Australia sold its last 10 Skyhawks to NZ in 1984, but I don't think they handed them over till July 1984, so you will still have those. NZ may have 14 or so too, which it might be prepared to sell or lend. Not really sure on that last point though.
The Lucky Country: Protect and Survive in Australia
- Thread starter PimpLenin
- Start date
That's correct, the RAN A-4G's went to the RNZAF in July 1984 (I mentioned them way back in the thread somewhere as Nowra wasn't hit). The RNZAF was down to 12 out of the original 14 A-4K's in service by 1984, but I can't really see them being given up post exchange, as they don't have any other true combat aircraft.
Riain
Banned
In early 1984 hmas Melbourne was still in reserve and capable of being reactivated as a helicopter asw carrier with 26 weeks, I assume that this will occur ittl and likely that skyhawk capability will also be restored.
Good point about the 2 mcd built but gaf assembled hornets, but I think that gaf would have all the drawing by may 1984 and long lead items would be in production. So hornet delivery would probably be slower than otl but still occur and plans could be made to increase production.
Good point about the 2 mcd built but gaf assembled hornets, but I think that gaf would have all the drawing by may 1984 and long lead items would be in production. So hornet delivery would probably be slower than otl but still occur and plans could be made to increase production.
Realistically how much spare kit does the UK and USA have at the moment? A great deal was sent to W. Germany and effectivley lost; we've also seen in the main TL that the Portsmouth Government needs what is left of its military equipment to maintain order. Moreover the US TLs seem to suggest that the Americans are short of the sort of high-technology kit the Australians seem to want.
That said Australia will have the capacity to manufacture small-arms, light vehicles and the Hamel Gun (the OZ version of the L118/L119 Light Gun), so equipping light and motorized infantry formations should not be a major problem. Thus I can see the army part of the expansion working out, but the RAAF and RAN perhaps would be a lot more difficult.
Riain
Banned
The first ffg was laid down in mid 1985 so planning and ordering of long lead items would be well advanced by may 1984. Alongside the hornet this will be the backbone of the ran and raaf going into the 90s.
However in 1984 Australia has quite a bit of upgradeable kit such as mirages, centurion tanks, leander frigates, 5.5" howitzer that could see Australia through the danger zone of the next couple of years.
However in 1984 Australia has quite a bit of upgradeable kit such as mirages, centurion tanks, leander frigates, 5.5" howitzer that could see Australia through the danger zone of the next couple of years.
In 1984, Australia still had virtually no firearm ownership restrictions, and military weapons like the AR-15 and M-14 were commonplace. I owned them myself.
Recruiting a well-armed and skilled militia would be very straightforward. This would free up the regulars for real soldiering and training.
Recruiting a well-armed and skilled militia would be very straightforward. This would free up the regulars for real soldiering and training.
PimpLenin
Banned
29 May 1984 – 1:00 pm
Portsmouth, England
The crowds that had greeted the arrival of HMAS Perth on her first visit to Portsmouth were large; those on her second visit were huge. The deafening roar of their cheers could be heard on all of the ships coming into port. The crewmen lined the rails, shouting and waving back. Music was playing, flags were waving, and people were smiling. It was Britain’s largest celebration in months. It was a great release for many.
As the seven warships that escorted nine cargo vessels and two tankers came in to dock, a mix of British Army and Royal Navy personnel kept the crowds back behind barricades. The crews of the ships manned the rails, awaiting the arrival of dignitaries. The first to arrive was Prime Minister William Whitelaw and Sir John Fieldhouse, Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord. They boarded the HMAS Perth, which served as the flagship of the flotilla. A few minutes after their arrival, a black car stopped at the end of the dock. As King George VII exited the vehicle wearing the uniform of Commander of the Royal Navy, the crowd roared. The King then boarded the Perth and after returning the salutes of the officers onboard, shook the hand of Captain Ross Bailey.
“Welcome back, Captain. You do not know how pleased we are to see all of you here.”
The Royal Marine band struck up the tune "God Save the King." The military men stood at attention, while the crowd stood in near-silence. Once the band completed the anthem, the King stepped up to a microphone that had been placed on the bow of the Perth.
After the King finished his remarks and returned to the row of officers and dignitaries, the Royal Marine band began playing "Advance Australia Fair", followed by "God Defend New Zealand," and "Jana Gana Mana."
The officers of the flotilla were given a reception at Southwick House that evening, while the crewmen began the task of unloading the cargo vessels. All would remain in Britain for the next month, assisting them in distributing the food, medicine, fuel, and supplies to the regional areas of the United Kingdom.
