Slipstream December 2024

SLIPSTREAM THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE FLEET AIR ARM ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

VOL 35 NO.4

DECEMBER 2024

FAAAA

Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia

PATRON RADM Tony Dalton AM, CSM NATIONAL PRESIDENT RADM Mark Campbell AM, CSC NATIONAL SECRETARY Andrew Whittaker ASSISTANT SECRETARY Margaret Maher Treasurer: James Caldwell Webmaster: Marcus Peake Database Mgr: Paul Norris ACT President: Bruce Tunnah Secretary: George Sydney NEW SOUTH WALES President: Phil Carey Secretary: Dick Martin QUEENSLAND President: Stephen Huxtable Secretary: Stephen Huxtable

COVER PHOTO

SOUTH AUSTRALIA President: John Siebert Secretary: Roger Harrison

Corsair Fighters and Fairey Barracuda Torpedo Bombers ranged on the flight deck of HMS Formidable off Norway in July 1944. (Archive)

TASMANIA President: Michael Kus Secretary: Graham Nicholas

The content and views expressed in this edition of Slipstream are not necessarily those of the FAAAA.

VICTORIA President: Chris Fealy Secretary: Mal Smith WESTERN AUSTRALIA President: Mike Keogh Secretary: Mick Spahn

03 04 05 10 13 17 21 27 32 36 VOL 35 NO.4

Contents EDITORIAL A word from our December Editor

SUPPORTING TEAM A. FOX Vince and Tony Di Pietro and The Great Outback Air Race A FLEET AIR ARM LOSS Dick Sinclair of 805 squadron, shot down over North Korea REAR ADMIRAL D C WELLS Reflecting on this true friend who is greatly missed

Highlights

This Month: 04

TEAM CHARLIE ALPHA FOXTROT The Great Outback Air Race 2025

10

THE EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF TEDDY SHEAAN An ordinary seaman

REAR ADMIRAL RC WELLS

Stories from a friendship with an amazing leader.

THE LUFTWAFFE’S LAST MISSION The last sanctioned mission bringing hope of a new life BIRTH OF THE GYROCOPTER Celebrating the 100th Birthday of one of aviation’s misunderstood machines DIVISION REPORTS Hear the latest from South Australia, ACT & Victoria

12

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

with our trivia questions, found on pages 12, 28, 30 & 35.

Trivia

Do you know?

Q1.

On what date did the Royal Australian Navy Fleet first sail into Sydney Harbour, New South Wales?

Answer on inside

last page

INTERVIEW With The Hon. Pat Conroy MP

by Jon Dorhauer

GOOD NEWS From the FAAAM

Editorial Reader...

Dear

You chose to make significant sacrifices that others will never begin to even understand.

I am delighted to be editor for this December edition of Slipstream Magazine. Though I myself have not served in the military, my dad is ex Fleet Air Arm.

I fondly recall many a time growing up that my

I don’t mean just the sacrifice of the time you

Dad would be watching military, war, and

spent serving. I am certain that serving your

action movies, such as “Top Gun”, “Saving

country has had a lifelong impact, some of

Private Ryan”, “Braveheart”, “The Thin Red

which may be seen, and some which is unseen.

Line”, and “Courage Under Fire”, among

So, thank you. Thank you for your dedication,

others. My two older brothers and I would

commitment, self-discipline, and for giving up

eagerly watch with him, asking him questions

your very life! Thank you for your extraordinary

about his own Naval experiences. To this day

service. You deserve to be honored.

military and action movies remain my favorite!

We would love to hear more of your story, Obviously, real life military is not like the

memories or experiences you would be willing

movies, but from the very little I do know, I

to share. Feel free to send any letters, articles,

have to tell you that I have the utmost respect

or photos in to us.

and admiration for those of you who signed up to serve your country in this way. You

It is my hope that you enjoy this new edition of

risked your own life. You chose to make

this historical magazine with a fresh new look

significant sacrifices that others will never

and that you also had a fantastic 2024. May

begin to even understand,

2025 be your best year yet!

Carolyn (Caz) Sands

Supporting

CLICK HERE TO SUPPOR Team Ch T arlie A. Fox

Team Charlie Alpha Foxtrot

Vince and Tony Di Pietro, those intrepid ex-FAA aviators of yesteryear, are brushing up on their nav and packing their bags to fly to exotic places.

Setting off from Nowra in their Piper Cherokee PA28, they will head north- west to the metropolis of Yulara (pop 853-ish), where they will join the Great Outback Air Race (OAR).

The aim is to record the fastest air time to make their way to Carnarvon via Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Daly Waters, Katherine, Kunnanurra, Broome, Onslow and Exmouth: a distance of just over 2000 NM.

The Team’s target is $20K, which doesn’t seem that much in support of such a great venture.

So will you get behind Team Charlie Alpha Foxtrot? It’s easy to do and every dollar counts. Simply click on the button to find out more and make your contribution. The RFDS, that great Australian institution, will benefit and we, the FAA, will be getting behind our own to support this great adventure.

Vince and Tony are covering the cost of their trip, so every dollar raised for team Charlie Alpha Foxtrot will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which is organising the event.

The aircraft began an uncontrolled dive which reached 60 degrees on impact in the mud flats.

A Fleet Air Arm Loss

By Graeme Lunn

On Friday December 7, 1951, the first flying day of Sydney’s fifth war patrol off Korea, Sub-Lieutenant (P) Richard ‘Dick’ Sinclair of 805 Squadron, a graduate of the Number One Naval Air Pilots Course of 1948, was shot down in his Sea Fury over North Korea and killed.

The squadron’s 51 flight of four Sea Furies led

Leaving this area at low level, over salt flats

by 51-1, Lieutenant-Commander (P) Walter

just north of Chinnampo, number 4 was hit by

‘Jimmy’ Bowles, had launched that morning

an explosive cannon shell. Calling that he

for an armed reconnaissance. Dick Sinclair

had been hit and could smell burning, Dick

was flying 51-4. After investigating some junks

zoom climbed to 1500 feet whilst turning

and then strafing troops in trenches the flight

towards the sea.

continued on to check a rail yard for box cars.

When over the coast his shepherding wing-

The ‘casbah’ was two adjacent compartments

men saw flames appear from below the

well forward in the carrier where junior

forward fuselage. The aircraft began an

aircrew lived. In Ex-Chief Petty Officers’ quar-

uncontrolled dive which reached 60 degrees

ters, the compartments had multiple bunks

on impact in the mud flats.

and were home to a dozen Acting Sub-Lieutenants and Sub-Lieutenants. All were mem-

Between 300 and 400 feet Dick was seen to

bers of the famously discordant ‘Casbah

bail out, his parachute opening just before he

Orchestra’, whose main rule was that anyone

hit the ground. The circling Furies, including

who could already play an instrument had to

four from 808 Squadron which had been

play a different one in the orchestra. This

diverted to provide Rescap for the inbound

meant that Dick played bongo drums in the

helicopter, could see no movement as they

orchestra despite being a pianist.

strafed and rocketed the advancing Chinese Communist troops, keeping them clear of the

Another Sea Fury had been shot down that

body lying only metres from the burning

Friday but Sub-Lieutenant (P) Arthur Smith RN

aircraft wreckage. The rescue helicopter from

was able to make a wheels up forced landing

Bromide-Baker, a forward air force base on an

on the beach of the island Paengyong-Do,

offshore island, recovered his body and it was

and was returned to Sydney by helicopter.

returned to Sydney. Surgeon-Commander

Two others, Lieutenant (P) Peter Goldrick and

Robert Lauder RN reported that trauma

Sub-Lieutenant (P) Ian Webster, made it back

injuries indicated fatal contact with the

to the carrier despite significant flak damage.

aircraft’s tail. The rip cord had not been pulled, so it was apparent the parachute pack had been broken open by the same impact.

