HMAS Kangaroo

HMAS "Kangaroo" was a Royal Australian Navy boom defence vessel. She was built in Sydney, New South Wales by Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Company and was commissioned into the RAN on 27 September 1940.

In 1937, three ships were ordered by the RAN for use as Boom Defense Vessels.David Stevens (2005). "A Critical Vulnerability", pg 103] The plan was altered in early 1938 to require only two ships; the third, "Kangaroo" was earmarked to be constructed as a prototype local defense vessel. [David Stevens (2005). "A Critical Vulnerability", pp 103-104] The RAN's Director of Engineering was instructed to prepare plans for the ship in July 1938, which were completed six months later.David Stevens (2005). "A Critical Vulnerability", pg 104] The ship was to weigh 680 tons, with a speed of 15.5 knots, and a range of 2,850 miles. "Kangaroo" would have been armed with two 4-inch guns and depth charges, and equipped with asdic. Before construction could begin, the number of boom vessels was increased back to three, and "Kangaroo" was laid down to this design. The unused design was later modified and used for the "Bathurst" class corvettes.

"Kangaroo" arrived in Darwin, Northern Territory in January 1941 and established and maintained the anti-submarine boom in Darwin Harbour with three similar vessels. "Kangaroo" suffered damage and one fatality during the bombing of Darwin in February 1942. She was repaired in Brisbane from 1 April to 20 May 1942 and spent the remainder of the war in Darwin.

"Kangaroo" remained in active commission after the war and performed various duties Australian and New Guinea waters during the late 1940s and early 1950s. She paid off to reseve on 15 December 1955 and was used as an accommodation ship. "Kangaroo" was sold for scrap on 28 August 1967 and was scrapped in 1968.

References

* Seapower Centre - Australia [http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Kangaroo HMAS Kangaroo ship history]
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