January 24th - On This Date - Royal Australian Navy

24 Jan 1916

Acting CMDR W. H. F. Warren, RAN, assumed command of the Australian Torpedo Boat Destroyer Flotilla from CAPT C L Cumberlege, RN. CMDR Warren was the first RAN officer to command a flotilla.

1941

The Bathurst class minesweeper, (corvette), HMAS LISMORE, (LCDR S. H. Crawford, RANR(S)), was commissioned. LISMORE, was paid off in 1946, and transferred to the Netherlands Navy. She was renamed BATAAN.

1943

The Brisbane-based USS WAHOO,(submarine), attacked a Japanese destroyer in Wewak Harbour, New Guinea.

1945

Fremantle-based USS BLACKFIN, (submarine), sank the Japanese destroyer SHIGURE in the South China Sea.

1968

The Attack class patrol boat, HMAS ADVANCE, (LEUT G. D. R. Hammer, RAN), was commissioned in Maryborough, QLD. Mrs George, (Wife of the Third Naval Member), performed the commissioning ceremony. ADVANCE was laid down in Walker’s Yard, QLD, and launched on 16 August 1967.

1972

RADM H. D. Stevenson was appointed Flag Officer Commanding Her Majesty’s Australian Fleet.

1986

The Royal Australian Navy opened its 75th Year Anniversary celebrations with a ceremonial fleet entry into Sydney Harbour. A giant White Ensign towed by a Sea King helicopter led the entry.

1990

The survey motor launch, HMAS SHEPPARTON, was commissioned at Port Adelaide SA. The Commissioning Officer was LCDR Allan Dennison.

1992

Fifty years after her namesake was sunk in Darwin Harbour by Japanese bombers, the USS ROBERT E PERRY, (destroyer), arrived in Darwin harbour for a commemorative service.