Portsmouth, England
The crowds that had greeted the arrival of HMAS Perth on her first visit to Portsmouth were large; those on her second visit were huge. The deafening roar of their cheers could be heard on all of the ships coming into port. The crewmen lined the rails, shouting and waving back. Music was playing, flags were waving, and people were smiling. It was Britain’s largest celebration in months. It was a great release for many.
As the seven warships that escorted nine cargo vessels and two tankers came in to dock, a mix of British Army and Royal Navy personnel kept the crowds back behind barricades. The crews of the ships manned the rails, awaiting the arrival of dignitaries. The first to arrive was Prime Minister William Whitelaw and Sir John Fieldhouse, Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord. They boarded the HMAS Perth, which served as the flagship of the flotilla. A few minutes after their arrival, a black car stopped at the end of the dock. As King George VII exited the vehicle wearing the uniform of Commander of the Royal Navy, the crowd roared. The King then boarded the Perth and after returning the salutes of the officers onboard, shook the hand of Captain Ross Bailey.
“Welcome back, Captain. You do not know how pleased we are to see all of you here.”
The Royal Marine band struck up the tune "God Save the King." The military men stood at attention, while the crowd stood in near-silence. Once the band completed the anthem, the King stepped up to a microphone that had been placed on the bow of the Perth.
After the King finished his remarks and returned to the row of officers and dignitaries, the Royal Marine band began playing "Advance Australia Fair", followed by "God Defend New Zealand," and "Jana Gana Mana."
The officers of the flotilla were given a reception at Southwick House that evening, while the crewmen began the task of unloading the cargo vessels. All would remain in Britain for the next month, assisting them in distributing the food, medicine, fuel, and supplies to the regional areas of the United Kingdom.
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" . . . braving waters still patrolled by the enemy". Realistically, how long could the Soviet Union keep ships/submarines at sea? In peacetime their deployments seemed to be fairly brief - a few weeks maybe. By May 1984 their bases would have been destroyed, the approaches mined, and their fleet a fugitive on the world's oceans. It might be interesting to know what residual power the SovUnion still had.
Don't forget the French!
Seriously though, by now there could be a return to piracy if there are fuelled vessels and a desperation to feed your people. Plus Navies on the defensive who see any other floating warship as a threat and attack regardless of home nation.
Riain
Banned
The Soviets kept their patrols short for political reasons, they didn't want to tempt their people to think freely and then do something about it. But their ships and subs were equipped for long voyages, 3 months would not be too unusual.
Nick P
Donor
What about France?
From one of the other P&S story we learnt that most of rural France is intact and growing plenty of crops even if the cities have been destroyed. Why didn't the RAN ships go near any of the French ports to investigate conditions there?
What have the British done regarding their closest neighbours?
There are several islands and territories in the Atlantic who are probably going to struggle without some form of assistance and might be worth a visit to establish conditions and maintain international relations. Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha (who rely on a mail ship to and from South Africa), the Cape Verde Islands, Azores, Tenerife, Madeira etc.
Going across to Bermuda and exploring the Caribbean would be necessary too given that many places there are of British and Commonwealth interest.
Diego Garcia and the French Kerguelen Islands come to mind too.
Of course South America needs to be visited. It's a shame Britain nuked Argentina given all the healthy beef and grain that country could provide...
Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay will be willing to supply Europe but at what price?
From one of the other P&S story we learnt that most of rural France is intact and growing plenty of crops even if the cities have been destroyed. Why didn't the RAN ships go near any of the French ports to investigate conditions there?
What have the British done regarding their closest neighbours?
There are several islands and territories in the Atlantic who are probably going to struggle without some form of assistance and might be worth a visit to establish conditions and maintain international relations. Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha (who rely on a mail ship to and from South Africa), the Cape Verde Islands, Azores, Tenerife, Madeira etc.
Going across to Bermuda and exploring the Caribbean would be necessary too given that many places there are of British and Commonwealth interest.
Diego Garcia and the French Kerguelen Islands come to mind too.
Of course South America needs to be visited. It's a shame Britain nuked Argentina given all the healthy beef and grain that country could provide...
Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay will be willing to supply Europe but at what price?
PimpLenin
Banned
31 May 1984 - 7:00 am
Prime Minister’s Office, Commonwealth Offices
Melbourne, VIC
When Prime Minister Bob Hawke walked into his office, Air Chief Marshal Neville McNamara, Chief of the Defence Force Staff, and Bill Hayden, the Foreign Minister, were already seated a waiting. The Prime Minister had been called in early to hear something urgent.
“Good morning, Prime Minister. Thank you for meeting with us first thing. We have something interesting for you.”
