#gayundah

photo©jadoretotravel

HMQS Gayundah (later HMAS Gayundah), a flat iron gunboat, started service in 1884, enjoyed a busy work life from war duties which ended in 1921, gravel barge and finally in 1958 was run aground to become a breakerwater at Redland Bay QLD.

“On 9 April 1903, the Gayundah transmitted the first wireless message received from a ship at sea to an Australian wireless station. The historic message sent to the receiving station in Brisbane read: “Gun drill continued this afternoon and was fairly successful – blowing squally and raining – prize firing tomorrow. Marconi insulators were interfered with by rain but easily rectified and communication since has been good. Good night.” The ship’s aerial was a tall bamboo pole lashed to the mast.[5][10]” Wikipedia

Gayundah’s 6 inch gun was removed prior to being beached and is now housed at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. I am glad, once she has physically faded away at the beach, her memory will live on with her large gun.