| Accession Number | PR01999 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | 2 wallets: 5 cm |
| Object type | Letter |
| Maker |
McKechnie, Glen Morton |
| Date made | 1940-1941 |
| Access | Open |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
| Copying Provisions | Copyright expired. Copying permitted subject to physical condition. Permission for reproduction not required. |
McKechnie, Glen Morton (Able Seaman, d.1941)
Description
Original letters written between March 1940-October 1941 by Able Seaman Glen Morton McKechnie to members of his family. They cover his period of training at the Flinders Naval Depot, Victoria and, after 11 February 1941, his service on HMAS Sydney. Mention is made of the closure of the Bass Strait to shipping in October 1940 (following the loss of two merchant vessels), exercises on HMAS Sydney off Fremantle in May 1941, the arrival of Captain Burnett in place of Captain Collins and searches for commerce raiders. Ironically a letter dated 2 June 1941 contains a sketch of a raider sinking, captioned 'the raider we'll catch one of these days'. Also mentioned is the extensive convoying and escort duties undertaken by HMAS Sydney in September-October 1941 around the Pacific Islands and Indian Ocean. His last letter is dated 28 October 1941. Also included is a printed letter of condolence from King George VI on the death of Able Seaman McKechnie, following the loss of HMAS Sydney on 19 November 1941.