WARSHIPS MYSTERY

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 70, 19 September 1936, Page 14

WARSHIPS MYSTERY

GUN PARTS MISSING (From "The Post's" Representative.) SYDNEY, August 27. A member of the crew with an un-, ; balanced mind\is officially believed to have been responsible for what at first appeared; to be-an act of sabotage on H.M.A.S. Canberra, flagship of the Australian Fleet, during a voyage from [Sydney to Brisbane. ■■'. , Oh the Canberra's arrival in Brisbane, senior officers refused to confirm or deny reports that the firing locks of two .anti-aircraft guns had disappeared. From: unofficial sources it was definitely established that the firing locks disappeared during the voyage up the coast. Searching inquiries were made before the ship entered port, but no. trace of the missing mechanism could be .found, nor could officers obtain any indication of the identity of the culprits. The four-inch anti-aircraft guns are situated on either side of the ship almost amidships, and- they were used during night exercises after leaving Sydney. It was pointed out that spare parts were carried in the ship and could be speedily placed in position in the guns. ' The fact that.this was well known to every member of the crew removed any suggestion of a far-reach-ing plot and made it difficult to decide what motive, if any, could lie behind the theft..

A close inquiry into the happening was made by the Canberra's officers, who were assisted by Brisbane detectives. An official report subsequently made to the Minister of Defence, Sir Archdale Parkhill, stated that several articles, including detachable fittings from guns, oars, and hoses, were missing. Apparently they were thrown overboard between ports. The investigations are being continued.