On This Day

On This Day - 6 May

1944

CAPT H.A. Showers, RAN, assumed command of HMAS SHROPSHIRE, (cruiser). Mrs Ruby Boye, Australia's only woman Coastwatcher, was appointed Honorary Third Officer, WRANS.

1945

HMAS LACHLAN carried out a detailed survey of Tarakan Roads.  

1958

HMA Ships SWAN, COOTAMUNDRA, FREMANTLE, and WARREGO, commenced a detailed survey of the Timor Sea.

1980

The first female officers of the RAN to serve at sea, embarked in the training ship HMAS JERVIS BAY.

1990

Thirty three members of the crew of HMAS OXLEY, (submarine), were given a private audience by Pope John Paul II. It was the first occasion any Australian warship was so honoured.

2006

Nuship MAITLAND, (Armidale class patrol boat), was launched in Austral Shipyard, Henderson, WA. Mrs Jacqueline Rice, (daughter of Mr Jack Breddin, a former sailor who served in the depot HMAS MAITLAND), performed the launching ceremony. Nuship ARARAT, (Armidale class patrol boat), was launched in Austral Shipyard, Henderson, WA. Mrs Jennifer O'Malley, (daughter of LCDR Norman Muzzell, RAN, commander of the former HMAS ARARAT in WWII), performed the launching ceremony.