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Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Kormoran Memorial
Memorial erected at Murchison Camp 13 for the crew of the German Auxiliary Cruiser Kormoran who lost their lives in battle with HMAS Sydney. Erected by survivors.HistoricColour photograph of the Kormoran memorial, made from stone. The memorial is a rectangular block with a smaller block on top. On the top block, on the front, is an German iron cross. One the front of the bigger block is a plaque with German writing "Unferen gefallenen Kameraden". Blocks sit on a plymth of stone. White gravel surrounds three sides with a path leading up to it. Monument has posts surrounding it with wire in between. Backdrop is trees. "Unferen gefallenen Kameraden" murchison camp 12, kormoran, german auxiliary cruiser kormoran, kormoran deceased, kormoran survivors, kormoran memorial -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Booklet, Geraldton Newspapers Ltd, HMAS Sydney
a tribute to those who perished.White, green and brown front cover. Picture of Sydney Harbour. Picture of HMAS Sydney and small picture of bugler in front of memorial at Geraldton on back cover.hmas sydney -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
A folder, Memorial to HMAS Sydney Geraldton Western Australia
... Memorial to HMAS Sydney Geraldton Western Australia,... Sydney. at Geraldton WA hmas sydney world war 2 memorial A folder ...history of the memorial dedicated to HMAS Sydney. at Geraldton WAA folder containing descriptions and history of the memorial at Geraldton W.A. Also A4 sized photos of various aspects of the memorial.hmas sydney, world war 2, memorial -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Folder, Camp 13 Murchison. Archival material, 1991
... Kloppe; Kormoran at the memorial service for HMAS Sydney; Red... service for HMAS Sydney; Red Cross reports in German ...A large collection of events in regard to Camp 13. Documents include the names of 983 German POW's in Murchison August 1941 - January 1947. An interesting collection confiscated intelligence report. No 94 included 26 gall of wine, 9 drums of fruit in an advances state of fermentation, flex copper wire, clothing, petrol motor and miscellaneous cameras and wireless parts. A letter by the German Naval Commander to all families of the Kormoran crew. History of German POW's in WW2 by H. Wolf. Both in German. Map 13 B. the 21 September 1942 disturbance in D compound; report in German Sydney-Kormoran; weekly rations; dimensions of a tunnel 15 June 1942. Drawings by Heinz Dohmen - Arandora Star; royal Oak both sunk by u boat ace Gunther Prien, Collins gunner Kloppe; Kormoran at the memorial service for HMAS Sydney; Red Cross reports in German as are letters; Rudi Pruckners escape; the general conditions and the recently found tunnel.Foolscap size folder with pillar box red 3 cm wide flap which extends to the back. On the front red flap is the inscription below. Prominent centre left is Australia with gum trees and sentry box and anti clockwise POW 1941-194. A kangaroo and emu on the top right hand corner. Prison of war and beneath Murchison - Australian.Camp 13 Murchison. Archival material.gustav pohlig, camp 13, murchison victoria, hmas sydney, hsk kormoran, heinze dohman, rudi pruckner -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Coaster - Drink
... Made as a Souvenir to "Memorial to HMAS Sydney 11. Mount... Tatura the-murray Made as a Souvenir to "Memorial to HMAS Sydney ...Made as a Souvenir to "Memorial to HMAS Sydney 11. Mount Scott Geraldton WA"Round Australian pewter drink coaster (round) with a bow of a ship in the centre ofa 7 pointed star inside a circle. Suede attached to the back of coaster. Inside a plastic pocket, Black back, clear front. Certificate of Authenticity.coaster - drink, hmas sydney, cramewr m, geraldton, tatura, ww2 hmas sydney, domestic, containers -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Coaster - Drink
... Made as a souvenir to "Memorial to HMAS Sydney 11 Mount... Tatura the-murray Made as a souvenir to "Memorial to HMAS Sydney ...Made as a souvenir to "Memorial to HMAS Sydney 11 Mount Scott Geraldton WAAustralian pewter drink coaster (round) with a bow of a ship in the centre of a 7 pointed star inside a circle. Suede is attached to the back of the coaster. Inside a plastic pocket, black back, clear frontcoaster - drink, hmas sydney, cramer m, geraldton, tatura, ww2 hmas sydney, domestic, containers -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Key Ring
