AE1 and AE2 Passage to Australia - 1
Portsmouth to Aden
While the passage from Portsmouth in the United Kingdom to Sydney was to be the longest voyage ever undertaken by a submarine to date, the two boats were escorted throughout their journey.
Map prepared by Darren Brown
HMAS AE1 and AE2 were escorted from Portsmouth to Aden by HMS Eclipse
February 1914
1. On Saturday 28 February at 1030 HMAS AE1 and AE2 commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy
The crew were posted to the two submarines from HMA London Depot.
March 1914
2. AE1, AE2 and Eclipse depart Portsmouth
HMAS AE1 departing Portsmouth - 0700 Monday 2 March
March 1914
3. AE2 loses a propeller blade
1700 Wednesday 4 March - This was to be the first of several similar propeller defects. The impact is severe vibration and a slight reduction in speed.
March 1914
4. Arrived Gibraltar
AE1, AE2 and Eclipse arrived in Gibraltar at 1400 on Friday 6 March. AE2's propeller was repaired over the weekend.
Image provided by Naval-History.Net
HMS Eclipse at anchor
March 1914
5. AE1, AE2 with Eclipse depart Gibraltar
The group departed Gibraltar at 2100 on Monday 9 March to make passage to Malta.
March 1914
6. Arrived Malta
The two submarines and their escort arrived in Malta at 2100 on Friday 13 March.
March 1914
7. Departed Malta
The group sailed from Malta at 1730 on Monday 16 March transiting to Port Said. Prior to their departure, Sub Lieutenant John Hoskyns joined AE1.
March 2025
8. Arrived Port Said
AE1, AE2 and Eclipse arrived Port Said at 1800 on Friday 20 March, and there prepared to pass through the Suez Canal.
March 1914
Depart Port Said and passage through Suez Canal
The group departed Port Said at 0400 on Monday 23March and made their way through the Suez Canal to Aden. Petty Officer Hodge, Second Coxswain in AE1 fell overboard during the passage through the Canal and was recovered by a passing steamer.
March 1914
Arrived Aden
AE1, AE2 and HMS Eclipse arrived in Aden at 1400 on Sunday 29 March.
Read more