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CHAPTER 16

 

 

 

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF COMMISSIONING

 

 

 

The year 1992 saw some significant things happening to the Castlemaine, firstly was a move back up the river to No.15 North Wharf while Gem Pier was being rebuilt. The second was that 50 years before, she first Commissioned into the Navy.

Plans and arrangements to celebrate this anniversary were put into place, while an all out effort by the ships volunteer crew, to finish the upper-deck and paint the ship went ahead. By this time the ship was about 85% completed back to her 1945 configuration.

Finally on Sunday 14th June 1992, celebration day arrived, on the wharf was a display of Vintage WWII army vehicles, while on board the ships engineers were busily raising steam in both boilers. The ships volunteers along with Navy Reserve Cadets washed down the decks and prepared the seats on the wharf for the Official Guests.

In the afternoon while the Navy Band played, 34 of the original wartime crew led by Lloyd Makin, one of the last Officers to depart in Dec. 1945, marched down the wharf to form up opposite the gangway, for the short service by the Navy Chaplain. The Guest of Honour, Dame Pattie Menzies, who had launched the ship 51 years ago, then unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event. The Chairman of the Port of Melbourne Authority (formally the M.H.T., the builders of the ship) then donated a new builders plate to the ship. Among the Official guests was Mrs. M. Moss, the widow of the last Captain of the ship. Shortly afterwards as two planes from the RAAF Historic Flight flew over head, and the White Ensign was raised, the old crew members marched on board as smoke billowed from the funnel as some of them had done 50 years before.

The greatest moment for the volunteer crew was when steam was finally admitted into the engines, and slowly the main engines turned over. The ship was finally alive again after so long as a rotting hulk, made possible by the dedicated volunteers.

For the rest of the year restoration work continued on and the never ending struggle against rust continued.

With the end of the year and completion of Gem Pier approaching, the Williamstown Council, which had taken over control of the pier from the Port Authority, asked for an exorbitant yearly fee for re-berthing the ship. This was totally outside what the Trust could afford, and the ship remained at North Wharf, while negotiations were carried out.

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CHAPTER 17

A YEAR OF DOUBT AND TRAGEDY

 

 

 

With the beginning of 1993, came some doubt as to the future of the Castlemaine, as negotiations with the Williamstown Council were deadlocked over berthing fees. Having been such a tourist attraction at Gem Pier for so long, one wonders why the council were trying to put obstacles in the way of Castlemaine returning there.

The Maritime Trust of Australia had few options open to them, as while she was at North Wharf, they were not receiving an income from tourists to keep the project viable, except for school group tours.

Because of the doubt that hung over the project, a lot of the spirit of the volunteers was lost, also some of the volunteers. The Trust's main aim was to preserve the ship, even if it meant losing her to Victoria and transferring her to the National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

While all this was going on the small band of dedicated men still plodded on scraping, painting and restoring parts of the ship.

Finally in August, after a lot of negotiations and a council election, agreement was finally reached for the ship to return to Gem Pier.

But this was not to be, as tragedy struck on the night of 9th August 1993.

During a storm and high winds, the Bulk Carrier Pacprince, while coming up the river stern first, trying to berth on the opposite side of the river lost control, and collided with Castlemaine. Damage was extensive on the Stb. Side of Castlemaine, from the stern to the after end of the Forecastle deck, bending the bulwarks, guard rails, ripping out the minesweeping davit, mushroom and tank vents, breaking the mainmast, engine-room skylight and bending the engine room ventilators. Also the after Bofors Gun which had been rebuilt as new was badly bent and broken.

Fortunately all the securing lines broke under the force of the collision, except one bow line, so the ship moved forward thus saving the ship from further damage.

The following morning in the light of day, the ship looked forlorn and broken. In these few short minutes, more damage was inflicted to Castlemaine, than the enemy could do during World War II.

The Trust now had the task of negotiations on the insurance claims, surveys of the ship, and preparing defect lists for repairs. As with any insurance claims, things do not run smoothly, and the victim loses overall.

While waiting to be repaired the ship was closed to visitors, stopping the last bit of revenue.

Finally agreement was reached on the repairs and Castlemaine entered the floating dock on Thursday 7th October 1993. As soon as she was high and dry, repair work commenced and the opportunity was taken to sandblast the waterline area of the ship and give it a good coat of paint. After spending approx. 21 days in dock she was put back in the water and towed back to No.15 North Wharf to finish the upper-work repairs.

With all repairs that were to be done completed, Castlemaine finally departed North Wharf under tow by tugs supplied by Korevaar's for Williamstown, on the 1st March 1944.

Now that the ship was back at her original berth, work began on cleaning and preparing to open to the public. After nearly 2 years of virtually no revenue coming in, it was rewarding to see the visitors start coming back.

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CHAPTER 18

THE CASTLEMAINE TODAY (May 2001)

 

 

 

In 1995 the Bureau of Meterology offered to donate some obsolete ex - Naval Rader units to the Trust. They were gladly accepted and are being installed onboard as a display of Naval Radar of the period. Although they are of later design to that carried by Castlemaine they are still of interest,. There are very few examples remaining today. Some original radar equipment was purchased and is now being installed in the original Radar Room .

The beginning of 1997 saw the Naval Undergraduate Division - Engineering from HMAS Cerberus taking on the job of a complete rebuild of the ships secondary armament (40 mm Bofors gun), this was done with the help from the workshop of Lopac in Williamston.

Two years ago the volunteers removed the foremast as wood rot had set in and the structure was dangerous. Plans for a new metal mast are now ready and tenders are about to be called to replace it with a metal mast.

The main mess deck, where the sailors slung their hammocks, has been turned into a museum area and the lower mess deck has been restored to its original layout. The captains cabin and chart room have both been restored, the bridge refitted with original equipment and the galley has been fitted with modern appliances to cater for small functions. The boiler and engine rooms have been overhauled, although steam is not now raised. The officers accommodation has been rebuilt. During the past eighteen months the hull has been repainted whilst still at her Gem Pier berth

The ship is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers some of whom spend each Tuesday and another group at weekends, the weather notwithstanding, doing their best to inhibit the ravages of time and the advance of rust on an aging hull—a ship whose hull was designed to last not more than ten years but is now about to celebrate sixty years since her launch in August 1941

Through the efforts of the volunteers the ship is being preserved for all to view and hopefully appreciate the conditions of living, working, fighting in a World War II warship.

Some of the old Corvette men who manned these ships, still come down to help with painting and chipping during the week and reminisce about old times.

Castlemaine also has the distinction of being the first warship to be preserved in Australia. Since then the World War II frigate Diamantina has been preserved by the Queensland Maritime Museum and the post war destroyer Vampire has been leased to the new National Maritime Museum at Sydney.

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CHAPTER 19

THE FUTURE

 

 

 

The future of the ship will rely on the continued support of the volunteers and the visitors to her at the weekends, who through an admission charge help to cover maintenance costs and operating costs e.g.. water, telephone, electricity and insurance.

Revenue raised by the Maritime Trust of Australia is put back into the ship, buying spare parts when available and the enhancement of the museum by purchasing suitable artifacts . There are two substantial costs in the offing::

    1. the cost of the new mast and its rigging
    2. the cost of docking and repainting of the underwater section of the hull.

It is hoped that she will continue to be a tourist attraction, for many years to come.

This can only happen with the support of more volunteers who are willing to give up some of their time at the weekends, be they trades people or professionals who can seek sponsorships.

