HMAS Australia 11

HMAS Australia 2 Exhibit Opens at Museum

Saturday the 27th of March over 60 guests journeyed to the Victorian Maritime Centre museum in Crib Point to witness the dedication of the HMAS Australia 11 exhibition. The exhibition was dedicated in honour of all who served in HMAS Australia by Victoria's Chief of Navy, Commodore Greg Yorke CSC RAN. The exhibits magnificent background painting was created by well known maritime artist, Randall Wilson. The in house produced video documentary was created by Wayne Gibbs.

Among the attendees were four very special guests. Two veterans that served on the ship, Petty Officer Des Shinkfield and Signalman Bruce Crowl, both in their mid nineties. Bruce recited a poem written by his shipmate, Alan Fenton about his wartime experiences aboard the ship. Hiram Ristrom a Coxswain, who served on HMAS Kanimbla, delivered a very moving poem. Written by A.B.Morgan, describing how proud and safe they felt in the company of HMAS Australia in the heat of battle. Also present was Doug Symes from Crib Point who served on minesweepers during the war.

The presidents of the HMAS Sydney and HMAS Australia Associations were among the guests as were delegates from Maritime Museums of Victoria.

A little know fact our HMAS Australia suffered more Kamikaze attacks that any other ship during the Second World War. HMAS Australia (11) was indeed one of the RANs most important ships. Australia was one of two 10,000 ton County Class heavy cruisers. Australia (11) was commissioned a few months before her sister ship HMAS Canberra. Throughout WW2 Australia operated in some of the key areas of the war. Atlantic 1939-43, Pacific 1941-45, Coral Sea 1942, Savo Island/Guadalcanal 1942, New Guinea 1942-44 Leyte Gulf 1944, Lingayen Gulf 1945. In the battle for Leyte Gulf her Commanding Officer Captain Dechaineux and 29 other officers and ratings were killed and a further 64 injured. After battle repairs Australia returned to the fight in Lingayen Gulf . Here she was subject to further Kamikaze attacks in early 1945, losing three officers and 41 ratings killed and one officer and 68 rating wounded, this was to be her final action in WW2. After repairs she operated around the Australian Station. Australia (11) was decommissioned on 31 August 1954 after nearly 30 years of service and having steamed over 500,000 nautical miles.