navy league of australia vic-tas division march 2018...
TRANSCRIPT
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Navy League of Australia Vic-Tas Division
March 2018
NEWSLETTER
“Keeping Watch over the Maritime Wellbeing of Australia”
Contents
Creswell Oration Luncheon ......................................................................... 2
Visit to Queenscliffe Historical Museum .................................................... 3
Visit of HMS Sutherland to Melbourne ..................................................... 4
Royal Australian Navy Band Performance ................................................ 8
Prince Harry’s promotion ............................................................................ 8
T S Voyager salutes the Queen’s Baton ...................................................... 9
USS Canberra II ......................................................................................... 10
HMAS Hobart ............................................................................................. 10
HMAS Yarra II - 76th Anniversary ......................................................... 11
Shrine Report March 2018 ......................................................................... 13
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Creswell Oration Luncheon
LAST CHANCE – ONLY 8 SEATS LEFT!
You are warmly invited to the main social event of the Navy League Vic-Tas Division. An elegant
luncheon served with wine will be held at the William Angliss Institute Restaurant in the city. The
guest speaker, Rear Admiral Jonathan D. Mead RAN, Commander of the Australian Fleet, will
present the “Creswell Oration”. His subject is the “STATE of the FLEET”.
It is a great way to catch up with friends in a lovely city location, close to public transport. Details
are as follows.
VENUE: William Angliss Institute Restaurant Tel: 9606 2108
550 Little Lonsdale Street, between King & Spencer Streets.
COST: $50 – two course gourmet meal, wine, tea and coffee supplied
DATE: THURSDAY 22nd March 2018.
TIME: 1200 for 1230
DRESS: Uniform S7, Lounge suit / Day dress – Decorations & Medals optional.
TRANSPORT: Trams - Latrobe & Spencer streets.
Buses - via Lonsdale St., to King St.
Rail - Southern Cross Station - two city blocks from venue.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Navy League of Australia Vic-Tas: Ray Tel: 9884 6237 Email: [email protected]
John Tel: 9842 4256 Email: [email protected]
Naval Association of Australia -Vic: Tel:0419 898 427 Email: [email protected]
Naval Officers Club in Victoria: Tel: 0409 372 489 Email:[email protected]
Naval Historical Society, Victoria Chapter:Tel: 9850 8497 Email: [email protected]
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Visit to Queenscliffe Historical Museum
Captain William Lonsdale
CMDR John Wilkins OAM RFD RANR Retd and Judy Wilkins were invited by the Queenscliffe
Historical Museum Inc to give a presentation on Captain William Lonsdale. Some 80 people attended
the talk. It has been proposed that a large bronze plaque be installed at the Point Lonsdale viewing
platform and the Queenscliff Historical Society are raising funds for this project.
William Lonsdale (1799-1864), soldier and administrator, was born on 2 October 1799, entered the
British army as an ensign in 1819, became a lieutenant in the 4th Regiment in 1824 and arrived in
Sydney in December 1831 with a detachment of troops guarding convicts. During the next five years
he served in Van Diemen's Land and in New South Wales. On 11 July 1834 he was promoted captain
and on 6 April 1835, while stationed at Port Macquarie, he married Martha, the youngest daughter of
Benjamin Smythe, civil engineer of Launceston. Like many of his fellow officers he also held civil
office, first as assistant police magistrate, and from January 1836 as a justice of the peace.
The most noteworthy years of Lonsdale's long public career were 1836-39 when he supervised the
founding of the new settlement at Port Phillip. By 1844 he was referred to as 'old Captain Lonsdale',
and was associated with a past which seemed remote to those who knew only the prosperous and rapidly
advancing colony of the 1850s. Lonsdale's high sense of duty and respect for authority made him a
conscientious and hard-working servant of the Crown, and his ambitions never exceeded his abilities.
Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, and Point Lonsdale were named after him, and Mount Martha after his
wife.
