Royal Australian Navy AE2 'E' Class submarine 1:72 scale model

Model in 1:72 scale of the AE2 submarine, made from chemiwood (a urethane-based resin product), with fittings made from plastic, brass and other metals. The model is finished above the waterline in pale grey, and a dark grey below the waterline, matching photographs taken early in the submarine's career. The two colours are divided by white bootstrapping. The model flys the Australian national flag at the bow and the White Ensign at the stern and is marked 'AE2' in white on both sides of the bow. The model is mounted on a display base fitted with a perspex case (see REL38382.002). A maker's plate is mounted to one side of the base.

Model representing the Royal Australian Navy submarine AE2. The AE2, launched in 1913 and commanded by Lieutenant Commander H S Stoker, achieved fame for its operations in the Dardanelles in 1915. The boat was ordered to sail through the Dardanelles and disrupt Turkish shipping in the Sea of Marmora. No other submarine had managed to breach the Turkish defences, but in the early hours of 25 April 1915, the AE2 got past minefields and land-based guns, and after torpedoing a Turkish destroyer, reached the Sea of Marmora. The submarine remained at large for five more days before sustaining irreparable damage while under heavy fire. Stoker was forced to scuttle the submarine and surrender. He and his entire crew were safely rescued and spent the rest of the war in Turkish captivity.

The relatively intact hull of the AE2 was rediscovered in 1998 in the Sea of Marmora lying at 73 metres.