A History of the Royal Australian Navy, Volume 1

A Navy Video produced by our Navy Video Unit, Sydney in 2008 – a navy does not drop from the clouds. It is a miraculous and delicate instrument, a creation of nerves as well as steel, united with blood as well as rivets; it is in many ways the greatest expression of a nation’s genius. Sir Louis Hamilton, Chief of Australian Naval Staff. 1945
Detail: The History of the Royal Australian Navy is an extraordinary story of drama, politics, courage, triumph and tragedy. Paralleling the Australian national experience, it spans the years since European settlement in 1788, through Federation and World Wars, through social and geopolitical upheaval, through technological revolution…. through to the present day Australia and the role of the modern fleet.

We will view the first two episodes of this excellent series: Episode 1 Traces the genesis of the Australian Navy through colonial days up to the beginning of WW I, and Episode 2 covers our involvement in the World conflict. We operated in the North Sea, Mediterranean, Pacific, the Far East and Indian Oceans. Our Australian ships and men fight alongside the R N and our allied counterparts, recording both thrilling victories and tragic losses. In the crucible of total and catastrophic war our Australian Sailors, like the ANZACs ashore, forge what will become a unique and defining national consciousness. With the centenary of ANZAC to the fore-front of our consciousness on April 27th, it will complement our celebrations as we view this excellent video, for it depicts the splendid achievements of the Navy in WWI. First in—Last out at ANZAC, is a very proud boast!!! The Silent Service did it’s job in WWI and did it extremely well, thus ensuring the final victory in 1918. Victory wasn’t possible without the tremendous sacrifices of the Army and the Flying Corps, but the ultimate aim of control of the seas was essential to achieving the defeat of our enemies in both wars!

Join us at the Melbourne Naval centre, Melbourne Naval Centre, 146W Toorak Road South Yarra. Melways 2LE4-opposite Fawkner Park in the ESU Building.

Please note our new starting time of 6 Pm when we enjoy our pre meeting supper. There is a $5 charge to defray costs: The library will be open from 5 PM