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/lonsdale-william-2368
Details and photos of the Lonsdale Cup race held at the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club on Sunday
4 March 2018 will be published in the April newsletter.
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Visit of HMS Sutherland to Melbourne
HMS Sutherland is a Type 23 frigate of the British Royal Navy. She is
the thirteenth ship in the Duke class of frigates and is the third ship to
bear the name, more than 200 years since the name was last used. She
was launched in 1996 by Lady Christina Walmsley, wife of Sir Robert
Walmsley KCB. Before this occasion, Royal Navy ships had always
been launched with a bottle of champagne, but Lady Walmsley broke
with tradition and used a bottle of Macallan Scotch whisky.[2]
HMS Sutherland visited Melbourne from 1-3 March 2018. The
Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau AC, together with the British
Consulate, attended a cocktail party on board to celebrate St David’s Day. The Sutherland is the first
British warship to visit Australia in five years – and the first Royal Navy vessel to pass over the wreck
of the Sydney since it was discovered a decade ago. The Plymouth-based frigate paused on her journey
to the naval base at Fremantle to pay her respects with a dawn service of commemoration for the crew
of the Sydney and the 82 men of the German merchant raider Kormoran killed in the same cataclysmic
encounter. HMS Sutherland is about to embark on three weeks of exercises with the Royal Australian
Navy, so it is also a timely reminder of the deep bonds that exist between our two navies.
https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/february/15/180215-hms-sutherland-remembers-australian-tragedy
Below is a speech given by Frank McCarthy (NLA Vic-Tas Div Honorary Vice President) at a welcome
luncheon hosted by the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club in honour of the HMS Sutherland, on Friday
2 March 2018. Attendees included Commander Andrew Canale MVO RN, LCDR Carlos Garetta RN,
CMDR John Wilkins OAM RFD, LCDR Roger Blythman RFD and Ms Alison Blythman, CMDR
Graeme Furlonger RANR, CMDR Graham Harris RFD, Frank and Margaret McCarthy, LCDR John
Bird RNVR and Jane Teasdale, Captain Paul Willee RFD and Ms Alice Willee. Many thanks to
Commodore John Zammit and Vice-Commodore Paul Doherty for their considerable generosity and
hospitality towards both the NLA and HMS Sutherland.
“Welcome to Melbourne, Australia, to our friends from the Royal Navy, CMDR Andrew Canale CO of
“HMS Sutherland” and LCDR Carlos Garetta, Executive Officer of “HMS Sutherland F81”, A Duke
Class Type 23 Frigate. For the Royal Navy, it’s back to Melbourne after a five-year absence, our last
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RN visitor being the Type 45 Daring Class Destroyer “HMS Daring” under the command of CMDR
Angus Essenhigh, together with Executive Officer LCDR Steve Wall, with Daring berthed just metres
from where we are located today, at the BAE dockyard, Nelson Pier, Williamstown.
To backtrack to our visitors prior to “Daring”, we have to go back a further 25 years to 1988 when
“HMS Ark Royal” with RFAs “Fort Grange” and “Orangeleaf” paid a visit to Port Phillip. “Ark
Royal”, under the command of Captain Michael Harris, was unfortunately unable to tie-up in
Melbourne due to industrial unrest on the waterfront at that time. As you can tell, visits by the Royal
Navy to Melbourne are few and far between so therefore a special welcome to “HMS Sutherland” for
performing her role in filling the gap.
A couple of interesting points that I noticed while browsing through data connected to “HMS
Sutherland” were that the ship has strong Scottish ties, as the name implies, to the extent that the usual
bottle of champagne to christen the ship was instead replaced by a bottle of MacAllun’s fine Scotch
Whiskey.
“HMS Sutherland” visits us, arriving on the birthday of the Australian Navy, 1st March, 1901, as we
celebrate our 117th Anniversary.
And I point out that some years ago, another English naval officer sailed from Devonport, Plymouth,
heading in this direction. I refer to Leut (later Captain) James Cook, in the barque His Majesty’s Ship
“Endeavour”, on his voyage of discovery to the east coast of Australia.
CMDR Canale also heads in that direction in Her Majesty’s ship “Sutherland” upon leaving
Melbourne tomorrow.
