Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The following is an extract from HMAS Voyager (II)'s 'Welcome Aboard' brochure, which elaborates on the innovative features of the then new class of warship:

"Voyager (II) is the first of three Daring class ships to be placed on order with Australian Shipyards by the Australian Commonwealth Shipping Board. This class of ship is a departure from the conventional destroyer both in general design, armament, and number of personnel carried. She has the striking power of a light Cruiser (the disposition of her main armament being typical of that type of ship), coupled with the latest anti-submarine weapon and detection devices. Furthermore, her manoeuverability is superior to that of even the most modern conventional destroyer, owing to the fitting of twin rudders. The other two ships of the class, in varying stages of construction, are Vendetta (II) and Vampire (II)...The ship carries two 25-foot motor-cutters powered by diesel engines, a 27-foot sailing whaler for use as a sea boat, and a 14-foot sailing dinghy for recreational purposes. War experience has shown that boats were vulnerable to damage by bomb and shell splinters, with the result that they were usually unserviceable if required for life-saving purposes. Voyager (II), therefore, carries the latest type of inflatable life raft. When not in use, these rafts take up very little space on deck, but when inflated, they will comfortably hold 20 men each, and in addition afford complete protection against the sea and elements. Sufficient of these rafts is carried to accommodate the entire ship's company. In addition, a Land Rover is carried for transport for the Postman and for general official duties. It is stored on the upper deck at sea...Voyager (II) is propelled by two out-turning propellers, each propeller-shaft being driven by its own high pressure, high-temperature turbine unit through double reduction gear. Steam for these turbines in provided by two Foster-Wheeler controlled superheat waterwall boilers...Fresh water for boilers and for domestic use is produced by two Caird and Rayner evaporator units, which are capable of a rate of 100 tons a day. Main machinery and boilers are arranged in what is known as 'The Unit System' ie, each shaft is driven by its own engine room and boiler room, though these can be inter-connected if required. Action damage to the main machinery is therefore more localised than in the conventional destroyer arrangement of only one engine room."

For more information click here: https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/50th-anniversary-sinking-hmas-voyager-ii (www.awm.gov.au)