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The Cruise Of HMAS Australia -1934-36

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Subjects
Ship histories and stories, History - Between the wars
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None noted.
RAN Ships
Publication
March 1981 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)

The 10,000 ton cruiser HMAS Australia left Sydney on the 4th December 1934, en-route for Brisbane to pick up HRH the Duke of Gloucester for his return to the United Kingdom. The ship arrived back in Sydney on the 11th August 1936, after what had been a very eventful cruise. During her time away from her home land, the ship had passed through both the Panama and Suez Canals, had attended the Jubilee Naval Review, Spithead. She had been put on a full war alert during the Abyssinian Crisis and she had “scooped the pool” two years running in the Mediterranean Fleet Regatta. All in all it was a very memorable cruise.

The following series of photographs are taken from a collection of the late Keith Harvey, who served in the ship during the cruise. Space does not permit the full reproduction of “ACK” Harvey’s collection, but the selection shown given an idea of some of the incidents recorded during the 1934-36 period.

"AUSTRALIA" passing Fort Denison on her way to sea. 4.12.34
“AUSTRALIA” passing Fort Denison on her way to sea. 4.12.34
During the visit of the Duke of Gloucester to New Zealand a stop-over was made in the Bay of Islands. Seen here are some of the ship's company walking along the waterfront of the historic town of Russell. 26.1.35,
During the visit of the Duke of Gloucester to New Zealand a stop-over was made in the Bay of Islands. Seen here are some of the ship’s company walking along the waterfront of the historic town of Russell. 26.1.35,
Crossing from the Pacific to the Atlantic was made through the Panama Canal. Here we see "AUSTRALIA" entering the Gatun Locks, with the crew wearing the old standard sun helmet. 4.3.35.
Crossing from the Pacific to the Atlantic was made through the Panama Canal. Here we see “AUSTRALIA” entering the Gatun Locks, with the crew wearing the old standard sun helmet. 4.3.35.
On arrival at Portsmouth the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York came aboard to greet their younger brother. The Princes are seen here inspecting part of the ship's company at "Divisions". 28.3.35
On arrival at Portsmouth the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York came aboard to greet their younger brother. The Princes are seen here inspecting part of the ship’s company at “Divisions”. 28.3.35
"AUSTRALIA's" twelve piece band plays for the "natives" in the south of England.
“AUSTRALIA’s” twelve piece band plays for the “natives” in the south of England.
Whilst at anchor at Plymouth the then world's largest liner, "Normandie", passes "AUSTRALIA's" bow heading to sea on her maiden voyage. June 1935
Whilst at anchor at Plymouth the then world’s largest liner, “Normandie”, passes “AUSTRALIA’s” bow heading to sea on her maiden voyage. June 1935
During her first run to the Mediterranean AUSTRALIA was docked in the large Admiralty Floating Dock in Malta. She is seen here entering the flooded down dock. June 1935.
During her first run to the Mediterranean AUSTRALIA was docked in the large Admiralty Floating Dock in Malta. She is seen here entering the flooded down dock. June 1935.
With the dock raised. "AUSTRALIA" is seen here from the port quarter
With the dock raised. “AUSTRALIA” is seen here from the port quarter
"AUSTRALIA" was in "D" line for the great Spithead Naval Review. 16.7.35.
“AUSTRALIA” was in “D” line for the great Spithead Naval Review. 16.7.35.
The ltalian liner "AUSONIA" arrived in Alexandria on 18.10.35, heavily afire. Many lives were lost, and the ship finally burnt out on 22.10.35.
The ltalian liner “AUSONIA” arrived in Alexandria on 18.10.35, heavily afire. Many lives were lost, and the ship finally burnt out on 22.10.35.

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