This year we commemorate and celebrate the anniversary of Captain Cook’s departure from
Devonport in “HMS. Endeavour” 250 years ago in August.
Thank you for your visit to Melbourne, CMDR Andrew Canale and LCDR Carlos Garetta, and to all
in “HMS Sutherland”. We wish you well.”
Commander Andrew Canale, HMS Sutherland and LCDR Roger Blythman, President of the NLA Vic-Tas Div
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LCDR Carlos Garetta, Jane Teasdale, Commodore John Zammit and Commander Andrew Canale
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Frank McCarthy and CMDR Graeme Furlonger
Left to Right: LCDR John Bird RNVR, CMDR John Wilkins OAM RFD, LCDR Roger Blythman RFD and Alison
Blythman, LCDR Carlos Garetta RN, Commander Andrew Canale MVO RN, Frank McCarthy, Commodore John
Zammit, CMDR Graham Harris RFD, CMDR Graeme Furlonger RANR.
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Royal Australian Navy Band Performance
The RAN band performs on an annual basis at the Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading, in conjunction
with the Rotary Club of Box Hill. Funds raised from the cost of the tickets and raffles go to the Eastern
Emergency Relief Network who help people suffering hardships. The core objective of EERN is to
make available furniture and other household goods and (non-perishable) food parcels as emergency
aid to those in need.
The RAN Band performed on Friday 16 February 2018 at Nunawading. LCDR Andrew Stokes was
the conductor of the band, which included a couple of Army personnel. Over $13,000 was raised. Some
500-people attended and showed their appreciation with lots of clapping.
Prince Harry’s promotion
The Queen has been pleased to give her formal approval to the appointment of His Royal Highness
Prince Henry of Wales as Captain General Royal Marines, succeeding the role from The Duke of
Edinburgh in December 2017.
The Duke's association with the Royal Marines dates back 64 years to 2nd June 1953, when he was
appointed Captain General in succession to the late King George VI.
https://www.royal.uk/prince-harry-appointed-captain-general-royal-marines
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T S Voyager salutes the Queen’s Baton
The Queen's Baton Relay, (similar to the Olympic Torch Relay) is a relay around the world held prior
to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games. The Baton carries a message from the Head of the
Commonwealth, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in
London where the Queen entrusts the baton to the first baton bearer. At the Opening Ceremony of the
Games, the final baton bearer hands the baton back to the Queen or her representative, who reads the
message aloud to officially open the Games.
On Saturday 10 February, the baton was carried by 32 community members as it journeyed through
Williamstown and Altona. TS Voyager formed a guard of honour on HMAS Castlemaine as the
Queen’s Baton was relayed along Gem Pier.
https://www.gluseum.com/AU/Williamstown/652365358131886/HMAS-Castlemaine-Museum-Ship
https://m.facebook.com/gc2018/photos/a.321655974563615.79130.189249444470936/1752837738112091/?type=3&source=48
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USS Canberra II During a joint press conference in Washington DC with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, US
President Donald Trump announced a US Navy warship will be named the USS Canberra. The USS
Canberra will be an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship, and will replace its former namesake,
which was decommissioned in the 1970s. It is only the US navy vessel to be named for a city outside
of the US. Speaking at the press conference President Trump said the ship was a symbol of the bond
between the US and Australia. "As she sails the opens seas, the new USS Canberra will be a symbol to
all who cross her path of the enduring friendship between the United States and Australia," he said.
"There is no closer friendship." Prime Minister Turnbull said the naming was "an extraordinary
statement of commitment". "I know the USS Canberra will be a worthy successor to both her Australian
namesake and her American predecessor," President Trump said. USS Canberra I was a Baltimore
Class Heavy cruiser that served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1970 and was named after HMAS
Canberra sunk in the Battle of Savo Island on 9th August 1942.