... ring sydney memorial geraldton tatura ww2 hmas sydney civic ...Made as a souvenir to be sold in Geraldton Oblong Australian pewter key ring. Bow of a ship on one side, flock of seagulls on the other sidekey ring, sydney memorial, geraldton, tatura, ww2 hmas sydney, civic, momentos, souvenirs -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Key Ring
... ring sydney memorial geraldton tatura ww2 hmas sydney civic ...Made as a souvenir to be sold in GeraldtonOblong Australian pewter key ring. Bow of a ship on one side, flock of seagulls on the other sidekey ring, sydney memorial, geraldton, tatura, ww2 hmas sydney, civic, memento, souvenirs -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Memorial to HMAS Sydney
... Memorial to HMAS Sydney...Memorial to HMAS "Sydney" at Geraldton. W.A. 2003.... Tatura the-murray Memorial to HMAS "Sydney" at Geraldton. W.A ...Memorial to HMAS "Sydney" at Geraldton. W.A. 2003. -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Document, Proposed Memorial to HMAS Sydney.|Mount Scott Geraldton. WA (Detail), 1999
... Proposed Memorial to HMAS Sydney.|Mount Scott Geraldton. WA... of HMAS Sydney 11 ww2 hmas sydney documents memorials addresses ...A Rotary Club of Geraldton "Project Goal". To create at Mount Scott Park, Geraldton, a memorial of national significance and pilgrimage, dedicated to the lost crew and families of HMAS Sydney 11Black A4 binder.ww2 hmas sydney, documents, memorials, addresses -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Domestic object - Teapot
In 1940, German minefields were laid in east and west Bass Strait which quickly claimed merchant ships Cambridge (British) and the City of Rayville (American). HMAS Goorangai had finished mine sweeping duties and after resupply was crossing from Queenscliff to Point Nepean to seek better anchorage due to impending bad weather. At around 20:30 on the 20th of November 1940 the 10,400-ton MV Duntroon was transiting the South Channel on her way to Sydney from Perth via Melbourne carrying 65 passengers and general and perishable cargo. It struck HMAS Goorangai forward of the funnel on the port side and cut her in two. At about 20:45 HMAS Goorangai sank in less than a minute resulting in the loss of her whole ship’s company, a complement of 24 officers and sailors.HMAS Goorangai was the first Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ship lost in WWII, the first RAN surface ship lost in wartime, and the first RAN surface ship lost with all hands. A memorial cairn was erected at Queenscliff in 1981 and a service of commemoration is held there every year.A severely damaged and corroded aluminium teapot recovered from the wreck of HMAS Goorangaihmas goorangai, wwii, collision at sea -
Lilydale RSL Sub Branch
Magazine - paperback/magazine/series, Philip J Turner & Rex Curtis-Griffiths, Wartime No7, 1999
Official Magazine of the Australian MemorialMagazineOfficial Magazine of the Australian Memorialaustralian service nurses, remembering sandakan, hmas sydney: the verdict, lost on paradise road -
Melbourne Legacy
Medal, World War 2, c2000
One of a series of four boards of mounted replica medals of the Australian Defence Forces. This board shows medals pertaining to World War 2. Replicas include different campaign stars and the Defence Medal and Active Service Medal. There is a cloth patch embroidered 'H.M.A.S.' and cap band from HMAS Sydney. The Rising Sun badge and badges for Return from Active Service and a RAAF emblem. The text reproduced at the base accompanied the WW1 memorial plaques. The boards were on display in the Melbourne Legacy Foyer cabinets until June 2017.A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.Replica medals from World War 2 mounted on silk inserts into green boards plus additional badges and cap band.Title inscribed in brass plaques say World War 2, 1939-1945 Star, Atlantic Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Burma Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, and Australia Service Medal 1939-1945. Cloth badge embroidered 'H.M.A.S.' and a black cap band embossed 'H.M.A.S. Sydney'.medals, world war two -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Poster - Framed poster, HMAS Sydney in Korean waters 1951-1952
