WHEN WW1 STARTED IN 1914, WE HAD JUST TAKEN DELIVERY OF TWO BRITISH-BUILT SUBMARINES. THE AE1 WAS SENT NORTH AS PART OF THE FORCE TO TAKE GERMAN NEW GUINEA OFF THE ENEMY AND AE2 THAT WAS ORDERED BACK TO EUROPE.

      AS PART OF THE ATTACK ON THE GALLIPOLI PENINSULAR, AE2 SAILED UP THE STRAITS, AVOIDING THE MINEFIELDS  AIMING FOR SHIPPING IN THE ISTANBUL AREA AND SANK AN ENEMY VESSEL.

      BEFORE SHE COULD ESCAPE, A TURKISH SHIP DAMAGED AE2 AND CAPTAIN STOKER HAD TO SCUTTLE HER AS HE AND HIS CREW ESCAPED TO BECOME PRISONERS OF WAR.

     HER REMAINS WERE FOUND IN RECENT YEARS AND DIVERS CAN NOW SEE HER SITTING ON THE FLOOR OF THE SEA OF MARMARA - A REMINDER OF AN EARLY SUCCESS OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY.