| Place | Asia: Singapore |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | PR01642 |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | 1 wallet: 3 cm |
| Object type | Manuscript |
| Maker |
Various |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | 1941-1942; 1980 |
| Access | Open |
| Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. | AWM371 89/1086 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright expired. Copying permitted subject to physical condition. Permission for reproduction not required. |
Howden, Vanda Mary Sanders; Howden, Harry Leslie CBE, OBE (Captain, b.1896 - d.1969)
Description
Collection relating to Harry Leslie Howden, his first wife Vanda Mary Sanders Howden, and HMAS 'Hobart'. The majority of the papers were written by or compiled by Howden's son, Dr Patrick ffyske Howden. They include biographical information on Captain Harry Leslie Howden and his wife, Vanda Mary Sanders Howden; as well as papers on Howden's naval experiences and his and others association with HMAS 'Hobart'.
Harry Leslie Howden was first appointed as a midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve in 1915, serving on HMS Benbow. In October 1916 he transferred to the RAN, joining HMAS Sydney in December 1917. He commanded the destroyer, HMAS Tasmania in 1927 and served in HMAS Australia from 1928. On exchange with the RN in 1930, he commanded the gunboat Mantis, which operated on the Yangtse River, China.
He also served on HMAS Albatross, HMAS Canberra and at the Flinders Naval Depot in Victoria. He was appointed OBE in 1937 and served with the Admiralty's Naval Intelligence Division in England. After returning to Australia he was given command of the cruiser HMAS Hobart in 1939. HMAS Hobart saw service around the Suez, and in June 1940 carried troops to British Somaliland. Two months later the Italian invasion forced the British to withdraw to Berbera, where, from 14 to 19 August, Howden supervised the evacuation of 7140 soldiers and civilians in transports and warships. He set up a combined headquarters in Hobart, improvised a flotilla of ferrying craft, saw to the comfort of the wounded and organised rescue parties for stragglers, despite air raids and nightly gales. He was elevated to CBE for his role in the operation. HMAS Hobart also took part in the relief of Australians at Tobruk, and after Japan's entry into the war, saw service in Singapore, Colombo and in the battle of the Coral Sea.
Following the war, Howden commanded the newly established shore establishment HMAS Penguin and oversaw its development. His next posting was as Naval Officer-in-Charge, Fremantle WA. He retired in 1951.