HMAS Canberra exercises Freedom of Entry in capital
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Steady rainfall and gloomy skies did not dampen spirits as Navy personnel paraded through Canberra on 30 November 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 such 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 – a print featuring USS Canberra, his own ship and its predecessors. 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 9 August 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.
HMAS 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 III stand at ease during the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Photo by Petty Officer Tara Morrison.
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Do we really have to change everything which has a crown to be another crown?! As it could be seen as a lot of money to be spent on doing something like this?!
I’m not too sure the need to do this would be high on the ADF agenda of things to achieve, given the increased hybrid warfare and ‘hot peace’ which is being currently played out as international frictions increase.
Fred is on to something here, the ADF doesn’t need to add a new royal cypher or swap crowns on military embellishments, we as Australians should be able to update our military heritage items and embellishments while also maintaining our unique take on things which makes Australians, as clever and uniquely Australian.
Realistically, it wouldn’t take much to make ADF Ships/Units/Squadron, Crests/Emblems/Badges to have more of an Australian feel and look to them. When really this has technically already been in place with the introduction of the ADF Joint Service Crests, example (https://www.defence.gov.au/about/who-we-are/organisation-structure/joint-capabilities-group).
Replace the Crown with a Federation Star, that way the ADF won’t have to change it ever again, regardless of which crown is decided by any future monarch – Problem solved!
If Australia was to do it own thing, it would be way better than trying to do keep updating crowns and cypher’s for ADF Ships/Units/Squadrons (https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1055864-king-charles-cypher-unveiled-for-british-army).
One noteworthy detail that seems to have been overlooked is the recent change to HMAS Canberra’s motto from “For Queen and Country” to “For King and Country” (source: https://www.navy.gov.au/capabilities/ships-boats-and-submarines/hmas-canberra-iii). This change highlights the broader shift now required across the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to update symbols and insignia featuring the Queen’s Crown (the St Edward’s Crown) to the King’s Crown (the Tudor Crown).
This sets a significant precedent for the ADF, as these updates will extend to all emblems, ranks, and other symbols featuring the crown, requiring a systematic and costly overhaul. Interestingly, this process aligns with broader national discussions about Australia’s constitutional identity.
Only a few months before King Charles III’s planned visit to Australia, the ‘Albanese’ Labor Government quietly stepped away from actively pursuing a republic, as evidenced by the removal of the Assistant Minister for the Republic portfolio on 29 July 2024 (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-04/republic-movement-comfortable-with-scrapping-portfolio/104172194). This decision suggests a recognition of the complexities and costs associated with such constitutional changes.
However, without movement toward a republic, Australia remains bound to update its symbols with every change of Head of State. The transition from Queen to King is already proving to be a highly expensive exercise for the ADF, with changes required across ships, units, and squadrons. One must wonder if these repeated costs are sustainable or if they might eventually reignite calls for a more permanent solution to Australia’s constitutional future.
Good spotting there Moorey, clearly the UK Forces have stepped up preparing for this years before Australia was even thinking about it, with more information here – https://www.forcesnews.com/king-charles/military-unveils-new-cap-badges-showing-kings-cypher
After reading what you had written, I thought I would take a quick look at the GG’s website to see if there had been any changes before the King arrived to Australia, and you wouldn’t believe it?! The GG’s Wattle insignia with the crown has changed from the Queens (St Edwards) crown to the Tudor (Kings) crown.
Also after scanning the GG’s Facebook page there is a photo which shows off the new crown and the new flag if others are interested in this?! (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1145346670281723&set=pb.100044192031341.-2207520000&type=3)
Surely Australia with it’s rich military history, impressive unique and native wildlife, should be able to easily move away from crowns for hierarchical symbology to represent Australia?!