Crowning
project
By
LEUT Rachel Irving
History
is set to repeat itself when HMAS Anzac departs Albany this month
headed for Gallipoli. Reliving the historic journey of the World
War I convoy which departed from Albany in 1914, Anzac will sail
to Turkey and Anzac Cove, where she will anchor for Anzac Day.
The ship will make the perfect backdrop for the thousands who
are expected to make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli for the 90th
anniversary commemorations. Commanding Officer CAPT Richard Menhinick
said it was a real priviledge for the ship to be involved in Gallipoli
this year.
“To have the opportunity to honour the legacy of the ANZACs, especially
in HMAS Anzac is something we will all treasure for the rest of
our lives.
“The role of the Royal Australian Navy through the submarine AE2
and the work ashore of the RAN Bridging Team in the campaign,
lends an additional Naval flavour to this commemoration.”
Anzac will deliver an empty 5-inch cartridge containing peace
messages from the city of Albany to the city of Gallipoli, after
the two cities signed a friendship agreement on Anzac Day 2003.
The Turks will in turn fill another 5- inch cartridge with peace
messages for the city of Albany, to be transported back to WA
by Anzac.
The frigate will spend almost six months away from her home port
of Fleet Base West, her deployment taking in visits to countries
including Greece, Malta, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom,
Ireland and South Africa.
Anzac’s commitments also include participation in the Trafalgar
200 and Festival of the Sea celebrations in Portsmouth, UK in
June.
The two Portsmouth celebrations include a Fleet Review by Queen
Elizabeth II involving vessels from 40 navies. It has been 15
years since an RAN ship has visited Anzac Cove.
The last RAN vessels to deploy to Gallipoli were HMA Ships Sydney,
Tobruk and Oxley in 1990.
Crowning
project
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GEM:
A joint project is underway to restore the Admiralty crown
(left) and Royal crown (right).
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Photo:
ABPH Kade Rogers
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A
piece of Turkish pine from Gallipoli and a crown from HMAS Anzac
II will form an important part of modern history thanks to an
exciting project.
The pine is being turned in Turkey and will become a ceremonial
ensign staff for Anzac III.
The Royal crown, or finial as it is more correctly known, will
sit on a protective baseplate on top of the ensign staff. The
finished project is expected to be presented by the Turkish Chief
of Navy to VADM Chris Ritchie, on Anzac Day at Gallipoli this
year.
It will in turn, be presented to Anzac (CAPT Richard Menhinick),
where it will be used on ceremonial occasions. The finial, which
was housed at Spectacle Island, was originally used on Anzac II,
a Battle class destroyer.
Anzac II, which commissioned into the RAN on March 14, 1951, served
in Korean operations and in the Far East. She was paid off in
1974.
Our photo shows the finial in its current condition.
It will be repainted before being given to the Turks.
The colours used will represent the crown in antique gold with
rubies, emeralds, pearls and diamonds.
The other finial, photographed in its cast state, is the Admiralty
crown.
It too will be painted and will rest on the jackstaff.
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