Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
Naval History
3 August 2008
Presented as a condensed history, Australia's Navy - The First 100 Years is an almanac containing more than 365 'snapshots' of naval happenings that outline the broad range of operations the Navy was involved in during the first 100 years following Federation.
The book, produced by D. R. Rickard, touches on a multitude of events that shaped the Service during the 20th century, not only during five major wars but also in the course of protecting Australia's interests in near regions.
In addition, it provides brief insights into the many minor incidents that often escape notice when taking an overview of Australia's naval heritage. This is essentially the Navy's history in a 'nutshell' - an excellent repository of interesting and intriguing facts about the Service that is tasked with a vital role in the defence of Australia's shores.
The book opens with a thought-provoking foreword by Vice Admiral David Shackleton AO RAN Rtd. As Chief of Navy at the close of the century covered by this book, he is well qualified to reflect on the Navy's achievements during that period.
What follows are brief but interesting entries by successive days of the year, complemented later by a chronological catalogue of events and a listing of every ship's first commissioning date.
Australia's Navy seeks to ensure wartime deeds and heroism at sea will be remembered by future generations and provides a window for all those curious to learn something of Australia's naval heritage.
Readers will find a great deal of information is contained here, yet in quite in a small space. If a naval vessel put to sea on operations during the 1900s, then there's a good chance the ship's mentioned.
Book size: A5 (210x150), quality soft cover publication of 150 pages and illustrated with 28 rarely-seen photos, price $20 each, plus $4 post and handling. Order through D. Rickard, PO Box 336, Brighton SA 5048, tel (08) 8381 5922 or email .
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