| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL33950 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Aluminium, Paint |
| Location | Main Bld: Korea, Malaya & Indonesia Gallery: Lower Level: Indonesian Confrontation |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Malaysia |
| Date made | c 1965-1966 |
| Conflict |
Indonesian Confrontation, 1962-1966 |
16th Minesweeping Squadron sign : HMAS Gull
Description
Aluminium triangular sign with equal sides, aligned point down. The sign is painted white with a 40mm red edge. In the centre is a black (right) footprint superimposed by a yellow leaping kangaroo. A hole is drilled in each corner, with an additional hole in the top left corner.
History / Summary
This sign was worn on the front of the bridge by the minesweeper HMAS Gull during her participation in the Indonesian Confrontation in Malaysian and Borneo waters between January and September 1966. Originally part of the 16th Australian Minesweeping Squadron, Gull transferred to the 6th, British, Minesweeping Squadron. This Squadron, nicknamed 'Blackfoot', from the marks made by the stokers (engine room staff) on the teak decks, carried two of these signs, improvised from standard 'Give Way' road signs, one on each side of the funnel. Gull's sailors 'souvenired' one of the signs, added the kangaroo and attached it to the bridge.