The following notes are extracts from the Reports of Proceedings of the HMA Ships and Establishments that were involved in the relief of Darwin after Cyclone Tracy in December 1974. Because this is an aviation website, only ships and establishments with aircraft embarked will be covered in the following chronology. These are HMAS Melbourne, HMAS Stalwart and HMAS Albatross (Naval Air Station Nowra). Other ships directly involved in the operation but without aircraft embarked were HMAS Brisbane, HMAS Hobart, HMAS Stuart. HMAS Supply and HMAS Vendetta.

Report for NOV74 - HMAS MELBOURNE:

"On Friday 1st, MELBOURNE was at sea in the local exercise areas, continuing work-up with the Carrier Air Group embarked. A disaster relief and internal security exercise programmed for the period Friday 1st/Saturday 2nd began at 1145 when the ship anchored in Jervis Bay in accordance with EXOPORD 13/74. A deterioration in weather conditions unfortunately necessitated suspension of this valuable exercise at 1730, and the serial was terminated at 0500 the following morning when first light brought no significant improvement."

Signed
Commodore G.R. Griffiths
Commanding Officer

During subsequent circulation of the above report, one reviewer remarked:
"Very timely national disaster exercise 1/2 December."

(Source: 3 - HMAS Melbourne)

Report for OCT-DEC74 - HMAS ALBATROSS:

"During the afternoon of 25 DEC after Cyclone Tracy had destroyed much of Darwin, NAS Nowra was alerted to despatch a 748 and Trackers to Darwin, and to prepare helicopters to embark in HMS ships MELBOURNE and STALWART. This was subsequently changed to an immediate request for both HS748 to carry relief stores, including blood, to Darwin. All available means (Radio, TV, police etc.) were used to recall personnel. Many officers and men telephoned interstate to offer their services and some drove through the night from as far as Southern Queensland and South Australia to return to duty. The 748s and helicopters were brought to readiness during the night and sufficient aircrew and maintainers returned to enable one 748 to depart at 0612L and one at 0950L on 26 DEC. Later that day the helicopters provided a fine sight as seven WESSEX of 817 and 725 Squadrons, supported by 3 Iroquois of 723 Squadron, took off to embark in HMAS MELBOURNE. Two further WESSEX of 725 Squadron joined HMAS STALWART late on 27 DEC.

"By the end of December six round-trips had been flown between Nowra and Darwin by 748 aircraft delivering emergency stores, equipment and personnel. 167 evacuees had been flown out by these aircraft to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane on their return trips."

Signed:
Commodore A.J. Robertson

(Source: 1 - HMAS Albatross)

Report for DEC74 - HMAS MELBOURNE:

"On Christmas Day, due to devastation caused in Darwin by the passage of Cyclone Tracy, Operation NAVY HELP DARWIN was initiated and the ship's company was recalled. Preparations for loading of disaster relief stores began immediately, and MELBOURNE was readied for a noon departure for Darwin on Boxing Day.

"In the event, the ship sailed from Sydney with you, Sir*, and your staff embarked at 1700L on Thursday 26th in company with HMAS BRISBANE. Loading delays and technical problems in the dockyard precluded earlier departure. The response to the recall by MELBOURNE Officers and sailors was gratifying, some 65 percent having rejoined by sailing time.

"After a fast passage from Sydney, MELBOURNE arrived off Townsville at 0530K, Sunday 29th to embark personnel and additional stores by helicopter and vehicular ferry. This evolution was completed by 1100K when the ship resumed passage through the Barrier Reef in company with HMAS STUART, HMAS BRISBANE having previously been detached ahead.

"Disaster relief planning and preparation continued apace throughout the passage to Darwin. Having cleared Torres Strait by 2300K, Monday 30th, MELBOURNE passed Cape Wessel at 1500K on the following day.

"Following the general recall on Christmas Day the marine engineering department worked continuously to have the ship ready for sea by 1400L on Boxing Day. The work necessary included closing up four furnaces, rejointing main engine access doors and closing up one main circulator pump, one auxiliary feed pump and several essential valves in steam systems.

"On proceeding to sea the main engines performed well to achieve revolutions for twenty knots continuously until arrival at Darwin, with only a brief stop off Townsville.

"Numerous machinery casualties occurred during the first few days passage some of which were obviously due to the physically tired state of the watchkeepers."

"Operation Navy Help Darwin required an all out effort by all members of the Weapons Electrical Department. It was gratifying to see how quickly a considerable number of temporarily attached sailors settled down to work in an unfamiliar ship on unfamiliar equipment."

"Fortunately a major storing programme was completed during the week ending 20th December and it was only necessary to top-up with some fresh vegetables, fruit and flour prior to deploying to Darwin on Thursday 26th December 1974."

"The work effort by all departments to prepare the ship for sea over Christmas Day and Boxing Day at short notice was most heartening and commendable. In this regard, and for enabling a high passage speed to be maintained, the work by the Engineroom and Electrical departments can only be considered as outstanding."

"The Welfare Committee has launched an appeal for Darwin cyclone victims. The target is $10,000 by 10th January, the day after the first pay day since Christmas. The Ship's company's conduct has been very good. Since the recall on Christmas Day their zealous endeavour in preparing for work ashore has been splendid. On Boxing Day it was a special pleasure to see how easily sailors and Dockyard workers can work together in an emergency. Morale is at present dedicated to the task in hand and will remain high as long as there is a worthwhile role in Darwin."

Signed
Commodore G.R. Griffiths
Commanding Officer

(Source: 3 - HMAS Melbourne)

* The Flag Officer Commanding Her Majesty's Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral David Wells, CBE.

Report for DEC74 - HMAS STALWART:

"During the period from Sunday 1st to Wednesday 25th STALWART was at the EMS Mooring providing technical assistance to HMA Ships VENDETTA, PARRAMATTA, BRISBANE, DUCHESS, STUART, DERWENT, SUPPLY, VAMPIRE and STALWART. The Christmas leave period was also started during this period and approximately 40% of the ships company were on leave. Early on the morning of Wednesday 25th cyclone TRACY devastated the city of Darwin. When news of the destruction at Darwin was revealed later in the day, preparation was made for all available ships to proceed to Darwin to provide assistance under Operation Navy Help Darwin.

"Notice for sea was reduced to 4 hours at 1920 (-11) on Wednesday 25th on receipt of your signal, Sir*, which gave the sailing times of the Naval Task Force for Darwin. STALWART was scheduled to sail from Sydney at 1200 (-11) on Friday 27th in company with SUPPLY, HOBART and VENDETTA. The recall of all libertymen from the ships sailing for Darwin was initiated on Wednesday 25th and by 1200 (-11) on Friday 27th only 38 members of the ships company had failed to answer the recall.

"Throughout the day on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th approximately 300 tons of cargo in the form of building materials, generators, victualling and other disaster relief stores for Darwin were embarked in STALWART. Sailing from Sydney was delayed on Friday 27th until 1720 (-11) whilst the loading of cargo was completed. On clearing Sydney Heads two Wessex were embarked and on completion course was set for Darwin, STALWART proceeding independently. HOBART and Vendetta, who had sailed earlier in the day in company with SUPPLY, rendezvoused with STALWART at 2215 (-11) for the jackstay transfer of stores scheduled for the following day.

"During the forenoon on Saturday 28th a jackstay transfer was carried out to transfer frozen provisions from HOBART and VENDETTA to STALWART in order to fill STALWART's refrigerator space to maximum capacity. This then gave STALWART an endurance of five months for frozen and dry provisions or alternatively would allow other ships to draw on STALWART's provisions.

"Clocks were retarded one hour to zone Kilo (-10) at 1830 (-11) on Sunday 29th. HOBART and VENDETTA remained in company with STALWART until 0300 (-10) on Monday 30th when they were detached to proceed into Townsville to top up with provisions.

"STALWART was scheduled to collect stores from Cairns airport at 1300 on Monday 30th by helicopter but due to a tropical rainstorm so typical of this area, the Wessex flights was cancelled. The ship anchored off Cairns at 1322 (-10) and the stores were brought out to STALWART by BARRICADE. The ship sailed at 1433 (-10) and proceeded through the inner route of the Barrier Reef. STALWART arrived off Booby Island at 1800 (-10) on Thursday 31st and New Years Eve was spent steaming across the Gulf of Carpentaria."

Signed:
I.M. Burnside
Captain RAN
Commanding Officer

(Source: 5 - HMAS Stalwart)

* The Flag Officer Commanding Her Majesty's Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral David Wells, CBE.

Report for JAN-MAR75 - HMAS ALBATROSS:

"The activity of the air station continued at its usual high level during the quarter. Support for the 'NAVY HELP DARWIN' operation continued in January, HS817 Squadron and elements of HT725 Squadron being embarked in HMAS MELBOURNE and HMAS STALWART and the two HS748 aircraft of VC851 Squadron carrying out a shuttle service to Darwin. The Carrier Air Group embarked on 4th February, remaining in HMAS Melbourne for the rest of the quarter.

"Wessex helicopters of HS817 and HT725 were embarked in HMA Ships MELBOURNE and STALWART in connection with Operation Navy Help Darwin until the 24th January and 5th/6th February respectively.

"Operation Navy Help Darwin involved fifteen RAN HS748 flights to and from Darwin between the 26th December and the 6th February."

Signed:
Commodore A.J. Robertson

(Source: 2 - HMAS Albatross)

Report for JAN75 - HMAS MELBOURNE:

"At the beginning of the month, MELBOURNE was on passage to Darwin in company with HMAS STUART, for disaster relief operations. Appropriately, at 0100 IK on Wednesday 1st., the Ships passed north of New Year Island and Hogmany Shoal, before rounding the Coburg Peninsula.

