- Author
- Lind, L.J.
- Subjects
- History - general
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- December 1990 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
The Naval Historical Society of Australia succeeded because of the support given by so many of its members. Space does not permit the listing of all these dedicated people but one I will mention is Dick Wills of Queensland. His contribution was unusual and has continued for over fifteen years. Dick is a prolific artist and some hundreds of his ship paintings may be seen in ex-servicemen’s clubs throughout Australia. Ten are on exhibition in the Garden Island Museum and several were painted for the Society to present to causes we supported.
When Dick Wills learnt that we were supporting the Hospital Ship CENTAUR Memorial Window Appeal he immediately wrote to me and offered to paint the ship which would be presented from the Society to the Appeal Committee. Within a matter of weeks a fine painting of the ship arrived and it was my pleasure to present it to the Appeal Director.
For the record Dick Wills refused payment for any painting he executed and met the cost of framing and transport from his own pocket.
One of my last official duties as President was to represent the Society at the unveiling of the HMAS KUTTABUL Memorial at Garden Island. This was a project the Society had proposed seven years ago. One of the pleasing aspects of this memorial was it corrected the official records which stated the casualty list of the sinking was 19 dead when in effect it was 21. The Society had brought this discrepancy before the Navy in the early 1980’s. The names missing from the original casualty list were those of two Royal Navy sailors.
The Stream Reciprocating Engine
During the last months of my service as President I proposed that Mr Norman Rivett, the Assistant Director of the Museum, be invited to write a book in our series on the naval reciprocating steam engine. Mr Rivett, a foundation member of the Society and a Marine Engineer, had served his apprenticeship with Parsons in the United Kingdom and a large part of his career had been spent in this field. He accepted the invitation and on 29 January, 1989 the published book was launched by Captain J.F. Bell, RAN (Ret.), a former General Manager of Garden Island Dockyard and also a Marine Engineer. This book filled a gap in historical records and was well received in professional circles.
It would be remiss not to mention the very significant contribution made to the Society by General Managers of Garden Island Dockyard over the past twenty years. I cannot recall a request for assistance in our work which was not approved and all made voluntary contributions which were not requested. These officers were Captain J.F. Bell, Rear Admiral B.W. –Mussared. Commodore H. Bodman, Commodore T. Fisher. Rear Admiral W. Rourke and Rear Admiral N.R. Berlyn. Captain Bell’s service antedated the formation of the Society but his interest in naval history helped lay the foundations for the Naval Historical Society.
Ships Associations have closely liaised with the Society since its formation and many proposals put forward by these associations have been adopted by the Society. In 1970 the HMAS HOBART Association suggested the writing of our first book which, not surprisingly. was ‘HMAS HOBART’. They have likewise presented to the Society many items of historical value such as diaries, notes, books, ship models and uniforms. A large number of these are now on display in the Garden Island Museum.
One of the more recent presentations was a fine painting of HMAS CANBERRA by -New Zealand artist, John Speers and two excellent war-time photographs of HMAS SHROPSHIRE. These items were presented by the HMAS CANBERRA-SHROPSHIRE Association.
Variety has continued to be the keynote of the addresses presented at the Society’s monthly meetings. In September, 1989, our President, Captain L.M. Hinchliffe, spoke on the topic of ‘HMAS MACQUARIE’s Search for PERTH Survivors’. This was a personal interest subject in that Captain Hinchliffe commanded the frigate on this important task.
The 1989 Christmas Meeting was held in the Museum courtyard and was attended by some 80 members and their ladies. This venue proved excellent, particularly as the weather was fine, and all present enjoyed themselves. Members availed themselves of the opportunity to view the Museum.
1990 – Incorporation
Two new faces appeared on the Committee during the year. They were Mr Fred Haynes, Superintendent of the Dockyard Optical Workshop and Mr Barry Davies.