HMAS Melbourne (R21) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Operating from 1955 until 1982, she was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier to serve in the RAN. Melbourne was the only British Commonwealth naval vessel to sink two friendly warships in peacetime collisions. The ship was laid down for the British Royal Navy as the lead ship of the Majestic class in April 1943, and was launched as HMS Majestic (R77) in February 1945. At the end of World War II, work on the ship was suspended until she was purchased by the RAN in 1947. At the time of purchase, it was decided to incorporate new aircraft carrier technologies into the design, making Melbourne the third ship to be constructed with an angled flight deck. Delays in construction and integrating the enhancements meant that the carrier was not commissioned until 1955. Melbourne never fired a shot in anger during her career, having only peripheral, non-combat roles in relation to the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the Vietnam War. However, she was involved in two major collisions with allied vessels. On the evening of 10 February 1964, Melbourne collided with and sank HMAS Voyager when the Daring class destroyer altered course across her bow. Eighty-two of Voyager's crew were killed, and two Royal Commissions were held to investigate the incident. The second collision occurred in the early morning of 3 June 1969, when Melbourne collided with and sank the Allen M. Sumner class destroyer USS Frank E. Evans in similar circumstances. Seventy-four United States Navy (USN) personnel died, and a joint USN–RAN Board of Inquiry was held. These incidents, along with several minor collisions, shipboard accidents, and aircraft losses, led to the reputation that Melbourne was jinxed. Melbourne was paid off from RAN service in 1982. A proposal to convert her for use as a floating casino failed, and a 1984 sale was cancelled, before she was sold in 1985 and towed to China for breaking. The scrapping was delayed so Melbourne could be studied by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) as part of a secret project to develop a Chinese aircraft carrier and used to train PLAN aviators in carrier flight operations. HMAS Melbourne was decommissioned on 30 June 1982, having spent 62,036 hours underway and having steamed 868,893 nautical miles. A proposal to convert her for use as a floating casino failed, and a 1984 sale was cancelled, before she was sold for scrap in 1985 and towed to China for breaking. The scrapping was delayed so Melbourne could be studied by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) as part of a secret project to develop a Chinese aircraft carrier and used to train PLAN aviators in carrier flight operations.The pictorial history of HMAS Melbourne with rare photos. Now a scarce title and highly desirable title that is now long out of print. Has provenance history of all ships movements from 1955 till decommissioned.HMAS Melbourne 25 YearsOn the front page is a picture of HMAS Melbourne with the words at top "H.M.A.S. Melbourne. At bottom are the words in orange, '25 Years'. In white, are the words 'by Ross Gillett' then 'Forward by Rear Admiral G.G.O. Gatacre C.B.E. DSO. DSC & Bar, RAN'. On the rear page is a list of all the Captains that served on the HMAS Melbourne between 1955-1980.hmas melbourne, aircraft carrier, royal australian navy, australian navy, westland whirlwind, sea venom, fairy gannet, bristol sycamore, westland wessex, douglas skyhawk, grumman tracker, westland sea king, fleet air arm, hmas albatross, nowra

Ill, p.208non-fictionThe collision between HMAS Melbourne and the US destroyer Evans was a result of bad luck on the part of the Melbourne and bad seamanship on the part of the Evanscollisions at sea - australia, hmas melbourne - aircraft carrier

HMAS Melbourne never fired a shot in anger during her career, having only peripheral, non-combat roles in relation to the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the Vietnam War. She was, however, involved in two major collisions with allied vessels; though Melbourne was found not to be the primary cause of either incident. The first occurred on the evening of 10 February 1964, in which Melbourne rammed and sank the RAN destroyer HMAS Voyager when the latter altered course across her bow. Eighty-two of Voyager's personnel were killed, and two Royal Commissions were held to investigate the incident. The second collision occurred in the early morning of 3 June 1969, when Melbourne also rammed the United States Navy (USN) destroyer USS Frank E. Evans in similar circumstances. Seventy-four American personnel died, and a joint USN–RAN Board of Inquiry was held. These incidents, along with several minor collisions, shipboard accidents, and aircraft losses, led to the reputation that Melbourne was jinxed. HMAS Melbourne was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Operating from 1955 until 1982, she was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier to serve in the RAN. Melbourne was the only Commonwealth naval vessel to sink two friendly warships in peacetime collisionsMoulded patterned black plastic frame and mount containing black and white print of hand drawn ship at seaThe Majestic Melbourne Dedicated to those who servedhmas melbourne, ran, aircraft carrier

