HMAS Vampire: The Story of Australias Mighty Warship

HMAS Vampire, a Daring-class destroyer, proudly served in the Royal Australian Navy (R A N) as the third of its kind. This Australian-built vessel, a pioneer in all-welded ship construction, was meticulously crafted at Cockatoo Island Dockyard between 1952 and 1959. Its commissioning into the R A N took place promptly, a mere day after its completion.

Throughout its illustrious career, Vampire was frequently deployed to South East Asia. It played a crucial role in the Far East Strategic Reserve on five separate occasions, including during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. Additionally, it provided escort services to the troop transport ship H M A S Sydney on six of the latter's twenty-five voyages to South Vietnam. Notably, in 1977, this formidable destroyer was assigned to accompany the royal yacht H M Y Britannia during the visit of Queen Elizabeth the second and Prince Philip to Australia.

In 1980, Vampire underwent a reclassification, assuming the role of a training ship. It continued to serve dutifully until 1986, when it was decommissioned and subsequently presented to the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney. This remarkable vessel now stands as a museum ship, proudly preserved as the largest museum-owned object on display throughout Australia.

 

 

The primary armament of the Vampire consisted of six 4.5-inch (114 millimeter) Mark 5 guns, which were mounted in three Mark 6 twin turrets - two positioned forward and one aft. In terms of anti-aircraft capabilities, the ship was equipped with six 40 millimeter Bofors guns. Two single mountings were located on the forward superstructure, while two twin mountings were positioned on the aft superstructure. Additionally, four 50 caliber (.50 inch, 12.7 millimetre) Browning machine guns were carried on board for point defense purposes.

To enhance its offensive capabilities, the Vampire was equipped with five 21-inch (533 millimetre) torpedo tubes, which were fitted to a single Mark 4 pentad mount on the deck, situated between the forward and aft superstructures. Furthermore, for anti-submarine warfare operations, the ship carried a Limbo anti-submarine mortar on the aft deck, offset to port. However, it is worth noting that the twin Bofors guns, torpedo launcher, and Limbo mortar were eventually removed during various refits.

At some point during its operational lifespan, the Vampire underwent an upgrade, resulting in the installation of a Sea Cat missile system. This addition further enhanced the ship's capabilities and versatility.

In conclusion, the Vampire was armed with a formidable array of weaponry, including its main guns, anti-aircraft guns, point defense machine guns, torpedo tubes, and an anti-submarine mortar. These armaments were strategically positioned on the ship to ensure effective offensive and defensive capabilities. Moreover, the installation of the Sea Cat missile system represented a significant upgrade, underscoring the ship's adaptability and modernization efforts.

 

 

On June 25, 1986, the esteemed warship Vampire concluded its active service. After faithfully serving for 27 years and covering an impressive distance of 808,026 nautical miles (1,496,464 kilometers), Vampire was decommissioned on August 13, 1986. Recognizing its historical significance, the Australian National Maritime Museum was honored to receive Vampire as a museum ship. Initially on loan from 1990 to 1997, the ship was eventually transferred outright in 1997. Today, Vampire proudly stands as the largest museum exhibit in Australia.

Vampire's legacy extends beyond its role as a museum piece. In 1991, it made a memorable appearance in the popular children's television program, The Girl From Tomorrow Part 2: Tomorrow's End. Additionally, the ship serves as a training ground for R A N divers in hull clearance, showcasing its ongoing relevance and utility. In 1994, the destroyer underwent a significant upgrade, with two disabled twin Bofors mounts being reinstated, replacing those removed in 1980. This restoration further enhanced Vampire's historical authenticity.

Despite no longer being a commissioned warship, Vampire was granted permission on April 9, 1997, to fly the Australian White Ensign, a testament to its enduring significance. Regular maintenance and cleaning are carried out every five years, with the destroyer being towed to H M A S Kuttabul for these essential tasks. During a docking in October 2006, rumors circulated among R A N personnel that Vampire would be refurbished and reinstated for active duty. However, during the same refit, a fire incident occurred in the ship's boiler room. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained, and the damage was swiftly repaired without any lasting consequences.

In March 2009, the R A N battle honours system underwent a comprehensive overhaul, resulting in Vampire being retroactively recognized for its service in the Strategic Reserve between 1964 and 1966, during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation

 This recognition was long overdue, as Vampire played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region during that time. The Strategic Reserve deployment showcased the R A N's commitment to upholding international security and protecting the interests of Australia and its allies. Vampire's contribution to this mission should never be forgotten, and its inclusion in the battle honours system is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the sailors who served aboard this historic vessel.

 

As of April 2023, Vampire's radio room hosts an active Amateur Radio station, operated by a group of local Amateurs. The station operates under the radio call sign VK2VMP.