Avonmore Books Avonmore Books i(A147646 works by) (Organisation) assertion
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1 y separately published work icon Admiral VAT Smith : The Extraordinary Life of the Father of Australia’s Fleet Air Arm Graeme Lunn , Kent Town : Avonmore Books , 2024 29483993 2024 single work biography

'Admiral Sir Victor Alfred Trumper “VAT” Smith AC KBE CB DSC MiD RAN is a towering figure in Australian naval circles, his extraordinary career spanning almost 50 years. As the first graduate of the Royal Australian Naval College to be promoted full admiral he was the founding father of the Australian Fleet Air Arm.

'Joining the navy in 1927 aged thirteen, Smith specialized in aviation. As the senior observer of a Royal Navy Swordfish squadron, he led the first mass torpedo strike against a major warship at sea, the daring attack on the battlecruiser Scharnhorst off Norway in 1940. Then, at Churchill’s insistence, he embarked the very first catapult fighter for convoy protection. His subsequent service in two-seat Fairey Fulmar fighters saw him twice shot down in the Mediterranean and escape the torpedoed HMS Ark Royal in 1941.

'Recalled to Australia to fly Walrus amphibians, Smith survived the August 1942 destruction of HMAS Canberra at the Battle of Savo Island. Returning to Europe he served in the escort carrier HMS Tracker in the Atlantic and Arctic before participating in the Normandy landings.

'Postwar he was closely involved in the Australian decision to develop a carrier-based Fleet Air Arm and was executive officer of the carrier HMAS Sydney in the Korean War. Command of frigates, an air station and the carrier HMS Melbourne followed. As Chief of Naval Staff, he dispatched forces to the war in Vietnam before serving as chairman of the tri-service Chiefs of Staff in the 1970s.

'The author, Graeme Lunn, also a RANC graduate and aviator, began his naval career when Smith was still serving.' (Publication summary) 

1 y separately published work icon Honour Denied - Teddy Sheean, a Tasmanian Hero... : - And Other Brave Warriors of the Royal Australian Navy Tom Lewis , Kent Town : Avonmore Books , 2016 9195284 2016 single work biography

'No-one will ever know what made him do it. Teddy Sheean was part of the evacuation of his warship, the corvette Armidale sinking fast while around it swarmed Japanese aircraft, shooting with abandon. Teddy turned back to his gun, an Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft cannon with a broad leather strap to secure the gunner. He began firing...a courageous Tasmanian was determined to do his best to save his mates and his ship.No member of the Royal Australian Navy has ever been awarded a Victoria Cross. Of the 100 so far given to Australians, 96 are to the Army and four to the Royal Australian Air Force. It was not from lack of bravery that this unjust situation has arisen. It derives from substantial unfairness. In World War I and II, the RAN had to apply through Britain's class-bound Royal Navy for any such award to be made. ' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon The Submarine Six : Australian Naval Heroes Tom Lewis , Kent Town : Avonmore Books , 2011 Z1867261 2011 single work biography 'Any Australian asked to mention our war heroes could probably name General Monash and Albert Jacka VC from World War I, and then Weary Dunlop, and perhaps Field Marshal Blamey from WWII. A knowledgeable few might be able to suggest Australia's greatest fighting air ace, Clive Caldwell.

But who could name our naval heroes?

Naval conflicts take place often far from our shores. Ships and men sometimes disappear, to leave only mystery in their wake. In the 1990s the Royal Australian Navy broke with tradition, and for the first time named six submarines after six naval heroes.

This book shows the true depths of their achievements. These were men whose warrior exploits stand alongside those of any from other nations. But they have been largely unrecognised, save for those submarines.

Captain Hec Waller, for example, fought to the end in HMAS Perth, alongside fellow cruiser USS Houston. The Houston's Captain Rooks was deservedly awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour, America's highest honour. Captain Waller, by comparison, was given distinction, but not of the highest rank. Should he have been given the Victoria Cross?

Other heroes stand alongside him. Emile Dechaineux, hero of Dunkirk and the North Sea, battling it out against Japanese kamikaze attack. John Collins, taking HMAS Sydney to victory against Italian cruisers. Hal Farncomb - the first Australian to command an aircraft carrier, in action off the French coast.

But The Submarine Six also examines whether two more men deserve further honour. Teddy Sheean, tenacious gunner from Tasmania, fought to the end in HMAS Armidale. Robert Rankin commanded HMAS Yarra against fearful odds, dying in defence of his convoy, attacked by overwhelming Japanese forces. Are they also VC candidates?

Three of the men are from Tasmania, the island state which in WWII contributed more seamen per head of the population than any other state. All of the six are men of determination, bravery, and incredible resolve. Worth analysis, worth following, and worthy of greater recognition - Australian heroes all. The Submarine Six brings forward six naval warriors to stand alongside any other military achiever.' (Publisher's blurb)
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