Funds for the ‘silent Anzac’

STEALTH: The WWI sub AE2.

Volume 49, No. 21, November 16, 2006

New generations will learn of the World War I heroic deeds and derring-do of the “silent Anzac” Australian submarine AE2 thanks to an Australian Government grant.

On November 6, it was announced $368,500 would go to the Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA) and is aimed at protecting, preserving and telling the story of the AE2, which played an important role during the Gallipoli campaign of 1915.

The AE2 was the first allied submarine to penetrate The Dardanelles as part of a successful submarine campaign which paralysed enemy shipping in the Sea of Marmara.

On April 30, 1915, the AE2 came under heavy attack from the Turkish torpedo boat Sultan Hissar.

The crew lost control of the submarine and were forced to abandon the stricken boat without loss of life.
The AE2 remains on the sea floor 73m below the surface.

The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson was delighted that the Australian Government had accepted the SIA’s proposal to survey and protect the best interests of the AE2 and to also share the unique story of the submarine with the broader community.

“The Australian Government has offered the SIA funding of $368,500 to assist with conducting a detailed dive survey of the AE2 and its surrounding environment,” he said.

“Data collected will assist with the development of a range of future management options for the submarine for consideration by the Australian and Turkish Governments.”

The institute will match the Government’s contribution dollar-for-dollar and $20,000 will also be provided to support a rehearsal dive survey in Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay.

Mr Billson also confirmed approval for the SIA to use the name “silent Anzac” to promote its work in relation to the AE2.

“The SIA has the collective knowledge, expertise and dedication to be entrusted with this important work and I encourage the community to support their endeavours and fund-raising efforts,” he said.

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