Mr John Bastok traces the career of the 4 four funnel cruisers of the RAN. In 1913 the battle cruiser HMAS Australia was escorted into Sydney Harbour by two of these light cruisers, HMA Ships Melbourne and Sydney. John Bastok watched, a young boy high on his father’s shoulders, enthralled as they steamed close to the jam-packed foreshores., but as yet unaware that in years to come, he would serve in these stalwart four-funnel warships. The third ship was HMAS Brisbane commissioned later in 1916 and the fourth, HMAS Adelaide, in 1922. These were British designed, intended as long-range cruisers suitable for patrolling the vast expanse covered by the British Empire.
Initially rated as second-class cruisers and built to counter the growing number of Imperial Germany’s fleet of cruisers, they would evolve in their role and functions. This address examines them in detail.
Recorded May 1977
Duration 1 hour 23 minutes.
Note that photos and diagrams referred to in this address are not included in this audio-only podcast.