On completion of the last flying event of the day, squadron personnel and ship’s company not on watch mustered at 1730 for the burial service aft on the quarterdeck. As Chaplain Frederick Kyte committed Dick Sinclair’s body to the deep a salute was fired while light snow fell. It was recorded that “The ship was grey, the ship’s company’s No.8s looked grey, the sea and the sky looked grey, except. on the western horizon, where the sun was setting.” The 805 Squadron diarist wrote “Sub/Lt Sinclair was one of the best shots in the Squadron and had the keenest eyesight of all. He will be missed by all - especially by those in the casbah.”

All too many of those commemorated in the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia’s Roll of Honour left behind a grieving young widow, and so it was with Dick Sinclair. He was only 22 when he was killed in action and his wife, Naomi, was 21. Their son Roger was 3 months old. Fortunately, the Shoalhaven doctor who had delivered Roger was a reserve Flight-Lieu-

A grieving Naomi, knowing almost no one in Nowra, wished to visit her husband’s family in Western Australia and then return to her own family in the UK. Legacy paid for Naomi and Roger’s air passage to Perth and then their

tenant RAAF and Legatee for Legacy, the char-

sea passage onwards. On 7 February 1952,

ity established by ex-servicemen in 1923 to

eight weeks after being widowed, Naomi and

support the families of Australian servicemen

baby embarked in the RMS Orcades for

and women who have lost their life in conflicts.

England, the same vessel that had brought

Alerted to the tragedy Dr. Ian Morrison swung

the newly married couple to Australia sixteen

into immediate action.

months before.

Naomi died, aged 80 in 2011, having never remarried. Several years before she died she

Dick had said goodbye at 10.30 am on Thursday the 30th. He never saw his son again.

wrote the following brief story for London Legacy, based at Australia House on the Strand. The 48th club of Legacy Australia, the London branch, is a charity providing services to families who reside in the United Kingdom and Europe and are suffering after the death of a spouse or parent during their Australian Defence Force service.

Naomi Sinclair's Story From that awful day 7th December 1951, when Legacy stepped in and looked after me and my 14-week old son Roger, Legacy and London Legacy have been there in the background.

my son was able to see a “real live Australian”; a great thrill for him, thanks to Legacy again.

As for my husband, Sub Lt. Richard Roslyn Sinclair RAN, he was born in Perth W.A. on 14th May 1929. He attended Hale School Perth and

Always at Christmas, they remembered us.

he was a middle distance runner who did very

When I needed some method of augmenting

well. His two older brothers had both served

my pension they gave me the money to buy a

in the RAAF as bomber pilots during the 2nd

sewing machine and I was able to do dress-

World War. His father served in the 1st World

making etc. which was a great help.

War and they had all returned home safely.

Mr. Sandover (author’s note: A Perth industri-

Dick joined the RAN in 1948 to train as a fighter

alist and major benefactor of Legacy) came to

pilot. He was sent to England and, in March

see us in England once in those early years and

1950, we met in HMS Gannet at Eglinton, County Derry, Ireland, where I was an aircraft engine mechanic in the WRENS. We were the missing halves of each other and we married on June 3 1950. His time over in the UK was up in July that year and, after much begging and pleading, we were fortunate enough to get berths on the same ship, RMS Orcades, arriving in Fremantle in August 1950, where he received orders to stay on board and proceed to Melbourne and Point Cook, leaving me with his parents and brothers in Perth.

He returned to Perth at the end of August on two weeks leave. Then he had to return to Point Cook for training in how to become an officer, having been raised from P4 to Sub Lt. I then followed him across the Nullarbor Plains taking three trains by myself for the 3 day, 3,000 miles trip. From there it was a room in Frankston, south of Melbourne, before my husband was posted to Sydney. I followed again and we were a month there. Then we went to Nowra, south of Sydney on the coast, to a caravan in December.

In March 1951, he was told that HMAS Sydney was going to Korea for 6 months to relieve HMS Glory. From that time he was on board much of the time training on Sea Furies. By then I was pregnant and our child was due on the 18th of August that year, the day that Dick

and forced to bail out only to hit his head on the tail of his Sea Fury. His body was recovered and a burial service was held on HMAS Sydney that day. In the letter he wrote the day before he died, he said he was very frustrated at that point as they had just been told that instead of going straight back to Sydney as planned, they would be escorting Princess Elizabeth on her proposed 1951 tour of Australia.

However, the King died the day before I left Australia to return home to live and I do not think that tour ever happened.

Sorry if I've bored you with this but it is the background into which Legacy and later London Legacy stepped in. I have never forgotten the verse Dr Morrison told me in 1951;

came home on embarkation leave and when we moved into our first married quarters. The

To you, from failing hands we throw the

baby however had other ideas and did not put

torch. Be yours to lift it high. If ye break

in an appearance until 2.20am on Tuesday the

faith with us who die we shall not sleep

28th of August, 1951, 10 days late. Dick had said goodbye at 10.30am on Thursday the

though poppies grow in Flanders fields.

30th. He never saw his son again.

Sadly, he was killed in action aged 22 on the 7th of December, 1951. He was heavily strafed

Australian Legacy and London Legacy have not broken faith and I am grateful - 77 years old now and still grateful. - Naomi Sinclair

f o s n o i t c e l f e My R

Rear Admiral D C Wells

By Jon Dorhauer

It was late Friday afternoon and almost time to escape from the Safety Equipment Section at HMAS Albatross and go home.

Out of the blue the Chief of the Section said that the Captain of Albatross was on the phone and wished to speak to me. As a simple Leading Airman, I was bewildered as to what was going on. Why would the base Captain want to speak to me?

At the time Captain Wells was the Commanding Officer of HMAS Albatross, a strong supporter of the Fleet Air Arm who would eventually become Rear Admiral as the Flag Officer ­ ­ ­

Commanding Australian Fleet.

I answered the phone and he asked me if I was driving home to Canberra and could he possibly hitch a ride. I have no idea why he knew I lived in Canberra at that time. Obviously I was happy to comply. That lift started as a friendship outside of the Navy and was one of many times we drove to Canberra on a Friday afternoon. Admiral Wells lived in the suburb of Red Hill where I would take him.

I was bewildered as to what was going on.

Why would the base Captain want to speak to me?

Suddenly behind me Wells said that I wasn’t and he was a Captain and that outranked a Commander. I thought the woman was going to faint on hearing those words by Wells.

