Naval Association Australia Queensland Section

03 June 1900

HM Ships LIZARD, MOHAWK, and WALLAROO, which were part of the RN Australian Squadron, were dispatched from Sydney to China, to join the squadron commanded by ADML Sir E. H. Seymour, that was involved in putting down the Boxer Rebellion.

03 June 1915

The RAN Bridging Train, (formed from members of the RAN Naval reserve), were embarked on the PORT MACQUARIE, for service in Gallipoli.

03 June 1919

The first AFC was awarded to Flight Lieutenant A. Frauenfelder of No. 2 Flying School. Frauenfelder was an Australian serving with the RNAS, and trained pilots in aerial combat tactics.

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03 June 1922

Additional rates of pay for divers in the RAN were approved. They were:-
Seaman Diver 2nd Class 3d per day;
Seaman Diver 1st Class 6d per day;
Artificer Diver 9d per day;
Instructor 9d per day.

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03 June 1940

HMAS VENDETTA, (destroyer), commenced a long refit at Malta. During this time her ships company were loaned to the Army, and became part of the force ready to repel a possible invasion of the island by enemy forces.

03 June 1942

At 2200 hours the Australian coastal steamer AGE, came under attack from gunfire from a Japanese submarine, near Norah Head, NSW. The ship reached Newcastle without being hit. At midnight however, the merchant ship IRON CHIEFTAIN, carrying a cargo of coking coal, was attacked by the Japanese submarine I-21, some 27 miles east of Sydney, and sunk with the loss of 12 lives. The following morning 12 survivors were rescued by HMAS BINGERA, and another 25 made it ashore at The Entrance, Tuggerah Lakes, NSW, on 5 June.

03 June 1942

A daring plan to rescue Australian POW's held on Ambon, was vetoed by US commanders. The plan, which was approved by the RAN, involved the landing of a commando force from HMAS ARUNTA, and the Dutch cruiser TROMP. An intelligence report had indicated the island was only lightly held by the Japanese.

03 June 1945

HMAS COLAC, (minesweeper), was towed to Finschhafen, New Guinea, after suffering damage from Japanese shore batteries at Bougainville.

03 June 1969

USS FRANK E. EVANS, (destroyer), was cut in two following a collision with HMAS MELBOURNE, (aircraft carrier), during exercises in the South China Sea. The bow section sank immediately, and 74 US sailors lost their lives. The stern section stayed afloat, and was later towed by a fleet tug USS Tawasa to Subic Bay. HMAS MELBOURNE sailed to Singapore for repairs, arriving on 6th June. This was the second collision involving MELBOURNE and an escorting destroyer in the space of five years.

03 June 1983

HMAS SNIPE, (Ton class minesweeper), was decommissioned at Sydney.