Bass Strait passenger ship Nairana. Built for Bass Strait ferry operator Huddart Parker & Co. Ltd. of Melbourne during World War One, the Nairana was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and completed as a seaplane carrier, HMS Nairana. Serving from 1917 to 1920 participating in the capture of Archangel during the Bolshevik Revolution. After 1920 she was decommissioned as a seaplane carrier and returned to her Australian owners crossing Bass Strait until she was laid up in 1948. Just off Port Phillip Heads on April 12 1936, a strong wave struck the Nairana, tipping her over for two minutes before she righted herself again. During the horrifying two minutes, four people were drowned, and eight people were injured. The ship was reportedly carrying roughly one tonne of concrete in the hull when she tipped. Reports from the local papers said that it was a tidal wave meanwhile others were saying it was either an earthquake or a total lie. A later paper said that the ship had been caught in a rip at the mouth of the bay, causing the tragedy. The S.S Nairana, was sold for £4,000 (over $170,200 in today’s money!) in 1951 after two years of being stranded on the beach at Port Melbourne, when the moorings broke one night during a storm and drifted ashore, causing her to wreck.Items associated with the TSS/HMS Nairana in its military and civilian roles and items relating to Capt. JF Spence, navigation Officer and possibly later the captain who sailed with the Nairana out of Plymouth after WWI. .01 Barometer and Clock from Dining Saloon .02 Commemorative plaque describing the HMS Nairana's WWI service with timber mount for plaque with information sheet attached. .03 Clock Key .04 Two 2 Log books owned by Capt. Spence containing the navigation calculations for the journey from Plymouth to Melbourne. .05 Huddart Parker hat badge [Capt. JF Spence].Barometer and Clock from dining saloon, TSS Nairana 1917 - 1951 Clock Key - 4 50-No9 Hat badge - HPtss nairana, wwi, bass strait, huddart parker, capt. spence

Removed from HMAS Canberra before being scuttled. HMAS Canberra was an Adelaide class guided missile frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Based on the Oliver Hazard Perry class design, Canberra was one of four Adelaide class ships constructed in the United States of America, and one of six to serve in the RAN. The frigate entered service in 1981. During her career, Canberra was assigned to escort the Royal Yacht Britannia during Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 1988, helped enforce the post-Gulf War United Nations' sanctions against Iraq during 1992 and 1993, was part of the Australian responses to the 1998 Indonesian riots and the 2000 Solomon Islands Civil War, and returned to the Persian Gulf in 2002 as part of the War in Afghanistan. In 2005, Canberra became the first ship of her class to be decommissioned. The frigate was marked for conversion into a dive wreck and artificial reef off Barwon Heads, Victoria, and was scuttled on 4 October 2009. Electric emergency light, fixed mountedwarning lights, hmas canberra

The Australian Navy's first flagship, the battle cruiser HMAS Australia (I) was the centrepiece of the 'Fleet Unit', whose acquisition signalled the RAN's arrival as a credible ocean-going force. The Commonwealth Government decided upon the name Australia, and it proved a popular choice, carefully avoiding any suggestion of favouritism towards any one Australian State. Notwithstanding some construction delays, John Brown delivered Australia £295 000 under budget. Following successful gun, torpedo and machinery trials she commissioned as an Australian unit at Portsmouth, England, on 21 June 1913 under the command of Captain Stephen H. Radcliffe, RN. Two days later the ship hoisted the flag of Rear Admiral George Edwin Patey, MVO (later Vice Admiral Sir George Patey, KCMG, KCVO), who had been selected to command the Australian Fleet. In company with the new light cruiser HMAS Sydney (I), Australia sailed from Portsmouth on 21 July 1913, and their voyage home was seen as a further opportunity to stimulate public awareness and naval sentiment around the British Empire. Arrangements were made at the first opportunity for the flagship to visit many of the principal Australian ports. On the outbreak of World War I Australia (I) operated (with other ships of the Australian Fleet) as a counter to the German East Asiatic Cruiser Squadron under Admiral Graf von Spee. On 11 November 1918, the signing of the Armistice brought the fighting in Europe to an end. On 21 November, the Grand Fleet came out from the Firth-of-Forth in two divisions to meet the German High Seas Fleet steaming across the North Sea to be interned at Scapa Flow. Australia (I) had the honour of leading the port line at the head of her squadron. After returning home Australia (I) resumed the role of RAN flagship. A year later she played the leading part in the naval activities associated with the visit of the Prince of Wales in HMS Renown, but her time was rapidly running out. In November 1921 she returned to Sydney and the following month was paid off into reserve on 12 December 1921. Less than three years later she was prepared for scuttling to comply with the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922, which provided for a reduction in naval strengths. The RAN had already removed some of the ship's equipment for use in other warships, and now began the deliberate scrapping of Australia (I) by extracting piping and other small fittings. She was towed to sea by tugs and sunk along with her main armament in position 095 degrees, 24 miles from Inner South Head, Sydney, on 12 April 1924. Extracts from http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Australia_(I)Teak frame photograph Metal Plaque on frame: HMAS Australia First flagship of the Royal Australian Navy 1913-1920 Sunk under terms of the Washington Treaty 12th April 1924 navy, world war one, australia, war, wwi, flagship, hmas australia, ran