Coloured photo of HMAS Melbourne Aircraft Carrier at sea with aircraft on deck. No 21 visible on front of flight deck & flag at rear. Tan wooden frame with glass front, tan ply backing. Photo mounted with grey border.In black print on white tag with black border, front, top centre: “H.M.A.S. MELBOURNE” “G. MURRAY”photograph, framed, hmas, melbourne

Brass plate from HMAS Melbourne (Aircraft Carrier) decommissioned 1980Australia only had two Aircraft carriers, HMAS Melbourne and HMAS SydneyBrass plateMain Broadcast wiring group box / Group, From, To, Location

Photograph belonged to Gerald Graham No. R53703 RAN. Rank Mechanician 2nd Class. HMAS SYDNEY 14-08-65 - 20-10-65 HMAS SYDNEY 22-04-66 - 18-05-66 HMAS SYDNEY 25-05-66 - 11-06-66 Troop Transports to Vietnam and return.Photograph - photographic paper, enlarged colour photograph of an RAN vessel - number "21" painted on ship bridge of an aircraft carrier - "HMAS MELBOURNE". Sea in foreground, sky in background. Mount - dark blue colour cardboard. Frame - timber with light brown varnish and decorative moulding. Glass front and MDF Board with brown paper backing.framed accessories, photographs, ran, hmas melbourne

James Leslie Pell RAN No 35213 Stoker mechanic, served on HMAS Bataan, (D9/I91/D191) a Tribal-class destroyer during the Korean War 1951-52. He later served on HMAS Melbourne, a Majestic-class light fleet aircraft carrier later in the 1950's. These photographs are from his personal album, and portray events and place to which he would have been witness. Refer to catalogue item 5455 for his service details. Black and white photographs from official government sources. They are part of a collection of over 200 photographs housed within an archive folder.hmas melbourne, hmas bataan, korean war, royal australian navy, james leslie pell

James Leslie Pell RAN No 35213 Stoker mechanic, served on HMAS Bataan, (D9/I91/D191) a Tribal-class destroyer during the Korean War 1951-52. He later served on HMAS Melbourne, a Majestic-class light fleet aircraft carrier later in the 1950's. These photographs are from his personal album, and portray events and place to which he would have been witness. Refer to catalogue item 5455 for his service details. Copies of shipboard certificates depiction the voyages and action s in which HMAS Bataan was engaged during the Korean War. They are part of a collection of over 200 photographs housed within an archive folder.hmas melbourne, hmas bataan, korean war, royal australian navy, james leslie pell

James Leslie Pell RAN No 35213 Stoker mechanic, served on HMAS Bataan, (D9/I91/D191) a Tribal-class destroyer during the Korean War 1951-52. He later served on HMAS Melbourne, a Majestic-class light fleet aircraft carrier later in the 1950's. These photographs are from his personal album, and portray events and place to which he would have been witness. Refer to catalogue item 5455 for his service details. These photographs depict the Bataan and sister ships in the 1950's. They are part of a collection of over 200 photographs housed within an archive folder.hmas melbourne, hmas bataan, korean war, royal australian navy, james leslie pell

James Leslie Pell RAN No 35213 Stoker mechanic, served on HMAS Bataan, (D9/I91/D191) a Tribal-class destroyer during the Korean War 1951-52. He later served on HMAS Melbourne, a Majestic-class light fleet aircraft carrier later in the 1950's. These photographs are from his personal album, and portray events and place to which he would have been witness. Refer to catalogue item 5455 for his service details. These photographs depict flight operations on HMAS Melbourne in the 1950's. They are part of a collection of over 200 photographs housed within an archive folder.hmas melbourne, hmas bataan, korean war, royal australian navy, james leslie pell

James Leslie Pell RAN No 35213 Stoker mechanic, served on HMAS Bataan, (D9/I91/D191) a Tribal-class destroyer during the Korean War 1951-52. He later served on HMAS Melbourne, a Majestic-class light fleet aircraft carrier later in the 1950's. These photographs are from his personal album, and portray events and place to which he would have been witness. Refer to catalogue item 5455 for his service details. These photographs depict informal photographs of shipmates aboard HMAS Bataan and Melbourne. They are part of a collection of over 200 photographs housed within an archive folder.hmas melbourne, hmas bataan, korean war, royal australian navy, james leslie pell

