Serving Australia since Federation

COMMEMORATING THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY'S SERVICE TO THE NATION

The Royal Australian Navy will commemorate the centenary of key historical events of significance to the Navy and the Nation from 2011.

Australia’s Navy has been serving Australia with pride since Federation. It first came into being as the Commonwealth Naval Forces on 1 March 1901, as a small coastal defence force. In 1909, in response to increasing international tensions and the recognition that Australia needed to assume full responsibility for its broader maritime defence, the nation embarked on a significant naval expansion program. Its aim was to create a national navy capable of both defending Australia’s maritime interests and contributing to regional defence.

To reflect this responsibility and maturity, on 10 July 1911, King George V approved Australia’s request to have the ‘Royal’ prefix attached to the Navy’s title.

Australia’s new fleet took several years to build but, on 4 October 1913, the powerful flagship HMAS Australia (I) led a force of cruisers and destroyers into Sydney Harbour for the first time. The Australian Fleet was greeted by thousands of cheering citizens lining the foreshores; a moment of great national pride and importance, one recognised as a key symbol of Australia’s progress to nationhood.

Less than a year later, as war loomed, the fleet was completed with the arrival of Australia’s first submarines. The Royal Australian Navy went on to play a full and active part in defeating or deterring forces which threatened our national maritime interests during World War I.

Remembering key historical events

Proposed key commemorative events which will promote the RAN's service to the Nation during times of peace and war, include:

• Commemoration of granting of ‘Royal’ prefix, on 10 July 1911, with a Reception in Sydney in July 2011

• Commemoration of the first RAN fleet entry into Sydney Harbour with an International Fleet Review in Sydney in October 2013

• Celebration of 100 years of RAN submarine service in early 2014

• Commemoration of RAN operations in New Guinea and the loss of AE1 in September 2014

• Commemoration of the ANZEF troop convoy departure from Albany in November 2014

• Commemoration of the HMAS Sydney (I) – SMS Emden battle at Cocos Islands in November 2014

• STS Young Endeavour world voyage in 2015 involving youth from Australia and New Zealand and engaging youth in Turkey in April 2015

• Commemoration of Navy support to the Galipoli landings and the loss of AE2 in April 2015

The Director Navy Heritage Collection (DNHC) will support public agencies and museums for relevant commemorative events and exhibitions.

Navy will commemorate key events of significance at the national level.

Relevant naval associations may have plans for their own commemorative activities and they may submit a request via the Navy website to have their events listed in the Commemorative Events Calendar.

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