Commander Geoffrey Haggard

Date1908

Object number00015800

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 150 x 102 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Jennifer Smyth

Terms

DescriptionA black and white studio portrait of Commander Geoffrey Haggard, 1908, Commander Haggard is dressed in full navy uniform, and a handwritten ink inscription reads `Geoffrey A.G. Haggard, June 08'. At this stage Commander Haggard was 20 years old and was posted that year to HMS SWIFTSURE and EXCELLENT. He would not transfer to submarines until 1910 when he initially served aboard B2 and B11. In 1915 Commander Haggard became the First Lieutenant aboard the Australian submarine, AE2.HistoryLaunched in February 1914, the AE2 was involved in naval operations in the Dardanelles campaign during the First World War. In April 1915, the AE2 became the first Allied vessel to penetrate the straits. After 'running amok' for several days, the AE2 was torpedoed. All hands survived and were held as POWs by the Turkish. Geoffrey Arthur Gordon Haggard was born in London on 4th May, 1888. He was transferred from the Royal Navy to the RAN in 1913 with the rank of Lieutenant. He was awarded 'Submarine Pay' from this date. He was based at the PENGUIN from this date before being posted to the AE2. Haggard was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery during the action and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1918 and discharged in 1919. In 1928 he was promoted to Commander on the Emergency List. Haggard was said to have planned to re-enlist when the Second World War broke out in 1939, but was killed in an accident before he could assume his post.SignificanceThe story of the AE2 and her infiltration of the Dardanelles in World War I is a highly significant Allied military and Australian naval episode. Although the event did not ultimately alter the course of the war it did demonstrate to Britain that Turkish waters could be breached. Subsequent submarine activity there by E11 and E14 severely hampered Turkish efforts to reinforce and supply their troops engaged at Gallipoli by forcing them to take the more arduous overland route.