HMAS Melbourne (R21) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy. Operating from 1955 until 1982, she was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier to serve in the RAN. Melbourne was the only Commonwealth naval vessel to sink two friendly warships in peacetime collisions.Melbourne never fired a shot in anger during her career, having only peripheral, non-combat roles in relation to the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the Vietnam War.Rectangular in shape Fibreboard mounted print of HMAS Melbourne.australian aircraft carrier, hmas, lara r.s.l., hmas melbourne

In July 1947, the Commonwealth Defence Council approved the formation of a Fleet Air Arm which would be controlled and operated by the RAN. The initial planning included purchase of two aircraft carriers, aircraft and establishment of shore facilities. The carriers were named HMA Ships Sydney and Melbourne, and the shore facilities were at Nowra. HMAS Albatross was commissioned in August 1948 and the 20th Carrier Air Group, comprising Sea Fury and Firefly aircraft, was brought from England to Australia by HMAS Sydney. These aircraft, operated by 805 and 816 Squadrons, disembarked to Nowra in May 1949. In November 1950, they were joined by the Carrier Air Group of 808 and 817 Squadrons, also flying Sea Furies and Fireflies. HMAS Albatross has been expanding ever since. As more capable aircraft have been acquired, so ground support facilities have had to be built. In 1955, Sea Venoms and Gannets arrived, requiring radar workshops and test facilities. More aircraft necessitated stricter standards of air traffic control and a new control tower was built in 1958. In 1964 the introduction of Wessex helicopters, with a dunking sonar capability, required a further expansion of services. In 1965, it was decided to buy American aircraft to replace the ageing British Gannets and Sea Venoms. McDonnell Douglas Skyhawks and Grumman Trackers were chosenand additional avionics facilities were built to service the complex equipment they carried. The helicopters now based at HMAS Albatross have restored to the RAN much of the anti-submarine capability lost when the Tracker squadron was disbanded in 1983. In recent years significant redevelopment has taken place, continuing the operation of HMAS Albatross and recognising its strategic importance as the sole Royal Australian Navy Air Station.Wooden Plaque 15cm x 13cm with insignia of H.M.A.S. Albatross H.M.A.S. Albatross

HMAS Voyager (D31) was a 'W' class destroyer. Commissioned into the Royal Navy (RN) in 1918. She remained with the RN until 1933, when she was transferred to the RAN. The destroyer remained in service until 23 September 1942, when she ran aground and was scutted. HMAS Voyager (D04) was a Daring class destroyer commissioned into the RAN in 1957. The ship was lost in a collision with the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne on 10 February 1964Wooden Plaque 15cm x 13cm with insignia of H.M.A.S. Voyager H.M.A.S. Voyager

HMAS Melbourne (1912), a Chatham class light cruiser launched in 1912 and broken up for scrap in 1929 HMAS Melbourne (R21), a Majestic class aircraft carrier acquired by the RAN in 1947. She was involved in two major collisions during her career, and was sold for scrap in 1985. HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05), an Adelaide class guided missile frigate launched in 1989 and active as of 2012Wooden plaque with insignia of H.M.A.S. MelbourneH.M.A.S. Melbourneh.m.a.s. melbourne

Aircraft Carrier HMAS Sydneypicture, ran

aircraft carrier Melbournephoto, ran

Aircraft carrier Melbourne at garden islandphoto, ran

A group of ships including Aircraft Carrier Melbourneposter, ran

Photograph of the Australian Aircraft Carrier HMAS MelbourneHigh. Australia does not have an aircraft carrierGray coloured presentation folder with a photo of HMAS Melbourne and map inside Coloured photo of HMAS Melbourne