Captain Wells on another occasion phoned me just after lunch on a Friday and asked if I was able to leave early to go home. As an obedient servant I obeyed. I don’t think the boys at the Section were overly impressed that I could leave early.

I found Admiral Wells to be an amazing man with great leadership skills and totally devot-

I recall when one Sunday evening I very

ed to the Navy and his family. He was easy to

cheekily went to his home and asked permis-

talk to and showed real empathy for Navy

sion to stay in Canberra until the Tuesday

people regardless of their rank.

morning to arrange a bank loan for a house.

He was happy for that and asked me to share

It is so easy to judge people. At the end of the

a sherry with him in his lounge room.

day, we all breathe the same air and want the best for our family. Getting to know Admiral

Returning to Albatross on the Tuesday morning the First Lieutenant was waiting at the entrance gate as I drove up. He roasted me for my actions and warned me to never let that happen again. He was so annoyed and his face showed it. I had quite a chuckle over it. Looking back, I was wrong and I regret my actions.

Wells taught me how rich it can be to get to know others and not judge them. While we respect rank, which is our responsibility, we all have times of joy and hardship.

Admiral Wells was deeply disappointed Australia would no longer have an Aircraft Carrier capable of fixed wing flying. He had great

We had many conversations during our trips,

wisdom and the capacity to show this to

including when he was wounded by a Japa-

people who got to know this great sailor. He

nese Kamikaze piloted plane. He was serving

served this country with bravery and love of

on HMAS Australia at the time.

Australia. A true friend and greatly missed.

On one occasion another road user hit the

My life in the Navy was really interesting.

back of my car while driving. I was in uniform

Around June 1967 I was informed that 723

and Wells was in civies. The woman driver

Squadron was to be sent to Vietnam. At that

spoke to me and said her husband was in the

time that information was classified and was

Navy and he was a Commander. She said I

prior to any official notification by the Navy. I

was at fault by weaving through the traffic.

was attached to 723 Squadron, however, due

to operational commitments, I was ‘crash drafted’ off that Squadron and sent to HMAS Derwent. Leading Airman Alan Winchcombe replaced me as the SE on 723 Squadron.

It was during that proceeding time that ASIO was involved in espionage activities inside the Russian Embassy in Canberra. I was not involved but did have knowledge of that but not from any member of the Navy. There was no impropriety on my part. During that time there was a serious security leak on the Vietnam Navy commitment at Albatross.

Trivia Do you know?

There was another interesting time I had in

Q1.

the Navy when I was a courier for a SEATO

On what date did the Royal Australian Navy Fleet first sail into Sydney Harbour, New South Wales?

conference at the Old Parliament House. I was carrying classified documents which I handed to a contact in Department of Defence. On returning to Parliament House two ASIO agents were waiting for me. The classified documents were missing and so was the recipient of the documents. But that’s

Answer on inside last page

a story for another time.

The y r a n i d r o a r t Ex

Story of Teddy Sheean

Sheean and the Ship’s Company were ordered by the captain to abandon ship following fatal hits from two Japanese torpedoes.

Sheean defied this order.

On 1 December 2020, 78 years to the day, Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia ‘For the most conspicuous gallantry and a pre-eminent act of valour in the presence of the enemy during a Japanese aerial attack on HMAS Armidale in the Timor Sea on 1 December 1942’.

This conclusion to the story of Sheean’s heroism was the result of a decades-long fight for recognition.

Having been posted to HMAS Armidale on operations in the Timor Sea, on 1 December 1942 Sheean and the Ship’s Company were

Parliamentary interest in the Victoria Cross award process 1999–2001

ordered by the captain to abandon ship following fatal hits from two Japanese torpedoes.

No Victoria Cross is awarded lightly, but for the

Sheean defied this order.

Tasmanian Sheean, the process of being recognised in this way spanned decades, and

Instead, he strapped himself to the aft Oerlikon

was keenly observed by some parliamentari-

anti-aircraft gun and firing at the attacking Japa-

ans.

nese aircraft, reportedly shot one down and damaged at least two others.

In the June 1999 Senate Estimates hearings, Labor senator Chris Schacht questioned

Despite his injuries, Sheean was seen firing at the enemy aircraft as the Armidale sank, helping 49 of his crewmates survive by drawing fire away from the escaping life rafts. He was 18 years old. For this action, Sheean received a Mention in Despatches in June 1943, which had been widely viewed as insufficient recognition of his bravery.

Defence officials extensively about the process of posthumously awarding commendations for bravery, noting that the Naval Association of Australia had been lobbying for greater recognition of Sheean. In response, the then Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Don Chalmers, commented that Sheean ‘was a remarkable young man.’

­ ­ ­

In April 2001 Senator Schacht introduced the

Guy Barnett, who referred to earlier advocacy

Award of Victoria Cross for Australia Bill 2001

by Mr Sidebottom. The Chief of the Defence

in the Senate, recommending Sheean as

Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, and

well as John Simpson Kirkpatrick and Albert

the then Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ

Cleary be posthumously awarded the Victo-

Crane, both agreed there may be scope to

ria Cross for Australia. In June 2001 Labor MP

revisit Sheean’s case, among others, with

Sid Sidebottom introduced a similar Bill in

Houston remarking, ‘I do agree with him [Side-

the House of Representatives, the Defence

bottom] … [Sheean’s] actions under fire were

Act Amendment (Victoria Cross) Bill 2001.

These Bills became an important part of Labor’s Veterans’ Affairs policy platform, with the then Leader of the Opposition, Kim Beazley, committing to award Sheean and two others Victoria Crosses if Labor formed government. However, the Coalition victory

just unbelievable and they should perhaps be recognised’.

However, he went on to caution: There are very strict rules associated with Victoria Crosses and at the end of the day the final

in the November 2001 federal election

approval has to go to Buckingham Palace and

meant both Bills lapsed.

there is a very rigorous process associated with it. We will let the Honours and Awards

2010–12

Tribunal have a look at it and obviously we will

In October 2010 the matter was again raised in

go forward from there. We will come back to

Senate Estimates, this time by Liberal Senator

you and let you know how that process goes.

Senator Barnett followed up on this commit-

On 12 May 2020 Tasmanian Senator Jacqui

ment in the February 2011 Senate Estimates,

Lambie put a question without notice to the

where it was confirmed the matter had been

Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds, asking

referred to the Defence Honours and Awards

‘Our question from Tasmania is this: what

Appeals

Tribunal

(DHAAT)

for

inquiry,

although with an unspecified timeline or deadline. This ongoing advocacy led to the Gillard Government instigating the Inquiry into Unresolved Recognition for Past Acts of

more could Teddy Sheean have possibly done to earn a Victoria Cross?’ On 19 May 2020 the Department of Defence released a statement commenting that the ‘threshold of

Naval and Military Gallantry and Valour by

maladministration

and

compelling

new

DHAAT, the report of which was released in

evidence’ was not met in either the initial

April 2012. It concluded that ‘Sheean’s actions

DHAAT Inquiry or the 2019 review, and that

displayed conspicuous gallantry but did not

‘Defence continues to honour Teddy Sheean’s

reach the particularly high standard required

service and memory in a number of ways

for recommendation for a VC’ and therefore

including through the naming of the Collins

recommended that no action be taken to

Class Submarine HMAS Sheean’.

award Sheean the Victoria Cross for Australia.