The Maritime Trust of Australia of Australia is a self supporting organisation, operating without Government funding, and needs help of the public to continue the work already started for future generations.

 

 

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APPENDIX A

 

 

 

YARD No. 23

 

 

 

Laid down on the 17th. February, 1941, at the Melbourne Harbour Trust Dockyard, Williamstown. (later H.M.A.Dockyard. then AMECON.and now Tenix)

 

Launched on the 7th. August, 1941, as CASTLEMAINE by Mrs. R.G. Menzies,(later Dame Pattie) wife of the then Prime Minister.

 

Commissioned as H.M.A.S. CASTLEMAINE on the 17th. June, 1942, at Williamstown, Victoria.

 

 

 

COMMANDING OFFICERS

 

17th June, 1941 - 11th March, 1944.

Lt.-Cdr. P.J. Sullivan. V.R.D. Royal Australian Navy .R.(S)

b. Sydney - 10th August 1897. d. 16th. October 1987.

11th March, 1944 - 22nd June, 1944.

Lt.-Cdr. B. Paul. D.S.C. R.D. Royal Australian Navy .R.(S)

b. London - 6th September 1904. d. ?

22nd June, 1944 - 4th November, 1944.

Lt. G.S. Gordon. Royal Australian Navy .

b. ? d. ?

4th November,1944 - 13th November 1944

(Acting Commander)

Lt. F.B. Moss. Royal Australian Navy .V.R.(S)

b. 6th. October, 1907 d. ?

13th November, 1944 - 18th May, 1945

Lt.- Cdr. P.G.Collins. Royal Australian Navy .R.(S)

b. Leicester - 14th April, 1901. d. 1978

18th May, 1945 - December 1945

Lt. F.B. Moss. Royal Australian Navy .V.R. d. ?

b.6th. October, 1907

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APPENDIX B

 

TECHNICAL DETAILS

 

Displacement:

 

733 Standard Tons.

     

Dimensions:

Length

186'.0" (O.L.)

 

Beam

31'.0"

 

Draft

8'.5"

 

Armament: (As Completed)

   
 

1

4" B.L. Mk.IX* on a CP MkI. Mounting

 

2

20 mm Oerlikons (Bridge Pt. & Stb.))

 

1

20 mm Oerlikon (Aft) Mk. V Mounting

 

1

303 Bren Gun

 

2

303 Lewis Machine Guns.

 

1

Depth Charge Thrower Mk. II

 

1

Depth Charge Thrower Mk. II.A

 

2

Double Depth Charge Chutes.

 

2

PAC Projectors

 

1

 

 

(After 1943 Refit)

1

Mk. XIX 4" Q.F. gun on a CP Mk.XXIII Mounting

 

2

20mm Oerlikons (Bridge Pt. & Stb.)

 

1

20mm Oerlikon (Aft) Mk. V Mounting

 

2

303 Lewis Machine Guns.

 

1

303 Bren Gun

 

1

Depth Charge Thrower Mk.II

 

1

Depth Charge Thrower Mk.II.A

 

2

Double Depth Charge Chutes.

 

2

Single Depth Charge Chutes.

 

2

PAC Projectors

     
     

 

(After 1944 Refit)

1

Mk. XIX 4" Q.F. gun on a CP Mk. XXIII* Mounting

 

2

20mm Oerlikons(Bridge Pt. & Stb.)

 

1

Bofors Mk.I (40 mm) (Aft) on a Mk. 111 Mounting.

 

2

303 Lewis Machine Guns.

 

1

303 Bren Gun

 

2

Depth Charge Throwers. Mk.IV

 

2

Double Depth Charge Chutes.

 

2

Single Depth Charge Chutes.

 

2

PAC Projectors

 

Ammunition: (As Completed.)

20

 

4" B.L. SAP Shells.

 

40

 

4" B.L. HEDA Shells

 

40

 

4" B.L. HETF Shells

 

9

 

4" B.L. Practice Shells

 

109

 

9 lb. Cordite Charges.

 

3000

 

Rounds 20 mm Oerlikon.

 

20

 

Depth Charges

 

20

 

Boxes - .303 Lewis Ball.

 

3

 

Boxes - .455 Bullets

 

1

 

Box - .303 1/2" Rifle Grenades.

 

1

 

Boxes - .303 Rifle Ball.

 

(After 1943 refit.)

60

 

4" Fixed SAP Shells.

 

80

 

4" Fixed HEDA Shells.

 

20

 

4" Fixed Shrapnel Shells.

 

12

 

4" Fixed Practice

 

40

 

Starshells.

 

3000

 

Rounds 20 mm Oerlikon.

 

40

 

Depth Charges

 

7200

 

Rounds .303 Lewis Ball

 

9750

 

Rounds .303 ball

 

3

 

Boxes. 455 Bullets.

 

1

 

Box 1 ½ " Rifle Grenades

 

(After 1944 refit.)

 

60

 

4" Fixed SAP Shells.

 

80

 

4" Fixed HEDA Shells

 

20

 

4" Fixed Shrapnel Shells.

 

12

 

4" Fixed Practice Shells

 

40

 

Starshells

 

60

 

Boxes 40 mm Shells.

 

2000

 

Rounds 20 mm Oerlikon.

 

40

 

Depth Charges.

 

7200

 

Rounds .303 Lewis Ball.

 

9750

 

Rounds .303 ball.

 

3

 

Boxes - .455 Bullets.

 

1

 

Box - 1 1/2" Rifle Grenades

 

 

Machinery:

2

Yarrow Admiralty 3 Drum Type Boilers. 200 P.S.I

by Cockatoo Docks & Engineering Co.

 

2

1000 H.P. Triple Expansion. Steam Engines By Thompsons

Engineering & Pipe Co., Castlemaine.

 

2

35 Kw. Steam Driven Generating Sets. 220 Volts D.C.

by Kelly & Lewis.

 

1

25 Kw. 4 cyl.Southern Cross Diesel Generating Set.

220 Volts DC. By Toowoomba Foundry.

 

1

42Kw. 6 cyl Gardiner Diesel Generating Set.

190 Volt D.C. for Degaussing and "LL" Magnetic Sweep

 

 

Speed:

13 knots (Designed 15) at load draft

   

Endurance:

2600 miles at 10 knots.

   

Fuel

160 tons Furnace Fuel Oil

 

6 tons Diesel Oil

Fresh Water:

40 tons

   

Fresh Provisions:

10 Days Supply

   

Dry Provisions:

4 Months

   

Complement:

89 plus

   

Cost:

Approx. £ 250,000 (A$ 500,000)

   

Minesweeping:

Paravanes for Contact Mines

 

"LL" Sweep for Magnetic Mines

 

S.A. Type C Oscillator for Acoustic Mines

   

Anti-Submarine:

Type 128B Asdic

   

(After 1943 Refit)

   
 

Type 128C Asdic

   
   
   

Radar:

(As Completed)

   
 

Early R.D.F. (R.A.A.F design)

 

Type 286P Reciever. AR 301. Transmitter. AT 300

   
 

(After 1943 Refit)

   
 

Type A.272 Surface Warning

   
 

Type A.286p Surface / Air Warning

   
 

I.F.F. ABK5 Interrogator

   
 

(After 1944 Refit)

   
 

Type A272 Surface Warning.

   
 

Type A286Q Surface/Air warning.

   
 

I.F.F. Type 253 Responder

   

Navigation:

Sperry Mark XIV Gyro Compass

   
 

Direction Finder. AWA Type C 143A

   
 

Type 765 Echo Sounder

   

Radio:

Transmitter AWA Type 18J5385 500 watts M/F and H/F with MCW and CW.

