The Lucky Country: Protect and Survive in Australia

[Unknown]

I figured Honolulu would get hit, especially since there are so many bases on Oahu.

Maybe the state government evacuated to Hilo (which might have gotten spared)...

Might they come in contact with a certain Thomas Magnum and his associates, including a British man named Higgins? (1)

(1) Funnily enough, John Hillerman (who played Higgins) was from my home state of Texas (he sure didn't sound like it, though), of all places. Many Brits thought he was the genuine article, though.

Edit: At least the Goonies survived. Didn't catch that the first time around. Astoria probably avoided the fallout from Portland. Also glad to hear that Carl Castle survived.

 

[AdmiralMB]

and Mr. William F. Bolger, the Acting President of the United States.”

William Bolger, as Postmaster General, could never have been eligible to be Acting President as his position hadn't been a part of the cabinet since 1971. And didn't Land of Chipperback establish that despite Reagan surviving for a short time (but being trapped in Colorado) there was no civilian leader until *spoilers * Elizabeth Dole was recovered ?

 

[PimpLenin]

William Bolger, as Postmaster General, could never have been eligible to be Acting President as his position hadn't been a part of the cabinet since 1971. And didn't Land of Chipperback establish that despite Reagan surviving for a short time (but being trapped in Colorado) there was no civilian leader until *spoilers *

I thought I remember reading in one of the other timelines, I think it Duck and Cover, that the Postmaster General was the Acting President, but I could be wrong. As far as having no civilian leadership, that was a fact for a period of time - the Acting President was killed in late March, Regen was shot on April 1, and Reagan died sometime in early April, so that means no civilian leadership for about a month.

 

[johnboy]

Good instalments. One niggle is that you regularly have large, enthusiastic crowds greeting Hawke et all. It just wouldn't happen. Ever.

Australian's a notoriously unenthusiastic about pollies, but in a post atomic bomb world that would probably be different as people would look for any source of comfort and normalcy.

 

[PimpLenin]

7 April 1984 - 12:30 pm
Southwick House
Portsmouth, England

Southwick House​

Captain Ross Bailey walked into the garden of Southwick House and surveyed the scene. Tables of food were everywhere. A small orchestra played light, airy tunes. Well-dressed politicians were stuffing their faces with food and wine. The men of the Perth, Success, and HMS Birmingham looked in top form in their dress uniforms. In the midst of England’s ruins was this royal dog and pony show.

“I suppose you are wondering if we eat like this everyday.”

Captain Bailey was startled - he did not realize anyone had been standing next to him.

“Oh, well….I was sort of…..wondering…”

“Well, we don’t. Day to day we are on the same rations as the rest of the population.”

The man stuck out his hand for Captain Bailey to shake.

“I am John Biffen, Leader of the House of Commons and the Lord Privy Seal.”

Captain Bailey shook his hand.

“I am Captain Ross Bailey of the Royal Australian Navy.”

“I understand Captain that half of your crew will remain here in England and will be replaced by members of the HMS Birmingham crew?”

“That is correct. A request of the King and Prime Minister. We plan to later return as part of a relief convoy.”

“Well, Captain, any help that the Australians can provide would be most welcome."

The band stopped playing when the sound of a silver spoon on crystal was heard.

*TING TING TING*

“Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please. His Majesty the King would like to propose a toast.”

King George VII of the United Kingdom stood and raised his glass.

“To the crews of the Perth, Success, and Birmingham - may your voyage to Australia be a safe and successful one. Australia’s forthcoming aid to the United Kingdom will no doubt relieve some of the suffering of our people. It reminds me of what Winston Churchill once said during those dark days after Dunkirk - ‘we shall never surrender…and even if this island…were subjugated and starving…the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.’ God bless you all.”

A chorus of voices shouted “Hear, hear!” before drinking their wine.

Captain Bailey never felt comfortable at formal occasions. He was ready to return home to Australia.

 

[Dan]

7 April 1984 - 12:30 pm
Southwick House
Portsmouth, England

Captain Bailey never felt comfortable at formal occasions. He was ready to return home to Australia.

