Grouping of ships to sail together under naval escort in wartime. In World War I (191418) navy escort vessels were at first used only to accompany troopships, but the convoy system was adopted for merchant shipping when the unrestricted German submarine campaign began in 1917. In World War II (193945) the convoy system was widely used by the Allies to keep the Atlantic sea lanes open.
The Union Jack marks Australia's historical links with Britain. The Southern Cross helped guide early European navigators to the continent. Effective date: 15 April 1954.