2017–20 In 2017, Guy Barnett, now the Tasmanian Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, requested the then Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, to

This response led to a resurgence in public interest and scrutiny of the Sheean case, centred on the recommendation by the 2019 review that Sheean be awarded the Victoria

again refer to DHAAT the proposal to award

Cross. This led to Prime Minister Scott Morri-

Sheean the Victoria Cross. This led to a com-

son commissioning an expert panel on 10

plicated inquiry process that ultimately result-

June 2020 to look into the matter. In its report,

ed in DHAAT recommending in 2019 that

delivered on 31 July 2020, the panel unani-

Sheean be awarded the Victoria Cross.

mously advised the ‘Government accept the recommendation of the 2019 Review that Sheean be awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia’. The Government accepted this recommendation on the grounds that there was ‘compelling new evidence’. On 12 August 2020 the Governor-General announced that the Queen had approved the posthumous awarding of the Victoria Cross for Australia to Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean.

The Luftwaffe’s Last Mission

By Marcus Peake

After nearly six years of war, the 7th of May 1945 saw the surrender of all German units. But the last sanctioned Luftwaffe mission was flown after this, and it brought hope of a new life rather than the taking of it.

Naval Air Stations are, invariably, close to the sea and some are built in the windiest and most remote localities imaginable - and so it was with Seefliegerhorst Bug, located on the Bug peninsula on the island of Rügen, about 230 km north of Berlin.

Nothing remains of the extensive facilities that

range of locations including Germany, France,

existed there during the war, as the Red Army

Italy, Greece and Latvia. The last was formed

levelled it with explosives in 1945. Today, it is a

in 1942 in Tromsø, a city then under occupa-

privately owned nature reserve and the only

tion.

traces of its past are pieces of concrete occasionally found in the forest - but it had an

The earlier Seenotstaffels operated the Hein-

interesting history.

kel He 59 biplane specially tailored for air-sea operations including the provision of a rear

A hint of this past comes from a monument

hatch to retrieve survivors. These aircraft

located in the centre of Schleswig Harbour,

were later replaced by a variety of increasing-

not far from Rügen - a tablet fixed to a boul-

ly capable platforms.

der scribed in German - which tells you that this was the place the last flight of the Luft-

Initially, the He 59s were painted white and

waffe took place. What catches the eye is the

bore Red Cross markings. In 1940 one such

date upon it - 18th June 1945 - more than a

aircraft was shot down by the British because

month after the fall of the Third Reich.

it was sharing airspace with a dozen Bf 109 fighters. Examination of the pilot’s notes

The German Sea Rescue Service

showed that he had noted details of a British

Understanding how this could happen so

convoy, which constituted military reconnais-

long after the guns fell silent requires you to

sance rather than rescue work.

go back to one month before the start of that war, when the German armed forces com-

An Air Ministry Bulletin was issued, authorising

missioned their first Seenotstaffel, or Sea

the destruction of all enemy air-sea rescue

Rescue Squadron.

aircraft when encountered. “It has come to the notice of His Majesty’s Government,” it read,

Over the next three years Germany estab-

“that enemy aircraft bearing civil markings and

lished a further nine sea rescue units in a wide

marked with the Red Cross have recently flown

The Dark Side of German Sea Rescue There is no doubt that the Germans were far in advance of the Allies in setting up a sophisticated SAR organisation - in fact, in the first two years of the war, the ditching of a British aircraft into the sea usually doomed its crew. It was not until 1941 that the RAF formed an Air-Sea rescue organisation.

Aside from their dedicated Squadrons of aircraft, the Germans introduced other innovative ideas to preserve the lives of downed flyers, including compact inflatable dingies, fluroscent dye to mark a survivor’s position, and the placing of permanent ‘rescue buoys’ in waters where air emergencies were likely. But there was a dark side to their ingenuity, too, with experiments at Dachau concentration camp which involved immersing prisoners in freezing water to better understand the effects of hypothermia.

­

over British ships at sea and in the vicinity of the

The Soviet Experience

British coast, and that they are being employed

By the end of 1944 Seenotstaffel 81 had been assigned to Bug Naval Air Station and was equipped with 14 Dornier Do 24 flying boats to operate over the Baltic sea.

for purposes which cannot be regarded as being consistent with the privileges generally accorded to the Red Cross.” The Luftwaffe responded by repainting their aircraft in standard wartime livery and arming them with guns.

Retreat

By August of 1944 the war was going against the Germans and the Sea Rescue Service was consolidated. The initially independent Seenotstaffeins

were

merged

into

five

Seenotgruppen (Sea Rescue Groups), one of which bore the number 81. Others were moved from bases as the Allied advance threatened them. In November 1944 the Germans ceased production of the Dornier Do 24s, deeming the resources could better be used on other aircraft.

Within a few weeks the Squadron had an urgent new role. The Soviet advance in the east was pushing a wave of refugees before it, mostly German civilians. They were directed towards an air base at Kamper See, in Poland, where they were ferried by air to Rügen island.

According to eyewitness accounts there were days when the Dorniers were taking off every 15 minutes, packed to the gunnels with refugees. On one flight, 99 children and 14 adults saved from orphanages, struggling to an altitude of about 250 feet, the overloaded aircraft crashed into the lake, killing all on board except one.

­

­

In early May of 1945 the Soviet Army overran

Surprisingly, the aircraft still bore German

Rügen and Seenotstaffel 81 was evacuated to

markings with the exception of the swastika

Guldborgsund Strait, between the Danish

on the tail, and were flown by uniformed crew

islands of Lolland and Falster. German capitu-

members with the official structure of the unit

lation followed shortly afterwards and the

intact. The following day the Squadron was

Squadron’s personnel surrendered to British

disbanded and its aircraft were abandoned on

troops.

the waters of Schlei.

The Final Mission

Nearly eighty years later no tangible sign of

A month after the fall of Germany the Squad-

those events remain, other than that small

ron was ordered by the British to return to

monument not far from where the aircraft

Germany where it would be disbanded. In an

landed. Translated to English, it bears the

agreement between the occupying forces

words:

and Danish administration, it was also ordered to repatriate as many Germans as possible

On 18th June 1945, 15 Dornier Do 24 flying boats

during the last flight home.

from Sea Rescue Group 81 landed here on the waters of the Schlei, with a total of approxi-

On 18th June 1945 fifteen Do 24s left Danish

mately 1000 people, including 450 wounded

waters with approximately 1000 people,

German soldiers. They came under the protec-

including wounded soldiers and civilian refu-

tion of English fighter pilots from Bug/Rügen via

gees. They landed on Schlei Fjord, close to

Guldborg/Denmark. It was the last flight of a

the harbour.

unit of the German Air Force (sea).

h t 0 0 1 e h t g n i t a Celebr

Birth of the Gyrocopter

By Nick Jones

Submitted by Victoria Division

I think it’s fair to say that innovation doesn’t always travel in a straight line, which is arguably what makes it so exciting. When I first saw that this year was the centenary of the gyrocopter (aka autogyro), it prompted me to do a deep dive into the early history, and a few lessons that were learnt along the way.

