Minute 22. Anyone wondering, the PB is firing break up shot. This is used primarily to train junior gunnery rates in practical firing of the 40/60. HMAS Cerberus had its on-site Bofors so equipped. There is absolutely no danger to the aircraft, but it looks spectacular
I appreciate your various comments, very informative. By the way in WW2 Sweden sold their excellent Bofors guns systems to everyone, Axis or Allied. Valuable minerals too. They were a neutral country, and since the AXIS figured they were getting what they needed from Stockholm anyway, there was no reason to invade, so the policy worked for Sweden.
Thanks for posting this. One of my favorites since it showed HMAS Melbourne, the aircraft carrier. Saw this series in Spanish in Puerto Rico in early 1987.
It’s great to remember that Australia was a carrier operating Navy for a long time, and our current state of affairs is a relatively recent development. Love the Skyhawks!
Launch Skyhawks. We all remember that and the others. When we had a real Air Arm. And we all knew how to play the games. Then we gave em to the Kiwis who used em out of Albatross doing what the FAA and CV used to do. Some may not know but shortly after the end of the war for a brief time we had three carriers.
Even though this series was set in Far North Queensland and Darwin it was actually filmed on the NSW Central Coast and around and up Hawkesbury River. The scenes of the Skyhawks and the Melbourne were stock footage from Navy documentaries. It was good to see a time when we had a carrier force with fixed winged aircraft.
19:47. The aircraft parked during the takeoff 885 was lost in 1980 during the Indian Ocean deployment another was also lost but don’t know the number, no pilots lost. Saw one of them in the water before it went down and Wessex helicopter picking up the pilot. An arrester wire snapped during landing and pilot didn’t have enough speed for a fly off
The opening of this one reminds me of us navy patrol boats fishing of off of key west. We could only afford bottom fishing. When you have unlimited fuel you can afford to troll. I love trolling.
Excellent episode, what a pleasure it is to see the aircraft carrier Melbourne operational. The Melbourne 's skipper is played by Kenneth Goodlet, I recall him on Water Rats. From what I can discern - if I'm wrong I am happy to be corrected - today not only does Australia not operate any carriers but it doesn't have even one major surface vessel. It's been reduced to about 15 destroyers/frigates/ patrol boats and 6 subs. Both Liberal and Labour governments should be ashamed of themselves, how is the current Navy ever supposed to defend the longest coast line in the world? How can you do any force projection without a carrier? Also, I can't believe the RAN okay'd her being sold as scrap to Red China, while leaving loads of valuable equipment on board! The Chinese couldn't believe it either, and reverse engineered much of what they found. They even had the gall to later ask for parts for the catapult system! They also made an exact replica on land - with many parts salvaged from Melbourne - of the landing deck/control tower and used it to start training their first time would be (some day) naval aviators. If the officers involved who delivered this tech windfall - even if it was dated at the time - to China by failing to make sure the ship was properly stripped are still alive they should have their pensions revoked and be exposed in hearings. So Melbourne's rep as a jinxed ship even extended to it's sad demise. Why couldn't she have been honored as a floating museum, did Canberra need the money from scrapping her so badly?
what's for dinner Chef.....corned dog (corned beef for non-Navy types) and carrots Sir.....think I'll have a steak. This was Navy speak in the early 80s.....a very realistic representation
interesting that they mention HMAS ADVANCE as part of the "Orange Force" as she was one of the boats that portrayed HMAS AMUSH in this show... now part of the Historic Fleet at the National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour.
@@andrewstackpool4911 pity She's not open to Public View. I'd love to have a look around her. ANNM have kept her, The VAMPIRE, and ONSLOW in top condition.
@Dayvd Allen You would find the visit interesting as they were special boats, more so than the follows-on. This is the only boat where in heavy sees you could be thrown from your top bunk and sideways as she rose to the waves and then dropped down. You were suspended in mid-air til she rose again and you were deposited on the deck without never moving. The crews were special, too needed to be. The series does a good job with them and the balance between Navy protocol and life at sea. But it is a short straw with reality.
Minute 23. Two sides claim victory. In reality ASMs/bombs and Zunis from the A4 beyond Bofors range would have determined the outcome. But, minute 23. Welcome the big ship navy. Nothing like a River FF at action stations closing for the attack.
