Missing (Mocks Provide Warship Mystery

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 211, 7 September 1936, Page 9

Missing (Mocks Provide Warship Mystery

THROWN OVERBOARD AT SEA SYDNEY, August 27. A member of the crew with an un--alanced mind is officially believed to lave been responsible for what at first ippeared to bo an act of sabotage on I.M.A.S. Canberra, flagship of the Vustralian licet, during a voyage from yduey to Brisbane. On the Canberra’s arrival in Bris.uie, senior officers refused to confirm r deny reports that the tiring locks of ivo anti-aircraft guns had disappeared, from unofficial sources it was definitely established that the firing locks disappeared during the voyago up the coast. Searching inquiries wero made before the ship entered port, but no trace of Bio missing mechanism could bo found, :ior could officers obtain any indication f tho identity of the culprits. The four-inch anti-aircraft guns are .tuated on either side of the ship almost amidships, and they were used .luring night exercises after leaving Sydney. It was pointed out that spare uirts were carried in the ship and could oe speedily placed in position in the .ms. The fact that this was ell-luiown to every member of the crew removed any suggestion of a far-reaching plot and made it difficult to decide what motive, if any, could lie behind the heft. A close inquiry into the happening was made by the Canberra’s officers, who were assisted by Brisbano detectives. An official report subsequently made to the Minister of Defence, Sir Archdale Parkill, 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.