The weight of expectation is often impossible to bear. In this case, it seems like he is being given the weight of saving a nation. His debrief to Hawke will make very depressing reading.

 

[Archangel]

Keep it up, PimpLenin!

 

[PimpLenin]

16 April 1984 - 7:00 pm

This is the new from the ABC.

This afternoon, the Navy announced that radio contact with the task force deployed to the West Coast of the United States has been made, and that the vessels have reached New Caledonia on their return voyage to Australia. It was reported that three U.S. Navy vessels will be accompanying our ships. The fleet is expected to arrive in several days, and will be greeted by the Prime Minister.

=====​

19 April 1984 - 7:00 pm

This is the news from the ABC.

Today, the Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, signed a proclamation officially making “Advance Australia Fair” the national anthem of Australia.

The Prime Minister is expected to be at Jervis Bay tomorrow for the arrival of the HMAS Sydney, Canberra, Supply, and three American warships. The three RAN vessels departed Australia on March 1 for a reconnaissance mission to the American West Coast and to make contact with the U.S. government. A reception hosted by Mr. Hawke will be held for the crews at HMAS Creswell.

=====​

20 April 1984 - 11:20 am
HMAS Creswell
Jervis Bay, Jervis Bay Territory

A beautiful, clear day greeted the arrival of the six Australian and American vessels to Jervis Bay. As the crews of all six vessels marched onto the “quarterdeck” of HMAS Crewswell. the Royal Australian Navy band played Anchors Aweigh. Prime Minister Bob Hawke stood on a platform alongside the Governor-General, the Foreign Minister, the Defence Minister, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and other dignitaries. He looked over his shoulder at the American flag blowing in the wind on the flagpole. “Bloody hell,” he thought to himself, “I hope they don’t notice it only has 48 stars on it.” For some reason, no one could find a current U.S. flag. The only one located was a relic from World War II, found in the basement of the Melbourne Town Hall. Hawke smiled and thought “If they say anything, I’ll tell em’ it was MacArthur’s!” Finally, the bad stopped playing, the men were in formation, and it was time for the Prime Minister to speak.

“I am very pleased, and honoured, to be here today to welcome back the men of the HMAS Canberra, HMAS Sydney, and HMAS Supply. I am also very happy to welcome the men of the U.S.S. Callaghan, U.S.S. John Young, and U.S.S. Sacramento to Australia. When our men departed here seven weeks ago, they were taking a voyage into the unknown. No one knew what to expect; no one knew what would be found. Many terrible things were discovered. Our worst fears had been realised. Great cities were destroyed and many people had perished. However, something else was discovered - something wonderful! Despite all of the ruin and despair, we discovered that the United States had survived! In the town of Columbia, Washington, the U.S. government is working with vigor to rebuild America. I look forward to, and all of Australia looks forward to, working side-by-side with our friend to rebuild our nations together. Thank you all.”

 

[johnboy]

This has been a great T/L so far. Great work

 

[Riain]

Yep, keep it up.

 

[sashlon]

Such a great read. Keep it up!

 

[PimpLenin]

21 April 1984 – 8:30 am
HMAS Creswell
Jervis Bay, Jervis Bay Territory

Prime Minister Bob Hawke smiled as Captains Martin Stanfield and Joseph Freeman entered the room and sat down to join him for breakfast.

“Good morning, gentlemen. I know that the both of you will be submitting formal reports about your trip, but I was hoping that I could have a quick debriefing before I have to return to Melbourne.”

Captain Freeman spoke first.

“Of course, Prime Minister. Well, the first place we reached in the United States was San Diego, California. The city was totally destroyed and there were no signs of survivors. The only radio signals we detected were from civilian stations in Mexico. We then proceeded up to Los Angeles, where, not surprisingly, we found more of the same. Our first contact came at the Port of Hueneme, which is halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. We went into port there, and made contact with a U.S. Coast Guard facility there. The situation was terrible. The surrounding community was flooded with refugees, mostly from Los Angeles. Disease was out of control and the bodies were piling up. They were running out of food, and the Coast Guard commander feared a total breakdown of authority was imminent. When we sailed on to San Francisco, we found nothing.”

There was a moment of quiet as the Prime Minister took this information in. Captain Stanfield was the next to talk.

