Royal Australian Navy 75th Anniversary commemorative scotch decanter

Date1986

Object number00051742

NameDecanter

MediumPorcelain

DimensionsOverall: 210 x 120 x 110 mm

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the family of Henry 'Jim' Ramsbottom

Terms

DescriptionThis decorative souvenir Dimple brand decanter, containing 12 year old Dimple De Luxe Scotch whisky, was produced the celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy, 1911-1986.HistoryThe 75th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy was celebrated on 10 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. 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 HMAS AUSTRALIA, cruisers MELBOURNE, SYDNEY and ENCOUNTER, and destroyers WARREGO, PARRAMATTA and YARRA. The same year the Royal Australian Naval College was also 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 the 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. SignificanceThis whisky was produced as a memento of an historic moment - the 75th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy.