HMAS Melbourne 'apology'.

[troopie]

Wow, thanks for the insight Steve. It's incredible so many similar incidents could occur. Do you know if it was common amongst task-forces like this of the day?

I'm only a youngun I 'spose at about 34 so I certainly was not around in the day and have no connection to it all (aside from being in the Naval Reserve Cadets as a kid) but for some reason it's a bit of a hobby of mine to read up on the history of warships, particularly of the WWI + II era.

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

The reason for this was that the air conditioning was out in the forward part of the ship, and it was very hot, even at 0200 hours.

Makes me Wonder:

Melbourne had been designed to operate in North Atlantic and Arctic climates, and the original ventilation systems were inappropriate for her primary operating climate, the tropics. The 1969 and 1971 refits did improve conditions, although there was little scope for upgrade, and the system was still inadequate: temperatures inside the ship continued to reach over 65 °C (149 °F), and on one occasion a hold reached 78 °C (172 °F).

Doesn't sound like she was much fun to serve on; I wonder how this would compare to other boats of the day?

Do you remember were the Melbourne was operating when your boat joined her?