I would love to know how much of this was studio shots and how much was actually on the boats which obviously the Australian government would be happy to lend to the ABC because it would get people joining the Navy. Looks like a few blue screen shots are being used
Seen one or two of them things! From the top of 'em, noisy little buggers but good fun - especially when buzzed by a "Bird" who doesn't know you are exercising - but we knew we had "break-up" up the barrel - so when the cry came Aircraft engage (as we knew it would) we chucked a whole heap of plastic at it - by heck could that fellah move! ha ha ha ha
Minute 6;30. OK, I assumed the carrier was some distance away. But, what 10-11 cables to starboard and a fairly calm sea. Why no boat transfer? Yeah I know. Show surface and air capabilities.
My guess is it's a navy whose patrol boats didn't produce an abundance of fresh water for either showers or laundry. Even on a larger vessel in the U.S. Navy we could wear PT (exercise) gear while not on duty - ostensibly for doing PT, so not for meals, etc.
Up until the mid 90's it was was still common for the smaller vessels such as patrol boats, survey ships etc to wear a very relaxed style of clothing, though proper uniform was required when necessary...firefighting, entering and leaving harbour etc. As Doug said, fresh water was at a premium and washing a tee shirt in a bucket was commonplace. Remember also, it is not the clothing but the man wearing it , and no matter what you wore, the job got done.
Patrol boats carried only a limited amount of water and were operating in mainly areas of extreme temperature differences (but most in the tropics). Consequently, showers were limited and the conditions not suitable for wearing uniforms at sea. We did change into rigs entering and leaving harbour and alongside. We were fairly similar aboard my TRV and Kimbla. However, don't let the clothing fool you. We were all hard-core professionals.
Bit of a pointless exercise. Didn't even try it out at night. Wouldn't have made much difference but it may have limited the Skyhawks and the destroyer escort would have had to deal with 4 separate boats coming from all directions.
Also those "missiles" they were simulating were too short ranged. Standard Soviet missile boat like the Osa had P-15 (SS-N-2 Styx to us) and had a much longer range than that. At least on a target as big as an aircraft carrier. The smaller River class could only be engaged at a maximum of 12 miles due to targeting system limitations. Which I think is within range of the old Mk VI 4.5's. In any event a fine TV show.
THE SEA IS IN MY BLOOD AS M YMOTHERS GRAND FATHER WAS A SEAMAN ON THE OLYMPIC THE SISTER SHIP OF THE TITANIC AND MY ONE IF OF MY MOHERS BROTHER WAS A SEAMAN ON BOARD H.M.S. ISIS A DESTROYER, DURING WORLD WAR TWO I HAVE SEEN A PHOTO OF THE MENTIONED DESTROYER VERY IMPRESSIVE
Minute 22. Anyone wondering, the PB is firing break up shot. This is used primarily to train junior gunnery rates in practical firing of the 40/60. HMAS Cerberus had its on-site Bofors so equipped. There is absolutely no danger to the aircraft, but it looks spectacular
I appreciate your various comments, very informative.
By the way in WW2 Sweden sold their excellent Bofors guns systems to everyone,
Axis or Allied. Valuable minerals too. They were a neutral country, and since the
AXIS figured they were getting what they needed from Stockholm anyway, there
was no reason to invade, so the policy worked for Sweden.
👍👌👏 Great episode with some humor in it. Thanks a lot for uploading and sharing this old series.
Best regards, luck and health.
Thanks for posting this. One of my favorites since it showed HMAS Melbourne, the aircraft carrier. Saw this series in Spanish in Puerto Rico in early 1987.
Glad you enjoyed it. wish I had a few more!
I wish they had made more episodes of this great series.
26 episodes were made over two series.
It’s great to remember that Australia was a carrier operating Navy for a long time, and our current state of affairs is a relatively recent development. Love the Skyhawks!
We had 2 at one stage.
Brilliant touch at the end, a few bars of the Robinson Crouse suite by Robinson & Creverebey, immidiate recognition to those of a certain age.
What a great episode.
thanks for this. Michael Maher was the RAN pilot who did the A4 flying. I loved this show even though it wasn't a 100% accurate.
Splendid episode
Launch Skyhawks. We all remember that and the others. When we had a real Air Arm. And we all knew how to play the games. Then we gave em to the Kiwis who used em out of Albatross doing what the FAA and CV used to do. Some may not know but shortly after the end of the war for a brief time we had three carriers.
Even though this series was set in Far North Queensland and Darwin it was actually filmed on the NSW Central Coast and around and up Hawkesbury River. The scenes of the Skyhawks and the Melbourne were stock footage from Navy documentaries. It was good to see a time when we had a carrier force with fixed winged aircraft.
19:47. The aircraft parked during the takeoff 885 was lost in 1980 during the Indian Ocean deployment another was also lost but don’t know the number, no pilots lost. Saw one of them in the water before it went down and Wessex helicopter picking up the pilot. An arrester wire snapped during landing and pilot didn’t have enough speed for a fly off
Good to see the correct use of Pirate Rig. 😁😁
Such a distant memory!
Johnny the boy from Mad Max as the chef…. Or a fitter and turner
Tim Burns. 👍👍👍👍👍
The opening of this one reminds me of us navy patrol boats fishing of off of key west. We could only afford bottom fishing. When you have unlimited fuel you can afford to troll. I love trolling.
You left the buffer!!!!
Excellent episode, what a pleasure it is to see the aircraft carrier Melbourne operational.
The Melbourne 's skipper is played by Kenneth Goodlet, I recall him on Water Rats.
From what I can discern - if I'm wrong I am happy to be corrected - today not only does Australia not operate any carriers but it doesn't have even one major surface vessel.
It's been reduced to about 15 destroyers/frigates/ patrol boats and 6 subs. Both Liberal and Labour governments should be ashamed of themselves, how is the current Navy ever supposed to defend the longest coast line in the world? How can you do any force projection without a carrier?
Also, I can't believe the RAN okay'd her being sold as scrap to Red China, while leaving loads of
valuable equipment on board! The Chinese couldn't believe it either, and reverse engineered much
of what they found. They even had the gall to later ask for parts for the catapult system!
They also made an exact replica on land - with many parts salvaged from Melbourne - of the landing deck/control tower and used it to start training their first time would be (some day) naval aviators.
If the officers involved who delivered this tech windfall - even if it was dated at the time - to China
by failing to make sure the ship was properly stripped are still alive they should have their pensions
revoked and be exposed in hearings.
So Melbourne's rep as a jinxed ship even extended to it's sad demise.
Why couldn't she have been honored as a floating museum, did Canberra need the money from
scrapping her so badly?
Back in the days when Australia was a member of a very special club. Naval Aviation.
One of the show's better episodes. You wouldn't get anything like this on Sea patrol
I was on the Melbourne the following year. My brother was on the boats In cairns in the mid 70’s.
what's for dinner Chef.....corned dog (corned beef for non-Navy types) and carrots Sir.....think I'll have a steak. This was Navy speak in the early 80s.....a very realistic representation
It really was Glenn.
Thanks for the upload
Wow, back when we actually had a real fleet air arm.
interesting that they mention HMAS ADVANCE as part of the "Orange Force" as she was one of the boats that portrayed HMAS AMUSH in this show... now part of the Historic Fleet at the National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour.
AMBUSH
Yeah, Served in Advance off the Top End but before the show was filmed
@@benjaminc8789 ADVANCE and and later HMA BOMBARD. AMBUSH was the name of the boat in the show.
@@andrewstackpool4911 pity She's not open to Public View. I'd love to have a look around her. ANNM have kept her, The VAMPIRE, and ONSLOW in top condition.
@Dayvd Allen You would find the visit interesting as they were special boats, more so than the follows-on.
This is the only boat where in heavy sees you could be thrown from your top bunk and sideways as she rose to the waves and then dropped down. You were suspended in mid-air til she rose again and you were deposited on the deck without never moving.
The crews were special, too needed to be. The series does a good job with them and the balance between Navy protocol and life at sea. But it is a short straw with reality.
How can they forget there buffer, LOL
Reminds me of mcales navy but with an Australian twist. I remember the series airing originally.
The cook should have been 24:45 at Battle Stations and galley secured for heavy rolls or whatever.
Townsville has changed alot
Interesting, the missing last bit of episode 1 is at the beginning of episode 3.
Gotta love those VHS artifacts recording off the home TV. Or maybe it was Betamax!
I find it utterly insane that for more than 30 years Australia had no naval aviation capability
Well except for embarked Sea Kings and Seahawks. Still no organic fixed wing capability.
Minute 23. Two sides claim victory. In reality ASMs/bombs and Zunis from the A4 beyond Bofors range would have determined the outcome. But, minute 23. Welcome the big ship navy. Nothing like a River FF at action stations closing for the attack.
