An exhibition examining the loss of Australia’s first submarine opens at the Museum of Geraldton this week.
The HMAS AE1 Revealed exhibition recounts the submarine’s sinking in September 1914, as well as the discovery of the wreck more than 100 years later.
HMAS AE1 was presumed lost when it did not return to port after departing to patrol for German warships at the outbreak of the First World War. The loss of HMAS AE1 claimed the lives of 35 officers and crew members.
In 2017, a collaborative team of researchers and a specialist from Find AE1 Ltd, Silentworld Foundation, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Royal Australian Navy and Fugro N.V. discovered the resting place of HMAS AE1 off the coast of Papua New Guinea.
Museum of Geraldton Regional Manager Leigh O’Brien said it is a privilege to host HMAS AE1 Revealed.
“The exhibition has connections to our permanent displays, as some of the camera equipment and technologies used in this investigation were also used in the 2015 expedition to the wreck sites of HMAS Sydney (II) and HSK Kormoran (conducted by Curtin University and WA Museum),” Ms O’Brien said.
HMAS AE1 Revealed features a 3D printed model of the sunken vessel, and highlights the private, government and international cooperation to bring its story to light. The exhibition is on loan from Curtin University and the Australian National Maritime Museum and includes images courtesy of Paul G. Allen, Vulcan Inc and Navigea Ltd.
“Somewhat surprisingly, after more than 100 years on the sea floor HMAS AE1 is still recognisable as a submarine. It is remarkably intact. It is an incredibly powerful experience to see the wreck of HMAS AE1 revealed to Museum visitors in this way,” Associate Professor Andrew Woods, Manager of the Curtin University HIVE said.
HMAS AE1 Revealed is a free exhibition and will be on display at the Museum of Geraldton from Saturday 12 February to Sunday 1 May 2022.
https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/geraldton/hmas-ae1-revealed
Media contact:
Yoshika Kon
yoshika.kon@museum.wa.gov.au
