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Welcome aboard HMAS VAMPIRE

Date1964

Object number00044923

NameBrochure

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 205 x 130 mm, 7.12 g

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mick Roberts

Terms

DescriptionThis welcome aboard souvenir booklet was made for HMAS VAMPIRE and its cover features an image of the destroyer and the Royal Australian Navy's naval crown. Inside the booklet are a list of the ship's Battle Honours, statistics and a brief history. Such booklets were mass produced onboard Naval vessels for distribution to civilian guests who visited the ship.HistoryHMAS VAMPIRE is a ship from another era, being the last of the big destroyers built in Australia at the former premier shipbuilding facility on Cockatoo Island. Constructed between 1952 and 1956, it was the last of three Daring class destroyers built and launched in Australia. Together VAMPIRE and the other two Darings, VENDETTA and VOYAGER formed the 10th Destroyer Squadron. HMAS VAMPIRE served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from its commission in 1959 to its final decommission in 1986, and undertook a variety of roles including regular deployments, joint operations and exercises with other navies, SEATO operations off Singapore during the Indonesian Confrontation, and escorting ships taking troops to Vietnam. It ended its naval career as a training ship for the RAN. Initially on loan to the Australian National Maritime Museum from the Department of Defence, it was transferred outright in 1997 and remains a popular exhibit at the National Maritime Museum.SignificanceThese souvenir books were manufactured cheaply and it is unusual to find an example that has survived. This booklet offers an insight into the Royal Australian Navy Daring class destroyer ship, HMAS VAMPIRE that is currently moored in Darling Harbour, Sydney and one of the Australian National Maritime Museums most popular exhibits.