- Author
- Letter Writer
- Subjects
- Ship histories and stories, Letter to the Editor
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- June 2018 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
Dear Walter
I have been following your articles and updates on 1321 with interest, and think you may have a use for this informative paper cutting, recently uncovered in one of my old books. I believe it is 1321 during her ‘transformation’ from a Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) to HMAS Rushcutter.
She is shown being moved from the small boat hardstand, which was located on the northwest dockside (now West Dock Wall) to the harbour. This picture is taken from the SMH dated 16 September 1955.
HDML1321 would have had repairs to her ‘woodwork’ undertaken up the river at Woodley’s or similar yard, whilst GID would complete the shafting, props, engines etc., which would have been removed prior to transit.
Best regards
Leyland Wilkinson
Grafton, NSW
By Editor: See NHR March 2017 for further details regarding HDML 1321. It appears that at least two HDMLs were refitted in Sydney in the early 1950s. HDML 1325which transited to Darwin becoming a tender to HMAS Melville in 1953 and HDML 1321which subsequently was transferred to the RANR as a training vessel in 1956.
The fully loaded weight of an HDML was about 60 tons therefore when the crane lift was made at GID the vessel without stores and machinery would have been considerably lighter.
