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integrity
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The Fleet Commander after World War I, Rear Admiral John Dumaresq, RN, affords just
such an example of professional integrity. A man of exceptional ability and imagination, in
1904 he invented a mechanism that calculated predicted changes in range and deflection
that improved the accuracy of heavy naval guns. Although readily adopted by the Royal
Navy, and becoming a key gunnery instrument, Dumaresq’s device attracted no personal
reward other than a small one-off payment from the Admiralty. In 1906, however, the
instrument’s manufacturer wrote to him, admitting that ‘you have helped us to make
some money and even though one is a contractor some shreds of conscience remain …’ 9
The firm had enclosed the gift of a barometer, hoping that it ‘may always send fair and
prosperous weather’. Insulted, Dumaresq returned the box unopened and demanded an
apology from its sender. The high personal standards he set would allow nothing which
might be misconstrued as corrupt, and thus bring discredit upon himself or his Service.
Fundamental to Service ideals, virtue of this sort becomes its own reward.
Dumaresq’s sense of integrity regularly brought him into conflict with Australian
politicians, not least when he sought to protect the RAN’s interests in the face of apathy
and interference. Not wishing to be ‘crowned with a halo of popularity’, he instead
chose to speak plainly and publicly. During one press conference he expressed his
fears that resource cutbacks threatened the Navy’s soul, morale and spirit. Asked who
was responsible, the Government or the people?, Dumaresq’s response was emphatic,
‘I blame them both. People get the Government they deserve’. On another occasion,
Dumaresq submitted his resignation after political pressure saw the early release of
five sailors found guilty of mutiny. He did not so much object to the release, as to the
impression certain politicians fed to the media that the original sentences were unduly
severe and that Australians were not amenable to naval discipline. Believing that both
efficiency and discipline had been compromised in the Fleet, Dumaresq only withdrew
his resignation after obtaining the general distribution of a Government statement
acknowledging that remission for the mutineers was an act of clemency, extended to
all offenders following the proclamation of peace.
Expressed in terms such as these, integrity defines our greatest opportunity for
service to our country, because it requires a willingness to pursue the truth, act with
honesty and accept the consequences. It was a trait Dumaresq shared with Admiral
Sir Anthony Synnot, RAN, one of the most highly respected officers ever to serve in
the Australian Defence Force (ADF). As Chief of Defence Force Staff between 1979 and
1982, Synnot approached the task with strategic foresight and determination. Aware
that Australia needed to play a leading military role in the Asia-Pacific region, he began
a comprehensive program to improve the ADF’s capabilities. Among other initiatives,
Synnot persuaded the Fraser Government that replacement of the aging aircraft carrier
HMAS Melbourne (II) was a high priority, and was involved in the decision to buy HMS
Invincible. He did not shirk, however, from criticising the Government’s later plans to
reschedule several of these re-equipment programs, including the carrier purchase.