Father and son’s mini-sub honours Anzac sacrifice

The Totally and Partially Disabled Veterans clubrooms in Baldivis are set to unveil a special World War II mini replica submarine on Anzac Day.

The “human torpedo,” which is a to-scale model of a “frogman submarine,” has been constructed a long way from the ocean in Kalgoorlie-Boulder by father-son duo Laurence and Cory Drage.

Construction of the replica began six months ago and was instigated by father Laurie, who is a retired Vietnam veteran now living in Port Kennedy.

Mr Drage said the donation of the submarine to the TPDV was a show of gratitude to a club he could always go to and be understood by other veterans.

Cory Drage studied old photos and information online to get the right design, with the 5.5m replica weighing almost one tonne and made of recycled scrap metal.

While it won’t be embarking on any military operations, he said the project had made him better appreciate the sacrifice of the Anzacs and that it had been a pleasure to do something in honour of those who had fought for Australia.

TPDV president Leslie Crowe said the unveiling of the mini-sub would take place at 2pm on Anzac Day, with the replica to be put permanently on display at the clubrooms on Mandurah Road.