12 October 2014. commitment to the first major AB A.R. Baddeley, PM2368, 08 October 2014. Aged 93. Australian-based event for the Centenary of ANZAC commemorations LCDR K.D. Norton RAN, 30 September 2014. Aged 62. with Army, Navy and Air Force assets ABQMG E. Stanley, R62410, 30 September 2014. Aged 70. and personnel set to take part. More..... LSRP K.N. Gear, R57243, 27 September 2014. Aged 71. The Australian ex-Services Atomic Survivors Association Inc. are the The above names have been placed on our Vale page latest association to take advantage

of having a website under the Navy Lest We Forget Victoria Network's website. If you are one of the survivors and are interested in the association, why not visit the Members: When you hear of any of our Navy family that has crossed website at the bar, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We would like to list their http://atomicsurvivors.navyvic.net names in perpetuity on our special ‘Vale’ page on the website. If First Principles Review of Defence – possible list their Rank, Name, Number, Age and their date of passing. Call for public submissions Thank you On 5 August 2014, I announced the external panel who are conducting the HMAS GOORANGAI First Principles Review of “ Lost With All Hands” Defence. The panel has been commissioned to ensure Defence is fit for purpose and able to respond to future challenges. More.....

Navy League of Australia (Vic Div) October newsletter......

Naval History Society of Australia (Vic Div) President's September report.

NAVY NEWS – The latest edition.

Don’t forget to visit the website, there is a lot more information and many more news articles that are Commemorative Service not included in this newsletter.

When: Sunday 16th November 2014 REUNIONS

Where: Queenscliff @ Ocean View Reserve Waller Division [15 January 1966] Organised by 50th Anniversary Reunion The Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria Expressions of interest are requested “Perpetuating Gallant Ships and Brave Men” from all members who joined the RAN on 15 January 66 (WALLER Division)

for a 50th Anniversary Reunion in Program (Full details at http://navyvic.net/flagship.html) January 2016. Please e-mail your interest to: 11:10 AM Marchers fall in, King Street [email protected] 11:30 AM Service commences Ocean View Reserve or telephone (03) 9798 6506 for 12:30 PM Lunch RSL Hall King Street (Must Book) further details. Dress: Medals please HMAS Perth II 50th Anniversary Cruise

HMAS PERTH NATIONAL Keep up to date with our own Smartphone / ASSOCIATION (QLD Branch) invites Tablet App. Go to our website to view the past and present crew, families and brochure which explains how to download and friends to join in the celebration of the install the NVN App to your phone / tablet. 50th Anniversary of commissioning of HMAS Perth II. Visit website for full details.....

Interests: If you have a specific interest/link you think would be of appeal to Should you wish to advertise your the wider Navy community, we would be pleased to hear about it. Just email ships reunion, just email the our webmaster – [email protected] with details. webmaster with full details. NCCV’s “Rogues’ Yarn” attached below Volume 4 Issue 10 Newsletter date October 2014 Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria

