This ‘little ship’ must be saved, WHY?
This remarkable vessel, HDML 1321 performed
sterling work with the coastwatcher network around the islands to the north of
Australia during 1944-45. Almost all of her operations were in enemy territory
where, if discovered would have resulted in annihilation. Her operations
included ferrying coastwatch operatives to and from many dangerous locations.
HDML 1321 was built in Hobart and
commissioned into the RAN in November 1943.
Under the expert direction of skipper Ernie
Palmer and first lieutenant Russell Smith the ships company kept her safe in
enemy waters for almost two years. This is an incredible story of our military
history, immense bravery and courage.
One mission in particular proved to be
extremely hazardous and ultimately tragic when, in April 1945 she took eight Z
Special commandos to Muschu Island just off the north coast of New Guinea near
Wewak. ‘Operation Copper’ was to be a reconnaissance and prisoner snatch
mission. A part quote from the excellent book, The Guns of Muschu written by
Don Dennis, the nephew of one of the commandos --
“But the secret mission went horribly wrong.
Unknown to the commandos, their presence had been discovered within hours of
their landing. With no means of escape, the island became a killing ground”.
Only one commando survived, making an epic
nine day trek back to Australian forces on mainland New Guinea. He had to get
off Muschu Island and try to get across the shark and eel infested waters, an
almost epic journey in itself taking around nine hours due to currents swirling
around the island.
The current owners Wendy and Tracy purchased
her in 2006 and have become very passionate about the boat’s history. They want
to see her salvaged and restored as she was in 1945. They have poured their
hearts and souls in trying to make her seaworthy. The journey has been
extremely difficult culminating in the boat sinking on 19th October
2016. Tracy’s heartfelt story of their time with 1321 can be found on the
website below, the only authorised Crowd Funding avenue ---
http://www.gofundme.com/save-1321-2v9uwys?ssid=780980853&pos=1" rel="nofollow - https://www.gofundme.com/save-1321-2v9uwys?ssid=780980853&pos=1