Monday, June 20, 2011

The Bells of HMAS Perth.....

 There's no flowers on a sailors grave
No lillies on an ocean wave
The only tribute is the seagulls sweep
And the teardrop on a lovers cheek.       Anon.


The original HMAS Perth was recommissioned in1939 and was used to patrol Australian waters before being sent to the Mediterranean at the end of 1940. In 1942 HMAS Perth was torpedoed and sunk at the Battle of Sunda Strait (War history HMAS Perth). The bell to the left is from this ship. The HMAS Perth (D38) was built in the USA in 1965. The destroyer was used in the Vietnam War earning honours and commendations for her service. (HMAS Perth (D38)), after this she was used mainly for training exercises before being sunk as a dive wreck off the coast of WA in 2001. The bell to the right is from this ship.  Both of the highly polished bells hang in the Perth Town Hall watched over by proud concierge who will if you have the time regale you with tales of the sea. I did have time and I enjoyed every minute.


15 comments:

  1. What an interesting tale today, Grace. Thanks.

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  2. To me, there's rarely any other sound as honest as a bell. Thank you for sharing. Please have a good new week you all.

    daily athens

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  3. how interesting!
    they sure look like they receive lot of tender loving!

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  4. You always arrest us with your images!



    Aloha from Honolulu :)

    Comfort Spiral

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  5. Ships and the sea always fascinate me.

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  6. Beautiful bells but the brass bell with detailing around the base is just gorgeous!

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  7. Thanks for this beautiful post, I like tales either, even more if some kind of ship is involved!

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  8. And, I enjoy every minute of reading your blog! The bells are beautiful.

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  9. A lot of history in these two bells. I bet it was fun listening to the stories.

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  10. The bells are lovely and I like the quote too.

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  11. That ode is SO SAD! But so evocative of the sea and those who are lost. You've made the history fascinating - thanx for the insights!!

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  12. Grand story. Thank you.
    BTW, got to your place from Genie's Paris and Beyond.

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