Sending away current passport with New Passport Application

[Haideez]

Hello all, I have a couple of quick questions -

I am Australian by birth but received Naturalisation in December 2015 but have yet to apply for my British passport. I have read the 'Applying for a passport' booklet from the HM Passport Office and the British passport application processing times thread on here but just wanted to clarify something -

I need to send my current (uncancelled Australian) passport away with my application, correct? As in the Check and Send service offered by the Post Office does not make a verified copy for me and give me back my passport I am assuming?

Also I noticed on the British passport application processing times thread on here that the 'Date of return of documents' is often much earlier than the new British passport being issued, am I right in assuming that my original (current) passport is part of those returned documents?

The reason I ask is I am looking to go away in July and I know it can take up to 6 weeks to receive the new British passport, but if I have my original current one I should be able to travel on that if it gets sent back sooner I'm hoping.

[CR001]

Yes, the passport is part of the 'supporting documents' that is returned.

Bear in mind that June/July is peak season at the passport office and delays can occur.

[Haideez]

Thanks for the advice CR001, much appreciated.