I don’t know who edited this opening ‘golf’ sequence into this episode as it wasn’t a sequence in Fish-heads and Birdies episode.
I would love to know how much of this was studio shots and how much was actually on the boats which obviously the Australian government would be happy to lend to the ABC because it would get people joining the Navy. Looks like a few blue screen shots are being used
Mainly the wheelhouse shots, and aren't they obvious...these are 50 years ago after all.
@@GarryRowe cheers
Good "dress of the day" in "McHales Navy" bloody site better than the "big ships" e.g. Melbourne and Stalwart
Yeah, nice to see they FINALLY in pirate rig. No laundry facilities so uniforms except for specific occasions went by the scuttle.
Night watch uniform.
A sarong and a t-shirt
Lord Cochrane would be proud.
Never seen this tv series before not too bad. They really used a green screen it was used more back then, then it is today.
With computers you can do anything but yes I think this was early technology when it come to the green or blue screens
does anyone have season 2
On another "Patrol Boat" You Tube channel, one 'Mark Alan' has:
Season Two - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9.
If you want to see a bofors 40/60 firing: 21:10
Seen one or two of them things! From the top of 'em, noisy little buggers but good fun - especially when buzzed by a "Bird" who doesn't know you are exercising - but we knew we had "break-up" up the barrel - so when the cry came Aircraft engage (as we knew it would) we chucked a whole heap of plastic at it - by heck could that fellah move! ha ha ha ha
Another solid example of an oldie but a goodie. Often threatened with removal for upgrading, but often stalled and delayed.
Minute 6;30. OK, I assumed the carrier was some distance away. But, what 10-11 cables to starboard and a fairly calm sea. Why no boat transfer? Yeah I know. Show surface and air capabilities.
The Ship is way smaller as in Sea Patrol. T-shirts, Sport shorts, Tennis shoes, what kind of Navy is this.
McHale's Navy, the best!
My guess is it's a navy whose patrol boats didn't produce an abundance of fresh water for either showers or laundry. Even on a larger vessel in the U.S. Navy we could wear PT (exercise) gear while not on duty - ostensibly for doing PT, so not for meals, etc.
Up until the mid 90's it was was still common for the smaller vessels such as patrol boats, survey ships etc to wear a very relaxed style of clothing, though proper uniform was required when necessary...firefighting, entering and leaving harbour etc. As Doug said, fresh water was at a premium and washing a tee shirt in a bucket was commonplace. Remember also, it is not the clothing but the man wearing it
, and no matter what you wore, the job got done.
@@GarryRowe Thanks, I never viewed from this side.
Patrol boats carried only a limited amount of water and were operating in mainly areas of extreme temperature differences (but most in the tropics). Consequently, showers were limited and the conditions not suitable for wearing uniforms at sea. We did change into rigs entering and leaving harbour and alongside.
We were fairly similar aboard my TRV and Kimbla.
However, don't let the clothing fool you. We were all hard-core professionals.
How many years did the Navy have to understand the need for rails around all flat areas?
Minute 10. Meant to be a PWO, where's his badge?
Bit of a pointless exercise. Didn't even try it out at night. Wouldn't have made much difference but it may have limited the Skyhawks and the destroyer escort would have had to deal with 4 separate boats coming from all directions.
It is a TV show!
Also those "missiles" they were simulating were too short ranged. Standard Soviet missile boat like the Osa had P-15 (SS-N-2 Styx to us) and had a much longer range than that. At least on a target as big as an aircraft carrier. The smaller River class could only be engaged at a maximum of 12 miles due to targeting system limitations. Which I think is within range of the old Mk VI 4.5's. In any event a fine TV show.
That CMDR at 7:40 needs a haircut. Bloody amateur
THE SEA IS IN MY BLOOD AS M YMOTHERS GRAND FATHER WAS A SEAMAN ON THE OLYMPIC THE SISTER SHIP OF THE TITANIC AND MY ONE IF OF MY MOHERS BROTHER WAS A SEAMAN ON BOARD H.M.S. ISIS A DESTROYER, DURING WORLD WAR TWO I HAVE SEEN A PHOTO OF THE MENTIONED DESTROYER VERY IMPRESSIVE
Disregard, LCDR
HAR HAR HAR LAST 10 SECS PERFECT
Ha ha, Gamlen in galley. Ch10 logo, this was a re-run late 1990?
SSD close up for action stations???????