The origins of the gyrocopter can be traced

within the rotor structure, granting autonomy

back to the early 20th century, a period when

to the rotor blades. This distinctive feature set

aviation pioneers sought innovative means to

Cierva’s gyrocopter apart from earlier endeav-

conquer the skies. In 1923, Spanish engineer

ours in rotary-wing aircraft, proving to be a

Juan de la Cierva achieved a milestone by

pivotal innovation that greatly enhanced the

introducing the world’s first autogyro, the C.1,

stability and control of gyrocopters. The hinge

revolutionizing rotorcraft design.

mechanism facilitated automatic adjustments, allowing the rotor to adapt to changes in

The significant engineering advancement lay

airflow, thereby promoting safer and more

in the incorporation of a hinge mechanism

efficient flight.

Tragically, he passed away in 1936 due to a plane crash in a DC-2 that entered fog, shortly after take-off...

Juan’s original idea underwent

In the 1930s, a surge in innovation was

continuous refinement and

underway, fuelled in part by Cierva’s influen-

prototyping, eventually culmi-

tial designs, inspiring numerous pioneers to

nating in the creation of the

explore similar groundbreaking innovations.

Cierva C.30 by 1933. This

Among them was Igor Sikorsky, who intro-

marked a significant milestone

duced his visionary design, the VS-300 heli-

as it emerged as the inaugural

copter, taking to the skies in September 1939

mass-produced

gyrocopter,

and marking a pivotal moment in aviation

with a total of 148 aircraft

history as the first successful helicopter

eventually manufactured. The

flight.

gyrocopter’s niche in the aviation domain remained somewhat

ambiguous,

achieved

would likely have faced significant delays

modest success in mail delivery and air

had it not been for Cierva’s progress with the

ambulance

autogyro’s

gyrocopter and the introduction of “direct

unique capability to operate in confined

control”, enabling pilots to directly manipu-

spaces for take-off and landing, coupled with

late the rotor system for adjustments in

its relatively slow and stable flight character-

pitch, roll, and yaw. Unfortunately for Cierva,

istics, rendered it well-suited for medical

he never got to witness the fruition of his

evacuation purposes. Especially when you

pioneering efforts. Tragically, he passed

consider that the only other air transport at

away in 1936 due to a plane crash in a DC-2

the time were relatively heavy planes requir-

that entered fog, shortly after take-off near

ing significant runways.

Croydon, south of London.

applications.

yet The

it

This transformative development in flight

Following

Cierva’s

death,

his

company

Envisioned

as

a

vertical

merged with G & J Weir Ltd, persisting in the

take-off and landing (VTOL)

development of both the gyrocopter and

aircraft capable of high-

helicopter. Sadly, substantial investment in

speed forward flight, it aimed

further advancements ceased in 1950 after

to

the crash of their W.11 “Air Horse”, a three-ro-

medium-range

tor helicopter powered by a single Rolls

and freight transport. Market-

Royce Merlin engine, killing both pilots and the flight engineer.

Despite Cierva’s unfortunate demise and the subsequent restructuring of his company, the legacy of his groundbreaking ideas endured, capturing the imaginations of many.

revolutionise

short

to

passenger

ed as a groundbreaking innovation, it promised the agility of a helicopter for vertical landings and the expansive capacity of an airplane.

Entrusted with the task of designing the Rotodyne, he embarked on a venture that pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible in aviation.

However as events unfolded, the Rotodyne was never able to fully realise these ambitious expectations.

Dr. Edward “Teddy” Petter, the chief designer

To achieve vertical landings, an innovation

at Fairey Aviation, stood as a testament to this

known as ‘tip jets’ was introduced, involving

spirit. Entrusted with the task of designing the

small jets affixed to the rotor blade tips. These

Rotodyne, he embarked on a venture that

jets ignited jet fuel and compressed air,

pushed the boundaries of what was consid-

providing additional downward thrust during

ered possible in aviation. The Rotodyne, clas-

takeoff and landing. In normal forward flight,

sified as a ‘compound gyroplane’, fused

these jets could be deactivated, allowing the

elements of helicopters and fixed wing

rotor to function freely, akin to a standard

aircraft.

gyrocopter.

Remarkably, this concept transcended the

also posed a practical hurdle, limiting its

realm of theoretical ideas. Fairey Aviation

viability in urban and densely populated

turned this innovation into reality, constructing

areas. Financial strains and changing dynam-

a prototype aircraft capable of carrying 40

ics in the aviation industry further complicat-

passengers at approximately 160 knots over

ed Rotodyne’s fate.

370 nautical miles. The aircraft successfully completed 350 flights, attracting attention,

Mergers became a strategic necessity for

including that of numerous UK Parliamentari-

many aircraft companies reliant on govern-

ans who sought to showcase the country’s technological prowess. This keen interest from members of the government in aviation advancements echoes a similar memorable image of pilot James G. Ray, who landed a gyrocopter on the White House Lawn to meet then-President Herbert Hoover, who awarded him the Collier Trophy.

The Rotodyne, despite its remarkable accom-

ment funding, and Fairey Aviation found itself absorbed by Westland Aircraft. This restructuring had implications for ongoing projects, and the Rotodyne, caught in the midst of these corporate changes, faced uncertainties about its future development and funding.

Moreover, the 1960s witnessed substantial progress in helicopter technology and the

plishments, faced formidable obstacles that

broader commercial aviation sector. These

hindered its path to commercial success. The

advancements not only increased the com-

high operational costs associated with its

petition but also highlighted alternative and

innovative design, particularly the incorporation

more efficient modes of VTOL aircraft. The

of tip jets, presented a significant economic

evolving landscape of aviation technology

challenge. The ear-piercing noise emitted by

created a challenging environment for the

the tip jets, reaching 96 decibels, not only

Rotodyne, ultimately contributing to the proj-

raised concerns for public acceptance but

ect’s cancellation in 1962.

also

­

In retrospect, the Rotodyne serves as a testa-

Contemporary gyrocopters commonly incor-

ment to the intricate interplay of technological

porate lightweight and durable composites,

innovation, economic considerations, and

enhancing both performance and durability.

market dynamics in shaping the destiny of

The evolution also embraces a spectrum of

ambitious aviation endeavours.

While the Rotodyne garnered considerable attention, quieter but equally impactful strides

experiences, from the elemental joy of flying with the wind in your face to more modern preferences for enclosed cockpits, offering

were being taken by an American aeronauti-

enhanced comfort and protection. While the

cal engineer named Igor Bensen. He concep-

B-8 series opened the door for gyrocopter

tualised the Bensen B-8 series, a design that

enthusiasts, the contemporary landscape

played a pivotal role in popularizing gyrocop-

includes diverse designs catering to various

ters for personal and recreational use. The B-8

preferences and needs. Some models priori-

series, available as a kit, empowered hobbyists to purchase, assemble, and customize their gyrocopters, democratizing access to this form of aerial pursuit. Advancements in

tise agility and open-air sensations, providing a nostalgic nod to the roots of gyrocopter flight.

