On This Day

On This Day - 30 November

1939

Mr A. R. Nankervis is appointed as the Permanent Head of the Naval Board. He was previously Finance and Civil Member of the Board. Mr G. L. Macandie continued as Secretary Naval Board, the first Minister for the Navy in WWII was Sir Frederick Stewart.

1940

HMAS ARUNTA, (Tribal class destroyer), was launched at Cockatoo Island, Sydney.

1941

The Australian Naval Board announced that six boats and two rafts, carrying a total of 315 German survivors from the raider KORMORAN, had been either picked up at sea, or found on the WA coast. On the same day the Prime Minister, Mr. J. Curtin, announced the loss of HMAS SYDNEY, (cruiser).

1942

RAAF Beaufighters of No. 31 Squadron, drove off 14 Japanese fighters and bombers which were attacking HMA Ships CASTLEMAINE and ARMIDALE, (minesweepers), in the Arafura Sea.

1989

With the ending of the 3 month airline pilots strike, RAN HS 748 aircraft from HMAS ALBATROSS, (air base Nowra, NSW), and their pilots, were returned to normal duties. The aircraft were used during the state of emergency to assist the airlines in maintaining services.