Reproduction print of HMAS Sydney in Korean waters launching Hawker Sea Fury fighters. Sydney was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She was built for the Royal Navy but was not completed before the end of World War II. The carrier was sold to Australia in 1947, completed and commissioned into the RAN in 1948. From late 1951 to early 1952, she operated off the coast of Korea during the Korean War, making her the first carrier in the RAN, to see wartime service. The Donor, Errol DREHER served with the RAN on board HMAS Sydney during the Korean War.HMAS Sydney was the first of three conventional aircraft carriers to serve in the RAN, and operated as the navy's flagship during the early part of her career. Retasked as a training vessel following the 1955 arrival of her modernised sister ship, HMAS Melbourne, Sydney remained in service until 1958, when she was placed in reserve as surplus to requirements. The need for a sealift capability saw the ship modified for service as a fast troop transport, and recommissioned in 1962. In 1965, she sailed on the first voyage to Vũng Tàu, transporting soldiers and equipment to serve in the Vietnam War. 25 voyages to Vietnam were made between 1965 and 1972, earning the ship the nickname "Vung Tau Ferry". Sydney was decommissioned in 1973, and was not replaced. Brown timber frame containing blue poster with image of ship and plane at seaHMAS Sydney in Korean waters 1951-1952 Painting by Roy Honisett, courtesy Australian War Memorial Royal Australian Navy 75th Anniversaryhmas sydney, korea, royal australian navy -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Photograph - Digital copy, Black and white, Herald Weekly Times, September 1936
This photograph was taken at the Triennial Congress, Melbourne. Frank Leslie Oliver served as chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne for 30 years from 1930 - 1960. He is in this photograph, second from right, with a cigarette in his hand. Also in this photograph, at the far right, is the Most Reverend F. Head, Archbishop of Melbourne. The photograph is a record of a historic conference of MTS representatives from Australia and New Zealand. , September 1-3 , 1936: Revd Wm Hoog (Brisbane) Revd W.H. Terry (Port Pirie) Revd H.C Cuthbertson (Adelaide) Revd W.R. Tyler (Melbourne) Mr J.W. Neill (Melbourne) Revd. F. J. Evans (Sydney) Revd Frank L. Oliver ( Melbourne MTS) F W Melbourne (Archbishop F W Head 1929- 1942) Mr J.C. Grahame (Hobart) Rev B.J. Williams ((Wellington NZ) Rev J.C. Clift (Fremantle)Frank Leslie Oliver served as chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne for 30 years from 1930 - 1960, including time served as chaplain with the Royal Australia Navy aboard HMAS Australia. He was a live-in chaplain and was supported by his entire family, including wife Moira, for whom a memorial window exists in the chapel. The Chaplains' Conference was held in 1936.Black and white photograph of a group of chaplains outside the Mission to Seafarers building in Flinders Street, Melbourne. Frank Oliver is second from right holding a cigarette in his right hand.Top left in blue ink (written by Padre Oliver): Australian MTS, Chaplains gathered in Triennal Congress, with most Rev.J Head, Abp of Melbourne. Top right corner in black ink: prior to 1939 In black and blue ink some names: Archbishop Head, Dad, Bill Tyler Port Melbourne, Padre Williams Wellington, Pat Neil Layreader Faded stamp in pink ink: Herald Feature Service, Melbourne A sticker with: Ret to B Kentroyal australian navy, mission to seafarers, anglican, frank leslie oliver, archbishop head, triennial conference, chaplains, herald newspaper, cigarette, robin kent, beverley kent nee oliver, chaplains conference, padre oliver, new zealand, pat neil, lay reader, bill tyler, port melbourne, reverend william wellington, chaplains group -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - HMAS SYDNEY 2, 1941, Keith Shegog, "LOST - BUT NOT FORGOTTEN/ A BITTER SWEET VICTORY", 2002
