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Australian submarine AE1, WW1
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Australian submarine AE1, WW1
The Royal Australian Navys first submarine, the AE1, which sank with all 35 hands on 15 September 1914 off the Duke of York Islands, Papua New Guinea. Date: 1914
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Media ID 14170310
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Australian Hmas Lost Sank Submarine Submarines Sunk
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the Australian submarine AE1, the Royal Australian Navy's first submarine, as it sets sail on its maiden voyage in 1914. The AE1 was a crucial addition to the naval forces of the young Australian nation, which had only formed its navy in 1911. With the outbreak of World War I, the submarine was quickly pressed into service, and on 15 September 1914, it departed from its base in Sydney, bound for Rabaul in German New Guinea. Tragically, the AE1 and its entire crew of 35 men, including Commander Henry St. George Symons, were lost when the submarine sank off the Duke of York Islands in Papua New Guinea. The cause of the sinking remains a mystery, with theories ranging from a mine or torpedo strike to a navigational error or equipment failure. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the brave men who served on the AE1 and the tragic events that unfolded during its short military career. The loss of the submarine and its crew was a significant blow to the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian people, and the mystery of its sinking has continued to intrigue historians and submarine enthusiasts for over a century. The AE1's legacy lives on as an important part of Australia's naval history, and efforts to locate the wreckage and recover the remains of the crew continue to this day. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time of war and adventure, and serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served their countries during the Great War.
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