Tim to note.
Toni et al...Warren Whittaker and Lindsay Knight's system has been
variously the subject of interest, adulation, speculation, derision and
considerable disquiet here in Australia for many years now, especially given
that the proponents have recently claimed to have located and identified
two highly significant WWII wrecks from an aircraft based on the ship's
metallographic constituents. They have also reported 'sensing' human
bones, coal, an aircraft propeller etc. on these sites. While they claim
that the propeller is metallic, I am advised that it is wooden, however.
While publicly expressing my grave concerns at the history and public effect
of these claims, (which relate to HMAS Sydney and its adversary HSK
Kormoran) and which have antecedents that date back well over a decade) I
have deferred as a non-scientist and referred them to a scientific committee
led by Jeremy Green at the coming HMAS Sydney seminar on 16 November. This
is coordinated by Dr David Stevens and it is an analytical tool in the
location of the wreck of HMAS Sydney II.
There the claims will be analysed purely from a scientific perspective,
obviating the effect of any like myself who have for historical reasons
little faith in the reports. I also understand that Warren and lindsay have
tabled a substantial report of their finding and its scientific base to
that committee through Dr Stevens.
Remembering well the story of the man who laughed at Wilkinson when he
advised he was to build a boat of iron, 'for iron does not float', I
invited the group to perform a series of 'blind' tests administered by us or
another related institution a year or so ago. Though there was agreement
on the need for this step, the proponents have not yet been forthcoming,
though they advise they did find one wreck, the SS Cambewarra and identified
coal emanations from it. While making no implied or inherent criticism of
the proponent's honesty or veracity, given that the position of the site is
in the public domain, the test was not considered satisfactory proof of the
effectiveness of the system for that reason. I still await their attendance
at a supervised trial.
I am also awaiting the results of the 16 November Seminar and the
Scientific Committee's analyses of the system and would like to be proved
wrong in my beliefs, as would most of the navies of the world, who would
obviously covet a system such as this which is claimed to be capable of
locating from the air submerged wrecks even those lying in great depth.
I have cc'd this to Warren and the organiser of the coming seminar Dr David
Stevens so he can disseminate it to the various committees at the coming
forum. I have also appended your original inquiry below so that Warren and
Lindsay can deal direct.
Mack
Dr M. McCarthy
Curator of Maritime Archaeology
WA Maritime Museum
Cliff St
Fremantle
Western Australia
6160
Phone: 08 94318436
Fax: 08 94318489
See us on the Web: http://www.mm.wa.gov.au
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