Allied Submariners in Fremantle during World War II

Public Lecture | Updated 1 decade ago

The U.S. Navy submarine tender USS Holland (AS-3) with five submarines
USS Holland subs Fremantle 1942
Image copyright expired - public domain - held at the Australian War Memorial

Prof Michael Sturma
Professor and Chair of History, Murdoch University

Presented in association with the Australian Association for Maritime History (AAMH).

Join Michael Sturma as he delivers the Kenneth McPherson Memorial Lecture 2014. From the standpoint of morale, the submarine base at Fremantle, Western Australia, was one of the most successful military outposts of the Second World War. The focus of this talk will be on just why Fremantle was such a popular posting for Allied submariners.

The submarine base at Fremantle evolved from unpromising beginnings, in some ways representing a port of last resort as the Japanese quickly advanced across the Pacific. Despite a modest start, Fremantle became the most significant Allied submarine base after Pearl Harbour. Across  American, British and Dutch submarines a total of 416 war patrols were made from the Fremantle base, eventually contributing to the decisive defeat of Japan. Western Australians played an important role in this victory both through logistical support and maintaining morale. The hospitality and sense of belonging extended by civilians to visiting Allied submariners in Western Australia exceeded anything in their previous experience and remained a vital facet of their wartime memories.

Cost: $12 per person. Includes light refreshments after the lecture.
Bookings: Essential on using the link below or calling 1300 134 081.
Please RSVP by 5:00pm, Wednesday 12 November