HMAS Penguin

In this episode we welcome Commanding Officer Michael Nipperess to the series to discuss the history of HMAS Penguin. Host of Run Ashore, Mark Cooper and Michael explore the history of HMAS Penguin, its importance to the Royal Australian Navy and why it's location is significant.


Additional facts for this episode:


  1. HMAS Penguin is the only Defence establishment left at Middle Head.
  2. The Balmoral sewer tank was converted into a swimming pool, and with a couple of updates, it is still in use today. 
  3. There are 12 heritage listed buildings on the base and three heritage structures which the swimming pool, our flagstaff and the Sewer Vent stack.
  4. From 1949 until 1967 HMAS Penguin was home to the Royal Navy’s Fourth Submarine Squadron.
  5. In 1954 HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip visited Penguin, this was the first time a reigning monarch had visited Australia. And in 1958, HRH Queen Elizabeth (the Queen’s mother) also visited Penguin.
  6. During WW2 the Commando ‘Z’ Unit trained at Pittwater Annex in preparation for the famous ‘Operation Jaywick’ night raid conducted against Japanese ships in Singapore harbour on 26 September 1943.
  7. HMAS Penguin turned 80 years old on the 14th of July this year.  


To find out more information about Bravery Trust: https://www.braverytrust.org.au/


To donate to/ participate in this years Trek: https://braverytrek.com.au/


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