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Brass button from the white tunic of Commander Geoffrey Haggard
Brass button from the white tunic of Commander Geoffrey Haggard

Brass button from the white tunic of Commander Geoffrey Haggard

Maker (1785-)
Datec 1914
Object number00015791
NameButton
MediumBrass
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Jennifer Smyth
DescriptionBrass button from Commander Geoffrey Haggard's white tunic. Manufactured by Firmin, London, circa 1914.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.