   
 

Emergency Transmitter Type K5394

Spark Quenched gap 100 watts on a frequency of 500 KHz

   
 

Receiver H/F AWA Marine Type 2C6940 6 Valve superheterodyne 3 bands.

(a) 1.5 - 3 KHx, (b) 2.8 - 8.5 MHz. (c) 7.5 - 23 MHz.

   
 

Receiver L/F AWA Marine Type 1C6940 6 valve superheterodyne 4 bands.

(a)3,000 - 1,500 KHz, (b) 1,700-600 KHz, (c) 665 - 230 Hz. (d) 260 -100 KHz

   
 

(1943 Refit)

   
 

Receiver R.C.8. H/F installed

   

Call Sign:

VLCA

   

 

 

 

 

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APPENDIX C

 

Ships Company 1942 - 1945

 

Following is an incomplete list of Officers and Crew who served onboard Castlemaine at various times during the period 1942-1945.

* Denotes deceased when known.

OFFICERS

Appointed to Castlemaine while building.

Booth. Robert W

S.Lt.

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Apr. - Jun. 1942

Brown. James R

Lt. (E)

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Apr. - Jun. 1942

Burke. Anthony V

Lt. (E)

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Jan. - Apr. 1942

       

Sullivan. Philip J. *

Lt.Cdr

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Apr. - Jun. 1942

       

*************

       

Appointed to Ship June 1942 - Dec. 1945.

       

Booth. Robert W

Lt.

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Jun 42 - Sept. 1942

Browning. Neil G.

Mid

Royal Australian Navy VR

Apr. 42 - Oct. 1944

       

Collins. Paul B. *

Lt. Cdr.

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Nov. 44 - May 194

Coupe. John R.G.

S.Lt.

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Jan. 42 - Mar. 1944

       

Delaney. Kevin M

S.Lt

Royal Australian Navy VR

Apr. 42 - Sept. 1944

Dooley. A

S.Lt.

Royal Australian Navy VR

Sept. 42 - Dec. 1944

Downey. Ronald K.J *

Lt

Royal Australian Navy VR

Oct. 43 - Sept. 1944

       

Gordon. G.S

Lt.

Royal Australian Navy

Jun. 44 - Nov. 1944

       

Johnson. Keith J. *

Lt.

Royal Australian Navy R

Jan. 45 - Dec. 1945

 

 

 

 

Mackay. M.F.

Lt.

Royal Australian Navy R

Jun. 45 - Dec. 1945

McGarvey. J.M.

S.Lt.

Royal Australian Navy VR

Jun. 45 - Dec. 1945

Makin. Lloyd

Mid/S.Lt

Royal Australian Navy VR

Sept. 44 - Dec. 1945

Moss. F.R.B. *

Lt.

Royal Australian Navy VR

Jan. 44 - Dec.1945

       

Paul. Basil.

Lt.Cdr.

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Mar. 44 - Jun. 1944

Powell. Peter I.

S.Lt.

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Jun. 42 -July 1943

       

Robertson. John D.C.

Lt

Royal Australian Navy VR

Apr. 42 -May 1943

       

Scutt. Carl B

Lt.

Royal Australian Navy VR

Apr. 44 - ___ 1944

Sullivan. Phillip J. * (Sully)

Lt.Cdr.

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Jun. 42 - Mar. 194

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Truscott. Horace N.

Mid.

Royal Australian Navy R(R)

Jan. 43 - Mar. 1943

       

Williams. Leanard D. * (Bungy)

Lt.Cdr.

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Jun. 42 - Nov.1943

Wilson. Tom. *

Lt. (E)

Royal Australian Navy R(S)

Jun. 42 - Feb. 1944

Wogan-Brown. Donald.

Mid

Royal Australian Navy R

Jul. 43 - Dec. 1943

 

 

 

 

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CREW

Ships Company 17 June 1942 To 20 December 1945

 

NAME

 

Royal Australian Navy K

RATE

PERIOD FROM -TO

         

Adams. Les

 

A/B

Asdic

- Dec 1945

Alcock. K.R

 

A/B

Radar

Mar. 45 - Dec. 1945

Anderson. Don

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Anderson. Eric W

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Anderson. Frank

   

S/Cook

 

Antony. Jack

 

A/B

Gunnery

-Dec 1945

Archibald. Alan

 

P.O

Radar Mech

 

Ashford. Len

(The Beast)

L/S

Signalman

 

Bailey. Arthur J.

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Bartlett. Jim

 

P.O

Motor-mech

 

Beams. Lou

 

A/B

Torpedo

Royal Australian Navy .

 

Bennett. F.C.

(Clem)

L/S

Torpedo

 

Bennett. Tom A

(Wiggy

A/B

Gunnery

 

Blackford R.F

       

Bolger. Stan

   

Stoker

-Dec. 1945

Bourke. Laurie M.*

(Blue)

LDG

Steward

Royal Australian Navy

 

Boxhall. Glanville T.*

 

L/S

Telegraphist

Royal Australian Navy

 

Brady. Harold

 

A/B

   

Brandon. Albert*

(Pop)

A/B

Gunnery

Royal Australian Navy

 

Bray. John

   

Stoker.

 

Brewer. John B.

   

Telegraphist

 

Brown. F.J.

     

- Dec. 1945

Brown. Robert F.

   

Stoker

Royal Australian Navy

 

Burge. Ken*

(Mick)

Ldg.

Stoker

Royal Australian Navy

- Dec. 1945

Callahan K.J.

       

Campbell J.J.

       

Carter. Arthur

(Nick)

A/B

Radar.

Aug. 44 -

         

Carter. Laurie

(Nick)

O/D

   

Carter. Ron

(Nick)

Ldg

Stoker.

Royal Australian Navy

 

Chandler. Peter G.

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Chastney. Alan *

 

P.O

Stoker

Royal Australian Navy

 

Chiperfield.

 

A/B

Asdic

 

Cochrane. Jack F.D.

 

A/B

Radar

Aug. 44 -Dec. 1945

Colley. Richard*

(Dick)

A/B

Radar

Jul. .44 - Dec. 1945

Considine. Pat

   

E.R.A

- Dec. 1945

Cook. Edward

(Ted)

A/B

QO

 

Cooper. Peter C.

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Copley R.L.

       

Corke. John G.

   

Stoker

 

Cossins. Artie

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Cottier. Norm H

 

A/B

Torpedo

- Dec. 1945

Courtney. Dean *

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Cox. R

(Bert)

 

E.R.A.

 

Crawford. Frank*

(Joe)

 

Stoker

 

Creighton. Ben*

(Benny)

A/B

(Tanky)

 

Cresswell. Lloyd George. *

 

Ldg.

Torpedo

Royal Australian Navy

 

Cullen. Ron

(Snow)

Stoker

 

-Dec. 1945

Cullen. Ronald B.

(Curley)

 

Telegraphist

 

Cussack. Tom

(Tassie)

L/S

Asdic

Royal Australian Navy

 

Cowley. Robert

(Bob)

 

S/Cook

 
         

Davey C.J.

       

Davis. Ted

(Taffy)

A/B

Torpedo

Royal Australian Navy

 

Davies. Alan J

(Bonk)

A/B

QO

 

Deeble. Frank

(Jack)

A/B

Gunnery

 

Dengate. Jack

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Devonshire. Geoff

(PeeWee)

O/D

   

Dix R.

       

Dixon W.R.

       

Dobbin. Kieth

(Roscoe)

A/B

   

Dorrington. H.L

(Doc)

SBA

   

Doughney. Arthur *

     

Jun. 42 - Oct. 1943

Douglas. Charlie

 

A/B

Torpedo

RN

 

Douglas. Frank P. *

(Ike)

 

E.R.A.

- Dec. 1945

Downes. J.B

 

A/B

 

1943 -

Dresser A.C.

       

Drysdale. Stewart M.*

(Stew)

L/S

Supply Asst.

- Dec. 1945

Dufty. Frank

 

L/S

Torpedo

Royal Australian Navy

 

Dungey. Gorden L.

 

A/B

Wireman

 

Dunkerly. Cliff

 

L/S

Supply Asst

Royal Australian Navy

 

Dyker. Bruce

(Ed)

 

Telegraphist

 
         
         

Eland.

(Tassie)

A/B

Gunnery

 

English. A.

       

English. Douglas

(Doug)

A/B

Gunnery

 

Englis. Peter

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Evans. Ray

 

A/B

Radar

Apr. 44-

         

Faulkner. George

 

A/B

Asdic

 

Felschow. George

 

A/B.

Asdic

 

Felschow. John

   

S/Cook

 

Fenton. Ken

(Digger)

 

Stoker

Jul. 43 - Dec. 1945

Fisher. Robert

   

Asdic

 

Ford. Andy

 

A/B.

   

Ford. Paul A.

(Paffy)

 

Stoker

-Dec .1945

Foreman. Arthur F.

(Lofty)

L/S

 

- Dec. 1945

Foster C.

       

Fowler. R.

     

- Dec. 1945

Freer. William A

(Bill)

 

O/Cook

 

.

       

Frilay. Vincent

(Vin)

L/S

Supply

Mar. 42 -Jul. 1942

Frost. Jack

 

A/B

   

Fuller. Ben B

 

P.O

Coxswain

Royal Australian Navy

- Aug. 1944

         

Gabielson. Ray

   

V/Signalman

 

Gallagher. Joe *

   

V/Signalman

 

George. O.

 

A/B

Radar.

Dec. 43 - Mar. 1944

Gifford. Harry J. *

 

P.O

Telegraphist.

Royal Australian Navy

- Dec. 1945

Gleadhill. P.C.

     

- Dec. 1945

Green. William

(Bill)

A/B

Gunnery

 

Grey.

(Dolly)

A/B

Gunnery

 

Griffen. Jack

 

A/B

   

Grunwald. Les C.

 

L/S

S/Cook

Royal Australian Navy

 

Gunney. Don

 

L/S

Telegraphist

 

Gunter. Ian. *

(Gash)

L/S

Stoker

Royal Australian Navy

 

Gurney. C.J.

(Bluey)

   

- Dec. 1945

Gurr. Robert

(Bob)

L/S

S/Cook

 
         

Hardwicke. Geoff

 

A/B

   

Harris. Clem

(Darkie)

A/B

   

Hazeldine. William

(Bill.)

 

E.R.A.

 

Hill. Stan

 

A/B

Radar

 

Hobson.

(Fatty)

 

Stoker

 

Hocking. Paul

(Sticks)

 

Stoker

Jul. 43 - Dec.1945

Hogan. Reg

 

P.O.

Stoker

RAN

Jun. 42 - Dec. 1945

Holloway. Hubert

(Herb)

A/B

Radar

Jul. 42 - Aug. 1943

Holmes R.

       

Humphries.

(Foo)

A/B

Gunnery

 
         

Inglis P.G.

       
         

Jacobs. A

 

A/B

 

Jan. 42 - Jun. 1942

         

Keene. Jack

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Kelly. Jim

 

A/B

   

Kelly. Les

   

Asdic

- Dec. 1945

Kennett. Neil C. *

 

A/B

Radar

Jul. 42 - Sept. 1943

Kenny. Les B. *

   

Asdic

 

King. Ron

(Handsome)

A/B

Gunnery

 

Kline. Tom *

   

S/Cook

 

Kneale N.

       

Knowles. Fred M.

(Snull)

CPO

E.R.A.

Dec. 1945

Kusch. Robert

(Blue)

A/B

Torpedo

 
         

Lang. Martin *

(Marty)

 

Supply/Asst

 

Lawrie. William

(Bill)

A/B

Asdic

 

Leahy.

 

A/B.

Radar

Aug. 43 - Sept. 1943

Leovald. Jack *

(Lillywhite)

P.O.

Stoker

 

Leubra. Edward

(Teddy)

 

Stoker

 

Leyland. Keith

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Loats. Les

 

L/S

S/Cook.

 

Lynch. Frank E.

(Eric)

 

Coder

- Dec. 1945

Lynch. Ron

       
         

McCauley. S.E.

     

- Dec. 1945

McCormack. Jack *

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

McGraw. S.

     

- Dec. 1945

McKay. Frank *

       

McKenzie. Arthur M.

 

A/B

Radar

Jul. 44 - Dec. 1945

McKinnon. Malcolm

(Mac)

 

Stoker

- Dec. 1945

McLennon. William

(Bill)

 

E.R.A.

 

Mace. Fred

 

P.O

Coxswain

RAN

 

Mantell. Arthur D.

 

A/B

Radar

Jul. 42 - Jan. 1944

March B.

       

Marks. William

(Bill)

P.O

Stoker

Royal Australian Navy

 

Marshall.

 

A/B

   

Martin. Fred

(Pincher)

A/B

Gunnary

 

Martin. Malcom L. *

   

Coder

 

Mein J.D.

       

Middlebrook. Charles L

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Miller. William L.

(Dusty)

A/B

Gunnery

 

Milligan.

 

A/B.

Radar.

Dec. 43 -

Mills. Vaughn

   

Stoker

 

Mollett A.

       

Moore R.R.

       

Moorman. George

 

act./P.O

   

Moses. Geoff

   

V/Signalman

 

Mosman. Edward *

(Snow)

 

Coder.

 

Mountford. Norm

(Snow)

A/B

Torpedo

 

Mousley. Les

 

A/B

Gunnery

- Dec. 1945

Munday. Tom

 

L/S

 

Royal Australian Navy

 

Murphy. Joe

   

V/Signalman

 

Murray.

 

Act. L/S

Steward

 
         

Neale. J.

     

Dec. 1945

Nelson Les

(Horace)

L/S

V/Signalman

 

Ness. Graham

(Rudy)

A/B

Gunnery

 

Newman. Doug

(Bishop)

O/D

Radar

Jul. 42 - Sept. 1943

Newton. W.

     

- Dec. 1945

         

Oldfield. Thomas *

   

E.R.A

 

Oldfield. William.F. *

   

Stoker

 

Orford. Lyn

(Joe)

 

Stoker

 
         

Page. H.

     

- Dec. 1945

Page. H.R.

(Sam)

 

S/Cook

- Dec. 1945

Palamountain. W.J.

(Bill)

A/B

Radar

Jul. 42 - Jan. 1944

Paterson. Don

       

Payne. Ray A

(Wacka)

P.O.

Coxswain

Royal Australian Navy

- Dec. 1945

Payne. W.

(Bill)

     

Payne. W.J.

(Tom)

L/S

Stoker

Royal Australian Navy

 

Penlake. Jack

       

Penny. Ted

(Lofty)

 

Stoker

 

Pepper. William

(Bill)

A/B

Radar

Sept. 43 -

Perry. R.

