HMAS Australia Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific

A time when Australia had a sovereign ability to deter the actions of a major power.

Videos and model of HMAS Australia courtesy of the Australian War Memorial

[EurasiaNaval]

Interesting video. I am not entirely convinced HMAS Australia is that decisive of a factor behind the German East Asia Squadron's abandonment of the Pacific. From the German perspective, the balance of forces would have been insurmountable even without the Australian battlecruiser, owing mainly to Japan's entry into the war. By that time, the BC Kongo was already in service, and if I'm not mistaken the Hiei as well, and both are superior to Australia. That alone would have convinced von Spee to try to return to Germany

[tharr]

Imagine if she had been able to intercept Von Spee's squadron, a fascinating "what if"

[lindsaybaker]

It’s sad that she was technically obsolete by 1918 when other battleships had already moved on to 15 and 16 inch guns. Would have made a fine museum ship.

[tonyaughney]

If you want suggestions how about a detailed breakdown of Australia's Multi-role Brigades or why a country as vast as Australia disbanded its rapid deployment capability (3RAR Para) in favour of heavy forces when Wheeled units would be more suitable.

[TheReviewLab]

Oh thought it was going to be on HMAS Australia 2. My grandfather fought on it in WW2

[magnaviator]

Not true. The German ship Emden ran circles around the RN and Austrialians. That ship is the true LEGEND.