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Image Not Available for HMAS VOYAGER cap tally
HMAS VOYAGER cap tally
Image Not Available for HMAS VOYAGER cap tally

HMAS VOYAGER cap tally

Date1957-1964
Object number00001337
NameCap tally
MediumTextile
DimensionsOverall: 30 x 270 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from John Hodge
DescriptionStandard Royal Australian Navy issue cap tally named to HMAS VOYAGER.HistoryHMAS VOYAGER was a Daring class destroyer launched in May 1952, commissioned in February 1957 and the first of three Darings built in Australia for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It was the first all-welded ship built in Australia and was tragically lost in a collision in 1964. VOYAGER was armed with six 4.5-inch Mark V guns in three double turrets (A and B turret before the bridge, X turret on the aft superstructure), six Bofors 40/60 mm guns in three twin mounts, two 5-tube 21-inch torpedo launchers, and one Limbo anti-submarine mortar located near the stern. The other Darings were VENDETTA and VAMPIRE (the latter is now a museum ship with this Museum). During its career, VOYAGER was deployed to the Far East Strategic Reserve (FESR) on six occasions and later represented Australia in various exercises and ceremonial events. During the night of 10 February 1964, VOYAGER and the aircraft carrier HMAS MELBOURNE collided off Jervis Bay, on the south coast of New South Wales. At 8.56 pm, while manoeuvring under minimal operational lighting, VOYAGER tragically crossed the bows of MELBOURNE, colliding in the darkness. VOYAGER was sliced in two by the impact and the bow section sank within minutes. Fourteen officers, 67 sailors and one civilian dockyard employee lost their lives. There were 232 survivors. It was Australia's greatest peacetime naval disaster. VOYAGER's motto was Quo Fata Vocant - We Go Where Destiny Calls. SignificanceCap tallies are a significant part of a sailor's uniform, indicating the ship or naval establishment where the sailor serves.