- Author
- Baston, P.C., BEng (Hons), Sub-Lieutenant, RAN
- Subjects
- History - pre-Federation
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- April 1992 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
This arrival brought to an end the involvement of Admiralty for the Australia Squadron. It was also a sign of nationhood, and provided the means to protect Australia.
Factors leading to the formation of the RAN
Australian Factors. The Australian population wanted their own navy from about the 1850s. They were always conscious that the ships of the Australia Squadron could be deployed elsewhere to support the Empire at short notice, hence leaving Australia vulnerable. This was the main reason behind British attempts to unite the Australian naval forces in the 1860’s through to Federation. The formation and subsequent failure of the Auxiliary Squadron is proof of these factors. The loan of ships for the Boxer Rebellion brought this sentiment to the fore, as did the ever increasing annual payment for protection. To Australia the only benefit was seaward defence in the time of war.
British Factors. The increasing costs of maintaining and defending the Empire forced the British to demand compensation from the colonies. Increased resistance to this compensation was being encountered. The Admiralty wanted to release the ships to the colonies to maintain, but wanted to keep the control of them in case of need. Obviously, the colonies saw this and rejected the idea. In 1909 the Admiralty was concerned with the German naval build-up and, anticipating war, focused its attentions to home. This heralded the formation of the colonial navies which were to be manned and maintained by the colonies, and hence the RAN was formed.
External Factors. Several external influences can be identified. In the early years of settlement, the possibility of French incursion led to the settlement of the entire continent and the spread of British sovereignty. During the Crimean War, sightings of Russian ships led to the distress of inadequate naval protection. Later, the war between Russia and Japan renewed the idea of inadequacy, and cemented in the minds of Australians the need for our own capable naval defence force.
Conclusion
Australia’s early history is inextricably linked to that of Britain and the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy played a large part in the founding and settlement of Australia, and in the defence and charting of our waters.
As the colony grew and matured into a nation, several factors led to the development of the Royal Australian Navy, least of which was Federation in 1901. For years Australians wanted their own navy to do with as they pleased, to ensure that it would always be ready. In reality, however, they could not afford such a luxury, and had to compromise with an annual payment to the British for which they were protected under the umbrella of Empire. Eventually the cost became too great and fortunately, world events coincided with the push for an independent navy.
The birth of the Royal Australian Navy in 1911 signified the birth of a nation, one which has grown into a formidable but caring regional power.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CROWLEY, F K: ‘Modern Australia in Documents 1901-1931’ – Wren Publishing
Dept of Defence: ‘Royal Australian Navy A Brief History’ – Australian Government Publishing Service 1987
Dept of Defence: ‘An Outline of Australian Naval History’ – Australian Government Publishing Service 1976
MILLAR, T B: ‘Australian in Peace and War: 1788-1977’ – ANU Press Canberra 1978