From the Title page: "Lost - But Not Forgotten/ 'A Bitter Sweet Victory"/ HMAS SYDNEY/ In Memory of the 645". From Back Cover: "A Memorial Book with over 200 personal photographs based on the/ lives and families of the crew lost on HMAS Sydney II, 19 Nov 1941". Part of the "William (Bill) THOMASON" Collection. Refer Cat. No. 4136P for more items.Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard. Dark red and white colour print on front, spine and book. Cover illustrated in colour. Front montage of a sculpture of a woman with seascape in background. Back - Top - a memorial dome, Lower - Memorial Rose garden. 249 pages - cut, plain, white colour paper. Illustrated black and white photographs and maps. Front end papers - Gold colour adhesive label with black print. Title page - handwritten information. Handwritten information - blue ink pen. "Carnarvon book launch/ Keith Shegog/ 18th Nov '02" Grey lead pencil - "$25". Adhesive label - black ink print. "WINNER of the 2003/ Mavis Hoey Memorial Prize/ Awarded by the Port/ Adelaide Historical Society"publications, books, biographies, hmas sydney ii, william (bill) thomason collection -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - RAN, WW2, G Hermon Gill, 'ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY 1939-1942", First Published 1957. This edition 1985
From Dust cover - "AUSTRALIA IN THE WAR OF 1939-1945/ ROYAL/ AUSTRALIAN/ NAVY 1939-1942". Part of the "William (Bill) THOMASON" collection. Refer Cat. No. 4136P for more items.Hardcover book with dust cover. Cover - cardboard, dark blue colour buckram with gold colour print on spine. Dust cover - paper, dark blue and red colour print on front and spine with beige colour background. Illustrated front, in colour of an oil painting depicting "HMAS SYDNEY" in action. Flaps, front and back have blue and black colour print information. 689 pages- cut , plain, off white colour paper. Illustrated - black and white photographs and maps. End paper - front and back - owner library stamps, three at front, one at back.Library Stamps - black ink. Front; "Base Library/ Base Squadron/ RAAF Base/ EDINBURGH SA 5111/ CANCELLED" "DEFENCE REGIONAL LIBRARY/ ADELAIDE/ SOUTH AUSTRALIA" (Also at back). "DEFENCE INFORMATION SERVICE/ CALL NO. / ACC. NO./ ?RV. NO./ CAT NO." with handwritten - grey lead pencil - information "940-545994/AUS" "090229K" Black ink stamp "358930" "publications, books, ran, 1939-1945, william (bill) thomason collection -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Vessel, Steam Ship, H.M.A.S. Warrnambool J202, Between 1941-1947
This photograph is connected to the first HMAS Warrnambool (J202), which was one of 60 Bathurst class corvette vessels built during World War II by Mort's Dock & Engineering Co Ltd of Sydney under the commission of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It was the namesake of the City of Warrnambool in Victoria. The armed minesweeper was 57 metres long and could had a complement of 85 personnel. Its armament included 1 × 4 inch Mk XIX gun, 1 × 40 mm Bofors AA gun (installed later), 3 × 20 mm Oerlikon guns (1 later removed), machine guns and depth charge chutes and throwers. It was launched in Sydney in May, 1941. The HMAS Warrnambool began service with patrols off Bass Strait in 1941. In December the ship docked in Warrnambool Harbour and the crew marched in a parade along Timor Street. The ship’s crew received a donation of 110 books from the Warrnambool Patriotic Fund, and a plaque of the City of Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms presented by the Mayor, Cr. John R Astbury. In September 1942 a Dutch East Indies family, Samuel and Annie Jacob and seven of their eight children, was rescued by the HMAS Warrnambool and evacuated to Darwin. The family settled in Melbourne, then in 1944 Samuel tragically died. After the war ended the family was threatened with deportation under Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (known also as the White Australia policy). Annie married her landlord, John O’Keefe but was still issued a deportation order in 1949. The family appealed to the High Court and the case became famous for being the first successful legal challenge to the Act. The HMAS Warrnambool was in Darwin during the time it was bombed, attacked by the Japanese while rescuing 73 crew from a merchant vessel that had also been attacked. The ship was involved in several other rescues and carried troops to New Guinea. Other events included escort and patrol duties on Australia's east coast, then at Fremantle and back to Darwin. When the Japanese surrendered on September 11, 1945, at the end of World War II, the ship was at Timor. It performed mine