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RAN Between the Wars

The question of naval defence did not come formally before the Imperial War Conference of 1918. The Admiralty view was naturally in favour of a single navy at all times under the control of a central naval authority, but this view did not commend itself to the Dominion Prime Ministers. The experience gained in the war had shown that in time of war a Dominion navy, like that of Australia, could co-operate with the highest efficiency as part of a united navy under one direction and command

After the War, Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Jellicoe went on a mission to the Dominions to consider questions of naval defence, and to advise the Dominion Governments on the needs of the case. Admiral Viscount Jellicoe completed a report that provided for the establishment of an Australian naval unit composed of eight modern battle cruisers, twelve light cruisers, twenty-four destroyers, and twelve submarines and supply ships. The strength of the Far Eastern Fleet suggested by Lord Jellicoe during the next five years is considerable : 8 battleships of ' Dreadnought' type, 8 battle cruisers, 10 light cruisers, 40 modern destroyers, 3 flotilla leaders, 2 depot ships for submarines, 36 submarines (excluding those stationed in Indian waters), 4 submarine parent ships, 4 aircraft carriers, 12 fleet minesweepers, 1 large seagoing minelayer, and 2 fleet repair ships. As a striking force Australia should provide a unit consisting of 1 battle cruiser, 2 light cruisers, 6 destroyers, 4 submarines and 2 fleet minesweepers. For the direct defence of trade she requires 4 light cruisers and 8 armed escort ships, assuming that similar provision is made by the other Governments. For harbor defence she requires 20 destroyers, 10 submarines, 82 minesweepers, of which 74 should be fishing trawlers, and 4 boom defence vessels.

This program was to be completed in 1923 at a cost of £5,000,000 annually. It was considered doubtful whether the government will accept these proposals. In his reports to the Commonwealth and Dominion Governments Lord Jellicoe noted that experience had shown conclusively that responsibilities for naval defence are far more readily recognized and far more cheerfully met if the result of the efforts made is apparent to those making them, if in other words the ships provided are seen by the people paying for them and are manned by their own kith and kin.

In September, 1920, modifications in the defensive policy, respecting both the army and navy were announced in Parliament. The army is to be organized and trained on the divisional basis and will consist of two light-horse divisions, four infantry divisions, and three mixed brigades, with the necessary extra- divisional units. In time of peace the number of soldiers will be about 130,000. The restoration of the Council of Defense insures continuity of policy and the co-ordination of the requirements on sea, air, and land; control and administration to be exercised by the military and naval boards. By the reduction of the naval forces, many of the vessels of the Royal Australian Navy pass to the reserve.