On This Day

On This Day - 26 November

1914

ADML G. E. Patey, took command of his battle squadron off the Mexican coast. It comprised of HMAS AUSTRALIA, (battle- cruiser), HMS NEWCASTLE, (cruiser), and the Japanese Ships ASAMA, IDZUMO, and HIZEN.

1941

CAPT Theodor Detmers, (German raider KORMORAN), claimed the last signal hoisted by HMAS SYDNEY, (cruiser), was the two flags IK:- 'You should prepare for a hurricane or a typhoon'. The signal was not understood.

1942

HMAS ADELAIDE, (cruiser), intercepted the German blockade runner RAMSES in the Indian Ocean. RAMSES was sunk by gunfire, and 88 survivors, plus a dog and a pig, were picked up. HMAS GLADSTONE, (minesweeper), was launched at Maryborough, QLD.

1943

The Fremantle-based USS BOWFIN, (submarine), sank the Japanese tanker OGURASAN MARU, and the transport TAINAN MARU, off Mindanao.

1958

The Daring class destroyer HMAS VENDETTA, (CAPT R. J. Robertson, DSC, RAN), was commissioned. VENDETTA was laid down in Williamstown Dockyard, VIC, on 4 July 1949, and launched on 3 May 1954. Mrs Nancy Waller, (Wife of CAPT H. M. L. Waller, DSO, RAN), performed the launching ceremony.

1974

HMAS Salamaua was decommissioned and recommissioned into the Papua New Guinea Defence Force as HMPNGS Salamaua

1983

Redundant flying officers of the RAN Fleet Air Arm were recruited by the RN to man a Fleet Air Arm Squadron.