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Launching of HMAS VAMPIRE

Maker Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Company (Australian, 1933 - 1992)

Date27 October 1956

Object number00031352

NameInvitation

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 133 x 185 mm
Display Dimensions: 135 x 185 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Joyce Linquist

Terms

DescriptionInvitation from the Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Company to Mr and Mrs W. Stanley to the launching of the HMAS VAMPIRE in October 1956 by Her Excellency Lady Slim. Mr Stanley worked in the drawing room on Cockatoo Island from 1915 to 1961. HistoryHMAS VAMPIRE was built at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, Sydney. She was laid down on 1July 1952, and launched on 27 October 1956 by Lady Slim, wife of Sir William Slim, the Governor-General of Australia. HMAS VAMPIRE was accepted for service on 23 June 1959 and commissioned by Captain E.Peel, RAN . HMAS VAMPIRE was one of three Australian-built Daring class destroyers that served in the RAN. She left service on 25 June 1986, and was decommissioned on 13 August 1986, having spent 27 years in service. SignificanceThese invitations of ship-launchings show the importance of Cockatoo Island dockyard to the R.A.N.as a major ship building facility. During the time Mr Stanley worked on the island, 1915 to 1961, was a major production period in the life time of the Cockatoo Island dockyards.

The importance of the vessels launched is evidenced by some the dignitaries who attended, including Governor Generals and Prime Ministers.