How far north?

Sir

I write to congratulate you on an informative and colourful edition of Navy News, October 30 edition.
Having said this, I would draw your attention to the lead article on page one, wherein you mention certain trivia relating to HMAS COLLINS' recent deployment. It is unclear whether you were making the point that COLLINS has operated the furthest north of any Australian ship or submarine given that you also indicate in the same article that the o'boats were built some 100 kilometres further north than COLLINS most northerly point.
Irrespective of which class of submarine has operated this far north, I feel certain that reference to records will reveal that HMA Ships of the N and Q Classes, ventured much further north on Murmansk Convoy duty during WW2.

Yours
Geoff Cunnington, (WO Rtd)
Clayfield, Queensland.


Where are they?

Sir,
Earlier this year Toowoomba Grammar School celebrated its 125th anniversary and in the course of the activity a Vietnam Veterans Honour Board was unveiled in recognition of the 66 past students and three staff members who served in the conflict.
All but three were traced and I ask any of your readers who knows of their whereabouts to contact Ros Ruskin-Rowe on 07 46872579.
The school wants to make contact and send them a photograph of the occasion.
The three are, David Andrew Baker, ex of Caloundra, DOB 7.12.1950 who served on HMAS PERTH and HMAS SYDNEY, David James Carpenter, ex of Toowoomba, DOB 26.10.1943 from the Army and Leigh Winston Davis ex of Wandoan, DOB 11.8..1945, an Army sapper.

Yours,
CMDR Mick Storrs, RANR.


First "civvie" helicopter?

Sir,
I enjoy reading Navy News as it helps me to keep up to date with the people who are serving in the RAN.
In the October 16 issue there was an article concerning operating helicopters from HMAS LEEUWIN.
In the second column there was a statement that ,"this was the first time RAN ships have been authorised to operate a civilian helicopter."
If my memory serves me correctly in the 60's HMAS GASCOYNE operated a civilian helicopter from a specially built platform on her quarterdeck.
It was first used when GASCOYNE was taking part in an Army survey of the Arnhem Land area.
The pilot during one period was Bob Fraser.
He taught me to sail a VJ on Lake George in 1953.
One should always be cautious when claiming to have achieved a "first."

Yours,
Peter Cooke-Russell,
Melba, ACT.


Let's save her

Sir,
A maritime tragedy is about to happen on the other side of the world.
The clipper ship City of Adelaide is currently in the custodianship of the Scottish Maritime Museum.
The museum has applied to the North Ayrshire Council for permission to break up the ship because of lack of funds for repairs.
Our government has lodged an objection with the council, but it is just one objection.
We need to send a stronger message.
Many of our ancestors would have sailed on her.
Please send your letters of objection to the Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine, North Ayrshire and to the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament, Mr Donald Dewar.

Yours ,
SQNLDR Gerry Kay.
Defence Canberra.