HMAS Una was a Royal Australian Navy sloop that began its life as the German motor launch Komet. The ship, and her 57 crew, was captured by an infantry detachment of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force 9 October 1914, with no loss of life. Komet was then sailed to Sydney as a prize. During the time in which the Una was in service under Australia, the sloop was used as a Patrol and General Purpose Vessel. The sloop was used to patrol the areas of New Guinea, New Britain, New Hebrides and Malayan waters. After World War I, Una was decommissioned and taken to Port Phillip Bay, renamed Akuna and used as a pilot vessel. She was finally broken up in Melbourne in 1955.After World War I, HMAS Una was decommissioned and taken to Port Phillip Bay, renamed Akuna and used as a pilot vessel. She was finally broken up in Melbourne in 1955.A sclae drawing showing side view of the double screw passenger steam boat 'Komet' which was captuered by the RAN in WWI Doppelschrauben Passagierdampfer Aussen Haut [Double Screws, Passenger Steam Boat, Outside Hight]akuna, ppps, port phillip, hmas una, ran

SS Roma was laid down in 1942 at the Seattle-Tacoma SB Corporation plant and was launched as “Glacier” on September 7, 1942. Like quite a few ships, it was during her building as a C3 cargo ships that she was transferred under the “Lend Lease Agreement” to the Royal Navy and redesigned and built as the escort aircraft carrier HMS Atheling. After the war she was purchased by the Lauro Lines and rebuilt as the modern passenger liner Roma. She departed on her maiden voyage from Genoa bound for Australia in August 1951 arriving in Fremantle on October 1, continuing to Melbourne and arriving in Sydney on the 17th. She then went north to Brisbane before returning home. Mrs B SmythA framed oil painting of the migrant ship SS Roma.Romass roma, migrant ships

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

On Saturday 29 August 1908, over 100 years ago, 16 American battleships along with 5 various escorts entered Port Phillips Bay. Thousands flocked with excitement along the coast and to Port Melbourne to see the white painted ships and their sailors disembarked. The Fleet’s Mission, ordered by President Theodore Roosevelt, was to make friendly courtesy visits to countries while obviously displaying new U.S. naval power. Invited by Alfred Deakin to the young federation, who was feeling isolated and vulnerable after the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, the visit was a first step in the shaping of the relationship between the US and Australia. And also an impetus to create the Australian Navy in 1911.A photograph of an original photograph depicting the Queenscliff fishing fleet out welcoming the incoming American fleet on Saturday 29 August 1908.Queenscliff fishing boats welcoming the American Fleetthe americcan fleet, the great white fleet, theodore roosevelt, alfred duncan, australian navy 1911

Facsimile Editions No.30. 2 v. : illus., fold. charts, tables. non-fictionThis two-volume work by Captain Phillip Parker King (1791–1856) was published in 1827, and describes the Royal Navy's 1817–22 surveying expedition to chart the coastal regions of Australia. King carried out the surveys in two successive ships, the Mermaid, which was declared unseaworthy in 1820, and the newly commissioned Bathurst. He worked on the charts, which were published by the Hydrographic Office, for two years after his return to England. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society, and later undertook a similar surveying voyage, in which he was accompanied by Captain Fitzroy on the Beagle, around the coast of South America. The book is derived from the author's journal, and describes not only the voyages but also the towns and settlements of the region. Volume 2 continues the survey along the north and west coasts of Australia, and contains an appendix describing winds, currents, ports and islands.australia -- description and travel -- to 1850., hydrography -- australia., natural history -- australia.

