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This is a SPRA, or Schermuly’s Pistol Rocket Apparatus. The large firearm type pistol would have been used to throw a line between ships, usually in the event of saving lives. The line throwing pistol consists of a long barrel with handle attached, a pistol grip and trigger, which fires a short blank cartridge. Accessories for the pistol included: flares, 12 gauge adaptor (to shoot 12 gauge flares), a wood plunger, and boxes of faked line. The stamp on the handle, Crown over "NP" is a Birmingham Proof House mark that dates the pistol between 1904 and 1954. However Schermuly's line throwing pistol was invented in the 192s and used on British Naval Ships from 1929. The serial number '22507' is only 806 numbers later than one on sale as a British Military WWII issue SRPA '21701'. This pistol appears to be made 125-1945. The apparatus was used as a life saving device for crew and passengers on vessels in distress that were only a few hundred metres from shore, often eliminating the need to launch a boat and risk lives to go out to the vessel in dangerous conditions. It could also be used from ship to ship rescue. The pistol would launch a line from shore to the vessel. The line would be attached to the vessel, then shore crew would send out equipment, including a breeches buoy, in which the stranded people could be pulled to shore. It has saved many lives at sea. The cartridge is loaded into the breech of the pistol and the rocket is inserted into the muzzle. On pulling the trigger, the gases generated by the fired cartridge eject the rocket on its correct line of flight, and at the same time, burst through the waterproof disc and ignite the propellant mixture, which carries the rocket and line on the remainder of the flight. The rocket consists of a weldless steel case filled with propellant mixture sealed in by a waterproof disc. Fixed to the rocket case is a direction bridle, to the end of which a short length of flexible steel wire is attached, this in turn being connected to the end of the line to be thrown. A complete rocket set, or line throwing kit. would include a wood carrying case, two coils of faked line in separate compartments, three rockets and a can of six cartridges. William Schermuly (1857 – 1929) - Founder of the Schermuly business. In 1897 he invented a trough-fired, line throwing apparatus. In 1920 he and his third son, Alfred James Schermuly, invented the pistol rocket apparatus and promoted this overseas during the 1920s. The system was approved by the British Navy in 1929 through an Act of Parliament, which made it compulsory for ships over 500 tons to carry this equipment. The company, Schermuly Pistol Rocket Apparatus Ltd., grew quickly during and after World War II but business eased off during the 1970s before it eventually closed in the 1990s. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. This line-throwing pistol is part of he Rocket Launching Equipment used to perform life-saving rescue at sea from the 1920s. It is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Pistol, line-throwing, SPRA (Schermuly's Pistol Rocket Apparatus). This line throwing pistol has a wooden pistol grip, brass trigger mechanism, and a long, wide, steel barrel with Bakelite handle attached to the top. Inscriptions are stamped onto the pistol.Stamped on handle: "5" and "[symbol of a Crown] above NP" , "22507", "[within oval] SPRA" Stamped on barrel: "L22507".gun, pistol, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, line throwing, line throwing pistol, spra, schermuly's pistol rocket apparatus, sea rescue, pyrotechnicks, marine technology, schermuly pistol rocket apparatus ltd., william schermuly, alfred schermuly, pistol line thrower, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, maritime village, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, rescue boat, lifeboat, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket apparatus, rocket rescue method, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, line throwing mortar, rocket rescue apparatus, line thrower, lifeboat warrnambool, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, beach rescue set, rocket set, schermuly, line-firing pistol, line throwing gun, pistol rocket apparatus, line throwing cartridge, line-throwing rocket, firearm, life saving, lsrc