“We continued up the coast and picked up a civilian radio station broadcasting from Astoria, Oregon. We anchored in the port, and we were greeted by the police.”

The Prime Minister chuckled. “The police? Did they give you any trouble?”

“No sir. We identified ourselves and we were escorted to the Mayor’s office. We spoke with her and she was the first to tell us about the government in Columbia, Washington. The following day, Captain Freeman and I flew there on one of the Sea Kings. We met several military officers and the Acting President, William Bolger. We all talked about the situations in Australia and the United States.”

The Prime Minister leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin.

“Now, in your opinions, do you believe this government in Columbia is the legitimate government of the United States?”

Captain Stanfield nodded.

“Yes sir, we do. However, they do have their problems.”

“Such as?”

“Well, to begin with, they are lacking a President. Ronald Reagan is still alive, but was badly injured and in Colorado. The Secretary of the Treasury is in Georgia and they were having a hell of a time trying to get him across the country. Mr. Bolger, the Acting President, was killed the day after we met with him when his aircraft was shot down over northern California. General Colin Powell was holding things together when we left.”

The Prime Minister was a little surprised. “A general? Would he attempt a coup or anything?”

“No sir. He does not strike me as the type to do that for his own gain. They are trying their hardest to locate a civilian successor. They are also dealing with some rogue elements, such as militias and local politicians trying to carve a little niche for themselves. It was one of these groups that shot down Mr. Bolger’s aircraft.”

Captain Freemen took out a small map of the United States and rolled in out onto the table.

“Another problem that they have is territorial control. Columbia has direct contact over Washington, Oregon, and parts of Idaho and Montana. They were in contact with Nevada, and was about to bring them into the fold when the Acting President was killed. He was flying to Nevada for talks. In addition, they have been in contact with Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. While we were there, the Voice of America began broadcasting nationally. If no one has heard of Columbia by now in America, then they will soon know. They are good people trying to put the splintered country back together. They have even started getting new members of Congress and established a Supreme Court.”

Captain Stanfield now spoke.

“Last, there is the usual problem of the lack of fuel, medicine, and water. They are running out of supplies. Prime Minister - that is why they sent their ships here. They want – they need – our help. I believe that the government in Columbia is America’s best chance, but they will need our help to get through the next few months – possibly even through the winter. If there is anything we could do….”

Bob Hawke smiled.

“No worries, Captain. When I get back to Melbourne I will make aid to the United States a top priority. Thank you both for the debriefing. Now, lets have some brekkie.”

 

[Evermourn]

Given the radio broadcasts about the event are in the clear, any chance of Jervis Bay eating a nuke during brekkie? A naval concentration plus the PM would be a tempting target.

 

[Riain]

Given the radio broadcasts about the event are in the clear, any chance of Jervis Bay eating a nuke during brekkie? A naval concentration plus the PM would be a tempting target.

Given that Australia and NZ were given the dregs of the Soviet arsenal I doubt they have a lot left for further strikes on Australia as opposed to other countries.

 

[Cockroach]

Given the radio broadcasts about the event are in the clear, any chance of Jervis Bay eating a nuke during brekkie? A naval concentration plus the PM would be a tempting target.

Soviet command and control is long gone (otherwise there's no way a target like Portsmouth wouldn't have received a second strike). Therefore, any attack on Jervis Bay would have to come from the independent actions of a "lucky" surviving captain in the right area (i.e. relatively close to Australia).

So, while I wouldn't rule it out I'd certainly think it's a long shot.

 

[PimpLenin]

The following is a letter delivered to Vice-Admiral David Leach on 26 April 1984.

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY​

26 April 1984


Sir:

I respectfully submit my personal report of what occurred during our mission to the United Kingdom to serve as a supplemental to the official report.

