The Naval Historical Society is pleased to announce the launch of an essay competition named in honour of John Jeremy, the society’s long-standing Vice President, naval architect, shipbuilder, historian, author, editor, yachtsman, photographer and an inspiration to all who met him.
Please consider entering or pass this invitation on to another who may have an interest. We would like as many entries as possible form adults and students across Australia and beyond.
Original thinkers are invited to select one of nine topics spread across three categories.
2. Technological Changes
3. Preserving the Environment
The winning essays and honourable mentions will be published in The Naval Historical Review and presentations made in Sydney on 20 November 2026.
The competition is conducted in three divisions as follows.
- Professional Division: Includes Journalists, Defence Officials, Academics, Naval Personnel and previous contributors to Naval Historical Review.
- Adult Novice: Non-professional adults over 18 years of age not working as a professional.
- Senior Students: Students aged 16 to 18 years of age.
Essay length
Professional and Adult Novice entries should be 2,500 to 3,000 words in length.
Senior Students, entries should be 1,200 to 1,500 words in length.
| Prizes | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
| Professional | $1,500.00 | $500.00 | $200.00 |
| Adult Novice | $1,500.00 | $500.00 | $200.00 |
| Senior Students | $1,500.00 | $500.00 | $200.00 |
Highly Commended Entries
At the organising committee’s discretion additional non-monetary awards may be made. These could take the form of book prizes, Sydney Harbour naval history cruises and ship or establishment visits subject to RAN approval.
Deadline for Entries: Friday 16 October 2026.
Competition rules and full details about the competition can be found on the
Naval Historical Website, https://navyhistory.au/. Select the button on the home page.
