On This Day
1960-1975 > Vietnam era
On This Day - 1960-1975
- September 10, 1961
The K13 Memorial Park was dedicated at Carlingford, in northern Sydney. The memorial was the idea of ex-Leading Telegraphist Charles Freestone, who had served in the ill fated HMS K13, which had sunk with heavy loss of life in January 1917. He later emigrated to Australia, and became a wealthy businessman. Freestone died in 1958 before the memorial was completed, but his widow ensured that it was finished. Although dedicated to the submarine K 13, the memorial has become the place of remembrance for all Commonwealth officers and sailors who have lost their lives while serving in submarines. A memorial service, by the Australian Submarine Squadron, is held there every year on 11 November.
- July 27, 1961
The River class destroyer escort, (ex-type 12 frigate), HMAS YARRA, (CMDR J. L. W. Merson, RAN), was commissioned. YARRA was laid down in Williamstown Dockyard, VIC on 9 April 1957, and launched on 30 June 1958. Lady McBride, (Wife of Sir Philip McBride, Minister for Defence), performed the launching ceremony.
- July 4, 1961
The River class destroyer escort HMAS PARRAMATTA, (CMDR G. R. Griffiths, DSC, RAN), was commissioned. PARRAMATTA was laid down in Cockatoo Island Dockyard, Sydney, 3 January 1957, and launched on 31 January 1959. Lady Dowling, (Wife of ADML Sir Roy Dowling, RAN, Chief of the Naval Staff), performed the launching ceremony.
- June 16, 1961
HMAS MELBOURNE used the RAN-devised Bailey Bridge loading ramp for aircraft carriers at Garden Island, Sydney. The ramp greatly reduced the time required for loading.
- June 16, 1961
Fleet entry into Sydney Harbour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the RAN. Included were HMAS Melbourne, Voyager, Quickmatch, Parramatta, Swan, Warrego, Barcoo, Kimbla and HMS Tapir and Trump. At the same time FAA Sea Venoms, Sea Furys, Fireflys and Gannets flew over the harbour.
- June 2, 1961
The Chilean Navy’s ESMERALDA, (barquentine), visited Sydney. The training ship was the first large sailing vessel to call at the port for ten years.
- May 31, 1961
725 Squadron decommissioned and its aircraft were transferred to 724 Squadron.
- May 8, 1961
The nuclear-powered submarine USS SARGO, visited Sydney for Coral Sea Week celebrations.
- April 17, 1961
HMAS DERWENT, (destroyer escort), was launched at Williamstown, VIC.
- April 8, 1961
HMAS STUART, (destroyer escort), was launched at Cockatoo Island, Sydney.