"Helicopter operations began at first light on New Years Day when you, Sir*, and staff officers were landed to Darwin for initial discussions concerning fleet participation in Operation NAVY HELP DARWIN. Subsequently, as the ship approached Darwin via Clarence Strait, helicopter searches were conducted along the shores of VAN DIEMAN'S Gulf.

"MELBOURNE, anchored south of Emery Point Light, Darwin Harbour, at 1200 IK Wednesday 1st. The fury of Cyclone TRACY was immediately evident, with many damaged buildings clearly visible and the trees on the harbour fore-shore obviously stripped of foliage. An intensive flying programme allowed the disembarkation of the most urgently required disaster relief stores during the afternoon. In addition, personnel were landed to establish the Shore Command Headquarters, progress relief work and assess relief tasks.

"From Thursday 2nd until Friday 17th January, disaster relief teams were landed from the ship daily for a large variety of tasks. Full details of MELBOURNE's participation in disaster relief operations have been included in a separate report.

"The Governor General of Australia, His Excellency, Sir John Kerr, KCMG, K St J, QC, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. J.F. Cairns, PhD, M Com, MHR, visited Darwin on Thursday 2nd and were accommodated on board overnight.

"At 0830 IK, Friday 3rd, the ship sailed from Darwin Harbour to rendezvous with HMAS SUPPLY for replenishment of fuel, anchoring south of Emery Point on return to harbour at 1545 IK.

"A welcome break from relief work in trying conditions was provided during the month when entertainers Rolf Harris and the Horrie Dargie Concert Group performed on board for ships' companies of the fleet.

"From Friday 10th, assisted by Commander D.G. Holthouse and Lieutenant Commander E.G. Stubbington, I conducted on your behalf, an inquiry into the loss of or damage to HMA Ships ARROW, ATTACK, ASSAIL and ADVANCE, and the casualties resulting therefrom. A separate report will be forwarded.

"The departure of MELBOURNE and HOBART from Darwin on Saturday 18th to allow participation in Exercise RIMPAC 75 having been announced, a farewell buffet luncheon for local personalities was held on board on Friday 17th, hosted by you Sir*, assisted by officers from the fleet.

"Your Flag was shifted to HMAS SUPPLY at 0745 IK on Saturday 18th, and at 0800 IK MELBOURNE sailed in company with SUPPLY and HOBART for replenishment prior to passage to Sydney. The departure of the ships co-incided with a fly-past over the city by helicopters from MELBOURNE and STALWART."

"The time spent under auxiliary conditions at Darwin allowed for the rectification of some defects. However, requirements for technical assistance for disaster relief and to remain auxiliary precluded any major maintenance effort.

"Technical assistance provided during disaster relief included:

"The continuous operation of the steam plant and the high passage speeds to and from Darwin, together with the lack of any real maintenance time, allow for no guarantee in operating reliability during the forthcoming deployment."

Air Matters

"Air operations in support of the Darwin relief effort began on 1st January 1975, and continued daily until departure from Darwin.

"Two aircraft of 725 Squadron embarked from HMAS STALWART on 4th January and were integrated with 817 Squadron during relief operations. Two aircraft were disembarked to HMAS STALWART on 17th February.

"817 Squadron disembarked to HMAS ALBATROSS on the morning of Friday 24th January. A summary of flying statistics is included at Annex B.

"The ship's company's conduct throughout January has been excellent with only a few minor misdemeanours. Their work effort throughout the operation was outstanding. Observing the lack of shore leave, the nature of the work and the local conditions, morale remained at a most satisfactory level throughout the operation. It was a privilege to command such a cheerful, hard-working ship's company.

Signed:
Commodore G.R. Griffiths
Commanding Officer"

* The Flag Officer Commanding Her Majesty's Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral David Wells, CBE.

ANNEX B

Flying Statistics - 817 SQDN (Wessex)

NOTES:

(Source: 4 - HMAS Melbourne)

Report for FEB75 - HMAS STALWART:

"At the beginning of the month STALWART was proceeding across the Gulf of Carpentaria, with BRISBANE in company, heading for Sydney on completion of Operation Navy Help Darwin. At 2244 (-10) on Saturday 1st, the ship rounded Booby Island and proceeded through the Prince of Wales and Adolphus Channels clearing the latter at 0155 (-10) on Sunday 2nd.

"At 1507 (-10) on Sunday 2nd, helicopter 24 (Note: 1) was despatched to Cairns with CPOSTD Plaisted, suffering from a heart condition. The helicopter was recovered off Hinchinbrook Island at 0832 (-10) the following day."

Signed:
J.A. Robertson
Captain RAN
Commanding Officer
(who had assumed command from Captain Burnside on Saturday 8th February after STALWART returned to Sydney.)

(Source: 6 - HMAS Stalwart)

Time Zones

Time Zones except Z equate to local time.

Times followed by (-10) or (-11) equate to Zulu/GMT/UTC.

* As Time Zone J (Juliet) is not used, Time Zone IK is midway between Zones I and K, i.e. 30 minutes.

Queensland did not observe Daylight Saving in 1974/75.