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The 40^th Anniversary Reunion – 30^th March 1996

There were plenty of nostalgic moments at the 40^th Anniversary Reunion at the Rushcutters Bay site once known as HMAS Rushcutter. While younger readers would know HMAS Rushcutter only as a mine hunter and might not have heard of the Royal Australian Navy Experimental Laboratory (RANEL) later as the RAN Research Laboratory (RANRL) others will have fond memories of their activities at this complex, within which RANEL was housed for most of its life from 1956 to 1987 as the Navy’s highly regarded scientific base. After a year of seeking ex-Ranelians and RAN associates a highly successful reunion took place to remember the inception of RANEL 40 years previously. The RAN Sailing Association provided a wonderful buffet luncheon for the 150 Ranelians or so who attended. The RANSA staff commented on the particularly enthusiatic group we made on that glorious summer-like day. Old acquaintances were renewed, tales both tall and true relived, speeches made, a display of early Naval scientific tools and memorabilia viewed and the former work site toured.

RANEL’s strong Naval ties were reflected by the the presence of former Superintendents – CDRE Merson RAN Ret’d, CDRE Boase RAN Ret’d and CDRE Cleary RAN Ret’d and numerous other officers including VADM Ian Knox AC RAN Ret’d and representatives from RANEL’s three main research vessel HMAS Kookaburra, HMAS Kimbla and HMAS Cook. Cadets from T.S. Condamine capably assisted in various ways with several retired officers remarking that they were good examples for tomorrow’s Navy.

RANEL began under the late CMDR Frank Lord RAN Ret’d with three Department of Supply scientists two of whom were present – Dr. Arthur Pryor and Dr Doug Campbell. A highlight of the reunion was the presence of Mr. Peter Clynick from England, one of two scientists seconded from the Royal Navy for three years in late 1956. The other, the late Ian Gatenby and the late Ray Gossage, initially scientific adviser to the RAN, helped to found RANEL and were remembered on an Honour Roll. The Honour Roll also listed several other now sadly departed Ranelians. The late Bob Wyber, Chief Scientist was represented by his widow and son, the latter having worked at RANRL.

RANEL’s first Australian Chief Scientist, Dr. Jack Lonergan and the last and longest serving Chief Scientist, Dr. Bill Hunter, attended. Dr Roger Creaser, Chief of the Maritime Operations Division of the Defence Scientific & Technology Organisation, the organisation into which RANRL had been absorbed in 1987 also attended.

The formalities began with a brief prayer from the Master of Ceremonies, Mike Turner. Speeches by Jack Lonergan, Don Stewart, ‘Red’ Merson, Bill Hunter and Peter Clynick provided contemporary anecdotes and were enjoyed by all. The ceremony concluded with 80^th Birthday greetings to the well known Engineer at both Garden Island and RANEL Eric Kaye.

Everyone who attended the Reunion deserves a mention, but this would be impossible due to the number. However, all RANEL groups were represented, notably the Scientific, Engineering and Administrative groups. Associated Departments were also represented such as the the former Department of Supply, Navy Office, Civil Personnel, the Naval Diving Unit and even the Dockyard Police. Bill Hunter was surprised anddelighted to find that not only were all six of his first sea trials team present but three crew from the trials vessel HMAS Kookaburra – Commanding Officer Mike Downes, Bernie Hamill and Ray McClure. As Bill commented, it says something about how special RANEL/RANRL was in its multi faceted contributions to the Navy and the resulting mutual regard for such people to attend after so many years.

The RANEL spirit lives on in the DSTO MOD. The Reunion enthusiasm was not only a tribute to RANEL’s existence but has spilt over into a move for ex-Ranelians and present naval scientists to work towards an association to oversee the preservation of past and future naval science history and memorabilia.

The Reunion attendees wish to thank: RAN Support Command, Navy News, the Naval Association, RAN Sailing Association, RAN Trials and Assessing Unit, TS Condamine Cadets, and Rushcutters Bay Maritime Reserve Trust.

Some of the Ranelians present at the Reunion.

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