SAA National Presidents message
To our members
As we head into the holiday period I would like to, on behalf of the National Committee, wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We had a great Subcon in the Gong this year and I thank NSW for stepping up at short notice to arrange the weekend. We look forward to next year and Subcon in the Nation’s Capital. ACT SAA will be providing updates on the planning shortly and seeking Expressions of Interest from members wishing to attend on the last weekend in October 26. The web site will be also be updated shortly with more information as it becomes available.
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank not only the National Executive but also all of the state committees for the tireless work over the last year, as I have said before all of these positions are voluntary and without their dedication there would be no SAA.
have been saddened by the number of our shipmates who passed this year, but as always the SAA was there to assist where possible in the difficult times for the families and I am proud of the fact that we can be of assistance if required. I thank our DVA Advocates for all of the work they do and as Ray Kemp tells me it is not getting any easier so make sure you do not go it alone.
So in closing please stay safe and I look forward to seeing you in Canberra next year.
Cheers
David Strangward, AM
SAA National President
SUBCON 2026 will be in the ACT
The next Submarine event is Holbrook over Australia Day for more information
PM Gary Redman
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110 years Anniversary of AE1 arriving in Australia 10 December 2025
110 years ago today RAN’s first submarines arrived in Sydney, HMA Submarines AE1 and AE2.
Built for the Royal Australian Navy, AE1 and AE2 were Australia’s first of two E Class submarines.
Under the respective commands of Lieutenant Commander T.F. Besant, RN and Lieutenant Commander H.H.G. Stoker, RN, these boats were manned by Royal Navy officers with a mixed crew of sailors drawn from the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.
The boats arrived in Sydney 83 days after leaving Portsmouth and covered more than 13,000 miles. Although the submarines remained surfaced for almost all of the voyage, it was at the time the longest transit distance ever travelled by a submarine.
AE1 sank on 14 September 1914 during the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force operation to seize the German colonies in New Guinea and the South Pacific.Likely the result of a diving accident, the sinking claimed the lives of the submarine’s entire complement of three officers and 32 sailors. The wreck was located in December 2017 in 300 metres of water off the Duke of York Island group.
On 30 April 1915, AE2 successfully forced a passage through Türkiye’s heavily fortified Dardanelles Strait, before she sank in action. The crew were taken to a Turkish prison camp where all but four ratings survived. The wreck of AE2 was discovered in June 1998 lying in 72 metres of water north of Kara Burnu Point.
The 110th anniversary of these boats’ arrival into the Royal Australian Navy is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of their service and sacrifice more than a century ago.
   
HMAS AE1 at Codock
Submarine awards 2025
I was honoured to represent The Submarines Association Australia WA Branch at the annual Submarine Force Awards presentation on Monday 08 December 2025 onboard HMAS Stirling.
Also present was Mrs. Debbie Henry, WO Tim Henry's widow, for the presentation of the Quality Award named in Tim's honour. This year's recipient was PO Trenton (surname omitted)
The Submariner of the Year was AB Dylan (surname omitted). SAA WA Branch donates a cash prize of $150 to the SMOTY each year.
On behalf of SAA QLD, I was also pleased to be a part of presenting the Kevan Marengo Award for Excellence in Submarine Engineering to LS Tyronne (surname omitted).
These images have been cleared for non-commercial purposes.
Regards,
Tony Masters
Secretary, Submarines Association Australia WA Branch
  
New history pages for the Oboats are under construction,
Please note crews members on Eternal patrol is going to be updated.
HMAS OXLEY
HMAS OTWAY
HMAS OVENS
HMAS ONSLOW
HMAS ORION
HMAS COLLINS
Buddies in Boats
if you want to contact a mate but are missing contact use the following:
contact form
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