(Bob)

A/B

   

Peterson. Don

 

A/B

Asdic

 

Pike. Collin

 

L/S

Signalman

RAN

 

Poughney. Arty

 

A/B

   

Powell. Stan *

 

P.O

Radio Mech

- Dec. 1945

Prendergast. Jim

   

V/Signalman

- Dec. 1945

Press. Frank E.

 

A/B

Gunnery

- Dec. 1945

Provos. Stan

 

A/B

   

Quelch. Arthur

(Pappy)

P.O

Stoker.

 
         

Reed. Ken F.

 

A/B

Radar

Jul.44 -

Reid D.A

       

Reynolds. A

(Snow)

A/B

Asdic

 

Richards. W

 

A/B

   

Riley. Laurie C. *

(Paddy)

A/B

   

Robertson. C.R.

 

O/D

Radar

Nov. 43

Rodger. John

(Jack)

A/B

Asdic

 

Rose. Les

(Huck

A/B

Gunnery

 

Ross. J.T.

       

Ross. Norm

 

A/B

Gunnery

44 - Dec. 1945

Rotherwell.

 

A/B

Radar

Sept. 45 -

Rowe. Jack

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Rowe. Warwick G.

   

Supply Asst.

- Dec. 1945

Rowlands. S.J.

     

- Dec. 1945

Ruxton B.

       
         

Searles A.

       

Seaward. Frank. *

A/B

Asdic

 

- Dec. 1945

Seidenburg L.H.

       

Selman. J.H

     

- Dec. 1945

Sharkey. Jack

 

A/B

QO

 

Simmonds. John

 

A/B

Asdic.

 

Skewes. Eric

   

S/Cook

 

Slade. Harold

 

A/B

   

Smith.

 

P.O

Coxswain

 

Smith. Richard

(Smouge)

 

Stoker

 

Stephens. Frank

   

Stoker

 

Steward. William

(Bill)

 

Telegraphist

Sep. 44 -

Stirton. D.L

 

A/B

Radar

Sep. 43 -

Stone. Robert

(Bob)

A/B

Gunnery

- Dec. 1945

Straatman. Eric

   

E.R.A.

- Dec. 1945

Strang. Ron

(Tiger)

 

Stoker

Jul. 43 - Dec. 1945

Strange. Ron G.

 

A/B

Radar

Jul. 44 - Dec. 1945

Sutton. John

 

A/B

Radar

Sep. 43 -

Sweeney. Ray

   

Stoker

Jul. 43 - Dec. 1945

         

Tannock. Bruce

(Garry)

A/B

Gunnery

 

Taylor. W.R.

(Doc)

SBA

   

Teagle. William *

(Bill)

P.O

Stoker

 

Terry. Robert

       

Thomasson. Ken

 

A/B

Asdic

 

Townsend. Ray F. *

(Young)

A/B

Radar

Jul. 42 - Nov. 1943

Trezise. Hugh G.

(Tojo)

 

O/Steward

Jun. 42 - Dec. 1945

Turnbull. W.K.

   

V/Signalman

 

Turner. Ernest A. *

 

A/B

Gunnery

- Dec. 1945

Tucker. W.B.

       

Twist. G.H..

(Olly)

A/B

Torpedo

 
         

Uden. Donald

(Duck)

 

Stoker(E/Writer)

Jan. 42- 1944

         

Veale. Jack

   

Stoker (E/Writer)

- Dec. 1945

Vince. Bob

   

Telegraphist

- Dec. 1945

Vockenson. Norm A

(Tanks)

A/B

Gunnery

- Dec. 1945

         

Wahlert. Ted E.

(Snowy)

 

E.R.A.

 

Ware. Robert

(Dungy)

A/B

Gunnery

 

Welch

(Pop)

 

Stoker

 

Wentriro. Raymond

(1-3-O)

A/B

   

Wertheimer. Arnold

(Wert)

Coder

 

- Dec. 1945

Weston. J.C.

(Aggie)

 

V/Signalman

 

Westwood. William

(Bill)

P.O

Coxswain

- Dec. 1945

Wigley. Lance

 

A/B

Gunnery

 

Wilkie. R.

     

- Dec. 1945

Wilks. Ken

 

L/S

V/Signalman

 

Williams. W.J.

       

Williamson. John D

(Dave)

 

Telegraphist

 

Winter. J.R.

   

E.R.A.

 

Woods. Stan

 

L/S

Torpedo

- Dec. 1945

Workman. C.E.

(Shorty)

A/B

Torpedo

 

Wright. K.D.

(Shiner)

 

E.R.A.

 

Wright. W.A.

(Shiner)

 

Stoker.

 

Wylie. Jim

   

Stoker.

- Dec. 1945

         

Young. D.J.

 

O/D

Radar.

Aug. 43 - Sept. 1943

 

 

 

 

The underlined names were part of the caretaker crew after the 20th December 1945.

Royal Australian Navy indicates those officers and crew who were permanent naval members and signed on for twelve years.

There are many gaps in the above information. Readers who have further information are invited to correspond via email.

 

Back to contents

APPENDIX D

SHIPYARDS

SHIPS BUILT BY COCKATOO ISLAND, DOCKYARD

 

 

   

LAID DOWN

LAUNCHED

COMMISSION

           

RN

BATHURST

J158

10/2/1940

1/8/1941

6/12/1940

RN

GOULBURN

J167

10/7/1940

16/11/1940

28/2/1941

RN

BENDIGO

J187

12/8/1940

1/3/1941

0/5/1941

RN

CESSNOCK

J751

16/4/1941

17/8/1941

20/1/1942

RN

WOLLONGONG

J172

29/1/1941

5/7/1941

23/10/1941

RIN

MADRAS

J237

4/8/1941

7/2/1942

22/5/1942

RIN

BENGAL

J243

3/12/1941

28/5/1942

8/8/1942

 

GLENELG

J236

2/3/1942

25/9/1942

6/11/1942

           
           
           

SHIPS BUILT BY MORTS DOCK SYDNEY

           
           
           

RN

LISMORE

JI45

1/3/1940

10/8/1940

25/1/1941

RN

BURNIE

JI98

3/6/1940

25/10/1940

15/4/1941

 

LITHGOW

J206

19/8/1940

21/12/1940

14/6/1941

 

WARRNAMBOOL

J202

13/11/1940

8/5/1941

23/9/1941

 

MILDURA

J207

23/9/1940

15/5/1941

23/7/1941

 

DELORAINE

J232

19/3/1941

26/7/1941

22/11/1941

 

COLAC

J242

18/4/1941

13/8/1941

6/1/1942

RIN

PUNJAB

J239

26/5/1941

10/10/1941

6/3/1942

RIN

BOMBAY

J249

19/7/1941

6/12/1941

1/5/1942

 

ARMIDALE

J240

1/9/1941

23/1/1942

11/6/1942

 

DUBBO

J251

13/10/1941

7/3/1942

31/7/1942

 

INVERELL

J233

6/12/1941

2/5/1942

17/9/1942

 

LATROBE

J234

27/1/1942

19/6/1942

6/11/1942

 

WAGGA

J315

9/3/1942

5/7/1942

8/12/1942

 

 

 

SHIPS BUILT BY WALKERS LTD. MARYBOROUGH

 

   

LAID DOWN

LAUNCHED

COMMISSION

           
           

RN

MARYBOROUGH

J195

16/4/1940

17/10/1940

12/6/1941

RN

TOOWOOMBA

J157

6/8/1940

26/3/1941

9/10/1941

 