In 1949 the HELLENIC PRINCE with its 3 hospitals, 2 cinemas, and air conditioned accommodation was chartered by the International Refugee Organisation to transport displaced persons from Europe to Australia. Its first trip was to Sydney where it arrived with 1000 passengers on 5 December 1949. On the third trip it left Naples on 23 March 1950, and arrived in Fremantle on 20 April 1950, and in Melbourne on 25 April 1950. The men and women were separated for the voyage with my father sleeping on a hammock in a large room with other men, while my mother, my brother, and I had bunks in a shared cabin. On board were displaced persons ex Bagnoli Camp Italy, some of whom later built their bungalows on the grassy and rocky paddocks near Sunshine Victoria, and began to establish a new life in a new country. A few of the families that arrived on the third trip and purchased land in the Dunkeld Ave - Sandford Ave area of North Sunshine (Birmingham Estate) were Janczak, Kolanowicz, Mroz, Pawlak, Rasztabiga, Skrobalak, Szydlowski, Witkowski, and Zielinski. Some friends settled elsewhere in Sunshine. The family Tabaka went to West Sunshine just over the Derby Rd Bridge, while the family Wojcik went to Ardeer. The ship first started service in 1929 for the Royal Australian Navy as the HMAS ALBATROSS. It had a standard displacement of 4,800 tons and was 443 feet 7 inches (135.2 metres) long, and its top speed during trials reached 22 knots (41 km/hr). It was built at Cockatoo Island Dockyard as Australia's first Aircraft Carrier (seaplanes), but the aircraft that it was designed for were retired just before the ship went into service. A new plane specifically designed to work with the Albatross began operations after the ship was decommissioned in 1933, and placed into reserve in Sydney Harbour. Seaplanes continued to operate from the anchored ship. (Click on the Link 'HMAS Albatross (1)' situated above the Object Registration number to view pictures of the HMAS Albatross on the Navy web site). In 1938 the ship was recommissioned and transferred to the Royal Navy as part payment for the light cruiser Hobart. The ship then did military service for the Royal Navy during World War 2. It did patrol and escort duties in the southern Atlantic, and from mid 1942 in the Indian Ocean. By early 1944 the ship was converted so that it could repair landing craft and other support vessels off Sword and Juno beaches. The ship managed to return 132 craft into service and to save 79 others from total loss. On 11 August 1944 Albatross was torpedoed with the loss of either 50 or 66 personnel, but was able to be towed back to Portsmouth. After repairs she did a short service as a minesweeper depot ship, and following that was placed into reserve on 3 August 1945. In August 1946 the ship was sold for commercial use but the plans to convert it into a luxury liner or a floating cabaret fell through. The ship was again sold on 14 November 1948 to the British-Greek Yannoulatos Group, who renamed it HELLENIC PRINCE in recognition of the birth of Prince Charles and his Greek heritage. After conversion into a passenger ship the Hellenic Prince made several trips to Australia transporting displaced persons, however apparently not all trips were pleasant for the passengers. In the on board newsletter 'Kangaroo' dated 5 January 1951, the ship's master P. C. King expressed his indignation about the behaviour of passengers and made accusations of mutiny. According to some immigrants the conditions were appalling and overcrowded with 1200 passengers. Passengers were supposedly required to work and were paid with Woodbine cigarettes. The drinking water ran out, the freezer broke down, and fresh food that was brought on board went to the crew. Sea sickness was rife because the ship was rarely level due to malfunctioning pumps. (The newsletter 'Kangaroo' can be viewed at the Museum Victoria web site by clicking the Link 'Newsletter - Kangaroo'). In 1953 during the Mau Mau uprising the Hellenic Prince was used to transport troops to Kenya, and in 1954 the ship came to an end in a scrap yard at Hong Kong. THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS COMPILED FROM; (1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Albatross_(1928) (accessed 11/2/2013), (2) An article by Graeme Andrews found at http://www.afloat.com.au/afloat-magazine/2011/july-2011/The_boat_people_of_the _forties_and_fifties#.UuYY6ou4apo (accessed 27/1/14), (3) http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/273166/newsletter-kangaroo-hellenic-prince-5-jan-1951 (accessed 27/1/14), (4) National Archive search starting at; www.naa.gov.au/collection/search/index.aspx (accessed 27/1/14), (5) http://www.flickr.com/photos/41311545@N05/3864781978 (accessed 29/1/14). Hellenic Prince has a significance to Sunshine Victoria because some of the displaced people from Europe, who arrived in Melbourne on Anzac Day 1950, were among the first people to settle in the grassy and rocky paddock areas of North Sunshine. These settlers established a residential suburban area out of the paddocks. In those early days there were no services and the planned roads were basically just drawings on a map. The ship is also significant because it was named in recognition of the birth of Prince Charles. In the ship's former life as the HMAS Albatross the significance is that it was built in Australia as our country's first Aircraft Carrier (seaplanes).New photograph made from a scanned copy of a circa 1950 Post Card featuring the ship on calm water.Hellenic Prince / Hong Konghellenic prince, migrant ship, displaced persons, refugees, international refugee organisation, bagnoli camp, hmas albatross, yannoulatos group

