HMAS Otway

[otherwise]

Just cleaning up my computer and came across some photos taken at a country town called Holbrook. Holbrook was originally called Germanton but during The Great War the decision was made to change it's name. Lt Norman Holbrook had just received a VC for his actions taking Australian submarine B11 through the Dardanelles and so Germanton became Holbrook.

http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/5environment/submarines/holbrook.html

Holbrook is about 250km as the crow flies inland but is still linked with submarines, firstly because of Lt Norman Holbrook VC and more recently because the decommissioned O class submarine Otway is at rest in a park in the town.

 

[devo]

cool pics Kev
thanks for sharing
thats a heck of a lot bigger than I figured a sub would be.

 

[otherwise]

Big when you stand next to her but she was only diesel / electric, those nuke powered units the Poms have make her look very small.
I have a real positive feeling for subs but don't think I'd like to be in one submerged.

How does steam powered subs and cold water sound? "K" class boats built the Poms during The Great War,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_K_class_submarine

HMAS Otway ...
Displacement: 1,610 tons standard
2,030 tons surfaced
2,410 tons submerged
Length: 295.2 ft (90.0 m)
Beam: 26.5 ft (8.1 m)
Draught: 18 ft (5.5 m)
Propulsion: 2 × Admiralty Standard Range supercharged V16 diesel generators
2 × English Electric motors
3,500 bhp (2,600 kW) 4,500 shp (3,400 kW)
2 shafts
Speed: 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph) surfaced
17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph) submerged
11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph) at snorkel depth
Range: 9,000 nautical miles (17,000 km; 10,000 mi) at 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Test depth: 200 metres (660 ft)

 

[DaveM]

Very cool and as Harry said it looks a lot bigger out the water. How far from sea is it here as it must have been a mission moving it to this spot

 

[otherwise]

About 600km by road from the Sydney sub home. About 400km across our highest mountain range to Eden, the closest port.

 

[shanered6]

ver cool pics .....it amazes me how they where able to build such things way back then , but where still running at each other on horse back with swords drawn !!!

 

[hemibee]

Thanks for sharing the photo and the link.


I've toured a couple WWll subs and a later model diesel boat and really amazed how the sailors were able to stand being in one, especially the WWll models. The Conning Towers are way smaller than they look, so small you almost have to go top side just to change your mind.

 

[DaveM]

About 600km by road from the Sydney sub home. About 400km across our highest mountain range to Eden, the closest port.

Wow it must have been a thing for them to move it to that spot then

 

[otherwise]

A story I read in the newspaper a couple of years after the Otway was decommissioned and sent to Holbrook but while the last of our "O" class boats were still in use was one in use required a major part replaced and they went back to the Otway at Holbrook and salvaged the part. That had me laughing big time, planning ahead or good luck that it wasn't melted down?

 

[otherwise]

Wow it must have been a thing for them to move it to that spot then

Found this,
"Resolving the problem of moving the submarine inland, the structure was cut into sections and transported by semi-trailer down the Hume Highway. It was reconstructed at Holbrook with the assistance of a team of unemployed trainees during the New Work Opportunities Program co-ordinated by Billabong Skill Share and Holbrook Shire Council.

The spectacular, traffic-stopping inland submarine is a fitting memorial to those brave men who serve and have served in submarines in both war and peace.

An official dedication of the Submarine Memorial was staged during the Queen's Birthday weekend on
7 June 1997 with Mrs Gundula Holbrook the official guest."

 

[DaveM]

That was luck for sure that they could sill get the part.

 

[hemibee]

That was luck for sure that they could sill get the part.

Plus it was still serviceable.

 

[keystiger]

Thanks for sharing the photo and the link.


I've toured a couple WWll subs and a later model diesel boat and really amazed how the sailors were able to stand being in one, especially the WWll models. The Conning Towers are way smaller than they look, so small you almost have to go top side just to change your mind.

I'll bet this is one you have toured Hemi, as have I. The USS Drum WWII circa Gato class sub. Man they are TINY inside, diesel powered(bet that smelled good) not to mention the crew after being stuck in this can for a few weeks.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gato_class_submarine

 

[CarlS]

Good pics and good history. Thanks.

 

[hemibee]

I'll bet this is one you have toured Hemi, as have I. The USS Drum WWII circa Gato class sub. Man they are TINY inside, diesel powered(bet that smelled good) not to mention the crew after being stuck in this can for a few weeks.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gato_class_submarine
View attachment 7186

Yes sir, the USS Drum and USS Cavalla