clearance work around the Solomon Islands and New Guinea after the war. On 13th September 1947 the ship was sent to lead a flotilla at the Great Barrier Reef, off the Queensland coast. The mission was to clear the defensive British mines that were laid during1941-43 to protect Australia’s boarders. The HMAS Warrnambool hit a mine near Cockburn Reef, exploded and sank shortly afterwards. One of the 70 or so men on board was killed at the time and thirty-two men were badly injured; three of these also lost their lives. The four deceased were Victorian seamen. The wounded men were transferred by boats to the nearby HMAS Swan II, where the Swan’s and the Warrnambool’s doctors cared for them. The HMAS Swan II took the survivors to Cairns, and from there the men were flown by RAAF to either Brisbane or Sydney hospitals. The HMAS Warrnambool was the only RAN ship to be sunk by a mine, and the four who lost their livers were the last naval casualties from World War II. The ship’s wartime service was recognised by three honours. In May 1948 a number of items were recovered by Navy divers from the wreck of HMAS Warrnambool. The items included the ship’s bell (inscribed HMAS Warrnambool 1941) and the round plaque with the Seal of the Warrnambool City Council. In 1949 the plaque was returned to the Council, and the bell was donated to the Australian War Memorial. Further objects were recovered by the new owners of the wreck, Southern Cross Diving and Salvage, in 1972-75. A memorial plaque, honouring the memories of all those who served on the HMAS Warrnambool until is sunk on September 13 1947, was erected in Warrnambool on September 13, 1995. NOTE: (1)- The second HMAS Warrnambool (FCPB204), also the namesake of the City of Warrnambool, was built in 1980 in Cairns, one of fifteen Fremantle Class Patrol Boats ordered by the RAN. It was just over 41 metres long with a compliment of 22 personnel. It patrolled Australia’s northern waters for illegal fishing vessels. This vessel was decommissioned in 2005. (2)- There was also a steam and sail ship named the S.S. Warrnambool, built in 1892 in London and broken up in 1926.This photograph is significant for its association with Royal Australian Navy and its vessel, HMAS Warrnambool (j202). The HMAS Warrnambool played a nationally significant role in overturning Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (colloquially known as the White Australia policy). The ship rescued, and brought to Australia, Samuel and Annie Jacob and their family after they evacuated Dutch East India. The family was threatened with deportation and made the first successful appeal to High Court regarding that Act. The HMAS Warrnambool has - Local significance for being the namesake of the City of Warrnambool - Local significance, having docked in Warrnambool Harbour - Local significance, the crew having paraded in Timor Street, Warrnambool - State significance for its first patrol being in Bass Strait. - National significance, being present in Timor at the Japanese surrender - National significance as part of Australia’s defence force history, being one of only four Bathurst class corvettes lost while in Australian service, the only Bathurst class corvette lost after World War II, the only RAN vessel to be sunk by a mine, and associated with the last four Navy deaths of WWIIBlack and white photograph of vessel H.M.A.S. Warrnambool J202 on an open sea. The identifying number is painted on the hull. The ship is flying a white ensign. A lifeboat is suspended near the centre of the ship. Figures can be seen on deck. Hand written inscription on the reverse side. On ship's hull "J202" On reverse of photo "From P.O. FRED MATTHEWS. 23378. R.A.N." "MARIBYRNONG MAIDSTON RSL" "H.M.A.S. WARRNAMBOOL"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, photograph, h.m.a.s. warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, mort's dock & engineering co ltd, hmas warrnambool, hmas warrnambool i, hmas warrnambool j202, hmas swan ii, j202, world war ii, bathurst class corvette, royal australian navy, ran, sydney built ship, bass strait patrol, sea mine patrol, mine sweeper, mine clearance, navy divers, great barrier reef, cockburn reef, southern cross diving and salvage, warrnambool city council, cr j r astbury, mayor j r astbury, warrnambool patriotic fund, seal, coat of arms, ship’s bell, hmas warrnambool 1941, shipwreck by sea mine 1947, sea rescue, life saving, lifesaving, sinking ship, sunk ship, immigration restrictions act 1901, white australia policy, samuel and annie jacob, john o'keere, minesweeper -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Vessel, Steam Ship, HMAS Warrnambool J202, Between 1941-1947
