50^th Anniversary of Defence Science in Sydney

John Holm, our President

On Friday 28^th April 2006, DSTO Pyrmont celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of its predecessor, the Royal Australian Navy Experimental Laboratory (RANEL). RANEL was established in February 1956 at HMAS Rushcutter, the site of the RAN’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare school at Rushcutters Bay, and initially focussed on the acoustic detection of submarines. It underwent a name change to the Royal Australian Navy Research Laboratory (RANRL) in 1969 to reflect an expanded range of activities. In 1984, RANRL moved to the current site, the Royal Edward Victualling Yard (REVY) at Pyrmont. It was given the DSTO brand name in 1987. In a years time, DSTO Pyrmont will have relocated to Redfern. The 50^th anniversary celebrations took place in two marquees set up alongside the DSTO building. Official speakers at the celebrations included Dr Roger Lough (Chief Defence Scientist), CDRE Raymond Griggs (Deputy Maritime Commander), Dr Nanda Nandagopal (Deputy Chief Defence Scientist (Systems)) and Senator Sandy Macdonald (Parliamentary Secretary of Defence). DSTO Pyrmont’s contribution to the mine warfare community was highlighted by the presence alongside the laboratory of the coastal minehunter HMAS Diamantina. To officially mark the 50^th anniversary of defence science in Sydney (i.e. the establishment of RANEL), Senator Macdonald presided over the cutting of a cake and the launch of the book “Pyrmont People: 50 Years of Defence Science in Sydney 1956-2006”. This book will provide an interesting complement to the book, “Secret Science at Sea”, recently published by the RANEL Association. The celebration provided an occasion for former employees of RANEL, RANRL or DSTO to see how the organisation has evolved and to reminisce with former colleagues. Fortunately, many former staff members were able to attend including Jim Huggett from Canberra, as were Stephanie and Tony Frost (the widow and the son of the late Morry Frost). The morning tea was followed by anecdotes from former staff members. The reminiscences of Jack Lonergan were of particular interest. A sausage sizzle at midday provided further opportunities to renew old acquaintances over a beer or two. I am sure everyone who attended the celebrations thought the day a success and look forward to the next opportunity to get together with their former colleagues. Some photos taken on the day can be seen below.

John Holm

DSTO Cake

Cdre ‘Red’ Merson

Mal Buckham and Bill Hunter

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50th Anniversary of Defence Science in Sydney

50^th Anniversary of Defence Science in Sydney