NEW AUSTRALIAN DESTROYER

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23848, 18 January 1943, Page 3

NEW AUSTRALIAN DESTROYER

SUCCESSFUL. TRIALS

HIGH SPEED IN ROUGH SEA

SYDNEY, Dec. 30

One of the finest and fastest destroyers in the. .world,, the all-Austral-ian-built H.M.A.S. Warramunga, of the Tribal class, has successfully undergone her speed trials, gun tests, and dummy torpedo and depth-charge runs. The destroyer travelled into rough weather at such speed that spray fell on the deck like continuous heavy, rain. But, in spite of the way the vessel bounded forward, scarcely any vibration could be felt.

This particular test lasted nearly six hours, and, during that time, tests were made of fuel consumption, manoeuvrability, and starting and stopping at speed. Top speed was not disclosed, but'it compared favourably with that of Tribal destroyers in the Royal Navy. The engines proved thoroughly efficient. At first sight the vessel appears to be one mass of machinery. It mounts guns of several calibres, and is very strongly equipped for anti-aircraft protection 1 . All space on the bridge seems to have been used for the installation of the latest contrivances. All accommodation for officers and ratings is on a scale more usual in a cruiser than in a destroyer. Modern cabins for the officers are well fitted with cabinets, wardrobes, and other accessories, and the bedding covers the latest steel mattresses. Every attention has been given to the comfort of the crew. The sailors quarters are far more spacious than those in other destroyers. Hot running water and iced water fountains have been provided at convenient points. A sick rating can recuperate in comfort in a modern sick-bay. Food from the galley comes hot along covered alleyways. Naval officers and dockyard engineers supervised the recent test, and .they, were highly pleased with the vessel’s performance. This class .of destroyer has given outstanding ser '[* < % e in the war because of its speed, manoeuvrability, and gun-power. Like all ships of the Tribal class the Warramunga has been named after a famous native tribe. The Warra mungas have their hunting grounds 300 miles from Alice Springs.