A great honour for new and old
Steady rainfall and gloomy skies did not dampen spirits as Navy personnel paraded through Canberra on November 30 in a tradition that dates back to medieval times.
CAPTION: HMAS Canberra personnel conduct a freedom-of-entry parade through Canberra. Story by Lieutenant Jonathan Wills. Photo by Leading Seaman Jarrod Mulvihill.
More than 250 officers and sailors from HMAS Canberra III exercised their freedom of entry – a mark of trust and respect, and the highest accolade a town can award a military unit.
Commanding Officer Canberra Captain Brendan O’Hara said these activities strengthened bonds between Defence and the Australian people.
“It is such an honour for us to march through the streets of our namesake city and is an opportunity to express our appreciation for the Australian community,” Captain O’Hara said.
“It also provides a chance to build familiarity, trust and confidence with our local communities.”
CAPTION: Commanding Officer HMAS Canberra (III), Captain Brendan O’Hara presents a gift to the Australian War Memorial during a whole ship tour in Canberra. Photo by Petty Officer Tara Morrison.
The tradition began when trusted military units were officially welcomed to walled towns, enabling them ‘freedom of entry’ to replenish food and arms.
In keeping with that tradition, the ACT Government hosted a barbecue and reception after the parade.
Members from the HMAS Canberra/HMAS Shropshire Association also participated in the event, including 101-year-old Stoker Desmond Jones, the last survivor of HMAS Canberra I.
Mr Jones was on board during the Battle of Savo Island on August 9, 1942, when the ship was struck by two torpedoes on its starboard side and more than 20 salvoes of 8-inch shellfire.
The vessel sank with the loss of 84 lives.
Mr Jones met several crew members of Canberra III, including Seaman Tamara Buckley from Sydney.
At 19, Seaman Buckley is the youngest member of the crew and the same age as Mr Jones when he was forced to abandon ship in 1942.
The two sailors exchanged stories, separated by more than 80 years, on board vessels of the same name.
CAPTION: Seaman Tamara Buckley talks with HMAS Canberra I survivor Desmond Jones after the freedom-of-entry parade. Photo by Leading Seaman Jarrod Mulvihill.
Reflecting on the day’s events, Mr Jones said he drew the most enjoyment from the camaraderie shared.
“The serving personnel you meet on days like today are all great, dedicated people,” Mr Jones said.
“You can’t go wrong joining the Navy.”
Later in the afternoon, Navy members visited the Australian War Memorial and participated in the Last Post ceremony.
Canberra III is a 230m complex amphibious platform, capable of transporting more than 100 ground vehicles, four landing craft, up to 18 helicopters and more than 1000 troops, in addition to its crew of more than 400.
CAPTION: The crew of HMAS Canberra stand at ease during the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Photo by Petty Officer Tara Morrison.
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