History
Welcome to the Royal Australian Navy’s history web page. Here you will find an ever-growing account of the deeds of those who have served in Australia’s multifarious naval forces from the passing of the Colonial Naval Defence Act 1865 to present day.
This page is hosted by the Naval History Section which is part of the Sea Power Centre - Australia, situated in Canberra. Enquiries in connection with historical web page content may be directed to navy.history@defence.gov.au.
Ships and Submarines
Base Histories
Feature Histories
Reference Material
- Admiralty Fleet Orders
- Australia Station Intelligence Summaries 1952-1957
- Commemorative Publications
- Commonwealth Naval Orders
- Daily Operational Narratives 1939-1954
- HMAS Creswell/Royal Australian Naval College Magazines
- Navy List
- Navy News Newspapers
- Recommendations of Admiral Sir Reginald Henderson
- Reports of Admiral Jellicoe Volume I-IV
- Reports of Proceedings, HMA Ships and Establishments
- SeaTalk
- World War I Naval Staff Monographs
World War II Reference Material
- World War II Naval Staff Histories
- South-West Pacific Anti-Submarine Warfare Reports (WWII)
- Royal Australian Navy Monthly Naval Warfare Review (WWII)
- World War II Combined Operational Intelligence Centre Naval Summaries
- The Naval Auxiliary Patrol
- World War II Daily Escort Situation
- World War II Daily Movement Summaries
- World War II Merchant Ship Movement Records - Australia
- World War II Damage Control
- HM Ships Damaged or Sunk by Enemy Action in World War II
Customs and Traditions
- A Brief History of Australian Naval Uniforms
- Admiral Nelson Sword of Excellence
- Australian White Ensign
- Battle Honours
- Burial at Sea
- Chief of Navy’s Personal Distinguishing Flag
- Chiefs of Navy use of Green Ink
- Crossing The Line
- Esther Williams Trophy
- Field Gun Run
- First Lady of the Fleet Trophy
- Freedom of Entry
- History of Piping the Side
- History of the Sovereign's Colours
- National Memorial to the Royal Australian Navy
- Naval Slang
- Navy Recognition of Service Badges
- Official Badge Design and History
- Otranto Shields
- Queen Elizabeth II - Personal Flag for Australia
- The Duke of Gloucester’s Cup
- The King’s and the Queen’s Gold Medals
- The Origin of RAN Squadron and National Insignia
- The Tradition of Colours and Sunset
- Wedding Garlands
Videos
- Sea Power
- The Grey Funnel Line
- It's Different Today
- Sea Eagles
- Operation Navy Help
- SEATO Exercise Sea Devil
- On The Gunline
- The RAN in World War 1 – Anzac Day 2020 Tribute
- The Vung Tau Ferry
- Their Campus The Sea
- Sailors in the Making
- Navigating The Sepik
- Looking At Leeuwin
- Women in the Navy
- A Trade For Tomorrow
- 5-4-3-2-1 Birds Away
- HMAS Yarra's Gallant Last Stand
- The Fate of HMAS Armidale
View our Historical Videos playlist on the Sea Power Centre - Australia YouTube channel.
