Harbour Defence Motor Launch 1321 (HDML 1321) is known for her extraordinary service during WW2 behind enemy lines with Z Special Forces. During the 1950's HDML 1321 was used as a training ship and renamed Rushcutter. In 1971 she was sold to a private owner. HDML 1321 sank at her moorings in Darwin Harbour at 7.55am 19 October 2016 and efforts to save her for future generations is underway.

Friday, 4 November 2016

Letter from a Save 1321 Supporter

Fountain Pen and Lined paper: Opening salutation 'Dear'

Thank you Derek for you adding your voice to our appeal, your words are both elegant and poignant. 


To whom it may concern,

As you may be aware, the world and Australia are commemorating the centenary of the Great War. Commemoration events are being held all over the world during the period 2014 to 2018. The events are very special to millions of people around the world, in most countries, as all had suffered during this terrible  conflict. The educational displays by museums and other government and non-government organisations are working hard to educate the young in an effort to keep alive. They all suffer, however, from the passage of time robbing us all of the men, women and even the precious artefacts from the time. From Qingdao in China, south to Australia and both east and west to Europe and the Americas conflict raged and such things should be preserved in human memory forever.

In 23 years time, the world will be commemorating the centenary of the  Second World War . The former Royal Australian Naval motor launch, HDML1321 was very active in the conflict against the advancing Imperial Japanese forces. It was one of the first vessels of it's kind and the only one known to remain in Australia. It is a very tangible part of the history of that terrible conflict and should be restored and protected for the education of generations to come.

Plans are being developed to restore this significant piece of history, and it would be to the great credit of your company and it's board of directors to assist in anyway you can to smooth the way for the organisations attempting to raise and restore what will hopefully become a focus point for future generations to learn, first hand, what life could be like at the time. 

I am sure that any and all assistance from your company and it's agents will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged by all involved.

Kindest regards,

Derek Rea.

Published with permission. 

And a big thank you for your sacrifice of fine coffee. 


$10 donation - equivalent of the cost of 2 fine coffees

Sacrifice your next coffee to Save 1321.




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