| Accession Number | P05541.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Pacific Islands: Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain |
| Date made | 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Starboard view of His Majesties Australian Harbour Defence Motor Launch (HDML) "1321", pictured ...
Description
Starboard view of His Majesties Australian Harbour Defence Motor Launch (HDML) "1321", pictured here in early 1945 at either Watu Point or Sai River, New Britain, waiting for the return of a shore party. The launch was built at Purdon's Yard in Hobart, Tas, and was commissioned on 11 November 1943 specifically for duties with the Allied Intelligence Bureau (AIB). A four berth deckhouse known as the 'Dairy' was added abaft of the wheel house to provide extra accommodation. Identified from left: Sub Lieutenant Smith; Peter Passage; Corporal Nama Wilwil; Lieutenant Commander Hugh MacKenzie, Deputy Supervising Intelligence Officer (DSIO); Lieutenant Ernest William (Ernie) Palmer, Commanding Officer; Unidentified; 25965 Motor Mechanic III, John Sylvester (Jack) Grace. The swimmers are unidentified. Statistics: Length 80 feet; Beam 16 feet; Engines 2 x Buda 390hp, Diesels; Max speed 12 knots; Range 3000 miles at 9 knots; Complement 12 (plus AIB parties). Armament included a 37 mm gun forward, a Bren light machine gun on top of the 'Dairy', a 20 mm Oerlikon gun over the wardroom and two .50 calibre Browning heavy machine guns mounted aft.