THE HMAS Cerberus Museum has joined forces with the Victorian Maritime Museum. The HMAS Cerberus Museum staff have installed their first display now on show at the Victorian Maritime Museum in Crib Point. The display reflects the heroic role the Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train played in the landings at Gallipoli. Included in the display is the actual Union Jack that was flown at Gallipoli by the RANBT.
The RANBT was created in February 1915 comprising of various volunteer Naval reserve personnel. ‘Train’ refers to the wagons they used to carry logistical materials used to build roads, railways and bridges. The RANBT first task was to support the Suvla Bay landings off the north of Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Peninsula.
They came under heavy fire whilst constructing pontoons, wharves, railways to transport stores, carrying out repair work and controlling the flow of fresh water to the frontline troops. Two RANBT men were killed and thirty others wounded. The RANBT’s remaining men were the last of the Australians to leave Gallipoli in December 1915. The RANBT was disbanded in May 1917, most personnel either returned to Australia or joined the AIF.
The Victorian Maritime Centre is open for self guided tours on weekends from 10am to 3pm.
First published in the Western Port News – 11 June 2025