The photos are a collection held by T. J. IRELAND C/K853677 P.O. STOKER MECHANIC RN while serving on HMS TRIUMPH, Korea 1950-53. Many are of the landings at INCHON, Sept. 1950. .1) Kure Harbour, Japan 1950. Ships assembling for the landings at INCHON, Korea. Ships across the top, left to right: HMAS SYDNEY, Fleet Oiler, VSS ANTIETAM, Hospital Ship & Japanese Coaster. In the foreground on the right, HMS BELFAST, HMS TRIUMPH, HMS CONSORT. On rear most photos are written on in blue pen. .2) INCHON landings Walmi-Do in background and landing barges - could be one I was driving. .3) Island - Walmi-Do - US landing craft. .4) INCHON landings. .5) US landing craft. .6) INCHON oil tanks and military targets on fire. .7) Grounded coaster after an air attack. .8) Two North Korean supply ships hit by rockets. .9) Korean supply vessels camouflaged. .10) Rocket attack on Korean supply vessel. .11) Sunken coaster that was carrying arms and food. .12) Sunken coaster in harbour. .13) & .14) North Korean armour taken from an observation flight. .15) & .16) Chinese tanks and armour. .17) HMS BELFAST, Fleet Oiler, HMAS WARRAMUNGA .18) Targets from rocket attacks. .19), .20) & .21) "Seafires" coming to land on HMS TRIUMPH. .22) Rearming cannon and rockets on a "Seafire'. Photos not written on, information was supplied by T.J. IRELAND. The "Seafire" was a naval adaption of the Supermarine Spitfire for carrier use..1) Photo, sepia tone, aerial view over a harbour with warships, bomb damage foreground, hills and buildings in the distance. .2) Photo, black & white, aerial view of harbour, city with several fires from shelling. .3) Photo, black & white, aerial view of island with landing craft. .4) Photo, black & white, aerial view over ships and harbour. .5) Photo, black & white, aerial view over four landing craft. .6) Photo, black & white, aerial view over city and fires. .7) Photo, black & white, aerial view over islands, boat .... small island. .8) Photo, black & white, aerial view over harbour with two boats on fire. .9) Photo, black & white, aerial view over structures covered. .10) Photo, black & white, aerial view over ship being attacked. .11) Photo, black & white, aerial view over harbour with sunken ship. .12) Photo, black & white, aerial view showing harbour, fire and sunken ship. .13) Photo, black & white, aerial view, five tanks along a road. .14) Photo, black & white, aerial view, same area as .13) showing a wider area. .15) Photo, black & white, aerial view showing tanks and armour. .16) Photo, black & white, aerial view road with armour, vehicles, people and smoke in distance. .17) Photo, black & white, aerial view showing three ships together. .18) Photo, black & white, aerial view showing a road control with targets either side on fire. .19) Photo, black & white, aerial view with aeroplane coming onto the deck of a carrier. .20) Photo, black & white, aerial view of a fighter plane. .21) Photo, black & white, on deck of a carrier. .22) Photo, black & white, rearming a plane with ammunition on carrier deck. Photos are various sizes.photos, korea, rn, inchon

During the 1950’s, the growing threat from Submarines, led the Royal Australian Navy to consider a quick reaction, long range ASW torpedo delivery system as an alternative to the USN’s ASROC and the RN’s Match. Full scale research and development began in 1960 using the Turana target drone as the basis for the delivery platform. Shipboard tests began in 1963 and the Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) began production of three variants M3, M4 and M5 in 1965. The M4 variant had a guidance system designed to interface to a full tactical data handling system while the M3 and M5 variants used a simpler system with a dedicated fire control system. The IKARA is an unmanned miniature aircraft with clip on upper and lower stabilizers and wings. The upper stabilizer (SVU) housed and electronic package that transmitted flight data back to the launch platform and received updated target acquisition data during flight. Flight maneuverability was provided by elevons fitted into the trailing edge of each wing, these were operated by an actuator system that received flight correction data transmitted to the autopilot from the fire control system. The payload, either the Mk44 or Mk46 lightweight torpedo was suspended to the underside of the airframe and faired into the body to provide and aerodynamic shape. The forward section of the body housed the autopilot and the thermal battery unit. Propulsion was provided by the MURAWA steel cased, solid propellant rocket motor with a combined boost and sustainer stage. IKARA was capable of engaging a target to the maximum range of the ships sonar, regardless of weather conditions. Target information is fed into the fire control system, which calculated to drop zone for the torpedo taking into account speed and direction of launch platform and target, win speed etc, then tracking the missile to the drop zone where command signals initiate torpedo release. The IKARA is an unmanned miniature aircraft with clip on upper and lower stabilizers and wings. navy, torpedo, rocket, submarine, missile

Shirt worn by Leading Air Mechanic Airframes Engines, Errol Desmond Shelley No:R59338 when he was hit by shrapnel. He was driving a motor pool truck back to US Bearcat Base near Bien Hoa on 22 December 1969, after a trip to Vung Tau to send flowers to the wife of a fellow serviceman to celebrate the birth of a child. An enemy rocket propelled grenade (RPG) landed 20 metres to the right of the vehicle Errol was driving, and while the passengers were able to duck for cover, as driver, Errol could not. So, when a second RPG landed behind them, Errol was hit by two pieces of shrapnel. Errol served on the HMAS Melbourne from May - Jun 1965, and then with RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam from Sept 1969 - Oct 1970. SEE PHOTOS FOR THE STORY IN ERROL'S WORDSKhaki long-sleeved shirt with button-down front, two pockets with embroidered name on right side and service name on other. Handwritten names and signatures on the back. Holes near collar at back and blood stains.E D Shelley in black thread on RHS RAN in black thread on LHS Signatures on back in inkshelley, ed shelley, shrapnel wound, blood stained, wounded, ran, hfv, bearcat

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of 2Lt Tom 'Rockets' Guivarra Mid, a fixed wing pilot with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt receives a mission brief from Bombadier Allan 'Bomber' Harris DFC, in the 161 (indep) Recce Flight prior to a mission in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam (circa Apr 1967)photograph, 2lt tom "rockets" guivarra, bombadier allan "bomber" harris, 161 recon flt, gibbons collection catalogue, phuoc tuy province, fixed wing pilot, 161 (indep) recce flt, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of 161 (Indep) Recce flight Officers, in a playful mood. Standing (L to R) Lt Ross Hutchinson (RW), Lt Kev Peacock (RW & FW), 2Lt Peter Garton (FW), 2Lt Don Trick (Operations), 2Lt Blair Weaver (RW), 2Lt Mike Meehan (RW), 2Lt Ross Goldspink (RW). 2Lt Dave McFerran (FW), Sitting (L to R) 2Lt Tom "Rockets" Guivarra MID (FW), Capt Bernie Forrest (Sect. Comd FW), Capt Phil Roberts (2IC), Maj George Constable (O.C.)(FW & RW)(Kia) Capt Peter Robinson (Engr. Officer) Capt John Coggin DFC (RW), 2Lt Adam Frisch (RW). Note (FW = Fixed Wing and RW = Rotary Wingphotograph, 161 recon flt, lt ross hutchinson, lt kev peacock, 2lt peter garton, 2lt don trick, 2lt blair weaver, 2lt mike meehan, 2lt ross goldspink, 2lt dave mcferran, 2lt tom "rockets" guivarra, capt bernie forrest, capt phil roberts, maj george constable, capt peter robinson, capt john coggin, 2lt adam frisch, gibbons collection catalogue, fight officers, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of 2Lt Tom 'Rockets' Guivarra, a fixed wing pilot with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt checks with a maintenance technician during routine maintenance on one of the flights Cessna fixed wing aircraft's engines. (Circa April 1967)photograph, 161 recon flt, 2lt tom "rockets" guivarra, cessna, gibbons collection catalogue, fixed wing pilot, 161 (indep) recce flt, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of 2Lt Tom 'Rockets' Guivarra, a fixed wing pilot with 161 (Indep) Recce Flight stamps down sandbags as he works on raising the height of the sandbag protection against NVA/VietCong attack, at the 1st Australian Task force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam. (Circa April 1967)photograph, 161 recon flt, 2lt tom "rockets" guivarra, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons, 161 (indep) recce flt, sandbags, nva/vietcong

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of 2Lt Tom 'Rockets' Guivarra, a fixed wing pilot with 161 (Indep) Recce Flight at the controls of his Cessna fixed wing aircraft, as he carries out yet another mission over the jungle of Phuoc Tuy Province searching for signs of NVA/VietCong operations.photograph, 2lt tom "rockets" guivarra, 161 recon flt, cessna, phuoc tuy province, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, 161 (indep) recce flt, fixed wing pilot, jungle, nva/vietcong, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph 161 (Indep) Recce Flight officers Capt Phil Roberts, 2Lt Adam Frisch, 2Lt Don Trick, Maj George Constable, 2Lt Mike Meehan, Lt Kev Peacock, 2Lt Blair Weaver, Capt Peter Robinson, 2Lt Ross Goldspink, 2Lt Tom "Rockets" Guivarra MID, 2Lt Dave McFerran, Capt Bernie Forrest, Capt John Coggin, Lt Ross Hutchinson and 2Lt Peter Garton posing for a team photophotograph, 161 recon flt, capt phil roberts, 2lt adam frisch, 2lt don trick, maj george constable, 2lt mike meehan, lt kev peacock, 2lt blair weaver, capt peter robinson, 2lt ross goldspink, 2lt tom "rockets" guivarra, 2lt dave mcferran, capt bernie forrest, capt john coggin, lt ross hutchinson, 2lt peter garton, gibbons collection catalogue, 161 (indep) recce flt, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph - During a lunch break at the RAAF Base at Vung Tau, Johnny O'Keefe and a female backup singer visit a crew at No. 9 Suadron's "Bushranger" Huey "Gunship" Helicopter Flight. the "Gunship" with its rockets, miniguns and side machine guns was a lethal weapon.entertainers, johnny o'keefe, raaf, vung tau, 9 squadron raaf, huey helicopter, gibbons collection catalogue, huey "gunship" helicopter flight, bushranger, denis gibbons

Yellow soft covered book with white text and image on black background on front cover.non-fictionThis series of books is the result of a study of children's interest. The Aircraft series consists of 7 books. Books 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 have information on aircraft, civil and service, their parts, marking and crew, airports, ground vehicles and buildings, aids to navigation and flying. Book 4 deals with R.A.F. and the Fleet Air Aim, and Book 5 with supersonic and space flight, rockets, satellites, spaceships and telescopes.sunshine technical school, derby road, sunshine

Report prepared by the CAC Engineering Department on the performance analysis of the Avon Sabre when equipped with Napier rocket thrust augmentation unit in the interceptor missile firing role, primarily against bombers. Includes graphs and descriptions of performance and interception/flight envelopes.Original ReportCommonwealth Aircraft Corporation, Secretavon sabre, cac sabre, napier, nasarr radar, blue jay, commonwealth aircraft corporation