The Boat Harbour Crew by John 'Stinker' Clarke Boat Harbour is a special place. A naturally protected cove ideal for mooring with a small sandy beach suitable for launching fishing boats. Historically these included the ‘Imp', 'Star', 'Snapper' and 'Garfish' owned by...
Jack Barlett celebrated his 100th birthday on the 29th November 2023. He is a veteran of WWII Pacific Campaigns serving on the HMAS Manoora; a Landing Ship Infantry (ILS) which had been converted from an Armed Merchant Cruiser. Jack was a member of the aft 4 inch (100mm) gun crew. An ancillary role for Jack was to operate the winch to lower Landing Barge No. 12, which was adjacent to the gun aft.
Between March and October 1943 HMAS MANOORA operated mainly from the Port Stephens area supporting amphibious assault training for Australian and United States Army troops at HMAS ASSAULT in Nelson Bay. Jack has fond memories of US troops from the 1st Dismounted Texas Cavalry regiment during their training with MANOORA.
In October 1943 HMAS MANOORA sailed north to Cairns to continue training in preparation for the Pacific Island campaign landings, as well as completing two trips to Oro Bay in PNG.
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Plans began just before World War 1 for Port Stephens to become a future base for Submarines and later all manner of Naval Ships of the fleet.