“No worries, Air Chief Marshal. What do you have for me?”
“As you may recall, I reported to you about a week ago that atmospheric conditions have been improving, and that some of our more powerful receivers have started picking up broadcasts from the United States, especially at night.”
“Yes, I recall that.”
The Air Chief Marshal placed a tape player on the Prime Minister’s desk.
“Prime Minister, this is a recording of a broadcast that was picked up about five hours ago from America.”
The play button was pushed.
The tape player clicked off. The Prime Minister looked up and smiled.
“Bloody hell. They really are pulling themselves back together!”
The Foreign Minister was smiling too.
“They sure are, Bob.”
“Bill, I’ve heard Dole’s name before. Who is she?”
“She was the Secretary of Transportation under President Reagan. Her husband, Bob Dole, is a U.S. Senator. If she now President, that means Reagan has either died or is totally incapacitated.”
“Bill, I want to send a message congratulating President Dole. Broadcast it on our strongest transmitter. Also, release it to the press.”
“I’ll have my people draft something right away, Bob.”
Prime Minister’s Office, Commonwealth Offices
Melbourne, VIC
When Prime Minister Bob Hawke walked into his office, Air Chief Marshal Neville McNamara, Chief of the Defence Force Staff, and Bill Hayden, the Foreign Minister, were already seated a waiting. The Prime Minister had been called in early to hear something urgent.
“Good morning, Prime Minister. Thank you for meeting with us first thing. We have something interesting for you.”
“No worries, Air Chief Marshal. What do you have for me?”
“As you may recall, I reported to you about a week ago that atmospheric conditions have been improving, and that some of our more powerful receivers have started picking up broadcasts from the United States, especially at night.”
“Yes, I recall that.”
The Air Chief Marshal placed a tape player on the Prime Minister’s desk.
“Prime Minister, this is a recording of a broadcast that was picked up about five hours ago from America.”
The play button was pushed.
The tape player clicked off. The Prime Minister looked up and smiled.
“Bloody hell. They really are pulling themselves back together!”
The Foreign Minister was smiling too.
“They sure are, Bob.”
“Bill, I’ve heard Dole’s name before. Who is she?”
“She was the Secretary of Transportation under President Reagan. Her husband, Bob Dole, is a U.S. Senator. If she now President, that means Reagan has either died or is totally incapacitated.”
“Bill, I want to send a message congratulating President Dole. Broadcast it on our strongest transmitter. Also, release it to the press.”
“I’ll have my people draft something right away, Bob.”
PimpLenin
Banned
19 July 1984 - 1:00 pm
Prime Minister's Office, Commonwealth Offices
Melbourne, VIC
"Ah, Gareth. Come in and have a seat."
Prime Minister Bob Hawke smiled and shook hands with Gareth Evans, the Attorney General.
"Gareth, yesterday we received word from the UK that Zaitsev has agreed to surrender unconditionally."
Evans sunk into his seat.
"Well, thank bloody Christ for that! I just knew the Brits were going to nuke Munich just like they did to Argentina. Wait.....does that mean.....?"
Bob Hawke smiled.
"The war is over, mate. There is to be a formal peace treaty signing in Munich, scheduled sometime in the first half of August. We've been asked to send a representative. I want you to go."
Evans was once again sitting upright in his seat.
"Well, sure Bob. I'll do whatever you need me to do."
Hawke smiled again.
"I'm really glad to hear you say that Gareth, because I'll need you to stay over there for awhile. Sometime after the treaty is signed, there is to be a coronation for the King. I'll need you there for that as well."
"Of course."
"Before you go, Gareth, I would like your opinion on something. Do you know Michael Tate very well?"
"The Senator from Tassie? I don't know him too well, but he seems like an okay bloke. Why?"
"He was recommended to me to be a possible envoy to the United States. What do you think?"
Evans shrugged his shoulders.
"If he wants the job, I don't see why not Bob."
"Good. Thank you. Well, you better make your plans because you are leaving in three days. The Kiwis are sending someone too, so you'll be travelling with them on their ship."
Prime Minister's Office, Commonwealth Offices
Melbourne, VIC
"Ah, Gareth. Come in and have a seat."
Prime Minister Bob Hawke smiled and shook hands with Gareth Evans, the Attorney General.
"Gareth, yesterday we received word from the UK that Zaitsev has agreed to surrender unconditionally."
Evans sunk into his seat.
"Well, thank bloody Christ for that! I just knew the Brits were going to nuke Munich just like they did to Argentina. Wait.....does that mean.....?"
Bob Hawke smiled.
