Rushcutter recognition

Volume 49, No. 12, July 13, 2006

By LSPH Yuri Ramsey

The significant history of the former Naval Base, HMAS Rushcutter is set to be commemorated by the construction of a memorial at the site of the old base, now known as the Sir David Martin Reserve.

The proposal for the memorial was put forward by the Rushcutter Group that consists of the Naval Warfare Officers Association and representatives of the Naval Reserves, Fairmile, WRANS, Clearance Diving, RAN Experimental Laboratories and Naval Associations.

CDRE Bryan Cleary (Ret), then a Commander, was the last Commanding Officer of the naval base HMAS Rushcutter and is one of the driving forces behind the proposal.

“About three years ago we decided that the Rushcutter base deserved more recognition, so we put forth the idea to the Chief of Navy,” he said.

CN gave Navy’s approval and on December 19 last year, the Woollahra Council gave permission for construction.

The memorial will be emblazoned with brass plaques of the official badge of the RAN, the official Rushcutter ship’s badge and the words “HMAS Rushcutter”.

A set of seven brass plaques outlining the history of the former establishment from 1901 through to 1984 will be affixed to the monument.

Members of the public can contribute to the project by contacting CDRE Cleary c/o The Naval Association of Australia (NSW Section), Suite 6, Level 4, Anzac House, 245 Castlereagh St, Sydney, NSW 2000.

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