HMAS Hobart
http://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/ships/30012017AWD0000_010.jpg
HMAS Hobart (DDG-39), has successfully tested its 20mm close-in weapons system (CIWS). The
destroyer used its CIWS for the first time to hit an inflatable surface target during the trial. A naval
gunfire exercise was also conducted, which saw the vessel’s 5in main gun evaluated from different
distances and directions against a towed target. "Many of the things we have achieved for the first time
these past several weeks will be daily requirements of this ship over decades to come." Two practice
delivery torpedoes were fired from the port and starboard tubes respectively as part of the exercise. The
destroyer also successfully completed several other evaluations for the first time during the trials
programme, including replenishment at sea with the RAN’s Anzac-class frigate HMAS Anzac and a
deep water anchor in the waters off Jervis Bay. RAN commanding officer Captain John Stavridis said:
“HMAS Hobart is an outstanding warship that is up to the rigours that come with a busy tempo.
Reference: March 2018 edition of “Call the Hands”
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HMAS Yarra II - 76th Anniversary
On 4th March 2018, the service for the 76th Anniversary of the HMAS Yarra II was held at the Memorial
in Newport.
Many thanks to Christine Hirchfield, Honorary National Memorial Coordinator, for once again
organising this important event to mark the sinking of the ship and the brave action of Buck Taylor,
who fired against the enemy until his last breath. Out of a crew of 138, only 13 survived, one of which
was Christine Hirchfield’s father, Geoff Bromilow.
Attendees included the Mayor of Hobsons Bay City Council, Cr Angela Altair, the Rotary Club of
Williamstown, staff and recruits of Taylor Division and staff of Rogers Division, TS Voyager Cadets,
Chaplain Kate Lord RAN, Hyde Street Youth Band, Mr David Leviston, Mr Garry Taylor, Mrs Jan
Phillips, Mrs Mena Walsh, Mr Barry James and CMDR Andrew Hough RAN Recruit School. Able
Seaman Dorian Broomhall, HMAS Cerberus, played the Last Post and the Reveille.
Addresses by Cr Altair and Chaplain Kate Lord were sincere and heartfelt, reflecting on past sacrifices
and the important role of today’s Navy in maintaining peace in our region. The lowering of the flags
and the laying of the wreaths made this a solemn and moving occasion. Petals were strewn from the
Memorial Jetty as the close of the service, followed by a sausage sizzle and drinks.
Mrs Christine Hirchfield and Able Seaman Dorian Broomhall, HMAS Cerberus bugler
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Councillor Angela Altair, Mayor of Hobsons
Bay with her wreath (below)
Yarra Ranges Shire wreath
Wreath from Family and Friends of
the National Memorial committee
LEUT Rebecca Holmes RAN & LEUT Stacey Sutherland RAN with the
wreath from HMAS Cerberus laid by CMDR Andrew Hough RAN.
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Shrine Report March 2018
Launch - Honouring service in recent conflicts
From the left: CEO Shrine of Remembrance, Dean Lee; Sargeant David Roberts MG; Governor of Victoria, Linda
Dessau AC; Ben Roberts-Smith, VC MC; Group Captain Annette Holian; Corporal Chris May.
The Recent Conflicts Gallery redevelopment was formally relaunched Friday 23 February 2018 by
The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of
Australia. The launch highlight was a panel of current and former Australian Defence Force
personnel speaking about the realities of modern conflict, led by Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG.
The Gallery is a permanent exhibition prominently relating the real-life accounts of courage and
sacrifice. Visitors can discover the human stories behind the headlines and find out what it was really
like to serve in Australia’s twenty-first century wars. One such story belongs to Corporal Chris May
who sustained injuries after the Bushmaster he was travelling in was hit by an improvised explosive
device in Afghanistan.
EXHIBITIONS
The Morning Star tapestry which has been on display in the Visitors Centre was removed on 26
February 2018 and will be transported to Villers Bretonneux in France. It will be installed in the Sir
John Monash Centre.
Nerves and Steel
The RAN in the Pacific, 1941-45 exhibition, will be on display until July 2018.
The Soldiers XI
Eleven bats tell a story of experiences in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. The exhibition closes in
April 2018.
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The Light Horse
This exhibition explores the myths and realities of the fighting in the deserts in the Middle East,
1916-18. It closes October 2018.
