Coastal Forces Veterans

A has been set up in Australia with the aim of restoring ML 1321 and they have opened a website.

Thanks Brian, below is the story behind your post and the reasons why this very important part of Aussie military history. The missing words in your post are 'crowd funding'.

This ‘little ship’ must be saved, WHY?

This remarkable vessel, HDML 1321 performed sterling work with the coastwatcher network around the islands to the north of Australia during 1944-45. Almost all of her operations were in enemy territory where, if discovered would have resulted in annihilation. Her operations included ferrying coastwatch operatives to and from many dangerous locations.

HDML 1321 was built in Hobart and commissioned into the RAN in November 1943.
Under the expert direction of skipper Ernie Palmer and first lieutenant Russell Smith the ships company kept her safe in enemy waters for almost two years. This is an incredible story of our military history, immense bravery and courage.

One mission in particular proved to be extremely hazardous and ultimately tragic when, in April 1945 she took eight Z Special commandos to Muschu Island just off the north coast of New Guinea near Wewak. ‘Operation Copper’ was to be a reconnaissance and prisoner snatch mission. A part quote from the excellent book, The Guns of Muschu written by Don Dennis, the nephew of one of the commandos --

“But the secret mission went horribly wrong. Unknown to the commandos, their presence had been discovered within hours of their landing. With no means of escape, the island became a killing ground”.

Only one commando survived, making an epic nine day trek back to Australian forces on mainland New Guinea. He had to get off Muschu Island and try to get across the shark and eel infested waters, an almost epic journey in itself taking around nine hours due to currents swirling around the island.

The current owners Wendy and Tracy purchased her in 2006 and have become very passionate about the boat’s history. They want to see her salvaged and restored as she was in 1945. They have poured their hearts and souls in trying to make her seaworthy. The journey has been extremely difficult culminating in the boat sinking on 19th October 2016. Tracy’s heartfelt story of their time with 1321 can be found on the website below, the only authorised Crowd Funding avenue ---

https://www.gofundme.com/save-1321-2v9u ... 0853&pos=1

Hi there,

Spotted your post on the main BMPT site, but saw your go fund me page via the "live" link here on RN-CFV....clearly as mentioned, donation from UK not possible...., have shared on Facebook for what it is worth, a great shame, sure we all wish you well and hope you get the support to recover her....words I know, but about all I can offer to be honest, best,

Johnk

Thanks John,

Words of encouragement are helpfull too.

Hi Roger,

No problem at all, most kind, again trust and hope she can be salvaged and saved, all the best.

Johnk

Hi again,

Just logged onto the funding page, as per can not donate from UK, but have dropped an e-mail to Westside as per the site, little I know of impact from some guy in the UK but...was of course respectful and polite! but extraordinary....suggestion they would blow it up to remove her! glad to read the local MP was able to calm things...can not but feel for you there, again, really wish you all the best, we have a working HDML here, the Medusa, fully restored and working, so know these great vessels, all the best.

Johnk