- Author
- Letter Writer
- Subjects
- History - general, Letter to the Editor
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- September 2017 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
Dear Editor
I refer to David Quick’s letter ‘Who Took the Flag’ in the June 2017 edition of the NHR.
A quick look at the RoPs of HMAS Supply tells us that she completed her work up during the forenoon of 1 March 1967, berthed at Kirribilli Dolphins at 1400 and was there for a couple of days. The report makes no mention of the historic event.
Regards
Hugh Stevenson
Dear Hugh
Thanks for your note which then took me to HMAS Supply’s RoP. As you have mentioned the historic change of ensign somehow failed to feature in this important document. Left wondering if this was indeed such a low key event I then checked HMAS Sydney‘s RoP as she was close by, berthed at the Oil Wharf. Possibly Sydney was more alert to reporting the events that are likely to have occurred throughout the fleet on this day. Her Commanding Officer’s observations were:
At 0900 on Wednesday 01 March the Ship’s Company attended the final lowering of the White Ensign, and the hoisting of the new Australian Ensign. It is indeed a pleasure to serve under the colours of a distinctive national ensign”.
As for the Kirribilli Dolphins their continued use by the by the RAN was revoked in 2005.
Editor