HMAS #56: CERBERUS Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Smittengranny: This series of caches has been archived as new suburbs are encroaching on the area. Thank you to all who have visited the series and special thanks to the original COs for the placement of the caches. Thank you also to all who have helped with the collection of the old cache containers.

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Hidden : 7/20/2014
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:


Information about this Series

The HMAS cache series has been created by Cankid and Delta Response Team to celebrate the 2013 fleet review and this is 56 of 101 caches. The series features 53 ships, 11 bases, 20 knighted seamen, 5 engagements and 1 cache about the RAN. There are also 9 puzzles for each section of the series, with one final cache. There is also one extra for the enthusiasts out there. The series can be done in a day and is best done in order. The best mode of transport in doing this series is bike.

The Location

The series is located just off Coppins Crossing road and continues through an area quite close to the arboretum. Park at the parking coordinates as provided in the first cache and continue from there. Please show caution and do not obscure the gate. This series will take almost all day so plan ahead, take water and snacks for the trip. As said previously, it is best done by bike. Most of the caches are on fire trails but there are some where you will have to go off track to find them.

This cache



The site for HMAS Cerberus was recommended by Admiral Sir Reginald Henderson KCB RN after an extensive search of the Australian coastline for suitable locations for major Naval bases. He proposed that a base be established on Hann's Inlet between Sandy Point and Stony Point on Westernport Bay.

The base was to include a Torpedo School, a Destroyer Base and a Submarine Base, and be capable of accommodating up to 2000 personnel. The site, covering over 1500 hectares (nearly 3600 acres), was purchased in 1911. The first sod was turned in 1913. The old wharf and hospital were erected first, followed by A, B and C Blocks. The Wardroom, Warrant Officers' Mess, Captain's and other Officers' residences were built between 1915 and 1917. The Drill Hall, Gunnery School and Torpedo School (now part of the Technical Training Centre) were established in 1917 at the height of building activity. The power house and other residences were built between 1918 and 1920.

The base was officially opened in September, 1920, under the command of Commander F.C. Darley RN. The idea of using it as a Fleet Base was soon abandoned and it became known as Flinders Naval Depot in 1921. The Depot was commissioned HMAS Cerberus on 1 April that year.

Royal Colours were first presented to HMAS Cerberus by His Majesty King George V in 1927. They were the first Royal Colours to be presented to an Australian Naval Unit. The Queen's Royal Colours were presented in 1954 by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Royal Colours incorporating the Southern Cross were later presented by Governor General Lord Casey in 1968. The present Royal Colours were presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.

In 1930, during a period of Naval retrenchment, the Royal Australian Naval College moved from Jervis Bay to HMAS Cerberus, where it remained until 1958 when it returned to Jervis Bay.

The outbreak of World War II found the facilities inadequate to deal with the needs of wartime recruits who were passing through Cerberus at the rate of 400 a month. Temporary buildings were erected to cope with the needs of this sudden influx.

The first WRANs arrived in 1942 and, apart from a short post-war break, have been part of the RAN ever since. 1942 also saw the introduction of an Officers' Training School to train selected recruits as officers for war service. The school trained 1000 sailors during the war and closed in 1945.

There have been many changes to since the war. Progressively, many of the temporary buildings have been dismantled and replaced. The Roman Catholic Chapel, Our Lady Star of the Sea, was opened in 1948, followed by St. Mark's Chapel in 1954. Other additions include the present accommodation blocks, cinema, Senior Sailors' Mess, Club Cerberus, Gymnasium and Aquatic Centre, Seamanship School and Wharf, Communications School, Recruit School and Health Centre.

The phasing out of apprentice training, the closure of HMAS Nirimba and the introduction of Tri-Service training has resulted in many changes at HMAS Cerberus.

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