The photograph shows the vessel HMAS Warrnambool J202, which was commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy for use as a minesweeper during World War II. The Bathurst Class Corvette, fitted out with a range of armaments, was launched in Sydney 1941. The ship began service in Bass Strait in 1941. At the end of the year it called into its namesake city, Warrnambool, where the crew paraded for the public marching eastwards along Timor Street. A gift of books for the ship’s personnel and a plaque bearing the City of Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms were presented to the ship. The ship was involved in evacuating a family of nine from the Dutch East Indies that was later successful in its challenge of Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act (White Australia Polity). The ship had many other appointments around Australia. On 13th September 1947 HMAS Warrnambool was leading a flotilla of minesweepers in northern Queensland’s coastal waters, clearing mines previously laid to defend Australia. The ship hit a mine, which exploded and very quickly sunk the ship. Boats from the nearby ships rescued most of the seamen although one was killed at the time. The survivors were taken by the HMAS Swan II to Darwin, and they went from there to hospitals in Brisbane and Sydney. Three of these men later died from their injuries. A number of items were recovered by Navy divers in 1948 including the ship’s bell and a plaque with Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms. In 1972-75 the wreck was sold and other items were salvaged. In 1995 a memorial plaque was erected in Warrnambool near the RSL. NOTE: The RAN built a second HMAS Warrnambool FCPB204, launched in 1981 and decommissioned in 2005. There was also a steam ship SS Warrnambool built in London 1892 and broken up in 1926. [A more detailed history can be found in our Collection Record 3477.] This photograph of HMAS Warrnambool is significant for its association with Royal Australian Navy and its vessel, HMAS Warrnambool (J202). The HMAS Warrnambool played a nationally significant role in overturning Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (colloquially known as the White Australia policy). The ship rescued, and brought to Australia, Samuel and Annie Jacob and their family after they evacuated Dutch East India. The family was threatened with deportation and made the first successful appeal to High Court regarding that Act. The HMAS Warrnambool has - Local significance for being the namesake of the City of Warrnambool - Local significance, having docked in Warrnambool Harbour - Local significance, the crew having paraded in Timor Street, Warrnambool - State significance for its first patrol being in Bass Strait. - National significance, being present in Timor at the Japanese surrender - National significance, shown by the significance of the ship’s bell being curated as Military Heritage and Technology at the Australian War Memorial. - National significance as part of Australia’s defence force history, being one of only four Bathurst class corvettes lost while in Australian service, the only Bathurst class corvette lost after World War II, the only RAN vessel to be sunk by a mine, and associated with the last four Navy deaths of WWIIPhotograph of HMAS Warrnambool near land. Black and white photograph shows a steam and sail vessel in calm water beside land. Figures are standing on board. A flag flies on a mast. The ship's name is on the stern. The light coloured funnel has emitted a small amount of smoke.On side of ship "WARRNAMBOOL"flagstaff hill, maritime village, maritime museum, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, mort's dock & engineering co ltd, h.m.a.s. warrnambool, hmas warrnambool, hmas warrnambool i, hmas warrnambool j202, hmas swan ii, j202, world war ii, bathurst class corvette, royal australian navy, ran, sydney built ship, bass strait patrol, sea mine patrol, mine sweeper, mine clearance, navy divers, great barrier reef, cockburn reef, southern cross diving and salvage, warrnambool city council, cr j r astbury, mayor j r astbury, warrnambool patriotic fund, seal, coat of arms, dedicatory plaque, hmas warrnambool 1941, shipwreck by sea mine 1947, sinking ship, sunk ship, minesweeper -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Vessel, Steam Ship, H.M.A.S. Warrnambool J202, 1941-1947
