Tuesday news

By tk
Tuesday, June 10, 2003

*The South Island (Hilton Head) Dredging Association is insisting that the way it disposed of spoil was approved by government regulators
*The state Supreme Court on Monday said state regulators were right to allow Port Royal Plantation to repair and build beach groins, ending a seven-year legal fight
-Beaufort Gazette, 6-10-03

*Volunteers build three oyster reefs on Colleton River
-Hilton Head Island Packet Online, 6-10-0-3

*Shelter pets in need of hurricane helpers
-Carolina Morning News, Low Country Now, 6-10-03

*Waterfront colors mostly white Black marine businesses face long odds
-Coast News, 6-10-03

*Six drown off Panhandle beaches, five others hospitalized
-Florida Times Union, 6-10-03

*Milton man latest to die in Gulf surf
-Pensacola News Journal, 6-10-0-3

*Gulf Claims Destin Tourist
*Milton Man Dies at Pensacola Beach
-Pensacola Beach News, 6-9-03

*Savage surf kills five
-Northwest Florida Daily News, 6-9-03

Dear Mac,

My name is Lindsay Watt and I'm currently researching the sinking of the HMAS Canberra at the Battle of Savo Island.. I'm currently designing a 3D computer model of the Canberra and are curious about a few things which i hope you can assist me with.

Firstly when the Canberra went down was she flying the Blue Ensign? My understanding is that she was and that the Navy White Ensign didn't come around for some years to come.

Also i find that at certain web sites it was referred to as an Kent Class Cruiser and at other sites a County Class Cruiser.. Could you clarify for me which one she was please.. I intend making my model as a sign of the respect for the men lost and will include a small piece outlining the battle with link to your site and to the Canberra's memorial page.

I have used the photos from your site as a reference in making the model because without any plans or schematic diagrams of the ship it's rather hard to make an 100% accurate rendition of the model as i'd like.

Kind Regards,
Lindsay Watt

Lindsay,

To answer your queries.

We certainly flew the White Ensign in Canberra at the time of Savo, but it was the same White Ensign that was flown by the Royal Navy. The current White Ensign now flown by the RAN is an Australian Ensign, designed and replacing the old RN one, post WW2.

All the 8 inch cruisers were known as County Class Cruisers as they in general were named after the English Counties, there were 13 of them in all.

Now, within that total were three classes of ship. The Kents, 7 of them, including both our Australia and Canberra.

The London Class, 4 of them, including our Shropshire.

The Dorsetshire Class, just 2 of them.

Your project sounds great, and I am flattered that you will link to my site and the Canberra article.

Good luck with it all, I would be grateful to learn when
its completed.

Let me know if I may help further.

Best Regards,
Mac.

Mac,

Thank you very much for helping me out with my queries. I will most certainly contact you again if i need any more information on the Canberra.. I've attached a screen shot of my Canberra model for you to look at. It's far from finished yet but will give you an idea of what I'm doing.

I can supply you the 3d model if you want? I can convert it to most standard 3d formats so you can place the model on you web page.

I haven't been able to find any 3D models of RAN ships so i took on myself to build a couple. I have also built the HMAS Krait. The Z Special Forces raiding boat used in Operation Jaywick.

I was particularly impressed with your account of the Battle of Savo Island. That is the most detailed account of the events that took place I've been able to find. Most articles I've read only give the account from the Americans point of view.

Thanks again Mac
Lindsay