"The war is over, mate. There is to be a formal peace treaty signing in Munich, scheduled sometime in the first half of August. We've been asked to send a representative. I want you to go."
Evans was once again sitting upright in his seat.
"Well, sure Bob. I'll do whatever you need me to do."
Hawke smiled again.
"I'm really glad to hear you say that Gareth, because I'll need you to stay over there for awhile. Sometime after the treaty is signed, there is to be a coronation for the King. I'll need you there for that as well."
"Of course."
"Before you go, Gareth, I would like your opinion on something. Do you know Michael Tate very well?"
"The Senator from Tassie? I don't know him too well, but he seems like an okay bloke. Why?"
"He was recommended to me to be a possible envoy to the United States. What do you think?"
Evans shrugged his shoulders.
"If he wants the job, I don't see why not Bob."
"Good. Thank you. Well, you better make your plans because you are leaving in three days. The Kiwis are sending someone too, so you'll be travelling with them on their ship."
PimpLenin
Banned
19 September 1984 - 10:00 am
Cathedral Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury
Portsmouth, England
Cathedral Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury (Portsmouth, England)
Gareth Evans, Australia’s Special Envoy to the Court of St. James’s, sat in the seats of the cathedral, waiting for the start of the coronation ceremony. He looked around at the other dignitaries in attendance. The most prominent was King Olav V of Norway. From Canada was Edward Schreyer, the Governor-General. New Zealand sent its Deputy Prime Minister, Duncan MacIntyre. Robert W. Straub, a former Governor of Oregon and now the U.S. Envoy to Europe, was there, having arrived on the U.S.S. Texas. There were many other representatives from Europe and other dignitaries from across England, Scotland, and Wales. All stood when the coronation anthem began to play.
The King proceeded up the to the altar of the cathedral, along with Queen Diana, followed by the Bishops and the Lords carrying the Regalia. Evans heard a rumour that the Regalia was lost in the London attack, and that the ones being used for the coronation were actually realistic props that had been found in a BBC studio in Wales. The King and Queen then took their seats in the Chairs of Estate. At the conclusion of the procession, the King then rose and walked to the side of St. Edward’s Chair, or at least the BBC version of it. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, faced each side of the cathedral and as he did so said
And at each turn, those in attendance shouted
The King then returned to his seat in the Chair of Estate. He was then approached by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The King once again rose from the Chair of Estate, and walked to the altar of the cathedral and kneeled. The Archbishop presented a Holy Bible, to which the King placed his right hand.
The King leaned forward and kissed the Bible, and then signed the Oath before returning to the Chair of Estate. The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland approached the King, and presented to him a Holy Bible.
The Bible was then handed to the Bishop of Portsmouth by the King, who then placed it upon the altar of the cathedral. This was followed by a communion service, prayers, and readings from the Gospel. At the end of the service, the King’s Robe of State was removed, and he moved to St. Edward’s Chair, with the Queen standing by his side. Beneath the chair was the Stone of Scone, which Gareth Evans learned had been retrieved from the ruins of Westminster Abbey by the British military. Four Knights of the Garter held over the King and Queen a gold cloth while the Archbishop anointed the monarch with holy oil.
The King once again stood and stepped forward from St. Edward’s Chair. A robe of gold was placed on his Majesty before he sat down once more. He was then presented with the Spurs and the Sword. As the King held the sword, the Archbishop spoke.
Help defend widows and orphans. How many of them are in the world today? Restore the things that are gone to decay. Can our world ever be restored? These thoughts passed through the mind of Gareth Evans as he watched the ceremony. Now, the Bracelets of Sincerity and Wisdom were placed on the King by the Archbishop.
The King once again stood, and on him was placed on him was a robe of pale gold. The Archbishop stepped forward once again and the King sat down.
Now the Archbishop placed the Orb in the King’s right hand.
The Archbishop next placed the King’s ring on the fourth finger of his right hand.
Now, the Scepter and Rod was handed to the King by the Archbishop.
Gareth Evans the rest of those in attendance stood. The Bishops brought forth to the Archbishop of Canterbury the crown, which he took into his hands.
As the crown was placed on the head of King George VII, the audience chanted three times “God save the King!”
The King rose from St. Edward’s Chair and moved to his throne. Queen Diana was seated next to him. The Archbishop stood before the King and Queen.
In one of the final acts of the ceremony, the Bishops presented a second crown to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who placed it upon the head of Queen Diana. She rose and then kneeled before the King.
As King George VII and Queen Diana exited the cathedral, the crowd sang “God Save the King.”
