Alma’s army days on display

NewQuay resident Lachlan Pitts last month learned how tall ship Alma Doepel was requisitioned by the Australian Army and played a role in World War II.

Every week, Alma volunteers conduct tours of the restoration facility on North Wharf to educate people on the history of Docklands-based Alma.

Starting at Library at the Dock at 10am on Wednesdays, the free tours meander down the wharf to where Alma Doepel is being restored by a team of shipwrights.

Called Soldiers at Sea, a fascinating static exhibition has been established in Shed 2.

Volunteer Bill Reid explained that it was unusual for the army to become involved in marine transport but did so because the navy’s proposed timeline did not suit.

He said the low-draft and highly manoeuvrable Alma was well suited to the tricky waters around New Guinea.