In preparation for the arrival of the de Havilland Sea Venom, the Royal Australian Navy required an aircraft to enable pilots to transition from the Hawker Sea Fury. With de Havilland Australia already producing the Vampire T.33 for the RAAF, the RAN ordered five Sea Vampire T.34 trainers. These were given serials A79-837 to 841 and delivered in 1954.
The RAN Sea Vampires were operated at HMAS Albatross by 723 Squadron. When 723 Squadron was decommissioned, on 25 October 1956, the Vampire trainers transferred to 724 Squadron.
In the second half of 1955 the RAN ordered one more aircraft (A79-842) which was delivered in March 1957. An additional four Sea Vampires T.22s were imported from the United Kingdom in August 1959; all retaining their British serial numbers (XA101, XA167, XA766 and XG770).
During operation with the RAN, four Sea Vampires were lost due to accidents. Three accidents resulted in the deaths of the pilots, while the other resulted in serious injuries. The last recorded Vampire flight took place on 28 September 1970 and the aircraft were replaced by the CAC Aermacchi MB-326H (Macchi) from October 1970. The remaining six Vampires were sold during 1970-72 with most going to aviation museums.
Photos of the de Havilland Sea Vampire operated by the British Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm can be found here.
The Supermarine Seagull V was initially developed as a private venture in response to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) request for an observation seaplane to be catapult-launched from cruisers. The Seagull V resembled the proceeding Supermarine Seagull III in general layout. Although construction commenced in 1930, the aircraft was delayed by more pressing projects and the first Seagull V did not fly until June 1933.
The prototypes was initially marked as N-1 but this was later changed to N-2 (as there was already an aircraft with this registration). The Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment at Felixstowe undertook trials on behalf of the RAAF from Royal Navy ships (HMS Valiant and HMS Repulse).
The RAAF ordered 24 Seagull Vs which were delivered in 1935 and 1936. They were used as spotter aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy cruisers and land bases. Post-World War Two, several Seagulls were sold into the civilian market where they operated into the 1960s. The primary civilian operator was Amphibious Airways of Rabaul, which operated four aircraft.
The RAF also ordered the aircraft, but renamed it the Walrus.
Supermarine Seagull V prototype under constructionSupermarine Seagull V prototype as originally marked as N1Supermarine Seagull V Prototype now marked N2
A2-1
Supermarine Seagull V A2-1 being craned onto HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-1 on HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1 being launched from HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull V A2-1 on HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1 after accident
A2-2
Supermarine Seagull V A2-2 over HMAS SydneyWeymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.Weymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.HMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-2) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-2) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-2) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraft
A2-3
Supermarine Seagull V A2-3 registered as VH-BGP
A2-4
Supermarine Seagull V A2-4Supermarine Seagull V A2-4 at Williamtown Feb 1946Supermarine Seagull V A2-4 registered as VH-ALB for Amphibious Air Charters 28 September 1964Supermarine Seagull V VH-ALB of Amphibious Charters ex-A2-4Wreck of Supermarine Seagull V A2-4 registered as VH-ALB
A2-5
Supermarine Seagull V A2-5 on HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull V A2-5
A2-6
Supermarine Seagull V A2-6 being launchedSupermarine Seagull V A2-6Supermarine Seagull V A2-6 YQ-JSupermarine Seagull V A2-6
A2-7
Supermarine Seagull V A2-7 being loaded onto HMAS Sydney in 1939
A2-8
Supermarine Seagull V A2-8A line-up of Supermarine Seagull V amphibians with A2-8 at the frontSupermarine Seagull V A2-8 at Point Cook
A2-9
A2-10
A2-11
A2-12
A line-up of Supermarine Seagull V amphibians with A2-12 at the front
A2-13
Supermarine Seagull V A2-13
A2-14
A2-15
A2-16
Supermarine Seagull V A2-16 being launchedSupermarine Seagull V A2-16
A2-17
A2-18
A2-19
