The Centenary of the Royal Australian Navy

- 100 years of service - 1911-2011

The Australian Navy is 100 years old this year. For the first 10 years or so, following Federation, a motley collection of ex colonial naval veterans made up the ships of the embryo Commonwealth Naval Forces. Previously owned by the states of Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, these veterans had little or no naval power. But by 1911 Australia was expecting a whole new, large and powerful navy. Indeed some of the first ships had arrived in Australia by 1910. King George The Fifth, was graciously pleased to allow Australia the use of the title of Royal Australian Navy - that date was July 10, 1911 - 100 years ago!

Meanwhile, a battlecruiser, cruisers, new destroyers, submarines, a depot ship and more were being built in the United Kingdom and were nearing completion. By 1913 most were in Australia and the following year Australia was at war!

On this site the Sydney Heritage Fleet has tried to assemble at least one image of all the major fighting ships of the RAN during 100 years. There they are, a battlecruiser, 13 cruisers, four aircraft carriers, a dozen or more submarines, many destroyers and even more frigates, escorts, patrol and support ships.

We invite you to enjoy our tribute to 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy.

Destroyers

Click here to see images of all the destroyers from the last 100 years that have been part of the RAN.

Escorts etc.

Click here to see images of escort vessels from the last 100 years that have been part of the RAN.

Fleet Air Arm and Carriers

Click here to see images of Fleet Air Arm and Aircraft Carriers from the last 100 years that have been part of the RAN.

Fleet train

Click here to see images of Fleet Train from the last 100 years that have been part of the RAN.

Heavy Gun Ships

Click here to see images of heavy gun ships from the last 100 years that have been part of the RAN.

Patrol Craft

Click here to see images of patrol craft from the last 100 years that have been part of the RAN.

Ships of the Commonwealth Naval Forces

Click here to see images of Commonwealth Naval Force vessels that pre-date the formation of the RAN.

Submarines

Click here to see images of submarines from the last 100 years that have been part of the RAN.

Last modified on Saturday, 17-Mar-2012 14:03:57 EST