UK/Can. carriers in Aus/NZ
Dave is correct that Aust/NZ carriers were "proofed" with a .303 cal. bullet (.308 is post war here ( i.e. 7.62mm )), however these guys have an English built carrier.
Australian carriers and the NZ manufactured models all used ABP3 armour plate. This process was performed locally and basically was achieved by removing the nickel from the steel plate then quelching at the correct point. This would increase the hardness and remove the malleability of the plate making it more difficult ( but not impossible ) for small arms and shrapnel to penetrate the hull. So our carriers too were armoured, but to prove this when the steel plate arrived at the various manufacturers, plates were lined up in some out of the way place and an apprentice would shoot at it with a .303. No hole through it = bullet proof, hole = mild steel, so it was sent back for a refund.
Simple really.
As for the chisel marks, have noticed them myself, but not know the where's or why's of it.
Pedr
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