(L-R) Outgoing CO of HMAS Harman CMDR Julie Mitchell, Bishop Tom Frame, former World War Two WRANs Elinor Swan and Shirley Fenton-Huie with Mrs Helen Frame at the dedication of the soil upon which the WRANS memorial will sit. The memorial will be dedicated in a ceremony on July 1. Photo by Michael Weaver.

The program for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations features an array of significant events.

By Michael Weaver

The proud history of Canberra’s Navy base, HMAS Harman will be recognised with at least a dozen events in its diamond jubilee (60th) year.

The catch-cry ‘On watch since 1943’ will be heralded as the central theme, with the WRANS to also feature prominently.

The first WRANS posted were to HMAS Harman as radio operators from 1942, thus a memorial will recognise their contribution to the RAN.

The memorial will be dedicated on the official 60th birthday of Harman on July 1, highlighting Harman as the birthplace of the WRANS and acknowledging their service between 1942 and 1984 when they were integrating into the RAN.

That service also continues with the commanding officer of Harman, CMDR Julie Mitchell having just handed over the command of the base to CMDR Suzanne Smith on March 18.

Both were members of the WRANS before integration, with CMDR Mitchell looking forward to seeing some of the original WRANS during jubilee celebrations.

“The only recognition of the WRANS is a stained-glass window in the Garden Island Chapel, so it is entirely appropriate to have a memorial at Harman.

“Given that the first WRANS served at Harman in 1942 before the establishment was even commissioned, it is a fitting time to recognise their contribution as we celebrate Harman’s 60th anniversary and it is also a fitting place,” said CMDR Mitchell, who will take a promotion to captain and a posting to Navy Headquarters after first taking some long-service leave.

Former World War Two WRANS will see the memorial unveiled at a ceremony at Harman on July 1.

Another part of the diamond jubilee celebrations will be a ‘Remembrance Place’ to honour the role of Harman during World War Two. This will be dedicated in May onboard Harman and will feature an original Harman crest, which was remarkably found in TS Shoalhaven at HMAS Albatross.

The Remembrance Place will be sited where the Harman’s original gate sat.

Another feature of Harman’s service to Navy will take the form of a 24-hour catafalque guard at the RAN Memorial on Anzac Parade in Canberra, something jubilee organiser LCDR David Manolas says will be a commemorative salute to those who have served at Harman.

“The scene throughout the vigil should be quite striking and at times no one else but the sailors on guard will know of their involvement, but they will have the honour of being the first to do this,” said LCDR Manolas.

A description of the full program for Harman’s diamond jubilee celebrations is also featured on this page.

.