Mysteries of the sea
1. The enigmatic secrets of the ocean, the intriguing tales of maritime history. The stories of HMAS Melbourne, SS Coramba, and HMAS Castlemaine have captivated the minds of many enthusiasts and historians alike
. 2. Delving into the depths of the sea, one can uncover a world of mysteries and wonders that have remained hidden for centuries. The maritime history surrounding these vessels is rich with adventure, tragedy, and heroism, making them a fascinating subject of study and exploration.
Introduction to SS Coramba
The year was 1920, a time indelibly etched in the memory of Audrey O’Callaghan, then a young girl of twelve summers. It was the day she last saw her father, Captain John Dowling, a man whose presence filled their lives with an unwavering love and the comforting scent of saltwater. The image of their parting, though decades old, remained as vivid as if it were yesterday, a poignant tableau painted in the hues of childhood innocence and a growing premonition of sorrow.
Her father, a man of the sea, was embarking on a routine voyage aboard the cargo steamer TSS Coramba, destined for Warrnambool in Victoria’s south-west to collect goods. A fortnight was all that separated them, a seemingly insignificant lapse of time in the grand scheme of things. Yet, a sense of unease, as subtle as the shifting breeze, lingered in young Audrey’s heart. They were exceptionally close, a bond forged through shared laughter, whispered secrets, and the comforting weight of his hand on her shoulder. This bond was evident in the tender goodbyes they exchanged on that fateful day. As she kissed her father, her small voice, tinged with a hint of melancholy, uttered a wish that would forever haunt her, “Dad, I wish you were at home every night like other dads.”
The Australian Submarine AE2
HMAS AE2, originally known as AE2, served as an E-class submarine of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and was commissioned in 1914. Alongside her sister submarine, HMAS AE1, AE2 undertook the longest submarine voyage at the time, sailing to Australia, marking a significant achievement for the fledgling navy.
During World War I, AE2 was deployed to German New Guinea with the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force before carrying out patrols around Fiji. Following a transfer to the Mediterranean, AE2 played a key role in the Dardanelles Campaign, becoming the first submarine to successfully navigate the waterway and enter the Sea of Marmara. Despite being scuttled due to mechanical faults and subsequently captured by the enemy, AE2 remains a symbol of bravery and resilience.
Notably, AE2 is the sole RAN vessel lost to enemy action during World War I. After its discovery in 1998 by the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, joint efforts by the Australian and Turkish Governments led to the decision to preserve the historic wreck in its final resting place.
HMAS Castlemaine, a video story
HMAS Castlemaine played a vital role in protecting Australian waters during World War II, conducting patrols, escorting convoys, and engaging in anti-submarine warfare. She also participated in the New Guinea and Timor campaigns, providing support to Allied forces in the region.
After the war, Castlemaine was used as a training ship for the Royal Australian Navy Reserve until her decommissioning in 1945. She was then transferred to the Maritime Trust of Australia and underwent restoration to become a museum ship. Today, visitors can explore the ship and learn about her history and the role she played in defending Australia during wartime.
HMAS Castlemaine stands as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the sailors who served on her during World War II, and is a valuable piece of Australia’s naval heritage.
HMAS Australia, history
HMAS Australia (I84/D84/C01), a County-class heavy cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), was a formidable vessel that played a significant role in World War II. One of two Kent-subclass ships ordered for the RAN, Australia was designed to be a powerful and versatile warship, capable of engaging enemy surface ships, aircraft and even shore installations. Launched in 1928 and commissioned in 1929, she served prominently throughout the war, participating in the Mediterranean theatre, the Indian Ocean and eventually the Pacific theatre. Her primary duties included escorting convoys, providing anti-submarine protection, engaging enemy surface vessels and supporting amphibious landings. Despite her impressive firepower and resilience, Australia faced numerous challenges during the war, including the loss of her sister ship, HMAS Canberra, during the Battle of Savo Island. The ship was eventually decommissioned in 1955 and scrapped, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination and sacrifice that remains ingrained in the history of the RAN.
Interview with Dennis Gist.The collision between the HMAS Melbourne and the HMAS Voyager
The collision between the HMAS Melbourne and the HMAS Voyager, also referred to as the Melbourne-Voyager incident or the Voyager incident, was a tragic accident that occurred on February 10, 1964. The incident took place during maneuvers off Jervis Bay, involving two warships of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
During the evening, the HMAS Melbourne’s aircraft were engaged in flying exercises, while the HMAS Voyager had been assigned the role of plane guard. The Voyager’s position was behind and to the left of the aircraft carrier, with the responsibility of rescuing any crew from ditching or crashing aircraft. As the two ships executed a series of turns to reverse their courses, the Voyager ended up ahead and to the right of the carrier.
Subsequently, the Voyager received orders to return to the plane guard position. This required the ship to turn to the right, moving away from the carrier, and then loop around behind it.
Instead, Voyager initiated a right turn, only to unexpectedly veer to the left. The crew on Melbourne’s bridge assumed that Voyager was maneuvering in a zig-zag pattern to allow the carrier to overtake her, and that Voyager would then resume its correct position behind Melbourne. However, recent investigations have revealed that Voyager’s officer of the watch was likely trying to align the ship to its proper station, rather than being inattentive.