The ‘HMAS AUSTRALIA Mutiny’ occurred on the battle-cruiser while berthed at Fremantle. AUSTRALIA had returned to Fremantle on 28 May, after an absence of over four and half years from Australia. The ship spent four days alongside, and when she was due to depart about 80 ratings gathered on the quarterdeck and requested that the ship stay longer in port, in order to entertain civilian friends and repay their generous hospitality. The Commanding Officer, CAPT C. Cumberlege, RN, advised that this was not possible, and directed the men to disperse, which they did. However, when Cumberlege tried to take the ship to sea the stokers walked out of the boiler room. A scratch crew managed to get the ship to sea, and Cumberlege ordered the arrest of five sailors considered to be ringleaders in the ‘Mutiny’. The ensuing courts martial, on board HMAS ENCOUNTER in Sydney Harbour, up to 2 year prison sentences, and intervention by the Australian Government, were to have a dramatic and long lasting effect upon the RAN.
Naval Historical Review: June 2007
The painting of HMAS Warramunga reflects a major article in this edition which provides a potted history of the RAN in the Korean War. The images of HMAS Adelaide reference the article about Adelaide’s Boarding party. It was only resourceful action by the ship’s helicopter, directed by the Flight Commander, that enabled the Boarding Party to be safely recovered, thereby averting an international incident.
Articles from this Edition
- Book Review: The Royal Australian Navy – a History
- Further Reflections on the Sydney/Kormoran Battle, 1941
- Gascoyne to the Rescue On Christmas Day 1944
- HMAS Adelaide – Boarding Party, Persian Gulf 2004
- HMAS Quickmatch – Medical Rescue – 1944
- Korean Waters – Tribal Class Destroyers
- Leadership: Admiral of the Fleet Isoroku Yamamoto
- Letters: Followup on Singapore Naval Base