This photograph is connected to the first HMAS Warrnambool J202, which was commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy for use as a minesweeper during World War II. The Bathurst Class Corvette, fitted out with a range of armaments, was launched in Sydney 1941. The ship began service in Bass Strait in 1941. At the end of the year it called into its namesake city, Warrnambool, where the crew paraded for the public marching eastwards along Timor Street. A gift of books for the ship’s personnel and a plaque bearing the City of Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms were presented to the ship. The ship was involved in evacuating a family of nine from the Dutch East Indies that was later successful in its challenge of Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act (White Australia Polity). The ship had many other appointments around Australia. On 13th September 1947 HMAS Warrnambool was leading a flotilla of minesweepers in northern Queensland’s coastal waters, clearing mines previously laid to defend Australia. The ship hit a mine, which exploded and very quickly sunk the ship. Boats from the nearby ships rescued most of the seamen although one was killed at the time. The survivors were taken by the HMAS Swan II to Darwin, and they went from there to hospitals in Brisbane and Sydney. Three of these men later died from their injuries. A number of items were recovered by Navy divers in 1948 including the ship’s bell and a plaque with Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms. In 1972-75 the wreck was sold and other items were salvaged. In 1995 a memorial plaque was erected in Warrnambool near the RSL. NOTE: The RAN built a second HMAS Warrnambool FCPB204, launched in 1981 and decommissioned in 2005. There was also a steam ship SS Warrnambool built in London 1892 and broken up in 1926. [A more detailed history can be found in our Collection Record 3477.] This photograph is significant for its association with Royal Australian Navy and its vessel, HMAS Warrnambool (j202). The HMAS Warrnambool played a nationally significant role in overturning Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (colloquially known as the White Australia policy). The ship rescued, and brought to Australia, Samuel and Annie Jacob and their family after they evacuated Dutch East India. The family was threatened with deportation and made the first successful appeal to High Court regarding that Act. The HMAS Warrnambool has - Local significance for being the namesake of the City of Warrnambool - Local significance, having docked in Warrnambool Harbour - Local significance, the crew having paraded in Timor Street, Warrnambool - State significance for its first patrol being in Bass Strait. - National significance, being present in Timor at the Japanese surrender - National significance as part of Australia’s defence force history, being one of only four Bathurst class corvettes lost while in Australian service, the only Bathurst class corvette lost after World War II, the only RAN vessel to be sunk by a mine, and associated with the last four Navy deaths of WWIIPhotograph, black and white, HMAS Warrnambool J202 in water with land and buildings in background. Ship is flying a dark flag with Union Jack in corner and star below it. Lifeboat suspended above deck in centre of ship. Top of funnel has a black band. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, mort's dock & engineering co ltd, h.m.a.s. warrnambool, hmas warrnambool, hmas warrnambool i, hmas warrnambool j202, hmas swan ii, j202, world war ii, bathurst class corvette, royal australian navy, ran, sydney built ship, bass strait patrol, sea mine patrol, mine sweeper, mine clearance, navy divers, great barrier reef, cockburn reef, southern cross diving and salvage, warrnambool city council, cr j r astbury, mayor j r astbury, warrnambool patriotic fund, seal, coat of arms, ship’s bell, hmas warrnambool 1941, shipwreck by sea mine 1947, sinking ship, sunk ship, sea rescue, life saving, lifesaving, minesweeper