Australian Facsimile Editions No.30. 2 v. : illus., fold. charts, tables. non-fictionThis two-volume work by Captain Phillip Parker King (1791–1856) was published in 1827, and describes the Royal Navy's 1817–22 surveying expedition to chart the coastal regions of Australia. King carried out the surveys in two successive ships, the Mermaid, which was declared unseaworthy in 1820, and the newly commissioned Bathurst. He worked on the charts, which were published by the Hydrographic Office, for two years after his return to England. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society, and later undertook a similar surveying voyage, in which he was accompanied by Captain Fitzroy on the Beagle, around the coast of South America. The book is derived from the author's journal, and describes not only the voyages but also the towns and settlements of the region. Volume 2 continues the survey along the north and west coasts of Australia, and contains an appendix describing winds, currents, ports and islands.philip parker king, natural history -- australia., australia -- description and travel -- to 1850.

Instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of World War I and record the service given. The British War Medal 1914-20 was awarded as follows: Navy: 28 days mobilised service in Australia, at sea or overseas during prescribed periods. Army: Entered theatres of war during specified periods or left places of residence and rendered approved service overseas. Mercantile Marine: Awarded to the men and women of the Mercantile Marine who served at least six months at sea between 4th August 1914 and 11th November 1918. Licensed Pilots, Fishermen and crews of Pilotage and Lighthouse Authorities' Vessels, and of Post Office Cable Ships were also eligible. Those eligible also included members of women's organisations; persons on the staffs of military hospitals and members of recognised organisations who handled sick and wounded; and members of other duly recognised or other authorised organisations as specified in medal regulations. The qualification period of service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918 was later extended to cover post-war mine clearance and service in Russia during 1919 and 1920. The ribbon has a wide central watered stripe of orange, flanked by two narrow white stripes, which are in turn flanked by two black pin-stripes, further flanked by two outer stripes of blue. The colours have no particular significance. The medal is cupro-nickel with the effigy of George V on the obverse. The reverse has an image of St George on horseback trampling underfoot the eagle shield of the Central Powers, and a skull and cross-bones, the emblems of death. Above this is the risen sun of victory. The years 1914 and 1918 are contained on the outside edge medal.GEORGIVS V BRITT OMN:REX ET IND:IMP: 2186 FRASER, Thomasbritish war medal, medal, first world war, world war one, ww1

Two photographs on a page from an albumAgricultural area near Cairo taken from the train feb 1915 Boxing competition on board T.S. Banalla Nov 1915ww1, world war 1, australian, a.i.f, boxing, agriculture, train, navy, ship, t.s. banalla

Victoria (580 tons) was the first warship to be built in England for a British colony. Designed by the British naval architect Oliver Lang she was launched in London on 30 June 1855 by Lady Constance Talbot. Arrived in Australia 1856. Out of service 1882 and broken up in 1895 Visited Port Fairy 1859, 1862 and 1873 (twice) Black & white photographvictoria, war ship, ship, navy, lady constance talbot

HMAS Huon berthed at the wharf in Port Fairy Nov 1921. HMAS Huon (D50), named after the Huon River, was a River-class torpedo-boat destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Originally to be named after the River Derwent, the ship was renamed before her 1914 launch because of a naming conflict with a Royal Navy vessel. Huon was commissioned into the RAN in late 1915, and after completion was deployed to the Far East. In mid-1917, Huon and her five sister ships were transferred to the Mediterranean. Huon served as a convoy escort and anti-submarine patrol ship until a collision with sister ship HMAS Yarra in August 1918 saw Huon drydocked for the rest of World War I. After a refit in England, Huon returned to Australia in 1919. The destroyer spent several periods alternating between commissioned and reserve status over the next nine years, with the last three spent as a reservist training ship. Huon was decommissioned for the final time in 1928, and was scuttled in 1931 after being used as a target ship. She visited Port Fairy on a goodwill trip in November .Black and white photograph of naval ship berthedship, boat, sea, river, h.m.a.s.huon, moyne, naval ship

Builder: Evans Deakin and Company. Launched: 8 April 1967. Patrol boat visited Port Fairy in 1979 & 1980First of class commissioned Coloured photograph of Naval ship moored in Port Fairy baypatrol boat, royal australian navy, defence force, hmas attack, port fairy

Merchant Navy plaque. Above is a crown (giving a ship appearance), letters M N surrounded by knotted ropes and below the word 'Australia"

Booknon-fictionDescriptions and Pictures of all ships and aircraft of the Royal Australian Navy

Booknon-fictionA Comprehensive Listing of the Ships and Men of The Royal Australian Navy Who have paid the Supreme sacrifice in the Wars of the Twentieth Century

