Submarine Centenary 2014

Submarine Centenary 2014

In order to mark a century since the 1914 arrival in Australia of HMA Submarines AE1 and AE2, the SIA has completed a Submarine Centenary Project.

Australia’s Submarine Centenary  commemorated submariners plus important places and people in Australia’s submarine history e.g. Vice Admiral Sir Ian McIntosh, a Geelong Grammar graduate, Lt Commander Thomas Besant and the crew of AE1, Lt Commander Henry 'Dacre' Stoker and the crew of AE2, Lt Commander Max Shean and Sub Lieutenant Ken Briggs, X craft crew. 

Locations of note include Geelong Vic, Holbrook NSW, Brisbane Qld, Fremantle, Exmouth and Albany WA, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour and former HMAS PLATYPUS, Sydney NSW.  

Celebrations culminated in late 2014 with activities, conferences and commemorative services in Fremantle WA.  Raising the submarine profile continuously through to 2014, other submarine history items are being promoted and pursued at every opportunity.

Submarine monographs were distributed for publication in journals and magazines across Australia and beyond.  Distribution of the AE2 plaques generates interest wherever they are installed.

A book addressing the significance of AE2 was launched in March 2010; this led to press and radio exposure followed by guest speaking requests from Rotary and RSL Clubs.  There is always strong general public and media interest in submarines.

Dolphin Scholarship: At no cost, the Winston Churchill Trust Australia has agreed to be administrators of the SIA Dolphin Scholarship.  An SIA Scholarship Board will be appointed to draw up scholarship details with the SIA controlling conditions and selection for the Dolphin award.  Churchill Trust fellowships are research grants of approx $24,000 covering international travel and living costs over 4-6 weeks anywhere in the world.  This scholarship will operate exclusively for Australian nationals.  SIA Inc continues to seek investment funds in support of the Dolphin Fellowship. 

Books:

History of Australian Submarines II         
Revised.  Dr Michael White QC, Qld

The Men of AE1  
Dr Kathryn Spurling, 
Visitor, School of History, Australian National University, ACT

Oral History:  Australian Submariners  
Australian National Library - Mr R Willis, NSW

Queens Colours:  These would be an Australian White Ensign endorsed with Royal Insignia: Australia’s Submarine Veterans welcome the proposal.  SIA is seeking RAN Submarine Force support.  Such an award recognises 100 years of service by Australian submariners in what has been in the main, a Commonwealth conflict. Start point is Office of Governor General Australia.

Development of the Australian Submarine Centenary celebration were generously supported by the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Submarine Veterans and Naval Historians in addition to those of the United States of America, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

 

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