Royal Australian Navy Certificate of Service folder of Errol Ivan DREHER R30435 Born 30/4/1926 at Numerkah and died 17/7/2024 at Wangaratta. DREHER enlisted on the 6/5/1946 and served 20 years in the RAN as a Chief Aircraft Artificer (CAA) He served on HMAS Vengeance prior to deployment on the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney in 1953.Approximately 17;000 Australians were involved in the Korean War between 1951-53 where 340 were killed 1,216 wounded and 30 taken as prisoners of war, and continued a peacekeeping role until 1957.Brown bound cardboard cover for certificate of service and enclosures in the Royal Australian Navy. Inside green bound folder contains handwritten records of service and numerous training and annual inspection certificates.Cover for Certificate of Service and Enclosures - DREHER Errol Ivan R30435. Melbourneran, caa, errol dreher, royal australian navy, hmas vengeance, hmas sydney

16 images of RAN tracker operated two Squadron of S-2E and S-2G variants. These aircraft served with the RAN's 816 Squadron, which embarked aboard the Majestic-class aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne as part of the 21st Carrier Air Croup whenever that ship was deployed; and with 851 Squadron, the S-2 training squadron.tracker, ran, hmas melbourne, vietnam

HMAS Vengeance was a Colossus class aircraft carrier. Following a three month refit in Sydney, Vengeance (I) commenced seagoing service with the Australian fleet in June 1953, working up in preparation for a deployment to Korea. At the end of July it was announced that HMAS Sydney (III) would deploy to Korea in lieu of Vengeance. In July 1954 Vengeance (I) commenced service as a fleet training ship, including instruction for National Service Trainees. On 27 October 1954 she sailed from Sydney for Japan to embark aircraft, men and equipment of No.77 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, and return them to Australia. Vengeance (I) decommissioned on 25 October 1955 and reverted to the Royal Navy. HMAS Melbourne (II) was commissioned three days later on 28 October 1955.Green coloured frame with cream mount containing black and white image of a ship with aircraft on deck at ship’s bow and stern.Vengeance - word formed on deck by ships crew.vengeance, ran, aircraft carrier

Service medals awarded to Errol Ivan DREHER R30435 Born 30/4/1926 at Numerkah and died 17/7/2024 at Wangaratta. DREHER enlisted on the 6/5/1946 and served 20 years in the RAN as a Chief Aircraft Artificer (CAA) He served on HMAS Vengeance prior to deployment on the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney in 1953 during the Korean War.Set of eight metal medals with multi coloured stripped ribbons attached. All mounted on black felt with large metal pin attached. Medals now framed together with photographAustralian Active Service. Medal 1945-1975 clasp Malaya United Nations Service Medal clasp Korea Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 clasp FESR/Korea/PNG Australian General Service Medal for Korea Australian Defence Medal For long service and good conduct Malaysian Service Medal reverse PJM Reverse side For Service Far East Strategic Reserve clasp Melbournekorean war, royal australian navy, errol dreher, hmas sydney, fesr

Service medals ( miniature) awarded to Errol Ivan DREHER R30435 Born 30/4/1926 at Numerkah and died 17/7/2024 at Wangaratta. DREHER enlisted on the 6/5/1946 and served 20 years in the RAN as a Chief Aircraft Artificer (CAA) He served on HMAS Vengeance prior to deployment on the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney in 1953 during the Korean War.Set of seven miniature metal medals with multi coloured stripped ribbons attached. All mounted on a large metal pin attached at rear. Australian Active Service. Medal 1945-1975 clasp Malaya United Nations Service Medal clasp Korea Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 clasp FESR/Korea/PNG Australian Defence Medal For long service and good conduct Malaysian Service Medal reverse PJM Reverse side For Service on the Far East Strategic Reserve clasp Melbournekorean war, royal australian navy, errol dreher, hmas sydney, fesr

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

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