357 p., illustrationsnon-fictionWilliam George Monteith and his involvement with the Victorian and Australian Navy. australian navy history, australian naval ships, hmas cerberus, biography, william george monteith, navy, victoria

Ill, p.126.non-fictionThis is the story of the Royal Australian Navy's little ships and their personnelworld war 1939-1945 - naval operations - australia, royal australian navy - history

Ill, maps, p.328.This book describes the life of a man, the late Commander J. H. Walker, and of his ship. HMAS Parramatta; both used to represent their service. Parramatta was one of the 'little ships' which made the great sacrifice in keeping the hard pressed garrison of Tobruk supplied. She went down fighting gallantly and in doing so added a glorious page to the naval history of our Empire. world war 1939-1945 - naval operations - australia, royal australian navy - history

Ill, p.197.non-fictionAn account of the older ships(The Scrap Iron Flotilla) of the Australian Navy in the Second World Warworld war 1939-1945 - naval operations - australia, royal australian navy - history

The lamps were pioneered by the British Navy in the late nineteenth century and introduced by the Royal Australian Navy after 1918, and continue to be used to the present day. Manufactured in 1960, the Wilsons Promontory lamp was provided to the lighthouse by the Department of Shipping for signalling ships but was also used for communicating with Cliffy Island, 18 nautical miles away. This type of lamp was renowned for its brilliant light, and lightkeepers from the two lightstations ‘used to practice their signalling with each other, as its effective use was reliant on precise positioning of the scope which is located on top of the lamp’. The inside of the case is imprinted with ‘RAN (Royal Australian Navy), and details on the lamp include a serial number, the date of 1960 and the initials of the Department of Transport, which at that time incorporated the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service. Another Aldis lamp and case with a date of 1960 is held at Cape Nelson and third lamp and case is at Point Hicks; (date unconfirmed but possibly 1943). A fourth lamp and case formerly at Cape Schanck disappeared from the collection sometime between 1995 and 2003.Aldis lamp and case (WPLS 0003.2; likely provenance) The lamps are not rare in museum collections however the Wilsons Promontory example has a confirmed provenance to the lightation and has first level contributory significance as a fine example of the Aldis lamps that were distributed to lightstations throughout Victoria and Australia.1. Handheld black signaling lantern with trigger mechanism. Glass front with inner reflective disc. Black electrical cord is attached with a two pronged plug at the end. 2. Black painted wooden box for transporting lantern. brass catch, leather handle. Grey electrical cord inside plus transformer. Hinged lid. The Aldis lamp is portable, hand held visual signalling lamp with trigger mechanism and inner reflective disk used for optical communication via Morse code. The concave mirror is tilted to focus the light into pulse signals. Larger versions of the lamp are fixed on ships or pedestals and have shutters in front of the device that are opened and closed to transmit signals. Wilsons Promontory’s black metal Aldis lamp and attached electrical cord has a black painted wooden carrying case with metal clasp and leather hand grip.1. On trigger;"AP16413" Around V shaped protrusion attached to lamp "AP197873 / AEI .LTD 59" Beneath screw on face;"AD16415" Inside lamp, under glass;"ADMIRALTY PATTERN 16409 / 5 INCH HAND SIGNALING LANTERN SERIAL No. 212 Year 1960 / AEI PTY LTD SYDNEY" •2. Box. On brass plate below handle."ADMIRALTY PATTERN 16409 / BOX FOR TRANSPORTING LANTERN / PATTERN 16409" Inside box on side of metal insert attached to inside of box;"EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER / MADE BY / M.Brodribb, Melbourne/ cat & APP / No v/QR / 1811A / 50 / 60 va / CONT. 55 c / RATIO 240, 12 V TAPS " Top of metal box on sticker;"C of A / D.O.T 143076 / 12 V 5A" On Bakelite plug on metal box;"EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE"

The two semaphore flags were used as a pair for visual signaling by hand. The semaphore system is an alphabet signaling system based on the waving of a pair of handheld flags in a particular pattern to compose words to be communicated to passing ships. The system was introduced by the Royal Navy in 1880 and was later adopted in Australia, with the first School of Signaling opening in Williamstown in 1890. The system was superseded in the 1970s by more sophisticated methods of communication. Information on the Cape Nelson flags indicates that they were made by Evan Evans P/L, Flag makers, 690 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Evan Evans (d.1927) started a tent‐making business in 1877 and by 1920 Evan Evans P/L maker of canvas goods, was located at 680 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. In 1924 it acquired land at 632 Bourke Street and built a new factory. His son Ivor continued the business after 1927 and in 1938 opened a bulk store in Carlton.271 In 2016 the firm was located at 673 Spencer Street, Melbourne. Another pair of white semaphore flags made by Evan & Evans is held at Gabo Island, and Wilsons Promontory also has a pair. Cape Nelson’s white semaphore flags have second level contributory significance. They have historical importance as flags formerly used at the lightstation for visual signaling, a system that is now rarely used in navigation, and contribute to the importance of the lightstation’s large collection of flags.A pair of white flags made of white canvas/heavy cotton, the square flags are attached to dowel poles with staples.

