Modern Destroyers On Visit

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29952, 13 October 1962, Page 10

Modern Destroyers On Visit

(N.Z. Press Association* AUCKLAND, Oct. 12. Two of the most modern destroyers in the Royal Australian Navy arrived in Auck-

land this morning on a goodwill visit during the course of a training cruise. They are the Vendetta and the Vampire, identical twins of the Daring class.

Both built in Australia, the Vendetta was commissioned in November. 1958. and the Vampire in June, 1959. They are considerably larger than ■ conventional destroyer and carry six 4.5 in guns, six 40m.m. anti-aircraft guns, five torpedo tubes and

a “limbo” three-barrelled depth charge mortar. In line with modern practice they are air conditioned, with comfortable quarters for the 20 officers and 300 men in each ship. Sailors have bunks instead of hammocks. Widespread use has been made of colourful plastic surfaces.

As passengers in the Vendetta are three young tradesmen who won the trip to New Zealand as top apprentices in New South Wales.

, They are Richard Hamilton, aged 22. of Newcastle, an electrical mechanic, Ken Adams, aged 22. of Bowral. a plumber, and Michael Poulton. aged 21, of Wentworthville. a fitter and tbrner.

They will visit, as guests of the Labour Department. Rotorua. Waitomo, New Plymouth, Wellington, the Outward Bound school ait Anakiwa, and Christchurch where they will rejoin the

Vendetta for the homeward trip.

Richard Hamilton was bom in Christchurch and has many relations there. His family moved to Australia 11 years ago.

Three New Zealanders serving in the Royal Australian Navy also arrived in the destroyers. They are Midshipmen K F. Wilson, aged 20, of Auckland, and J. G. Leonard, aged 20, of Blenheim, and Electrical Mechanic T. G. McGrath, aged 24, of Onehunga. After a year at sea the midshipmen will go on to the Royal Naval College. Dartmouth, for two years before returning to the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Captain J. P. Stevenson is commanding officer of the Vendetta and Captain G J. Willis commands the Vampire.

The ships will sail on Tuesday for Napier and Lyttelton.