- Author
- Dedman, Aub
- Subjects
- History - general, Ship histories and stories
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- HMAS Canberra I
- Publication
- June 1998 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
On the 24th April, 1964 a small group of survivors from HMAS Canberra met on board the P&O Liner Canberra to present to the captain a replica of HMAS Canberra’s crest, i.e., the coat of arms of the City of Canberra.
The presentation was made on behalf of HMAS Canberra Survivors to Captain Dunkley by Commander Andrews, MBE. Captain Dunkley on accepting assured the survivors that the Crest would be placed in a position of honour on board the Canberra.
I was one of the group at this ceremony in 1964 and when advised that the Canberra was on its final voyage to Sydney felt that something should be done to have the Crest returned to the Canberra Shropshire Association.
Acting on advice I contacted Mr Dennis King, Manager of P&O Holidays, who was most receptive to my request and contacted P&O Head Office in London. Following approval he faxed the ship regarding the transfer of the crest to our Association. Subsequently an invitation was received for a few members to board the Canberra to receive the crest from Captain Rory Smith.
On the 22nd February 1997 Mr Ron Walker, Captain Hinchliffe, DSC RAN Rtd., the President of our Association Mr Vince Highland, Mr Jock Epstein, Vice President, and myself met on board Canberra where we were introduced to Mr Dennis King and his wife Carol.
Arrangements had been made for Captain Rory Smith of P&O Canberra to meet and address our group, and in his presentation speech he commented that some one million passengers had seen, admired, and read the inscription. The crest was in perfect condition considering it had been on board for 33 years.
Our group was entertained with savouries, drinks and a buffet lunch. It was a very pleasant afternoon and Mr King and P&O were complimented on their hospitality.
On the 14th March 1997, I presented the crest to our Association with a recommendation that it be re-presented to the Naval Historical Society for safe keeping. This recommendation was approved and the Crest is now with the Society.
Note: The above mentioned Canberra crest was presented to Sue Thompson, Curator of the Garden Island Museum, Sydney on 25th March 1997, acting as custodian of the RAN Naval Historical Collection.