ROCKHAMPTON

J203

6/11/1940

26/6/1941

21/1/1942

 

RN

CAIRNS

J183

31/3/1941

5/7/1941

11/5/1942

RN

TAMWORTH

J181

25/8/1941

14/3/1942

8/8/1942

 

BOWEN

J285

9/2/1942

11/7/1942

9/11/1942

 

GLADSTONE

J324

4/8/1942

26/11/1942

22/3/1943

           
           
           

SHIPS BUILT BY M.H.T WILLIAMSTOWN DOCKYARD

(LATER NAVAL DOCKYARD)

           

RN

BALLARAT

J184

17/4/1940

10/12/1940

30/8/1941

 

GEELONG

J201

16/10/1940

22/4/1941

16/1/1942

 

CASTLEMAINE

J244

17/2/1941

7/8/1941

17/6/1942

 

ECHUCA

J252

22/2/1941

17/1/1942

7/9/1942

 

HORSHAM

J235

26/6/1941

23/5/1942

18/11/1942

 

SHEPPARTON

J248

14/11/1941

15/8/1942

1/2/1943

 

BENALLA

J323

24/3/1942

19/12/1942

27/4/1943

 

STAWELL

J348

18/6/1942

3/4/1943

7/8/1943

           
           
           
           

SHIPS BUILT BY POOLE & STEELE, SYDNEY

           
           
           
 

KATOOMBA

J204

9/9/1940

16/4/1941

17/12/1941

RN

GERALDTON

J178

20/3/1940

16/8/1941

6/3/1942

 

WALLAROO

J222

24/4/1941

18/2/1942

15/7/1942

 

KAPUNDA

J218

27/8/1941

23/6/1942

21/10/1942

 

COOTAMUNDRA

J316

20/2/1942

3/12/1942

30/4/1943

 

COWRA

J351

12/8/1942

27/5/1943

8/11/1943

 

JUNEE

J362

17/2/1943

16/11/1943

11/4/1944

 

SHIPS BUILT BY BROKEN HILL PTY. LTD. WHYALLA

 

   

LAID DOWN

LAUNCHED

COMMISSION

           
           

RN

WYHALLA

J153

27/7/1940

12/5/1941

8/1/1942

RN

KALGOORLIE

J192

26/7/1940

7/8/1941

7/4/1942

RN

GAWLER

J188

24/1/1941

4/10/1941

14/8/1942

RN

PIRIE

J189

19/5/1941

3/12/1941

10/10/1942

           
           
           

SHIPS BUILT BY EVANS DEAKIN & Co. Ltd., BRISBANE

           
           
 

TOWNSVILLE

J205

4/11/1940

13/5/1941

19/12/1941

RN

LAUNCESTON

J179

23/10/1940

30/6/1941

27/4/1942

RN

IPSWICH

J186

6/3/1941

11/8/1941

13/6/1942

RN

BROOME

J191

31/3/1941

6/10/1941

29/7/1942

 

BUNDABURG

J231

7/6/1941

1/12/1941

12/9/1942

 

GYMPIE

J283

27/8/1941

30/1/1942

4/11/1942

 

BUNBURY

J242

1/11/1941

16/5/1942

3/1/1943

 

FREMANTLE

J246

11/2/1942

18/8/1942

24/3/1943

 

ARARAT

K34

6/7/1942

20/2/1943

26/6/1943

 

KIAMA

J253

26/11/1942

9/7/1943

26/10/1944

 

PARKES

J361

16/3/1943

30/10/1943

25/5/1944

           
           
           

SHIPS BUILT BY NEWCASTLE STATE DOCKYARD, NEWCASTLE

           
 

STRAHAN

J363

19/10/1942

12/7/1943

14/3/1944

           
           
           

 

SHIPS TO BE BUILT AT GARDEN REACH DOCKYARD,

CALCUTTA

           
           

RIN

ASSAM

J322

CANCELLED MARCH 1945

RIN

GONDWHANA

J321

CANCELLED MARCH 1945

RIN

SIND

J320

CANCELLED MARCH 1945

APPENDIX E

 

Back to contents

FATE OF THE CORVETTES

 

ARARAT F Class Reserve 11/4/1947. Sold 6/1/1961 to Burns Philip & Co. Resold to Fugita Salvage, depart for Japan 26/7/1961, towing a floating crane. Broken up 1962.

 

ARMIDALE Sunk 1st. December 1942 by Japanese Planes in the Timor Sea.

 

BALLARAT Paid Off 27/9/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 10/7/1947, to ChinaTraders Ltd. Converted to a Merchant Ship by Groom Bros. Sydney. Renamed CARMENCITA. Remained at Sydney. Export license cancelled 1951, by Commonwealth Government. Laid up. Resold to John Manners & Co (Aust.) Pty Ltd. 1953 Broken up November 1953 at Sydney.

 

BATHURST Paid Off 27/9/1946. F class Reserve Sold to T. Carr& Co. 21/6/1948. Remained at Sydney and sank at moorings 16/6/1950.

Refloated -/11/1950. Broken up in Sydney 1950.

 

BENALLA Paid off 28/1/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 20/2/1958, to Mitsubishi Shoji Kaisha Ltd.. Towed to Japan from Sydney 25/4/1958, by tug TOKUSHIMA MARU Broken up, Yokohama.

 

BENDIGO Paid Off 27/9/46. F Class Reserve. Sold 5/5/1947, to Ta Hing Co. Hong Kong. Converted to merchantman, renamed CHEUNG HING Sold to Chinese Navy 1959. Rebuilt as Warship LOYANG Not listed 1988.

 

BOWEN Paid Off 17/1/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 18/5/1956. Towed to Hong Kong from Williamstown 5/7/1956 along with LATROBE by the tug BUSTLER. Broken up by Hong Hong Rolling Mills Ltd.

 

BROOME Laid up -/1/1946. Sold to Turkish Navy, depart Fremantle 4/5/1946. Commissioned as ALANYA 24/8/1946. Broken up 1975.

 

BUNBURY Paid Off 26/8/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 6/1/1961, to Kino Shito (Aust) Pty. Ltd. Towed to Japan from Sydney 26/2/1961 along with BUNDABERG by tug BENTON MARU Broken up.

BUNDABERG Paid Off 26/3/46. F Class Reserve, 26/4/1946. Sold -/3/1961, to Kino Shita (Aust.) Ltd. Towed to Japan from Sydney 26/2/1962 along with BUNBURY by tug BENTON MARU Broken up.

 

BURNIE Laid up -/2/1946. Sold to Netherlands Navy, Payed Off at Colombo 5/7/1946 and delivered, renamed CERAM. For disposal 1958 Broken up.

 

CAIRNS Loaned to Netherlands Navy 17/1/1946. Sold to R.N.Navy -/5/1946 and renamed AMBON Sold to Indonesian Navy 6/4/1950 and renamed BANTENG. Broken up -/4/1968 at Hong Kong.

 

CASTLEMAINE Payed Off 14/12/1945. F Class Reserve . Stripped and became a static training ship at Flinders Naval Depot 1956. Transferred to Maritime Trust of Australia 1973 as a Museum Ship. Refitted to near original condition. Berthed now at Williamstown, Victoria.

 

CESSNOCK Paid Off 12/6/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 23/4/1947 to Nan Chiao Shipping & Trading Ltd. and converted to merchantman, renamed NAN-AU. Broken up at Hong Kong 1949.

