PDA

View Full Version : Australian Military History Q&A



mickk
08-13-2012, 03:52 AM
I know a lot of you are interested in what goes on Downunder and we really appreciate your support, so I thought I might give this post a go. It might become a good reference. We have plenty of serving and former members of the ADF here in AC who stand ready to help you.

jamieooh
08-13-2012, 01:18 PM
Mickk , get us some good stories.
When was each branch of your military started?
How many branches do you have?

mickk
08-16-2012, 04:15 AM
Jamieooh, I could rattle some stats off the top of my head, then someone would correct me, so I will refresh my memory and get back to you.

We started off as a bunch of colonies, much like the US. So each had some sort of defence before Federation in 1901.

My State Victoria, had this ship http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMVS_Cerberus in service from 1870 to 1924. Its now a rusting hulk down the beach here. The guns were salvaged a couple of decades ago, its basically a rusted superstructure on a concrete base that was one poured into the hull. It was sunk as a break water. Everyone used to dive off it, swim around it till about 10 years ago when it became too dangerous due to protrusions.

Every two years the question of salvaging it is raised. The govt always says no, no money and no one seems to be interested from the corporate world. Some groups have tried to raise the couple million to do it, but no luck. Time is running out. Click here to see image taken from above april 2012.
http://www.nearmap.com/?ll=-37.967392,145.00807&z=20&t=h&nmd=20120412

127571275812759