HMAS Choules (L100) 45cm – Bay Class Landing Ship Dock (Please inquire)

The HMAS Choules (L100) has an impressive history, originally serving in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as RFA Largs Bay before being acquired by the Royal Australian Navy in 2011. Named in honor of Claude Choules, Australia’s last WWI veteran, the ship is renowned for her role in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and amphibious operations. With the ability to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment, HMAS Choules has played a pivotal role in supporting Australia’s defense and humanitarian missions across the Pacific.

Now, you can own a piece of this remarkable history with our handcrafted HMAS Choules model. Built with exceptional attention to detail and the highest quality materials, this model faithfully represents the strength and service of the vessel, making it a meaningful addition to any collection.

Key Feature of the HMAS Choules model:

• Hand-crafted take on the hugely popular HMAS Choules.
• Thorough examination of historical sources to guarantee the accuracy of every detail in our model.
• Model from wooden planks which are made and shaped by hand for precision.
• Comes with on-frame construction and painted to match the real colours and tones.
• No plastic used, including objects found on ship deck.
• LED lights bring this HMAS Choules model to life, creating an enchanting ambiance even during the evenings.
• Fully ready for display; comes with a ship display name and a history sheer.
• Dimensions: 45 cm (length).

The History of HMAS Choules (L100)

HMAS Choules (L100) is a Bay-class Landing Ship Dock (LSD) in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), with a rich history spanning two navies. Originally commissioned as RFA Largs Bay in the United Kingdom in 2006, the ship was designed to support amphibious operations, including transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment. Built by Swan Hunter in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, it was named after Largs Bay in Scotland and served under the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). During this time, it demonstrated its versatility, notably in 2010 when it provided critical humanitarian aid to Haiti following a devastating earthquake.

In 2011, the UK Ministry of Defence decommissioned RFA Largs Bay as part of budgetary reductions. Recognizing the strategic value of the ship, the Australian government purchased it for AUD $100 million to enhance its amphibious and disaster relief capabilities. Upon joining the RAN, it was renamed HMAS Choules, in honor of Chief Petty Officer Claude Choules, the last known combat veteran of World War I and a longtime Australian resident. The ship officially entered service with the RAN in December 2011.

HMAS Choules is equipped for a variety of roles, with a spacious vehicle deck, a well dock for deploying landing craft, and accommodation for over 350 troops. Its helicopter flight deck further enhances its operational versatility. Since its induction into the RAN, it has been actively involved in disaster relief missions, such as providing aid to Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam in 2015 and supporting evacuations during the Australian bushfires in 2020. These missions highlight the ship’s role in both military and humanitarian efforts.

Today, HMAS Choules continues to serve as a key asset for the RAN, ensuring readiness for amphibious operations and disaster relief while contributing to regional security and stability. Its dual history under two navies underscores its adaptability and enduring importance as a vessel designed to meet the challenges of modern naval operations.