 

COLAC Paid Off 27/11/1945. F Class Reserve. Recommissioned 20/2/1951 as Training Ship. Paid off 30/1/1953. F Class Reserve. Stripped, became tank cleaning vessel at Garden Island Dockyard, 1962. Sunk as a target Jervis Bay 4/3/1987, by HMAS OVENS.

 

COOTAMUNDRA Paid Off 26/4/1946. F Class Reserve. Recommissioned 12/12/1951 as a Training Ship. Paid Off 8/6/1959. F Class Reserve. Sold to Banks Bros. & Street 28/3/1962. Broken up (Believed by Sydney Slipway, Waterview Bay)

 

COWRA Paid Off 12/5/1947. F Class Reserve. Recommissioned 20/2/1951 as a Training Ship. Paid Off 26/9/1956. F Class Reserve. Sold 6/1/1962 to Kino Shito (Aust.) Ltd. and towed to Japan from Sydney along with KAPUNDA and ROCKHAMPTON 21/5/1962 by tug BENTEN MARU. Broken up.

DELORAINE Paid Off 4/11/46. E Class Reserve. To F Class Reserve 30/6/1948. Sold to Delta Shpg. Co. -/8/1956. Towed to Hong Kong from Fremantle along with LITHGOW by tug LOIRE 9/1/1957. Arrived Hong Kong 1/2/1957. Broken Up.

DUBBO Paid Off 7/2/1947. F Class Reserve. Sold 20/2/1958 to Amakasu Kisen Sangyo. Towed to Japan by tug CHI TOSE MARU. Arrived Yokohama 24/6/1958. Broken Up.

 

ECHUCA Paid Off 29/6/1948. F Class Reserve. Presented to New Zealand Navy and Commissioned 7/6/1952. Paid Off -/4/1953. Sold -/4/1967. Broken up at Auckland 1968.

FREMANTLE Paid Off 25/1/1946. F Class Reserve. Recommissioned 10/12/1952 as a Training Ship. Paid Off 26/6/1959. F Class Reserve. Sold 6/1/1962, to Kino Shito (Aust.) Ltd. Towed to Japan from Sydney 20/2/1962 by tug BENTON MARU. Broken up 1962.

 

GAWLER Paid Off Royal Australian Navy and Recommissioned HMS. 5/4/1946 Depart Sydney 15/5/1946. Sold to Turkish Navy -/8/1946, renamed AYVALIK. For disposal 1963. Broken up.

 

GEELONG Sunk 18th October 1944 in collision with a U.S. Tanker York, off Langemak, New Guinea.

 

GERALDTON Laid up -/1/1946. Depart Fremantle 8/5/1946. Paid Off at Colombo 14/6/1946. Delivered to Turkish Navy 24/8/1946, renamed ANTALYA. Renamed AYVALIK 1963. For disposal 1975. Broken up.

 

GLADSTONE Training Ship -/2/1946. Paid Off 16/7/1956. F Class Reserve.

Sold 1956 to Port Philip Pilots, refitted as a pilot ship, 1958 renamed AKUNA. Sold 1973 for use as a private Yacht. Sold 1978. Broken up in Thailand 1983.

 

GLENELG Paid Off 14/1/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 2/5/1957, to Hong Kong Rolling Mills Ltd. Towed to Hong Kong from Fremantle along with KATOOMBA and PARKES by tug BUSTLER 25/11/1957

Broken up.

 

GOULBURN Paid Off 27/9/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 13/10/1947, to P.J. Lobo & Co. Hong Kong. Converted to Merchant Ship by Groom Bros. Sydney.1950, renamed BENITA. Export License cancelled 1951, by Commonwealth Government. Laid up. Resold 1953 to John Manners & Co. (Aust) Ltd. and broken up in Sydney.

 

GYMPIE Paid Off 16/5/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 6/1/1961, to Kino Shinto (Aust.) Ltd. Broken up in Sydney 1962.

 

HORSHAM Paid Off 17/12/1945. F Class Reserve. Sold 1957 to Delta Shipping Co. Hong Kong. Towed to Hong Kong from Fremantle along with TOWNSVILLE 17/1/1957 by tug OOSTZEE. Broken up.

 

INVERELL Paid Off 30/5/1946, into. F Class Reserve. Presented to New Zealand Navy and commissioned 5/3/1952. Reserve Fleet 17/10/1952. Training Ship 1965. Sold -/11/1977. Broken up at Auckland 1978.

 

IPSWICH Paid of into E Reserve 16/4/1946. Sold to Netherlands Navy. Paid Off 5/7/1946 at Colombo, and delivered to R.N. Navy, renamed MORATAI. Sold to Indonesian Navy 28./12/1949, renamed HANG TUAH. Sunk by rebel aircraft off Balikpapen 28th April 1958.

 

JUNEE Paid Off 21/1/1946. F Class Reserve. Recommissioned -/2/1946 as a Training Ship. Paid off 18/7/1957 and stripped of fittings. Sold 1962. Resold and Hulked 1963. Hulk scuttled off Rottnest Island 7/9/1968.

 

KALGOORLIE Paid Off 7/5/1946. Transfered temporarily to Royal Netherlands Navy and Commissioned HMNS 8/5/1946. Sold to R.N.N. -/8/1946. Renamed TERNATE -/8/1946. Broken up.

 

KAPUNDA Paid Off 14/1/1946. F Class Reserve. For Disposal 6/1/1961 Sold to Kino Shinto (Aust.) Ltd. -/1/1961. Towed Japan from Sydney along with COWRA and ROCKHAMPTON 21/5/1962 by tug BENTEN MARU. Broken up.

 

KATOOMBA Paid Off 2/8/1948. F Class Reserve. Sold -/5/1957. to Hong Kong Rolling Mills Ltd. Towed to Hong Kong from Fremantle along with PARKES and GLENELG by tug BUSTLER 25/11/1957. Broken up.

 

KIAMA Paid Off 3/4/1946. F Class Reserve. Presented to New Zealand Navy and Commissioned 24/4/1952. Reserve 7/11/1952. Training Ship 1965. Reserve 31/4/1974. Sold 1977. Broken up at Auckland 1978.

 

LATROBE Reserve Fleet -/9/1953. Sold 18/5/1956 to Hong Kong Rolling Mills Ltd.. Towed to Hong Kong from Williamstown along with BOWEN by tug BUSTLER 5/7/1956. Broken up.

LAUNCESTON Paid Off -/4/1946 and Recommisioned HMS. Depart Sydney 15/5/1946. Sold to Turkish Navy 1946, renamed AYANCIK. Renamed HAMIT NAGI 1963. Withdrawn from service 1965. Broken up.

 

LISMORE Sold to Netherlands Navy 1946. Paid Off 3/7/1946 at Trincomalee. Commissioned HMNS 3/7/1946. Renamed BATJAN -/8/1946. Reserve Fleet 2/9/1953. Sold 1958. Broken up.

 

LITHGOW Paid Off 8/6/1948 F Class Reserve. Sold 18/5/1956 to Delta Shpg. Co. Towed to Hong Kong from Fremantle along with DELORAINE 11/1/1957 by tug LOIRE. Broken up.

 

MARYBOROUGH To E Reserve. 11/4/1946. Sold 9/5/1947, to Australian General Trading & Shpg. Syndicate. Renamed ISOBEL QUEEN. Resold to Carr Enterprises 1952. Broken up at Brisbane 1952.