Others

emphasise

sophisticated

gyrocopter design have seen subtle refine-

features and advanced technologies, appeal-

ments since Igor Bensen’s groundbreaking

ing to a new generation of aviation enthusiasts

B-8 series.

seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.

When assessing the commercial standing of

At the annual pilgrimage to Oshkosh, you’d

gyrocopters, it’s important to acknowledge

usually expect to see similar things; some old

their distinct appeal. Among private pilots,

historic warbirds, a few new plane designs

many hold a deep affinity for gyrocopters,

announced from the major manufacturers

choosing them as their preferred aircraft. It is

and maybe a few provocative ideas from the

also worth pointing out that gyrocopters have

experimental category. But in recent years

secured niche roles, particularly in aerial mustering, where they compete favourably with helicopters in terms of operating costs while fulfilling similar functions.

The past 100 years of gyrocopter history is such a good example of the strange journey

that is just not the case. The word eVTOL gets thrown

around,

but

sometimes

‘flying

machine’ seems more fitting; each with radically different takes on how electric design will work and fit into aviation.

I’m not sure what the path is for the next 100 years. Who knows, maybe it will be just like

that innovation will take. Juan de la Cierva,

my 5-year-old dream and we’ll all go to work

while not initially aiming to invent the helicop-

in flying cars like the Jetsons. All I know is that

ter, significantly contributed to its foundation-

as long as we are able to remember some of

al concepts. Today, we stand at the brink of a

the lessons of our past, I will be excited to

similar transformative era, especially with the

follow along and watch innovation play out.

integration of electric technology into aviation, evoking a sense of futuristic ideas reminiscent of the visionary thinking in the 1950s and 1960s.

This article was written by Nick Jones from Pace Advertising for SPORTPILOT magazine published by RAAus

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Division ports Re

South Australia Division Well, here we are with a Slipstream Edition Report from the South which I thought would never happen, and sadly I have gone down that path of finality and now have to totally reverse my thought pattern and revisit my one liner quips for slagging off Queensland.

At my age, a slow process.

Marcus has drawn on some of his dubious

As it turned out, nothing happened as a Fed-

friends and commissioned a naval style

eral Secretary had been found in the form of

Press Gang to roam the World for an appro-

Andrew Whittaker, ex FAA and some of you

priate editor for Slipstream and here we are,

would know him as he lives locally. Welcome

he has succeeded. No obvious bruising

aboard Andrew.

apparent as the new editor, Caz Sands, gets to grips with the job in hand. I believe Caz is

For me, the SA Secretary, I drove myself over

based in Hawaii and will tackle the Decem-

and back in my ASX SUV and enjoyed every

ber Issue as a trial test. A lot has happened in

minute of the 14 hours to Nowra, 14 hours to

the South since I last reported in the last

Adelaide. No flooded roads and detours this

bonus issue which in all fairness to Terry Het-

time and only two kangaroos and one echid-

herington, was scheduled to be the final Slip-

na in Kangaroo Valley to dodge. Stayed with

stream shipped out to the troops. Who would

the Browns of Cambewarra who made me

have known that we have been thrown a

most welcome. Not happy with all of Nowra’s

lifeline to continue Slipstream.

roundabouts and north/south housing development. Did like the new bridge’s over the

October 26th saw some of us from all over,

Shoalhaven River, though.

gather at the FAA Museum for the Federal Council Meeting which had indicated to be a

Monday November 11th saw some of the

lot of teeth gnashing and harsh language

Members gather at the Goolwa RSL gardens

from the lower deck lawyers amongst us.

for a delightful Remembrance Day held in

DIVISION REPORTS

brilliant sunshine and 23 degrees. Standard format was followed so no surprises for some of the old darlings teetering to attention.

From memory, President John Siebert, Secretary Roger Harrison with partner Frances, Auditor Michael Cane, and Dave Smillie with partner Jude. Lunch followed inside the RSL Club rooms. Visited the 817 Squadron Memorial in the RSL lawned area. Marked 817 Squadron but now 808 Squadron I do believe.

Wednesday November 20th is the SA Division General Meeting to be held at the Keswick Barracks Café for a lunch type meeting. No gnashing of teeth here and a summary will be provided in the March Slipstream (I

Things have moved forward after some adjusted paperwork, and we wait patiently to see the results. Paul Shiels will be attending his last Meeting here in November, as he is shipping off to Victoria to be close to family. Sorely missed Paul.

Finally, the SA Division will wish each one of you out there, a Very Merry Christmas.

Personally, I find Christmas similar to taking a cricket ball into the scrotum. Brings tears to my eyes when I am mixing it with the Christmas shoppers at Marion who all appear to have been sleeping with a close relative. But I am eternally grateful that “Tie a yellow ribbon round the old gum tree” will never be number one again.

hope).

Merry Christmas to you all.

Sunday December 15th will see the Division

Whipping Boy SA.

gather for our ‘End of Year’ Christmas lunch at The Windsor Hotel. Tables are booked and menus distributed to the locals.

Sunday January 19th, 2025 is our first meeting for the year and is usually held as a Picnic General Meeting on the lawns of the Wittunga Botanical Gardens, Blackwood. We gather at the Gardens around mid-day on the lawns to the left as you drive into the adequate car park. It is a BYO salads and cold meat lunch with wine and water. Mostly a very social gathering and everyone bar dogs and Stokers are welcome.

Member Paul Shiels is still active in securing an appropriate Memorial for the two sailors killed disarming a shipping mine near Beachport South Australia on the 14th of July 1941.

Trivia Do you know?

Q2.

Where is the one US Navy Base located in Australia?

Answer on inside last page

DIVISION REPORTS

DivisionReports ACT Division Annual General Meeting - Friday 29 November 2024 President’s Report 2024 has been a relatively quiet year for the ACT Division with some minor growth in membership, which brings our total numbers to 70.

I point out the ongoing work of our committee, in particular, the support provided by our Secretary / Treasurer George Sydney in ensuring our Division’s ongoing viability.

I

also mention my (personal) appreciation to

our former Division President, John Schonberger, for his exemplary commitment over the many years he invested in the role.

There were a number of highlights during the year, the first of which (prior to ANZAC Day) was a visit to the Australian War Memorial hosted by our own National President (Mark Campbell) who is an official tour guide there.

You might think living in the ACT that the Memorial visit would be a relatively normal “been-there done-that” activity. However, Mark’s unique insights made it a very worthwhile event appreciated by all who attended.

See the photo below, those attending (L to R) were: • Michael Sandberg • George Sydney • Mark Campbell

• Bruce Hamilton

• Kerrie Davis

• Bethany Ledger

• Pete Davis

• Geoff Ledger

• Bruce Tunnah

• Chris Nelms

• Andy Dakin

­

DIVISION REPORTS

The other highlight, goes without saying, was the Annual ANZAC Day March where we had a respectable turn-out of around 20 people marching which included (always welcome) uniformed members of the ‘Birdy’ community serving in Canberra.

