Harbour Defence Motor Launch 1321
An Important Part Of Our Military History.
This vessel is the first Harbour Defence Motor Launch (HDML) built in Australia and the last existing example in the country. Of all the HDMLs to serve in the Australian navy during WW2, it is arguably the one with the most outstanding record.
HDML 1321 played an important role with the Coastwatchers and "Z" Special Commando units in New Guinea waters during WW 2, including participation in Operation Copper in April 1945, where only one Z Special Commando survived out of eight men inserted onto Muschu Island off Wewak New Guinea.
This rescue project will be conducted in a number of stages.
Once raised, hopefully a permanent home for the vessel can be found...candidates include Hobart City where the ship was built, the Australian War Memorial, the Sydney Maritime Museum and the Darwin War Museum. Offers are being made to this organisations - the ship to be donated, stabilised and delivered at no charge.
I believe it is important that this vital part of our history is preserved.
Bro Palmer
October 2016
Bro Palmer is the eldest son of the wartime captain of this ship, Lieutenant Ernie Palmer.
HDML 1321 played an important role with the Coastwatchers and "Z" Special Commando units in New Guinea waters during WW 2, including participation in Operation Copper in April 1945, where only one Z Special Commando survived out of eight men inserted onto Muschu Island off Wewak New Guinea.
This rescue project will be conducted in a number of stages.
- Stage 1 - Is to raise the vessel from Darwin Harbor where it sank on the 19th October, and place it on dry land where it can be inspected and a work plan and cost estimate created. ($50K - estimate has been revised down from $150,000 after a dive inspection)
- Stage 2 - Move the vessel from the shoreline to a suitable location for preservation.
- Stage 3 - To stabilise and preserve the vessel WW2 as a dry land display.
Once raised, hopefully a permanent home for the vessel can be found...candidates include Hobart City where the ship was built, the Australian War Memorial, the Sydney Maritime Museum and the Darwin War Museum. Offers are being made to this organisations - the ship to be donated, stabilised and delivered at no charge.
I believe it is important that this vital part of our history is preserved.
Bro Palmer
October 2016
Bro Palmer is the eldest son of the wartime captain of this ship, Lieutenant Ernie Palmer.
This site has been authorised by the current owners of HDML1321 for fundraising and restoration of the vessel.
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