 

MILDURA Paid Off 21/5/1948. F Class Reserve. Commissioned 20/2/1951 as a Training ship. Paid Off 8/12/1954. Reserve Training Ship at Brisbane. Sold 8/9/1965 to Brisbane Non- Ferrous Pty. Ltd. Broken up at Brisbane 1965.

 

PARKES Paid Off 17/12/1945. H.Q. Ship Fremantle Reserve Fleet. Sold 2/5/1957 to Hong Kong rolling Mills Ltd.. Towed to Hong Kong from Fremantle along with GLENELG and KATOOMBA by tug BUSTLER. 25/11/1957. Broken up.

 

PIRIE Paid Off 5/4/1946 and Recommissioned HMS. Depart Sydney 21/5/1946. At Colombo delivered to Turkish Navy 1946, renamed AMSARA. Broken up 1972.

 

ROCKHAMPTON Paid Off 5/8/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 6/1/1961 to Kino Shito (Aust.) Ltd. Towed to Japan from Sydney along with COWRA and KUPUNDA 21/5/1961 by tug BENTEN MARU. Broken up.

 

SHEPPARTON Paid Off 10/5/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 20/2/1958 to Mitsubishi.Shoji Kaisha Ltd.. Towed to Yokohama from Sydney -/6/1958 by tug SKITAKO MARU. Broken up.

 

 

 

STAWELL Paid Off 26/4/1946, into F Class Reserve. Presented to New Zealand Navy and commissioned 8/5/1952. Reserve Fleet 5/1953. Training Ship 12/7/1955. Reserve 4/7/1959. Sold 7/8/1968. Broken up Auckland. 1968.

 

STRAHAN Paid Off 25/1/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 6/1/1961 to Kino Shito (Aust) Ltd. Broken up at Sydney.

 

TAMWORTH Sold to Netherlands Navy. Paid Off 30/4/1946 and Commissioned HMNS. Renamed TIDORE -/8/1948. Sold to Indonesion Navy 28/12/1949, renamed PATI UNIS. Transferred to a stationary training ship 1962. Broken up 1968.

 

TOOWOOMBA Laid up 11/4/1946. Sold to Netherlands Navy 9/5/1946. Depart Brisbane, 4/6/1946. Paid Off 5/7/1946 at Colombo and delivered to R.N.N. renamed BOERE. Broken up 1958.

 

TOWNSVILLE Paid Off 5/8/1946. F Class Reserve. Sold 8/8/1956, to Delta Shpg. Co. Hong Kong. Towed to Hong Kong from Fremantle along with HORSHAM by tug OOSTZEE 17/1/1957. Broken Up.

 

WAGGA Paid Off 26/12/1945. F Class Reserve. Recommissioned 12/12/1951 as a Training Ship. Paid Off 28/10/1960. F Class Reserve. Sold -/3/1962 to South Australian Carrying Co. and broken up in Sydney.

WALLAROO Sunk 11th June 1943 in collision with U.S. Liberty Ship, Henry Gilbert Costin off Fremantle.

 

WARRNAMBOOL Sunk 13th September 1947 off Cockburn Reef by a defensive mine, laid by the HMAS Bungaree during the war.

 

WHYALLA Paid Off 16/5/1946, into E Class Reserve. Sold to Victorian Government Ports and Harbours Dept. 10/2/1947. Towed to Melbourne from Brisbane 8/11/1947 by tug RESERVE, refitted as Bouy Tender and renamed RIP. Sold to Whyalla Municipal Council, 1987. Taken out of water for use as a museum and tourist centre.

 

WOLLONGONG Paid Off 1946, transferred temporarily to Netherlands Navy 11/2/1946. Renamed BANDA. Sold to Indonesian Navy 6/4/1950. renamed RADJAWALI. Sold 1968 and broken up in Hong Kong.

 

 

 

 

INDIAN SHIPS

 

BENGAL Sold 1960. Broken up.

 

BOMBAY Sold 1960. Broken up.

 

MADRAS Sold 1960. Broken up.

 

PUNJAB For Disposal -/7/1949. Broken up 1949.

 

 

 

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The Maritime Trust of Australia wishes to Acknowledge the following for their support towards the restoration and maintanance of the Museum Ship CASTLEMAINE.

 

 

Avdel Pty. Ltd.

A.W.A.

BP Australia.

Bureau of Meteorology

C.E.W. Electrical

C.I.G. South Melbourne.

Corvette Association of Australia.

Crompton Lighting Pty. Ltd.

David Mitchell Estate. - Limil

Department of Corrective Services.

Doug Court. Victorian Art Centre.

F.J. Sweettman & Co.

Howard Smith Industries.

Korevaar Marine Group.

( John & Peter Korevaar)

Lopac

Olex Cables - Olympic Dunlop

Margaret & Frank McCarthy.

Mobil Oil Co.

Naval Undergraduate Division - Engineering

Ports & Harbours Dept.

Port Of Geelong Authority

Port Of Melbourne Authority

(Formerly Melbourne Harbour Trust)

Quell - Fire Fighting Enterprises

 

 

Rheem Australia.Royal Navy.

Royal Australian Navy.

Royal New Zealand Navy

Sinclair Estate

Taubmans Paints

Union S.S. Co.

Walter Wright Cranes

Wattyl Paints

Williamstown Crane Hirs.

 

 

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BIBLIOGRAPY

 

 

 

Australian Maritime Trust of Australia Records.

"Castlemaine's" Monthly Report of Proceedings.

Australian War Memorial.

Royal Australian Navy 1939-1942. Herman Gill.

Australian War Memorial.

Royal Australian Navy 1942-1945. Herman Gill.

Australian War Memorial.

Various Commonwealth Files.

Series MP 138/1 MP 392/37

MP 1049/5 MP 1185/8

MP 1587/1

Australian Archives, Melbourne.

Various Newspaper Cuttings

Comments from ex - Crew Members.

Castlemaine Associaton Letters.

The Navy List 1940 - 1956.

Age (Melbourne)

Argus (Melbourne)

Herald (Melbourne)

 

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FURTHER READING ON CORVETTES.

 

THE CORVETTES

Iris Nesdale.

SPIN ME A DIT

Iris Nesdale.

HMAS ARMIDALE

THE SHIP THAT HAD TO DIE.

Frank B. Walker.

HMAS LISMORE

AN AUSTRALIAN CORVETTE

Ronald F Brennan

HMAS KAPUNDA

Mal (Doc) Williams

HMAS BROOME

Ray Whiting

A HISTORY OF

HMAS MARYBOROUGH

Brian Ogle.

A HISTORY OF HMAS IPSWICH

Alan R, Grimmer

HMAS GOULBURN

A CHRONOLOGY

R J Walter

HMAS GOULBURN

Bill (Radar) Charlton.

SECRET BATTLE

1942-1944

THE CONVOY BATTLE OFF THE EAST

COAST OF AUSTRALIA.

Robert Wallace

HMAS LATROBE

THE STORY OF AN AUSTRALIAN CORVETTE

1942-1946

Windas Smith

WAR DIARY OF HMAS BENDIGO

1941-1943

George W. Richardson

HMAS BENDIGO

By Members of her Ships Company

CORVETTES

LITTLE SHIPS FOR BIG MEN

Frank B. Walker

WE LIVED WITH DANGER

HMAS STAWELL

Geoff Brooks

NOTABLE SERVICE TO THE EMPIRE

AUSTRALIAN CORVETTES AND THE BRITISH PACIFIC FLEET 1944-45.

Hugh Campbell

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