Seafarers All

October was an important month for all St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne Seafarers in Victoria. The service at DIARY NOTES Services at the Shrine St Paul’s Cathedral was one of the most of Remembrance significant events for the year, focused [Everyone welcome] on commemoration and the traits of Seafarers. This service was held on RAN Recruits the19th October, closest Sunday to Tra- Emms Division falgar Day. This occasion brought to- Wreath Laying gether all manner of people who have Sanctuary direct or indirect links to the defence of 2NOV14@1030 our ocean trade routes or have a con- nection with the maritime industry, an HMAS SYDNEY 1 industry so critical to Australia’s well- Centenary Wreath being. This year the Guest of Honour Laying Service was Rear Admiral Mark Purcell RAN, and Merchant Navies. Some had travelled from overseas for a reunion Sanctuary Head Maritime Services, Defence Ma- of Port Line Merchant Navy Master 9NOV14@1200 teriel Organisation. Also in attendance was Captain Steve Bowater OAM Mariners. Others from interstate, but mostly Victorians attended to show Remembrance Day RAN, Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus and Senior Naval Officer Vic- support for those that currently serve, Forecourt Service have served and those no longer with 11NOV14@1100 toria. The readings were given by a variety of identities relevant to the pur- us. The service was made very spe- cial by the attendance of the Australian HMAS SYDNEY 2 pose of the service, they included repre- sentative from the Mission to Seafarers, White Ensign Colour Party and a flag Wreath Laying bearing party of Australian Navy Ca- Sanctuary Royal Australian Navy, Master Mari- ners and NCCV. The program of read- dets. Flags representing many Na- 19NOV14@1200 tions and a large number of house ings, hymns and scripture were relevant to the occasion, particularly matching flags from Maritime Industry Shipping the Dean’s sermon. The Dean, once a Lines were paraded into the Cathedral. Next NCCV meeting helmsman in the Royal National Life- The Royal Australian Navy Band – 9DEC14@1030 at boat Institute network supported rescue Melbourne Detachment played during Melb Naval Centre. missions along the west coast of Wales the procession, two hymns and sup- for over three years. His sermon ported the protocol of commemoration where the Act of Remembrance took All Ship/Unit/ touched on his own experience at sea place. Two Cadets recited the Naval Branch Associations and the gravity of the situation when encountering unpleasant seas. The Ode and CDRE Jim Dickson AM are encouraged to be MBE RAN Rtd, Patron NCCV, recited represented! Seamans Anthem was sung by the choir, whilst being the words of the Na- the Ode to the Fallen. The Last Post, val Hymn, this was the first time in Reveille and the National Anthem fol- Australia that this new arrangement had lowed making it a very poignant mo- HMAS been heard. Every pew was taken up ment as everyone reflected on those GOORANGAI by young and old with an ear tuned to that are no longer with us. This key Service the words so crucial to the wellbeing of activity for Navy Victoria should be 16NOV14@1110 all mariners. Included in the gathering regarded as a mandatory commitment Queenscliff RSL were mariners of both Royal Australian across all of our different Associations.

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/ P a g e 2 President’s Report A busy time for those of us who attended thing untoward occur. We hope this sit- Disclaimer uation doesn’t diminish the importance Articles contributed are the key activities conducted during the the Author’s thoughts month of October. The Seafarers was a of the flagship activities planned through only. An article may particularly well attended service with a the next few years. We are more aware be edited to meet the good number of Master Mariners along of the Spirit of ANZAC centenary events space available. with RAN and ex-Service men & women. to occur due to the energetic efforts of

Melbourne Naval The Navy Wreath Laying Service followed the ANZAC Centenary Committee of Centre the Seafarers at 1230 on the same day. Victoria, chaired by Hon Ted Baillieu. MNC is an organiza- This made the journey rather quick from St Navy has also established an ANZAC tion that has provided Paul’s to the Shrine of Remembrance. Navy Co-ordination Committee, chaired much needed funds to by CDRE Bob Richards to seek the best Ship Associations over The service in the Sanctuary was an acute many decades. In need reminder of the contribution made over the support of Naval matters through WW1. of financial or adminis- past century. Our service men and women In particular, the participation of Navy trative support, contact of today’s Navy are ready to do their duty and Ex-Navy on ANZAC Day in 2015 is the MNC. as effectively and efficiently as any of also under review. Ideally, all Associa-