For Humanity
Medicine in war and peacekeeping since 1945. This exhibition opens in April 2018.
Discover the stories of Australian Doctors, nurses,
medics and patients, from the Korean War to
Afghanistan. They speak of what it means to save lives
amidst death and destruction and of the courage
required to uphold humanity in the face of trauma and
suffering.
Australia Will Be There Victorians in the First World War (1914-19) Through historical photographs and personal stories,
this exhibition will present the chronology of the First
World War (1914-19) and provide the opportunity to
discover the fascinating stories with particular reference
to the contribution of Victorians.
Find out about the hardships that our men and women
endured and the battles that they fought alongside
Allied nations – from the landings at Gallipoli to the
battles in Palestine, Passchendaele and Fromelles.
Alfred Deakin Gallery, Deakin University Geelong 2 February – 29 March 2018
Portland Arts Centre 23 April – 15 June 2018
Clearance Divers on Land
Two Australian sailors, Petty Officer
Clearance Diver Dean ‘Jock’ Campbell
and Able Seaman Clearance Diver Colin
von Rechenberg of Australian Clearance
Diving Team 3, were photographed by
David Dare Parker in April 2003. They are
following a cleared path through a potential
minefield on the Al Faw peninsula. During
the initial phase of the war, Australian
Clearance Divers cleared mines and
explosives from the peninsula and water
ways of southern Iraq. (Situated in the
Recent Conflicts Gallery collection.)
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TALKS & EVENTS
ANZAC Nurse at Villers-Bretonneux Thursday 8 March, midday
Shrine Auditorium
Sister Florence James-Wallace was stationed at Villers-
Bretonneux during the early stages of the 1918 German
offensive. She described it as resembling Dante's Inferno.
The hospital overflowed with badly wounded men and
hundreds more lay in the streets on stretchers needing her
nursing skills. This is her story.
Autumn Gardens Tour Saturday 24 March, 10.30am and midday
Tours depart from the Visitor Centre
As the leaves start to turn, explore the Shrine on this special
guided tour. Uncover the creative vision and symbology
behind the beautiful flora. The sprawling gardens provide
respite from the bustle of Melbourne and are a sacred
pilgrimage site to remember those who have served our
nation in peacekeeping and war. The tour includes a
Devonshire Tea in the Visitor Centre.
SERVICES
Greek National Day
Sunday 25 March, 12.30pm
Wreath Laying on the Forecourt
This annual service is held to commemorate the
involvement of Australian men and women serving in
the Greek Campaign in the Second World War and the
relationship with our Greek Allies.
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DISCOVERING THE SHRINE
Discover the HMAS Yarra plaque under the cypress tree in the northern area of the Naval section near the
Shrine Education Centre.
BECOME A FRIEND OF THE SHRINE Friends are an invaluable part of the Shrine community. Becoming a Friend is a tangible way to
demonstrate your loyalty and support for the Shrine and commitment to the remembrance of service
and sacrifice. There are a range of benefits associated with a Friend’s membership that include
invitations to exclusive Curator-led talks, social events and free attendance at Shrine Public Programs
providing the opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded people. Perhaps the most important
benefit of being a Friend is knowing that you are part of a dedicated group of supporters committed to
ensuring that the efforts of service men and women, past and present, are never forgotten. For more
information 03 9661 8100 or email [email protected].
Exclusive range of benefits:
• Membership card and lapel pin
• Free entry to public programs. Value of up to $130 per year (based on 26 Public Programs available
each year)
• 10% discount at the Shrine Shop
• Priority seating at Shrine events
• Friends only events
• Exhibition launch events and curator lead tours
• Invitation and priority seating to Shrine events
• Subscription to the Shrine Magazine, Remembrance in April and November
• Invitation to the bi-annual Friends Luncheon at the Shrine
PODCASTS Podcasts are available at http://www.shrine.org.au/Whats-On/Video-and-Podcasts:
Website: http://www.shrine.org.au Telephone 9661 8100. Note: there is now a $5 charge for all public programs and bookings are recommended.
Editors: Ken Crook and Lynda Gilbert 3 March 2018