Commemorating our Service to the Nation 1911-1915
17 January 2011
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 HMAS Australia (I) |
Australia’s Navy has been serving Australia with pride since Federation. It first came into being as the Commonwealth Naval Forces on 1 March 1901, as a small coastal defence force. In 1909, in response to increasing international tensions and the recognition that Australia needed to assume full responsibility for its broader maritime defence, the nation embarked on a significant naval expansion program. Its aim was to create a national navy capable of both defending Australia’s maritime interests and contributing to regional defence.
To reflect this responsibility and maturity, on 10 July 1911, King George V approved Australia’s request to have the ‘Royal’ prefix attached to the Navy’s title.
This was promulgated on 5 October 1911, with the Commonwealth Naval Forces from this time known as the Royal Australian Navy.
Australia’s new fleet took several years to build but, on 4 October 1913, the powerful flagship HMAS Australia (I) led a force of cruisers and destroyers into Sydney Harbour for the first time. The Australian Fleet was greeted by thousands of cheering citizens lining the foreshores; a moment of great national pride and importance, one recognised as a key symbol of Australia’s progress to nationhood.
Less than a year later, as war loomed, the fleet was completed with the arrival of Australia’s first submarines. The Royal Australian Navy went on to play a full and active part in defeating or deterring forces which threatened our national maritime interests during World War I.
Official Events and Commemorations
The Director Navy Heritage Collection will support public agencies and museums for relevant commemorative events and exhibitions.
Navy will commemorate key events of significance at the national level.
Relevant naval associations may have plans for their own commemorative activities and they may submit a request via the Navy website to have their events listed in the Commemorative Events Calendar.