Navy Victoria their predecessors. Notwithstanding the tions & RSL Sub-Branches will look se- Network different technology and the current mix of riously at conducting ANZAC services The NavyVIC website women at sea. It is apparent that these on the weekend before 25 April to max- is there for all to see, in changes have improved the potency of the imise participation in the CBD on particular it is for Navy ANZAC Day 2015. Associations to provide Navy to levels unknown to the old school. information on their The recent raising of the risk across the We are seeing fewer WW2 Veterans activities to the wider nation has caused some issues with respect these days, so it is best to make the most Navy Community. to ceremonial activity located in public of those opportunities when they attend An opportunity not to venues. One requirement has been the the many commemorative activities. be missed - Log on to attendance of Victoria Police, or at a min- Their legacy is significant and deserves http://navyvic.net imul their rapid availability should any- our respect. Yours aye, Terry Makings HMAS GOORANGAI Commemorative Service On the 16th November the annual HMAS Goorangai After the commemorative service a lunch will be Commemorative Service will occur. Goorangai was served in the Queenscliff Point Lonsdale RSL the first RAN surface warship lost, circumstances sur- Rooms, King Street. The cost is a very reasonable rounding the loss being such that little has been publi- $25 pp and to avail yourself of this opportunity you cised since. The entire Ship’s Company of 24 men will need to transfer the total amount ($25x people) were lost. The Service commences at 1130, Sunday to the NCCV: BSB 633 000, A/C 146712294. 16th November, Ocean View Reserve, Queenscliff. If Make sure you identify the transfer by using your able, join a short march from the RSL Rooms at 1110. family name and email NCCV as detailed below. On emailing, if you wish, nominate a ship table.

The Crew of Goorangia before that fateful day HMAS Goorangia Service at Ocean View Reserve

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/ P a g e 3 Navy Wreath Laying Service - Sanctuary

commonly known as the ‘Father of the RAN’. Other wreaths at the Stone of Remembrance were placed by RADM Purcell on behalf of the RAN, Pete Johnston V/President NCCV on behalf of all Ship/Unit and Branch Associations, LCDR Harry Kime OAM RAN Rtd State President Naval Association of Australia on behalf of the NAA. Janet Sevoir, Elizabeth’s daughter placed a wreath on behalf of the Creswell family. The photograph below shows Cadets and Staff from the Flinders Flotilla with RADM Purcell after the ser- The Navy Wreath Laying Service was held in the vice on the northern steps of the Shrine of Remem- Sanctuary, Shrine of Remembrance on Sunday, brance. Light refreshments were provided after the 19OCT14. About 80 people attended and reflected service in the Visitor Centre. Officiating Chaplain on the contribution made by so many sailors over was Senior Chaplain Duncan Becsi RAN. more that a hundred years. RADM Mark Purcell RAN delivered the address and described the link between our forebears and the sailors of today. The photograph above shows Ms Elizabeth Sevoir lay- ing a wreath at the Remembrance Stone whilst the Navy Catafalque party protect the sacred ground. Elizabeth placed a wreath on behalf of descendants, her connection being as the Great Granddaughter of Vice Admiral Sir William Rooke Creswell RAN, Battle of Leyte Princes Pier - 100 Years

HMAS Australia Association conducted their annual 100 years ago, thousands of Victorians embarked at commemoration service in memory of the Battle of Port Melbourne bound for the battlefields in Europe. Leyte at St Paul’s Cathedral on Thursday, 23OCT14. By the end of October 1914, 17 troopships had left Few members of the original crew were in attend- Victorian shores carrying almost 8,000 troops as well ance to reflect on their experience at that fateful time. as nurses, technicians, horses, supplies and weaponry. HMAS Australia was part of an armada of Warships, This was Victoria’s First Convoy, they were to meet primarily from the USA deployed to clear the way on at Albany before sailing to Egypt. A number of the journey to Japan. The time had come to destroy symbolic activities were arranged at Princes Pier on the enemy forces seeking to repel the Allied forces at Sunday, 19OCT14 to remind us of the sentiment dur- Leyte Gulf, Philippines. The Battle of Leyte Gulf is ing those departures. Men/women in uniform and regarded as the biggest sea battle of all time. Over outfits of the day, also a number of civilians in period 850 ships and aircraft were actively involved. The clothing gave a clear impression of what may have fighting commenced on 12OCT44 and continued occurred those many years ago. Below, HMA Ships through to 26OCT44. By the end of this relatively ARUNTA & PARRAMATTA, witness in silence the short period, much of the Japanese Fleet had been events unfold on Princes Pier as rosemary and pop- destroyed. Australia’s involvement was through pies were despatched to the sea by many Victorians. the deployment of Australian cruisers HMA Ships Australia and Shropshire, the destroyers HMA Ships Arunta and Warramunga. The amphibious landings involved HMA Ships Westralia, Kanimbla, and Manoora. This battle was a turning point as it had diminished the enemy Fleet in the Pacific to the point where it had lost any control it may have had over the Pacific Ocean. The service at St Paul’s may prompt descendants to make contact with the association: [email protected]

