Speakers Talk - Navy125: The History of the Royal Australian Navy – part 1

Join Kez Hasanic from the museum’s Speakers Group as he explores the origins of the Royal Australian Navy, examining how and why it was established and the significant role it played within the Allied forces during World War I. The early fleet comprised 16 vessels, including the battlecruiser HMAS Australia, the light cruisers HMAS Sydney and HMAS Melbourne, and the submarines AE1 and AE2.

This talk is part of a series of Navy related activities taking place for the Museum's Free Open Day. You can find out more details here: Free Open Day – 1 March | Australian National Maritime Museum

To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy, the Museum will host a series of events throughout 2026. Ensure you follow us on Eventbrite to be kept up to date.

This talk complements a presentation on Thursday 23 April, in which curators Stirling Smith and Dr James Hunter will provide a comprehensive history of the RAN, along with an in‑depth discussion of notable vessel losses and the ongoing efforts to locate their shipwrecks.

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Host or Publisher Australian National Maritime Museum - Events