20 September 1984 - 9:15 pm
Prime Minister’s Residence
Melbourne, VIC
Prime Minister Bob Hawke turned off the radio. The ABC had been re-broadcasting a recording of the coronation ceremonies of King George VII. The Prime Minister then took out a cassette tape, placed it in the tape player, and pressed play. He then sat down in a plush chair, leaned back, and closed his eyes. He smiled when he began to hear the lovely voice of Vera Lynn.
Bob Hawke thought about the events of the past seven months. He was satisfied that he had done all that he and his government could do to protect Australia, and that Australia would survive.
Cathedral Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury
Portsmouth, England
Cathedral Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury (Portsmouth, England)
Gareth Evans, Australia’s Special Envoy to the Court of St. James’s, sat in the seats of the cathedral, waiting for the start of the coronation ceremony. He looked around at the other dignitaries in attendance. The most prominent was King Olav V of Norway. From Canada was Edward Schreyer, the Governor-General. New Zealand sent its Deputy Prime Minister, Duncan MacIntyre. Robert W. Straub, a former Governor of Oregon and now the U.S. Envoy to Europe, was there, having arrived on the U.S.S. Texas. There were many other representatives from Europe and other dignitaries from across England, Scotland, and Wales. All stood when the coronation anthem began to play.
The King proceeded up the to the altar of the cathedral, along with Queen Diana, followed by the Bishops and the Lords carrying the Regalia. Evans heard a rumour that the Regalia was lost in the London attack, and that the ones being used for the coronation were actually realistic props that had been found in a BBC studio in Wales. The King and Queen then took their seats in the Chairs of Estate. At the conclusion of the procession, the King then rose and walked to the side of St. Edward’s Chair, or at least the BBC version of it. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, faced each side of the cathedral and as he did so said
And at each turn, those in attendance shouted
The King then returned to his seat in the Chair of Estate. He was then approached by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The King once again rose from the Chair of Estate, and walked to the altar of the cathedral and kneeled. The Archbishop presented a Holy Bible, to which the King placed his right hand.
The King leaned forward and kissed the Bible, and then signed the Oath before returning to the Chair of Estate. The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland approached the King, and presented to him a Holy Bible.
The Bible was then handed to the Bishop of Portsmouth by the King, who then placed it upon the altar of the cathedral. This was followed by a communion service, prayers, and readings from the Gospel. At the end of the service, the King’s Robe of State was removed, and he moved to St. Edward’s Chair, with the Queen standing by his side. Beneath the chair was the Stone of Scone, which Gareth Evans learned had been retrieved from the ruins of Westminster Abbey by the British military. Four Knights of the Garter held over the King and Queen a gold cloth while the Archbishop anointed the monarch with holy oil.
The King once again stood and stepped forward from St. Edward’s Chair. A robe of gold was placed on his Majesty before he sat down once more. He was then presented with the Spurs and the Sword. As the King held the sword, the Archbishop spoke.
Help defend widows and orphans. How many of them are in the world today? Restore the things that are gone to decay. Can our world ever be restored? These thoughts passed through the mind of Gareth Evans as he watched the ceremony. Now, the Bracelets of Sincerity and Wisdom were placed on the King by the Archbishop.
The King once again stood, and on him was placed on him was a robe of pale gold. The Archbishop stepped forward once again and the King sat down.
Now the Archbishop placed the Orb in the King’s right hand.
The Archbishop next placed the King’s ring on the fourth finger of his right hand.
Now, the Scepter and Rod was handed to the King by the Archbishop.
Gareth Evans the rest of those in attendance stood. The Bishops brought forth to the Archbishop of Canterbury the crown, which he took into his hands.
As the crown was placed on the head of King George VII, the audience chanted three times “God save the King!”
The King rose from St. Edward’s Chair and moved to his throne. Queen Diana was seated next to him. The Archbishop stood before the King and Queen.
In one of the final acts of the ceremony, the Bishops presented a second crown to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who placed it upon the head of Queen Diana. She rose and then kneeled before the King.
As King George VII and Queen Diana exited the cathedral, the crowd sang “God Save the King.”
=====
20 September 1984 - 9:15 pm
Prime Minister’s Residence
Melbourne, VIC
Prime Minister Bob Hawke turned off the radio. The ABC had been re-broadcasting a recording of the coronation ceremonies of King George VII. The Prime Minister then took out a cassette tape, placed it in the tape player, and pressed play. He then sat down in a plush chair, leaned back, and closed his eyes. He smiled when he began to hear the lovely voice of Vera Lynn.
Bob Hawke thought about the events of the past seven months. He was satisfied that he had done all that he and his government could do to protect Australia, and that Australia would survive.