The Big Submarine
Holbrook Landmark
By BILL CONDON
In recent years Australia has become home to a large number of man-made giants -- weird and wonderful creations such as the Big Pineapple, the Big Banana, the Big Sheep and the Big Potato.
These are all intended to be a bit of fun, a way to catch the attention of passing motorists, who may stop and smile, spend a few dollars and perhaps have their photo taken next to a weird and wonderful giant.
But there's a giant of a different kind that resides in the town of Holbrook, which is on the Hume Highway about midway between Sydney and Melbourne.
Holbrook's best known feature is a full-sized submarine, the HMAS Otway. Motorists cannot help but see it as they drive through the town, and once seen, curiosity runs rampant. Why in the world does this little dot on the map of inland Australia have its very own submarine?
It all began in World War I
The story begins during World War I. Then Holbrook was known as Germanton. Given that our country was engaged in war with Germany, the town elders wisely decided that a name-change was in order.
At about this time Lieutenant Norman Holbrook became the first naval Victoria Cross winner of the war for his gallantry in sinking a Turkish battleship with the submarine he commanded.
It was soon decided that the town could do no better than be named after a great war hero, and so in 1915, Germanton became Holbrook. Ever since then it has maintained a special link with submarines.
Submerged in history
Holbrook Council acquired the Otway when it was decommissioned and scrapped. The above-the-water section was rebuilt and is now on permanent display in Holbrook's Germanton Park. It measures 90 metres from bow to stern.
Also on display, are an actual torpedo of the kind used by Lieutenant Holbrook. Nearby, at the Woolpack Inn Museum you'll find an extensive collection of Lieutenant Holbrook memorabilia, including replicas of his VC.
Perhaps next time you're down Holbrook way you'll stop awhile, and like me, you'll become "submerged" in the town's unusual history.
Have you an interesting travel story? Share it with us.