Index, ill, maps, p.654.non-fictionThis volume tells briefly the story of the Royal Australian Navy and of Australian naval policy between the wars, and then records the part played by the ships and men of that Navy on every ocean and particularly in the eastern Mediterranean and Indian and Pacific Oceans from 1939 until the end of the first quarter of 1942. When the volume ends most of the surviving ships are on the Australia Station again and the Japanese fleets dominate half the Pacific Ocean and the seas to the north of Australia. The author describes not only the actions of the Australian ships but the problems and policies of the British fleets of which they often formed a part, and discusses the strategical and administrative questions encountered by the senior leaders in Australiaworld war 1939-1945 - australia, royal australian navy - history

For this series - refer to Cat No's 9546.7, 9547.4, 9548.4, 9549.5. Items in the collection of "William John Sullivan" VX 57829. Refer Cat No. 9523P for his service record.1 - 4. Hardcover books with dust covers. Hardcover - cardboard, green buckram with dark blue print on front and spine. All books have a front cover illustration of a scroll and anchor with the words "FEAR GOD HONOUR THE KING" Dustcover - paper. All pages, cut, plain off white colour paper. Illustrated in black and white and colour photographs, paintings, maps, sketches and diagrams. 200 pages per book. All end papers illustrated. 1. "HMAS" 1942. Dust cover - dark blue print front and spine. Illustrated stylized white Ensign flag with naval personnel. 2. "HMAS MK II", 1943. Dust cover white print on dark blue and red colour background front and spine. Illustrated - white ensign flag. 3. "HMAS MK III" 1944. Dust cover - red and white print on front and spine. Pale blue background. Illustrated - white ensign flag. 4. "HMAS MK IV" 1945. Dust cover, white and orange print front and spine on orange and dark blue background. Front - illustrated silhouette of a ship's funnel and gun in foreground with the sea, palm trees and hills in the background. Back - photograph and information of Australian War Memorial, Canberra.book series, ran, ww2, william john sullivan

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

Depicting the boarding of Australian Troops from Vung Tau, Vietnam for return to Australia following active service in Vietnam. HMAS Sydney was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She was built for the Royal Navy and launched as HMS Terrible (93) in 1944, 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 as Sydney in 1948. 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. From late 1951 to early 1952, she operated off the coast of Korea during the Korean War, making her the first carrier owned by a Commonwealth Dominion, and the only carrier in the RAN, to see wartime service. 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. Sydney was initially used for training and a single supply run in support of Malaysia's defence policy against Indonesia, but 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. Despite several plans to preserve all or part of the ship as a maritime museum, tourist attraction, or car park, the carrier was sold to a South Korean steel mill for scrapping in 1975A pictorial image of troops returning to Australia from Vietnam.Timber frame with mount containing print of ship at sea and soldiers in a barge in foreground.Homeward Boundhmas sydney, ran

Soft cover with black and white photo of a south Vietnamese navy ship and photos of two officers on a blue backgroundbook, vietnamese

Established in 1950, the Department of Supply headquarters transferred to Canberra in January 1968 and was dissolved in 1974. It was superseded by the Department of Manufacturing Industry and Department of the Special Minister of State. The Department was a Commonwealth Public Service department, staffed by officials who were responsible to the Minister for Supply. The department's main function was to support Australia's Navy, Army and Air Force in defence production, research and development, purchas­ing, transport and storage. The Department was also the Commonwealth Disposals Authority. Finally, the Department was responsible for the Australian Antarctic program. Bendigo was the site of an Ordnance Factory and manufactured and reconditioned naval guns and mountings, turbine gears for large ships, general heavy engineering work, large fabricated structure and missile handling equipment. The factory was managed in 1970 by R.I.M Moss. The department may have had an office in the former Bendigo Post Office now the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre.Blue, felt or wool peaked service cap with woven band and plastic strap. Small brass buttons. The cap has a synthetic lining around the crown and on the roof of the cap. Marked on the inside with the maker's details.bendigo post office, city of greater bendigo uniform