George Sydney and I attended the National

Geoff has graciously accepted my nomina-

Federal Council meeting in Nowra on Sat 26

tion to stand as Welfare Officer candidate on

Oct 2024 where, much to all the delegates’

the committee for our Division in 2025.

relief, the earlier advice that the Federal Council was in danger of folding was not real-

Finally, I would encourage everyone (person-

ised.

al obligations allowing) to place our 2025

From that meeting, I am pleased to

report:

social calendar in their diaries and come

• The ongoing tenure of Mark Campbell as

along to enjoy the camaraderie and friendship that only comes from being a part of our

our National President • The appointment of a serving One Star

unique shared experience.

(CDRE Anthony Savage, RAN) as the Deputy Forwarded for consideration.

National President • The appointment of Andrew Whittaker (NSW Division) as the new National Secretary

Yours Aye, Bruce Tunnah OAM AMIEAust President, ACT Division

• The appointment of our own Margaret Maher as the Deputy National Secretary.

HARS. In support of a submission from HARS requesting support to help meet their insurance costs associated with operating the Navy Historic Flight; members were given the opportunity to make an (optional) donation of their own choosing in addition to their annual membership fees. Noting we are a relatively small Division, I am pleased to report that $855.00

was

raised

and

subsequently

forwarded to HARS. In my dual role of the Division’s Welfare Officer, I continued to provide ad-hoc advice to members and non-members alike seeking guidance on how best to receive the support that they needed.

Trivia Do you know?

Q3.

What is the RAAF’s most advanced fighter plane?

This included regular

phone calls to check on their progress and wellbeing along with, for Canberra based folk, meeting in person (for coffee) when mutually convenient.

DIVISION REPORTS

Answer on inside last page

DivisionReports Victoria Division Best wishes for safe and happy festive season to all members from the Victoria Division.

Things have been quiet in this part of the world until Sunday 8th December when we held our final meeting for the year and our Annual Christmas Lunch.

This was held at

our usual venue The Mission to Seafarers (more on that later) and a good time was had by all. A good roll up of members and family attended and it was great to see some of our senior members making a big effort to attend.

Our regular caterer once again made sure that no one went hungry. We hold one of our

legendary raffles on this day and my thanks to all those who donated prizes and helped to make it a success. As always our thanks go to the Melbourne Naval Committee who are always willing to assist groups such as ourselves with funding.

We are in the unfortunate position of probably losing our meeting/function venue The Mission to Seafarers in the near future. The building is owned by the State Government and they are in the process of deciding how best to utilise the property. Suggestions are to extensively renovate or divide and lease to various. Currently we are booked in for

¡

DIVISION REPORTS

ANZAC Day but that may be our last.

Interview with

The Hon. Pat Conroy

By Jon Dorhauer

The Hon. Pat Conroy MP is the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Minister for International Development and the Pacific and the Federal Member for Shortland.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

JD. Mr. Conroy, I think you'd agree we are

JD. I understand currently 1.9% of the GDP is

living in perilous times. With the war in Europe

spent on defence and recently your govern-

and of course the Middle East, we now have

ment announced spending will increase to

China threatening to take military action against Taiwan. The question is this, is Australia well positioned to join U.S forces if the Americans ask us to defend Taiwan?

PC. I'm a politician so I won't talk about the

2.3% by 2033/2034. Mr. Conroy isn't that a little bit too far in the future when we have right now the threat of China in the South China Sea?

hypotheticals in that sort of scenario, but

PC. Well current spending is actually 2% of

what I can say to you is that we're investing

GDP, and it will rise over time so that $50

massively in the Australian Defence Force,

billion I mentioned before, the 1st 5.7 billion is

including a $50 billion increase in the budget,

flowing through in the forward estimates right

and just as importantly we're bringing forward capabilities. So we're delivering landing craft eight years earlier. We have brought forward the acquisition of missiles and fight-

now, so we are increasing the defence budget. More importantly we're also spending money better than previously - some of

ing vehicles with rocket launching systems so

the priorities were very curious and so we're

we're committed to re-equipping the ADF as

spending the money more wisely.

soon as possible.

We're investing massively in the Australian Defence Force, including a $50 billion increase in the budget, and just as importantly we're bringing forward capabilities.

We do live in very uncertain times, and that's why we are focused on this area.

JD. I do recognize and acknowledge that this Labor Government has certainly pressed the button, and it needed to. Previous governments on both sides haven’t got it quite right but I do acknowledge that. At this moment we have 6 Collins class submarines of which only one is operational. There is a second one that could be put to sea with short notice. The question is, is that really acceptable?

JD. As you know in the past, previous gov-

PC. It's important to say that we have sufficient submarines available to meet the tasking

ernments on both sides have gone ahead to

structure from the Chief of the Defence Force

purchase equipment sometimes it's not quite

to the Chief of the Navy. Admiral Hammond

what we needed, never on time, never on

said that it estimates last month (and it remains

budget. Often, we conduct review after

true now) that we are meeting the availability

review because the reviews didn't give us the

requirements for the Defence Force and that's

answers that we wanted. I don’t think a war in

the primary thing. The number of submarines

Europe or a war in the Middle East is going to

will vary in the water over the whole year, at

affect us. I think the big stretch for us is going

one stage we had four in the water, either

to be the South China Sea and then what China's doing because they're expanding everywhere now. I see recently they've got 3 aircraft carriers, now they've just launched a fourth one that has a catamaran type hull that’s going be for drones, so they are aggressive in terms of their expansion. I think a lot of people in Australia are nervous about China.’

training or being deployed to places, so it's natural that towards the end of the year that changes slightly but we are meeting the operational requirements. I think a big sea change in the Collins support was the implementation of the Coles review in about 2012 which found significant change needed around the ADF to provide sustainment, and that's occurred and generally that's working pretty well. There's been some unexpected corrosion issues found that have been a chal-

PC. We're being very transparent with the

lenge, we expect corrosion so that's not the

Australian public but we're seeing the

unexpected part, it's where it's found and

biggest arms build up in our region since

then dealing with that. As the Chief of the

1945 and it hasn't been accompanied by the

Navy said, he's able to deploy enough sub-

transparency that you'd hope to see in that

marines to meet the requirements from the

sort of scenario.

Chief of the Defence Force.

¢ £ ¢ £

¢

JD. Well you'd expect him to say that too.

PC. Misleading the Senate is a serious offence that only leads to the resignation of the officer involved, so he wouldn't mislead the Senate.

Since I think it's the 1st of July we've allowed New Zealand citizens to join the ADF and that's been very popular, and from next year we'll be allowing citizens of the UK, US, and Canada to join. The Defence Minister and I have made it very clear that our goal is also to open it up to the Pacifics.

JD. We only have 80% of the 69,000 personnel needed to meet challenges for the future.

Do you think it might be possible that if Labor gets back in, that National Service might be a consideration to boost numbers?

PC. On National Service - that's not our policy. The way we intend to hit those growth targets is one, improving retention, and retention is above long-term averages. When people join up - more of them are staying, which is great. Recruitment is rebounding, but recruitment is hard because of the strength of the economy. Recruitment tracks the unemployment rate very closely, so that has been a challenge, but we're also trying new things.

