A REPLICA of a miniature British submarine used during World War II is set to be unveiled at the Baldivis headquarters of the Totally and Partially Disabled Veterans Club of WA on Anzac Day.
The replica sub weighs almost a tonne and was built from recycled scrap metal in the Kalgoorlie workshop of Laurie Drage and his son Cory over the past six months as a gift to the club.
Mr Drage senior, who is a Vietnam Veteran from Port Kennedy, said the club had supported him and he hoped the submarine would help lift its profile and membership base.
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READ NOW“I got all the specifications for the submarine off the internet from the British Government because they were a secret weapon,” Mr Drage said.
“We got some drawings, made it all up and then built it.”
The 5.5m, two-man Chariot “human torpedo” submarines were used to get British frogmen close to enemy ships and place detachable warheads or mines on them.
Mr Drage said the club’s members were excited about the arrival of the replica submarine.
“It’s a big deal for the club and it’s the only one of its kind in Australia,” he said.
Mr Drage said the club catered for all veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force, whether they had a disability or not.
Club president Les Crowe said a lot of community work had gone into the project.
“We’ve now got something that is so rare,” he said.
He said there were a lot of veterans and service personnel in the region.
“We want to get the message out that we’ve got a club here for them,” he said.
The replica is set to be unveiled at the club’s headquarters, 1677 Mandurah Road, Baldivis, at 2pm tomorrow.
Veterans are invited to a gold coin gunfire breakfast at the club after the Port Kennedy Dawn Service concludes.
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