Features

Rushcutter dances to a new tune Rushcutter the 80ft HDML entering service as ship to depot HDML 1321.   One of the Fairmile boats which saw service in Sydney during the war years.   Sue, Lady Martin discusses part of the Clearance Divers’ Association display, at Sir David Martin reserve, with CPOCD Fred Cowmeadow.   The cottage in the ‘Sir David Martin Reserve’ which will be used for respite care and activities for the elderly.   The drill hall, across the green, where the thump of boots will be replaced by music of a different kind.   The plaque commemorating HMAS Rushcutter and all those making the transition to public use possible.     Rushcutter in brief The name Rushcutter lives on in RAN history and stems from the rush cutters who operated in Rushcutters Bay. These are the “Rushcutters” old and new. HMAS Rushcutter — August 1, 1940 to July 29 1968. A commissioned shore establishment. Was originally used by NSW Naval Forces. Paid off for period April 30, 1956 to July 1, 1957. Rushcutter — Motor boat – Named ship to depot, April 1943. Originally designated MB 168. Rushcutter — 80ft HDML – Named ship to depot,1953. Originally entered service as HDML 1321. Rushcutter — Bay Class MH1. 170 tonne mine hunter commissioned Nov 1, 1986. Now decommissioned and about to be sold. TS Rushcutter — Training Ship Rushcutter. The Australian Naval Cadet unit based at Port Macquarie.   Deputy Mayor of Woollahra Councillor Kevin Berry. By Graham Davis In yesteryear the drill hall at what was HMAS Rushcutter at Darling Point in Sydney, echoed to the thump of sailors’ boots coming to attention. Soon it will echo to the “swish” of dancing pumps as they slide across a new floating and sprung floor. The drill hall and adjoining cottage, once the nucleus of Australia’s earlier navy, are to become community assets controlled by Woollahra Council. Despite this the area will continue to have strong links with the RAN. The RAN Sailing Association still use the site and it has been officially named the Sir David Martin Reserve Drill Hall and environs. Early this month an official function was held in the hall at which the Deputy Mayor of Woollahra, Councillor Kevin Berry outlined the future for the hall and cottage and a plan to erect within a year a memorial to the Navy’s activities at the site. The function was also part of Sydney Harbour Week. Joining Cr Berry were Lady Sue Martin, members of the RAN including COS MHQ, CDRE Nigel Perry, a quartet from the RAN Band/Sydney, other councillors, CDRE Bryan Cleary and CAPT Richard Humbley, both retired. Cr Berry said ,“tonight we wanted to bring together the people who are passionate about what is now known as ‘Sir David Martin Reserve Drill Hall’ and its surrounds. “This site has played an important role in the culture and history of our municipality. “Indeed the site has been classified by the National Trust of Australia and is listed on the Register of the National Estate. “This site of state and national significance as a base for naval activity. “It is associated with the beginnings of the colonial naval forces as the NSW headquarters of the Naval Brigade and naval artillery from c 1901-2. “With the impending demolition of Fort Macquarie the drill shed and lecture rooms were re-assembled here. “With the compulsory peace time training from 1911-1929, the facilities here were well used and the site became an important administrative hub for the Navy. “After the suspension of compulsory training, the site remained as the Naval Reserve Depot and despite the Depression the sentiment for strengthening our defence forces continued.” Cr Berry said the Anti Submarine School was opened there in 1939 and used by the RAN and newly formed Anti-Submarine Branch of the Naval Reserve. “On August 1, 1940, the depot was commissioned as HMAS Rushcutter a “stone frigate.” “During WW 2 the site housed the Anti-Submarine School, the Radar and Gunnery Instruction School and served as a base for the mosquito fleet, Harbour Defence Motor Launches, the Fairmiles and the Naval Auxiliary Patrol Boats.” He said the WRANS were trained in the hall from 1942 till the end of the war. “After the war some training services were transferred to other locations. “The site, however remained as a training facility for the RAN Experimental Labs and Research Labs. “RANSA continued to have a strong presence as it does to this day. “In 1979 the Commonwealth Government transferred the site to State ownership for public recreational use. “The site was named Sir David Martin Reserve in 1991 after the much loved former Governor of NSW, RADM Sir David Martin. “We are fortunate to have Lady Sue Martin with us this evening,” Cr Berry said. He said that in taking over responsibility for the area following the Sydney 2000 Olympic yachting events, Woollahra Council was committed to ensuring that broad community use applied, uses beyond the traditional maritime activities. “An Expression of Interest process and exhaustive consultations with key stakeholders has resulted in Council deciding on a mixed community, recreation and maritime use. “Apart from the RANSA facility, we would like to see the sail loft shared by the Volunteer Coast Guard and Sailability and the cottage used as an activity and respite care centre for the frail aged in a program conducted by St Vincent’s Community Health. “It is proposed the drill hall and extensions will be used for a range of performance development activities in theatre and dance as well as workshops and spaces for creative activity in the arts.” Cr Berry said the cottage, drill hall and extensions will be directly managed by his council’s Community Services Department. “This use is being supported by the Ministry for Arts and a capital grant for the installation of a floating sprung floor will be submitted by council shortly. “This will enable our first major user —Ausdance NSW — to commence a program of choreographic workshops involving leading Australian and international choreographers and dancers. “These are exciting and significant initiatives by council and reflect its partnership approach in the provision of cultural activities and community services,” Cr Berry said.. Council proposes memorial Commissioning of HMAS Yarra 4 on March 1 was a “bitter-sweet day” for Mr Peter Simmons. He was the project manager for ADI Limited for the construction of five of the six Huon class minehunters built in Newcastle. Addressing the large crowd attending the reception, which followed the formal ceremony, he said, “This is a bitter sweet day. “There were six ships in the contract. The culmination of the contract is this day. “Unfortunately we don’t have another ship to build,” he said. His remarks came after it was announced ADI Limited has presented the ship with a non-magnetic barbecue, one of several gifts presented to the new warship. Mr Chris Jenkins, the managing director of Thales Underwater Systems, presented a magnificently-boxed 1890 Admiralty sextant while Mr Frank Glover of the Yarra Association presented a boxed plate upon which were painted four kookaburras, each bird a symbol of the four Yarra’s which have served with the RAN. CPO Jason Dodd [of the Senior Sailors’ mess] presented the ship with a boxed kookaburra perched on Huon pine while Mr Tom Clayton told of a $1000 donation to the ship’s welfare fund from the Muswellbrook RSL. He also presented a “Lest We Forget” wreath to remember those who served in previous Yarra’s in particular his cousin. In addition all ship’s company members received an engraved commemorative glass plate.