Our first port of call was Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Captain Howe and I were able to meet with Governor-General Kingsford Dibela and Prime Minister Michael Somare. Papua New Guinea was not hit by any nuclear weapons or was suffering from nuclear fallout. They have thus far been able to maintain their security and a stable government. The most pressing issue for them are refugees coming from Papua, fleeing the Indonesian civil war. We learned from the Papua New Guinea government that a three-way civil war between rogue generals broke out due to the power vacuum created when the Indonesian government was wiped out in Jakarta. General Benjamin Moerdani, whose forces control Java, Sumatra, and Timor, appears to have the upper hand. General Mohammad Jusuf controls Borneo, while General Try Sutrisno controls Irian Jaya. It is my personal opinion that General Moerdani will achieve victory within a few months, and the situation should be monitored to ensure that he does no attempt to expand Indonesian influence further in the region.

Our next intended port of call was Port Elizabeth, South Africa. We anchored several miles off of the coast and the HMAS Hobart made radio contact with a Lieutenant in the South African Army. We were advised that no place in South Africa was safe due to a general uprising of the black population. The Lieutenant stated that that a number of massacres have occurred, but did not specify if they were white on black, or black on white. He also stated that Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Bloomfontein, and Cape Town have all been destroyed by nuclear weapons, and that Luanda, Lusaka, and Maputo are likely destroyed. South Africa has ceased to exist as we knew it. As we continued to sail along the coast of Africa, we continued to monitor radio traffic and determined that the entire continent is in a state of upheaval and turmoil.

In the early morning hours of 28 March, the HMAS Hobart was struck by two torpedoes believed to have been launched from a Soviet submarine. The Hobart sank in less than fifteen minutes. 285 crewmen, including Captain John Howe, perished. HMAS Success rescued 47 crewmen. The Perth searched for the enemy submarine for three hours without success. The coordinates of where the Hobart went down are recorded in the official report.

We then moved on to Cape St. Vincent, a small but vital fishing village in Sagres, Portugal. Town leaders informed us that since 21 February, the town has been cut off from the rest of the world. They have had no radio, telephone, or television service. They have heard nothing from their government or their military. It is speculated that Lisbon was hit. We were providing them with more information than they were able to give us. The local population have continued on with their daily lives and will not go hungry due to ample fishing. This may be the last peaceful community on the continent of Europe.

On 1 April, we successfully made radio contact with the British government in Portsmouth and were given instructions on where to come into port. We maintained contact, and were escorted to Portsmouth by HMS Battleaxe on 3 April. Over the next few days, I met with a large number of government and military officials. I learned that Her Majesty Elizabeth II passed away on 24 March and has been succeed by the Prince of Wales, who is now His Majesty King George VII. Prime Minister Thatcher perished in the attack on London, and has been succeeded by William Whitelaw. At this time, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet are working with regional authorities as there is no Parliament. The United Kingdom is devastated and on the brink of famine. I had a private meeting with the King and Prime Minister. They both requested aid from Australia and New Zealand. I believe that Australia should do everything in its power to provide this aid to avoid a collapse of authority in the United Kingdom. They are desperate for help. The fact that they retained half of my crew in Britain to force our return in a indicator of their desperation.

There is one other event that I would like to make you aware of. On 4 April, a Royal Navy vessel reached Portsmouth heavily damaged and with casualties. They reported that they were attacked by the Argentine Navy near the Falkland Islands. In response, the British government launched a nuclear strike against Argentina, targeting Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego. This is a show of force to let the world know that the British still have some fight left in them, as long as they have nuclear capability. I feel that we should do what we can to support a stable government in the United Kingdom to avoid having rouge elements taking over and having access to such weapons.

I would like to also submit a copy of this report to the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.

Signed,

Ross Bailey
Captain, Royal Australian Navy

 

[Ogrebear]

Good report.

Seen like this, the attack on Argentina seems even more of an massively OTT reaction than it was in the original P&S thread!

 

[PimpLenin]

28 April 1984 - 1:15 pm
Prime Minister’s Office, Commonwealth Offices
Melbourne, VIC

Prime Minister Bob Hawke was standing, looking out of the window of his new office. Sitting in the office was Bill Hayden, the Foreign Minister, Gordon Scholes, the Minister of Defence, and John Button, the Minister of Industry and Commerce.

“So, what was two of the world’s greatest powers are now depending on us to support them, huh? Can we do it? Can we spare the fuel, food, and medicine?”

