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Royal Australian Navy 75th Anniversary HMAS WATERHEN commemorative port
Royal Australian Navy 75th Anniversary HMAS WATERHEN commemorative port

Royal Australian Navy 75th Anniversary HMAS WATERHEN commemorative port

Date1986
Object number00051746
NameJug
MediumCeramic
DimensionsOverall: 195 x 103 mm
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the family of Henry 'Jim' Ramsbottom
DescriptionEmpty ceramic jug with cork stopper, formerly containing port, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy, at HMAS WATERHEN Senior Sailors Mess. Jug features on one side the badge of HMAS WATERHEN with the motto ‘Always Ready’ and beneath that the text: HMAS WATERHEN / Senior Sailors Mess. Back features a large RAN badge with the text beneath it: 1911 - 1986 / 75th Anniversary. A smaller circular logo appears on side, bearing the details of the winemaker and type of liquor: All Saints / Rutherglen / 7 yr old / Fine Tawny / Port.HistoryThe 75th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy was celebrated on 10th July 1986, marking 75 years since King George V granted the titles of Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Naval Reserve. In 1859 a British Naval Station was established in Australia and a squadron from the Royal Navy was permanently maintained in the waters. It was eventually manned by Australian personnel. In 1909 talks discussed establishing an Australian Fleet Unit. The first units arrived in November 1910, the destroyers YARRA and PARRAMATTA. Less than nine months later King George V made his announcement. On 4 October 1913 the Australian Fleet of the RAN entered Sydney Harbour for the first time, consisting of HMA Ships AUSTRALIA, cruisers MELBOURNE, SYDNEY and ENCOUNTER, and destroyers WARREGO, PARRAMATTA and YARRA. The same year the Royal Australian Naval College was established. There were many events held in 1986 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the RAN, with highlights including a dedication of the National Naval Memorial in Anzac Parade, Canberra, by HM Queen Elizabeth II, and weeklong celebrations in October which included a parade of 2000 naval personnel from seven countries through the streets of Sydney CBD and an international Fleet Review spectacular on Sydney Harbour that included vessels from countries such as the US, Papua New Guinea and France, culminating in a fireworks display centred around the Harbour Bridge. Commemorative items and souvenirs of all types were produced throughout the celebration year. The RAN shore establishment HMAS WATERHEN is the Royal Australian Navy's lead establishment for Mine Warfare. It is home to some of the most advanced Mine Countermeasure equipment and technology, all contributing to the Navy's Mission. HMAS WATERHEN was first commissioned in 1962, as the parent establishment for Australia's Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Force, Clearance Diving Team One and a variety of Support Craft. For many years, the base supported the Australian Mine Warfare and Patrol Boat Forces, serving as the home port for mine countermeasures vessels and both the Attack and the Fremantle class patrol boats. An extensive redevelopment program and modernisation of facilities began in the early 1990s was formally completed in early 1997. SignificanceThis port was produced by the Senior Sailors Mess of HMAS WATERHEN to commemorate the RAN's 75th anniversary.