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/ P a g e 4

ANZAC Centenary DIRECTORY for NCCV We have seen a busy schedule during the past few weeks, in particular the event at Princes PATRON: CDRE Jim Dickson AM MBE RAN Rtd Pier, Sunday 19 October. The activities were varied and heightened the connection between PRESIDENT: Terry Makings our current population and the experience that Telephone: 03 9429 9489 [leave a message] occurred at Princes Pier so long ago. The M: 0411 135 163 departure of the first group of Australian VICE PRESIDENT: Marty Grogan OAM Servicemen & Nurses from Melbourne to Albany, then Egypt was unambiguous and Telephone: 0417 377 763 sentimental. The ANZAC Centenary Com- Jnr V/PRESIDENT: Pete Johnston mittee of Victoria, Chaired by the Hon Ted Telephone: 0419 104 473 Baillieu is encouraging all Victorians to make SECRETARY: Chris Banfield a connection with their heritage. Everyone has a connection either directly or indirectly Telephone: 0412 832 148 with WW1. If you live in a house that is over TREASURER: Jan Gallagher 100 years old, did a serviceman or nurse live Telephone: 03 9786 5371 in that house. Finding out your connection PR Officer: Chris Banfield may be the source of great pride in how your family supported the war effort. Sadly, every Editor: Terry Makings family that lived in Victoria 100 years ago All correspondence to the email address please, were impacted by the tragic outcome of the [email protected] war. Even if your family came to Australia or if postal mail is essential, The Secretary at: after WW1, we can all be grateful for the cou- rageous effort made by so many Victorians, a 316 Nicholson Street, East Fitzroy VIC 3065 job done so we might live as we do today. Website: http://navyvic.net Items of special interest

ANZAC Commemoration Navy Ball. We have Distribution of the Rogues Yarn. Each time we mentioned the Navy Ball a few times over recent despatch this newsletter we ask that it be sent to all months, the purpose being to prompt a response members of your Association. The reason is that from you to the organisers so that they might get a we are trying to make sure the Flagship Events are good handle on the likely numbers. Please discuss front of mind. These events are primarily com- with your organisation and test the level of interest. memorative services that reflect the effort by so This event will be a big deal and represent the com- many at a difficult time in Australia’s past. Given mencement of Navy Week 2015. Refresh and send there are thousands of ex-Navy men and women in your email to: [email protected] Victoria, it is disappointing that we are unable to Officers & Warrant Officers Mess Dinner. The stimulate sufficient interest for each person to annual mess dinner will be held at 1900 on Friday attend at least one event. It will be a sad day if 14th November, venue will again be Melbourne we lose our Associations because of lack of inter- University. Easy to get to by public transport and est through poor communications. If you need a plenty of parking nearby. If you are interested in hand with trying to improve the situation within attending the mess dinner, then an early response is your Association, by all means given the NCCV a essential. Contact [email protected] call, or email us at the address above & below. HMAS CASTLEMAINE Museum Ship. During Commander Mike Oborn CSM RAN. We have WW2 Australia had a ship building capability that been very lucky to have Mike Oborn as the XO, enabled 60 Corvettes to be constructed at a number HMAS Cerberus for the past three years. Mike of dockyard around Australia. Victoria’s effort has been extremely supportive of the wider Navy was through the skills deployed at the Dockyard, Community in Victoria. He has been very helpful Williamstown. CASTLEMAINE is a proud prod- when uniformed resources have been requested. uct of Melbourne. For a mere $6 you can visit this We wish him our very best for when he eventually great asset at Gem Pier, Williamstown. takes command of HMAS SIRIUS.

Email: [email protected] Website: http://navyvic.net/