“We are having our people working on it, Bob.” It was John Button. “We are crunching the numbers, trying to find what we can spare here and there. If we begin to enforce rationing more strictly, then perhaps…” Button shrugged.

Bill Hayden began to speak.

“Bob, we have to weigh the long term consequences against the short term ones. Yes, providing aid to both the United States and the United Kingdom will create some hardships for us in the short-term, but as John said with strict enforcement of rationing and some time, these hardships can be overcome. If we don’t provide the aid, the long-term consequences could be devastating. Both the U.S. and the U.K. are in fragile states and if they collapse, well…..the recovery of the post-war world could be set back immeasurably.”

The Prime Minister leaned back on his desk.

“It is going to be difficult enough to send the initial aid shipments. What happens if the keep asking for more and more?”

John Button shrugged his shoulders again.

“We just have to make it very clear to them that this is all that they can expect this year. They will have to use it wisely to get through their winters. Hopefully, by the start of ‘85 they will be a little more self-sufficient and our production will be at a capacity where we can take care of ourselves and have things to spare.”

Prime Minister Hawke nodded in silence when Bill Hayden began speaking.

“We are getting the New Zealanders on board with us, Bob. They will be able to help out some.”

Hawke then looked over to Gordon Scholes.

“Gordon, will the navy be ready to help out?”

“The Americans will be using their own vessels to bring back their supplies, so no assistance from us is needed there. The Perth and the Brisbane will be ready to escort the cargo vessels to the U.K., along with a ship or two from New Zealand.”

The Prime Minister stood and shook the hand of each man.

“Well, we will go ahead with the foreign aid plan, then. I’ll be presenting the proposed package to Parliament tomorrow.”

=====​

29 April 1984 - 9:00 am
Prime Minister’s Office, Commonwealth Offices
Melbourne, VIC

Gordon Scholes, the Minister of Defence, entered the Prime Minister’s office and shook hands with Bob Hawke.

“Thanks Bob for seeing me before you head over to the House. I won’t take up too much of your time.”

“No worries, Gordon. What’s on your mind?”

“Well Bob, I started thinking about something yesterday after our meeting with Bill and John. Right now, Australia and New Zealand, and perhaps Brazil, are probably the most prosperous nations in the world. I mean, who ever thought the United States would be coming to us for foreign aid, for Christ’s sake?”

“What are you trying to say Gordon?”

“I am saying that once the world comes out of its daze and really starts to pick up the pieces, there may be some out there who may see what we have and decide they want it. I am saying that we need to consider making the build-up of our military part of the national reconstruction plan. We won’t be able to depend on anyone to come help us. We will be on our own.”

The Prime Minister sat for a moment, tapped his fingers on his desk, then nodded.

“You do make a good point, Gordon. I will give it serious thought.”

“That is all I am asking from you Bob is to think about it. Thank you.”

=====​

30 April 1984 - 7:00 pm

This is the news from the ABC.

Today, a flotilla of ships from India, consisting of three warships and two cargo vessels, arrived in Port Hedland, Western Australia. They were met some distance off of the coast be the RAN, and escorted into port. It is reported that two officials, identified as trade representatives for the Indian government, are being flown to Melbourne this evening.

 

[Unknown]

We finally find out what happens to India.

I think, IMO, they and Pakistan got some nuclear hits (although Pakistan probably got more, given their proximity to Afghanistan). I'm guessing New Delhi, Bombay (aka Mumbai), and probably Calcutta got struck.

Is Indira Gandhi still alive (IIRC, her assassination occurred in October of 1984; assuming she's still alive, it's probably butterflied away)?

 

[Canadian Dragon]

Where it says in the letter:

General Mohammad Jusuf controls Borneo, while General Try Sutrisno controls Papua.

That western half of the island of New Guinea would have been known as Irian Jaya.

In OTL, Irian Jaya wasn't split into the provinces of West Papua and Papua until 2003.

As for India, if any of its cities and maybe military bases were hit, it would most likely have been the Chinese who did it. I'm not sure if the Russians would sent its nukes there. Also, remember that Pakistan would not have had any nukes if its own during the 1980s, although it would've been actively involved in nuclear weapons development, particularly after its war with India in 1971.