The Royal Australian Navy History

The first Australian naval forces were formed in the colonies in the late 1850s in response to fears of a Russian invasion. In 1901, the various colonial navies, and their motley collection of vessels, were amalgamated into the Commonwealth Naval Forces. In the years that followed, it was debated in Australia and Britain whether Australia needed its own navy or should simply finance the stationing of Royal (British) Navy vessels in Australian waters. Finally, in 1909, a decision was taken to acquire new ships for an Australian Navy and on 10 July 1911, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was formed. The first of the new ships arrived on 4 October 1913.


The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Organisation




Radar operators aboard the cruiser, HMAS Hobart, 1945.  C208259

Technical Branch



Signal and Telegraphist Branch

The communications number on a searchlight platform. He is wearing headphones and a microphone. C255446

Supply and Secretariat

Butcher Branch, Baker Branch, Printer Branch, Coding Branch


The Medical Branch is made up of medical and dental staff.
Sick Berth Attendants

Naval Air


An Australian Army Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo

Royal Australian Navy Structure

Sailor sounding action stations

Stations and Watches

Four WRANS in the medical records section of the depot hospital

Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS)