I W M Archive Film: ‘British Pacific & East Indies Fleets 1942-1944’

We present to you ‘Episodes of the Royal Navy’ Part 10, The British Pacific and East Indies Fleets, (first phase).

Commencing in 1942 we see views of the early Eastern Fleet which initially consisted mainly  of a number of old R Class Battleships, which were no match for a Japanese carrier led task force. Some warships seen from this period are: Resolution, Warspite, Devonshire, Mauritius ,Gambia, Frobisher  ,Devonshire, Mauritius, Gambia, Frobisher, Catterice, Nizam & Paladin. There are also short sequences of Ramillies, Malaya, Illustrious, Indomitable, Hermione, Lookout, Laforey & Anthony re the assault on Madagascar, taken to forstall Japanese occupation.

In 1944 arrived Renown, Valliant, Queen Elizabeth, the US carrier Saratoga and the French Battleship Richelieu, plus the beginning  of the BPF. Later in 1944 was the arrival of HMS Howe.  This film is an absolute feast of nostalgia for Naval History buffs! We see shots of wartime Sydney as well!

The Waverley RSL is conveniently situated opposite the station in Glen Waverley, and the RSL Car park is free but you need to display a ticket on your dashboard.(obtainable from reception)

ALL WELCOME: ‘The Warramunga restaurant’ opens at 5.30 pm and a number of us take the opportunity of enjoying a lovely meal and a few drinks before the meeting. You are very welcome to join us! We need to book tables and suggest you contact our Rodney Phillips who is co-ordinating the tables for us. Rodney can be contacted on 0466 983 313 or rodneyphillips212@hotmail.com.