JD. Well of course the reason for this is we're not getting enough Australians wanting to join.

PC. Yes and it's also the trades. We've got plenty of people who want to join, but it's the skilled trades that we're finding more challenging and that's related to the strength of the economy.

JD. Let's just touch on the AUKUS thing. Now the United States are currently producing one and a bit submarines - Virginia Class Submarines per year. Their requirement is that they've got to produce at least two for their own defence. At the moment they're

having trouble getting men and women with

available more, and that frees them up and

the trades necessary to actually work on sub-

they're investing a lot in that as well. So I'm

marines and they don't know what the future

optimistic that they're turning it around. On

lies in that area. They're trying very hard and

Kevin Rudd I can say to you that he's doing a

we're pouring money towards that to help

great job in Washington, he's got strong sup-

them, but the question is this; with the sub-

port across the political aisle.

marines that we want to get, and with Trump now being the President-Elect and the

I was in the Senate gallery in December 2023

ambassador for Australia being Kevin Rudd,

to witness the vote on the three pieces of

Trump has a long memory and I don't know

AUKUS legislation. They've got an 80% yes

that they get along very well, and we need all

vote and that's in a Senate that's effectively

the help we can get to make sure we get

50/50 Republican and Democrat. So there is

these submarines because there's no real

strong Republican support for AUKUS and

guarantee, would you agree?

I've seen the way that Kevin works with Republicans, and I’m confident that our rela-

PC. So there's a few things there to unpack.

tionship will be fine.

One - on the US submarine industrial base, it is improved. The 1.3 figure that people quoted

JD. Thank you for your time.

is slightly out of date, it is improving, and they're putting massive resources into it, in addition to us, so it's something like 17 billion U.S. dollars have been invested in the submarine industrial base to improve it, and they've just made a recent announcement of more resources.

Secondly, they're trying different approaches - so they're outsourcing more work to pass supply chains that haven't been utilised before. 70% of the parts on the critical supply path have been sole source. That is a problem and we're helping them fix that. I was in the United States in October and I visited the Austral Shipyard in Mobile Alabama, and that's doing modules now for the Virginia Class. So they're doing more of that work to free up productivity. Importantly they're also

Trivia Do you know?

Q4.

When was the RAN’s first aircraft carrier, HMAS Albatross launched?

working on improving sustained performance, so that availability got down to the low to mid 60s and their goal is 80%, so obvi-

Answer on inside last page

ously you build more submarines but you also get the current serving submarines to be

s w e N d o o G

From the FAAM

By Marcus Peake

Those of you who read ‘FlyBy’ magazine will have noted various reports over the last few months expressing concerns with the state of the FAA Museum, and that we were in close discussion with the Director of the Sea Power Centre Australia (DSPC-A) to try to resolve them.

The most recent meeting was held at the Museum on the 6th of December and I’m pleased to report it was a far more positive affair.

In short: The DSPC-A has agreed to the formation of a FAA Museum Advisory Committee, most probably comprising representatives from the Sea Power Centre, HMAS Albatross, the FAA Association, Shoalhaven City Council and a rep from the heritage sector. Members will be selected for their experience, qualification and ability to contribute to the Committee.

The terms of reference for the Committee are yet to be finalised, but the role is likely to be: • Provide ideas and feedback to FAAM management on planned initiatives; • Share experiences and insights into FAA operations and history and into tourism operations in the Shoalhaven; • Provide suggestions and feedback on the Museum’s existing and planned services; • Develop a shared understanding of the needs of the FAAM including collection management, maintenance, renewal and upgrades.

This is a positive step forward as one of our

but it does mean a clearly understood and

major concerns was that the Museum’s

transparent process which will protect both

managment was undertaking action without

the Commonwealth and volunteers alike.

consultation with key stakeholders, and squandering the wealth of knowledge and

Refurbishment will soon start on the Museum

experience that could help the museum in its

entry/front lobby area to better direct visitors

task to preserve our heritage. We will report

and utilise available space. This will ‘feed’

on meetings as they occur in 2025 and

visitors into the facility, provide a graduated

beyond.

education process as they enter (for example, a broad history of the FAA).

In other news: The Army has agreed to loan one of its two

Plans for refurbishment of other areas are in

MRH-90 helicopters to the FAAM for an initial

train, with a longer timeframe.

period of five years, and negotiations are in hand to cement those arrangements. The

“J” hangar, which has long been a repository

intent is to place the MRH-90 on the museum

for the Museum, may be required by Navy

floor as soon as is reasonably possible.

and so plans are in train to better understand what is in it in preparation for the time it is

A training/induction program is being extab-

vacated.

lished for volunteers to work at the Museum, consistent with the requirements of the PGPA

So, there’s a while to go yet but there’s a plan

Act 2013. This is an unavoidable requirement

in place and we have a seat at the table.

and the Museum must comply with its provisions,

Watch this space!

Bad Penny Strikes Again

A.I or Not?

Previously reported on in ‘FlyBy’ (July & August 2024) it seems our old fraudster Peter Lancaster is at it again. This time he has been spotted at the recent Remembrance Day service at Beenleigh Golf Club and RSL, wearing a commander‘s dress uniform with a ridiculous array of badges to which he is not entitled. He’s still doing his thing, only getting worse. If you see him, call him out!

He’s on the right, in Naval Uniform.

There’s a bit of chatter on the net as to whether this is a genuine image or one generated by AI. The little clues circled in red suggest it could be AI, but it’s apparently very difficult to be certain. What do you think?

Answers Q1. On what date did the Royal Australian Navy Fleet first sail into Sydney Harbour, New South Wales? 4 October 1913.

Trivia know?

Do you

Q2. Where is the one US Navy Base located in Australia?

Exmouth, Western Australia.

Q3. What is the RAAF’s most advanced fighter plane?

Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. Q4. When was the RAN’s first aircraft carrier, HMAS Albatross launched? 23 Feb 1928.

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QLD DIVISION

Amount: Account Name: BSB: Account: Reference:

Amount: Account Name: BSB: Account: Reference:

Cheques:

$25.00 pa.

FAAAA 032 719 374 093 Membership Number or your surname+initial ACT Division is unable to accept cheques for payment as their bank has phased them out.

Payment by EFT or Direct Deposit would be appreciated.

Cheques:

$40.00 pa FAAAA Qld 034 611 171 277 Membership Number or your surname+initial.

QLD Division is unable to accept cheques for payment as their bank has phased them out.

Payment by EFT or Direct Deposit would be appreciated.

SA DIVISION

TAS DIVISION

Amount: Account Name: BSB: Account: Reference:

Amount: Account Name: BSB: Account: Reference:

Cheques:

$37.00 pa.

FAAAA 065 118 009 05 668 Membership Number or your surname+initial The Treasurer FAAAA SA Division, 6 Somerset Avenue, CUMBERLAND PARK, SA 5041.

WA DIVISION WA Division has declined to publish its payment details. If you have any queries please contact the Secretary,

Cheques:

$25.00 pa.

FAAAA 037 013 133 119 Membership Number or your surname+initial The Treasurer FAAAA TAS Division, 7 Danbury Drive, LEGANA 7277.