Background of a tradition

A Movietone production on the 50 year history of the Royal Australian Navy. Shows the launch of the battle cruiser HMAS Australia at Clyde. The arrival of the destroyers Warrago, Parramatta and Yarra on 4 October 1913. Scenes of HMAS Australia, HMAS Sydney and HMAS Melbourne. The RAN's part in the 1914-1918 war. The installation of HMAS Sydney's mast at Bradley's Head. Arrival of the 8 inch cruisers HMAS Australia and HMAS Canberra. The sea plane carrier HMAS Albatross and launch of Walrus aircraft. The arrival of the Scrap Iron Flotilla comprising the destroyers HMAS, Stuart, Vampire, Vendetta and Waterhen. Commissioning of the cruisers HMAS Sydney and Hobart. The return of the remains of Prime Minister Joseph Lyons aboard HMAS Vendetta. Prime Minister Robert Menzies and Captain Collins aboard HMAS Sydney. Launch of HMAS Arunta. Construction of the Captain Cook dry dock. Naval actions in the Mediterranean. The arrival of the Kormoran POWs after the loss of HMAS Sydney. Naval campaigns in the Pacific. The loss of HMAS Canberra. Aftermath of the kamikaze attack on HMAS Australia. Victory parade in London. The aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney joins the RAN. HMAS Bataan arrives back from the war in Korea. HMAS Melbourne replaces HMAS Australia as the RAN's flag ship. [Colour reel]. Gannets and Sea Venoms operating from HMAS Melbourne. Gunnery training at West Head, Victoria. Navy frogmen in training. Naval exercise with Commonwealth and United States ships.