This talk was a preview of a book that Mr Harry Adlam was writing, to be called ‘Wallaby Destroyers’, about the 39 destroyers that had served up until that time in the RAN. It was not completed before his untimely death. Harry had left school at the age of 14. However, he educated himself and ended up with a better command of the English language than many university graduates. Harry had a great love for the Navy, and served in the RAN as a stoker. He was always the willing worker and was often given the unpleasant jobs such as lagging engine room pipes with asbestos in the days when no masks were worn and the possibility of asbestos causing lung cancer was not suspected. After leaving the RAN, Harry’s insatiable thirst for naval history continued and over the years the unassuming self-educated ex-sailor had become an expert in naval matters. He never grew tired talking to ex-naval men, and the NHSA is fortunate to have two of his talks available as Podcasts. There was hardly a question he could not answer about the RAN or the men who served in the Navy.
Recorded in late 1970’s.
Duration 59 minutes.
Note that photos and diagrams referred to in this address are not included in this audio-only podcast.