A2-20
Supermarine Seagull V A2-20Supermarine Seagull V A2-20Supermarine Seagull V A2-20
A2-21
Supermarine Seagull V A2-21 on HMAS SydneyHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraft
A2-22
Supermarine Seagull V A2-22 at Rathmines NSW 1941Supermarine Seagull V A2-22
A2-23
A2-24
Supermarine Seagull V A2-24 on HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-24 being catapulted from HMAS Australia
Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft prepared for take-off from its catapultSupermarine Seagull V A2-5 on HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft being launched from its catapult
Supermarine Seagull V A2-7 being loaded onto HMAS Sydney in 1939Weymouth, England. Sep 1935 Supermarine Seagul V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being prepared for hoisting aboard HMAS SydneyWeymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.Weymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.RAAF Seagull V aircraft, serial A2-18, on HMAS Sydney (II)circa 1938-39, a Supermarine Seagull Mk.V (A2-9)Supermarine Seagull V A2-21 on HMAS SydneyA Supermarine Walrus being recovered by HMAS Sydney C. 1941.HMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraft
Covering Australia’s maritime history from pre-colonial times to the present, the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney has an excellent collection of ships and artefacts on display. The most obvious displays are the ships and boats of the heritage fleet docked on Darling Harbour, but those inside also deserve a lot of attention.
Indigenous Watercraft
As the oldest users of the Australian coast and waterways, a large section is devoted to indigenous watercraft and heritage. Displays of canoes from around Australia and the Torres Strait are on display.
Aboriginal Bark CanoeIlma from the Bardi Jawi people
Kay Cottee and Blackmores First Lady
In 1989, Kay Cottee became the first woman to circumnavigate the world alone, without stopping, without assistance, by way of both hemispheres and the five southernmost capes. It took her 189 days in Blackmores First Lady, in a time before Social Media and with poor communications.
Visitors are able to enter the boat and experience how small it is. Getting on board really makes you realise what an incredible achievement it was.
Blackmores First Lady in which Kay Cottee became the first woman to perform a single-handed, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the worldInside Kay Cottee’s Blackmores First Lady
Model Ships
One section of the Museum has beautifully made ship models relevant to Australia. As the museum is based in Sydney most of the Royal Australian Navy’s shops named HMAS Sydney are displayed. The largest and most impressive is the aircraft carrier, which has amazing detail.
Other models range from sailing ships to bulk iron ore carriers. All were important either for exploration or trade.
Model of The Royal Australian Aircraft Carrier HMAS Sydney (III)A model of BHP Pacific IronSailing Ship Model
Other Exhibits
Interesting displays located throughout the museum include the ships bell from USS Canberra (AG-2) which was named after HMAS Canberra, a heavy cruiser sunk during the Second World War. A 40mm cannon from a Royal Australian Navy ship lets you get a close up look at this important anti-aircraft weapon.
The Bell of USS Canberra CAG-2Spirit of Australia – The World’s Fastest Boat 1978Bofors 40mm cannonDeep Sea Diver Statue
HMAS Vampire
HMAS Vampire (II) D11 was a Daring class destroyer operated by the Royal Australian Navy. Launched in 1959 and decommissioned in 1986. Entry to Vampire and the other ships is included in the ticket cost of the Maritime Museum (as of March 2024).
HMAS VampireHMAS Vampire 4.5″ Guns Sick Bay of HMAS VampireSenior Ratings’ Lounge HMAS Vampire
HMAS Onslow
HMAS Onslow was an Oberon class submarine of the Royal Australian Navy. Commissioned 1969 in and decommissioned in 1999. Walking through the submarine makes you realise how cramped the conditions are. This isn’t somewhere I would want to live months on end.
The historical fleet contains ships that have importance to Australia’s maritime heritage. Possibly the most impressive to still be preserved is the Krait. This ex-Japanese fishing boat was used by Australia Special Forces during the Second World War to sneak into Singapore Harbour where they damaged 37,000 tonnes of Japanese ships.
