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Light cruiser HMAS Sydney (D 48)

20 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle for patrol in the Western Australia focal area. She was to end the patrol at Albany.

Orders were changed the next day and she was not to proceed to the East of Cape Leeuwin so the idea to end the patrol at Albany was abandoned. (1)

23 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived at Geraldton from patrol. (1)

25 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Geraldton for Fremantle. (1)

26 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Geralton. (1)

27 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Rottnest Island. (1)

29 Nov 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle to patrol along the Colombo - Fremantle trade route. (1)

2 Dec 1939
Around 0600H/2, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) made rendezvous with HMAS Canberra (Capt. W.R. Patterson, RN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral J.G. Crace, RN) and HMAS Australia (Capt. R.R. Stewart, RN). Exercises were then carried out until 1100H/2, when HMAS Sydney parted company to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 1800H/2. (2)

6 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle for torpedo firing exercises on completion of which she proceeded to provide cover for the liner Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935) until about 40 miles east of Cape Leeuwin around 0800H/8.

HMAS Sydney then proceeded to provide cover for the transport Waimarama (British, 12843 GRT, built 1938) until off Cape Leeuwin.

HMAS Sydney returned to Fremantle around 0700H/12. (3)

13 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1345H/13, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle for Sydney. (3)

18 Dec 1939
Around 1345H/18, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Fremantle. (3)

19 Dec 1939 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) commenced a short refit and docking period at Sydney. Also leave was given to her crew. (4)

8 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Sydney for Jervis Bay. En route exercises were conducted which continued for the remainder of the day also inside Jervis Bay. (5)

9 Jan 1940
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Jervis Bay for duty with convoy US 1.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 1 ' for 6 January 1940.] (5)

12 Jan 1940
HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Commodore H.E. Horan, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) conducted gunnery exercises off Sydney before entering harbour. (5)

16 Jan 1940
HMS Leander (from the New Zealand Division) (Commodore H.E. Horan, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) conducted gunnery and range and inclination exercises off Sydney.

They parted company on completion of the exercises.

HMS Leander setting course to return to New Zealand. (5)

17 Jan 1940
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) conducted night and dawn exercises with the Fortress at Newcastle to test the defences. She returned to Sydney around 1100K/17.

At 1930K/17, HMAS Sydney left harbour to assist in the salvage of the Battle Practice Target which had grounded off Sydney. She sailed with around 200 ratings short as leave had been given and not all ratings were able to return to the ship in time after leave had been cancelled and the crew recalled. (5)

18 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At 1709K/18, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived back at Sydney. (5)

19 Jan 1940
At 0730K/19, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Sydney to continue to assist in the salvage operations of the Battle Practice Target. She returned to harbour later the same day after the salvage attempts had been successful. (5)

25 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
During 25/26 January 1940, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. (5)

29 Jan 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) and HMAS Manoora (Cdr. A.H. Spurgeon, RAN) conducted exercises off Sydney. (5)

1 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900K/1, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Sydney for Portland. (6)

3 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
A.M. on 3 February 1940 HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived at Portland.

Around 1245K/3, HMAS Sydney departed Portland for Fremantle. (6)

8 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0730H/8, HMAS Sydney arrived at Fremantle from Portland.

She had spent some time at Albany the previous day. (6)

15 Feb 1940
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) conducted exercises off Rottnest Islands, which included night exercises, on completion of which she proceeded to Bunbury arriving there the following day for a visit.

She departed Bunbury again to be off Rottnest Island for a dawn 'attack' on the 17th on completion of which she returned to Fremantle harbour. (6)

22 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle for patrol. On leaving harbour 4" HA firings were carried out on a sleeve target which was towed by Sydney's own aircraft. The aircraft however could not be recovered due to the sea state and proceeded to Carnarvon via Geralton. (6)

23 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1830H/23, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived at Carnarvon from patrol. Here she re-embarked her aircraft. (6)

24 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1900H/24, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Carnarvon for patrol. (6)

27 Feb 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from patrol. (6)

5 Mar 1940
Around 0930H/5, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle for patrol. On leaving harbour gunnery and torpedo firing exercises were carried out. On completion of the exercises HMAS Sydney proceeded on patrol off Western Austalia. (7)

7 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) returned to Fremantle from patrol. (7)

13 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0900H/13, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle for patrol. On leaving harbour gunnery exercises were carried out including HA exercises on a sleeve target towed by HMAS Sydney's own aircraft. On completion of the exercises HMAS Sydney proceeded on patrol off Western Austalia.

14 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) anchored off Busselton P.M. this day. (7)

15 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) returned to Fremantle. (7)

19 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930H/19, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle for patrol. On leaving harbour exercises, including torpedo firing, were carried out. On completion of the exercises HMAS Sydney proceeded on patrol off Western Austalia. (7)

21 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) returned to Fremantle, P.M. this day, from patrol. (7)

24 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100H/24, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle to provide cover for the troopship Duntroon (Australian, 10346 GRT, built 1935) which was on passage through the area. (7)

26 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) returned to Fremantle from patrol. (7)

31 Mar 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1000H/31, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle for patrol to provide cover for the troopship Manunda (Australian, 9115 GRT, built 1929) which was passing through the area. (7)

1 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) made rendezvous with the troopship Manunda (Australian, 9115 GRT, built 1929). On joining a range and inclination exercise was carried out during which the troopship acted as 'target'.

Around 0210H/2, they parted company. HMAS Sydney then set course to provide cover for first, the Empress of Britain (British, 42348 GRT, built 1931) and later for the Aquitania (British, 44786 GRT, built 1914). (8)

8 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0720H/8, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) returned to Fremantle after escort / cover duties. (8)

10 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0940H/10, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle to search for Danish and Norwegian merchant vessels in the Western Australia focal area. (8)

13 Apr 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0700H/13, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) returned to Fremantle from patrol. (8)

14 Apr 1940
Around 0900H/14, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Fremantle to search for the Norwegian tankers Anglo Maersk (7705 GRT, built 1930).

Around 1245H/14, HMAS Sydney encountered the Anglo Maersk and proceeded with her to Fremantle arriving around 1900H/14. (8)

1 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN), which is en-route to Fremantle after convoy escort duties, is ordered to proceed to Colombo at best speed. As it was not possible to reach Colombo with the fuel remaining it was decided to proceed to Colombo via Singapore. Course was therefore set towards the Sunda Strait. (9)

5 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1520G/5, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived at Keppel Harbour, Singapore where she immediately commenced fuelling. She departed for Colombo around midnight 5/6 May 1940. (9)

8 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1830EF/8, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived at Colombo from Singapore. (9)

10 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1630EF/10, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Colombo to search for the Dutch liner Christiaan Huygens (Dutch, 16287 GRT, built 1927).

The Dutch vessel had not been sighted before HMAS Sydney was ordered at 1030EF/11 to return at best speed to Colombo.

HMAS Sydney returned to Colombo around 1730EF/11. (9)

12 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730EF/12, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Colombo to make rendezvous with convoy US 3 in position 10°10'S, 93°20'E.

Around 0200F/16, when just a few hours away from the rendezvous position, HMAS Sydney was ordered to return to Colombo which she did around 1900EF/18. (9)

19 May 1940
Around 0800EF/19, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) departed Colombo for Aden at 23 knots.

Orders were received to proceed to Aden with despatch and speed was therefore increased to 27 knots.

Not long after departure, at 1045EF/19, in position 06°45'N, 79°15'E, a whale or large shark was struck by the starboard outer propeller. A slight bump was felt and the carcass was seen floating away nearly cut in half with blood, etc. surrounding it. Later divers checked the propeller for damage but no damage was found. (9)

24 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930C/24, HMS Gloucester (Capt. F.R. Garside, CBE, RN) parted company to proceed ahead to Suez. HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) continued on to Suez in company with each other. (9)

25 May 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1915C/25, HMS Eagle (Capt. A.R.M. Bridge, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived at Suez.

Around one hour later HMAS Sydney departed to pass the Suez Canal northbound. (9)

26 May 1940
Around 0515C/26, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) arrived off Port Said but she did not enter the port and immediately left for Alexandria arriving there around 1445C/26.

At Alexandria she joined the Mediterranean Fleet. (9)

18 Jul 1940
Around 0430C/18, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, RAN) and the destroyer HMS Havock (Cdr. R.E. Courage, DSO, DSC, RN) departed Alexandria for an anti-shipping raid in the Gulf of Athens. They were to pass through the Kaso Strait around 2000C/18 and proceed towards the Gulf of Athens. After the raid they were to pass through the Anti-Kithera Channel as to arrive at Alexandria at 1400C/20. (10)

8 Sep 1940
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is docked in the floating dock at Alexandria. (11)

10 Sep 1940
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is undocked. (11)

17 Sep 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is again docked in the floating dock at Alexandria. (12)

18 Sep 1940
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is undocked. (11)

23 Sep 1940
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) completed a short refit and docking period at Alexandria. (13)

24 Sep 1940
Around 1400C/24, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Alexandria to patrol near Cyprus to provide cover for the netlayer HMS Protector (Cdr. R.J. Gardner, RN) which had departed Alexandria early in the evening of 22 September to intercept the Vichy French passenger ship Theophile Gautier (8194 GRT, built 1926) which was to departed Beirut for Southern France on the 24th.

When it became known that the Vichy ship was delayed in sailing, HMS Protector was ordered to proceed to Famagusta where she arrived around 1900C/25.

HMAS Sydney returned to Alexandria arriving around 0300C/26. (14)

17 Nov 1940
Around 1500C/17, HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Piraeus for patrol in the Aegean.

Around 0700C/18, HMS Orion parted company and proceeded to Suda Bay where she arrived around 1115C/18.

Around 1500C/18, HMS Orion departed Suda Bay and rejoined HMS Ajax and HMAS Sydney around 1600C/18. The cruisers then resumed their patrol in the Aegean.

Around 0930C/20, the three cruisers arrived at Alexandria. (15)

5 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
the battleship HMS Warspite (Capt. D.B. Fisher, CBE, RN, flying the flag of Admiral Sir A.B. Cunningham, KCB, DSO, RN), light cruisers HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN), HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMS Jervis (Capt. P.J. Mack, DSO, RN), HMS Juno (Cdr. St.J.R.J. Thyrwhitt, RN), HMS Mohawk (Cdr. J.W.M. Eaton, RN), HMS Nubian (Cdr. R.W. Ravenhill, RN) and HMS Gallant (Lt.Cdr. C.P.F. Brown, DSC, RN) conducted exercises off Alexandria. (16)

6 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1015B/6, HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Alexandria for Suda Bay where they arrived around 1215B/7. (17)

7 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1445B/7, HMS Orion (Capt. G.R.B. Back, RN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral H.D. Pridham-Whippell, CB, CVO, RN), HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Suda Bay for patrol in the Aegean. They arrived at Piraeus around 1030B/8. (17)

10 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1630B/10, HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Piraeus for patrol in the Aegean. (18)

12 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1315B/12, HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Suda Bay from patrol.

After having completed fuelling they departed again around 1630B/12 to resume their patrol. (18)

13 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930B/13, HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Piraeus from patrol. (18)

14 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1700B/14, HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Piraeus to patrol in the Aegean. (18)

15 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0645B/15, HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) parted company. HMAS Ajax remained on patrol while HMAS Sydney proceeded to Suda Bay to fuel. She arrived there around 0845B/15 and left again around 1315B/15 to resume patrol.

Around 1330B/15, HMS Ajax then entered Suda Bay to fuel leaving again around 1600B/15.

The two cruisers rejoined company for patrol around 1720B/15. (18)

16 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0845B/16, HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Piraeus from patrol.

Around 1145B/16, they departed for Suda Bay where they arrived around 1800B/16. (18)

17 Dec 1940 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0300B/17, HMS Ajax (Capt. E.D. McCarthy, RN) and HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Suda Bay for operations.

[For more info see the event ' Operations MC 2, MC 3 and HIDE ' for 15 December 1940.] (18)

23 Dec 1940
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Malta for a short refit. (19)

24 Dec 1940
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is docked in No.4 dock at the Malta Dockyard. (19)

5 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is undocked. (20)

11 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600B/11, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Alexandria for Port Said.

She entered the Suez Canal around 0340B/12.

Around 1900B/12 she arrived in Suez Bay where she topped off with fuel and departed at 2100B/12 to overtake and join convoy SW 4B.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy SW 4B ' for 12 January 1941.] (20)

20 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
On parting company with convoy SW 4B, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), set course for Mogadishu, Italian Somaliland to reconnoitre that port which she did on 21 January. On completion of this task course was set for Port Victoria, Seychelles. (20)

24 Jan 1941
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles to fuel. After completion she departed again in search of an enemy raider after a distress signal had been received from the British transport Mandasor (5144 GRT, built 1920) which was sunk that day by the German raider Atlantis to the east of the Seychelles in position 04°18'S, 61°00'E. (20)

27 Jan 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) returned to Port Victoria, Seychelles from patrol. The enemy raider had not been sighted.

After having completed fuelling she departed for Fremantle later the same day. (20)

5 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Port Victoria, Seychelles.

After fuelling she departed for Sydney later the same day. (21)

9 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Sydney very late in the evening. (21)

12 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) commenced a short refit at the Garden Island naval base at Sydney. (21)

27 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) completed her short refit at Sydney. (21)

28 Feb 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted post refit trials off Sydney. These included a full power trial.

On completion of these trials course was set for Melbourne. (21)

28 Mar 1941
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the troopships Mauretania (British, 35739 GRT, built 1939) and Nieuw Amsterdam (Dutch, 36287 GRT, built 1938) towards Wellington, New Zealand.

They parted company around 0930L/30 about 150 miles from the New Zealand coast, with the troopships arriving at Wellington later the same day. HMAS Sydney set course to return to Sydney. (22)

1 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) returned to Sydney from escort duty. (23)

5 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is docked in the Sutherland Dock at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard for repairs to an oil fuel tank and the change of two propellers. (23)

8 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is undocked. (23)

9 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0600K/9, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Sydney escorting the troopship Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936) to Jervis Bay where they arrived around 1245K/9.

To provide A/S protection for the troopship the auxiliary patrol vessel HMAS Kybra (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Little, RANR(S)) and the minesweeper HMAS Goulburn (Lt. B. Paul, RANR(S)) patrolled off the entrance to the bay. (23)

10 Apr 1941
Around 0915K/10, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the troopship Queen Mary (British, 81235 GRT, built 1936) departed Jervis Bay to join convoy US 10 at sea on 11 April.

At 1000K/10, HMS Achilles (New Zealand Division) (Capt. H.M. Barnes, RN) took over from HMAS Sydney which then set course for Sydney arriving around 1430K/10.

[For more info on this convoy see the event ' Convoy US 10 ' for 7 April 1941.] (23)

11 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800K/11, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Sydney for Port Philip. (23)

12 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0930K/12, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) made a short stop off Portsea where she embarked the First Naval Member and staff. She then departed for Fremantle. (23)

15 Apr 1941
Around 0930H/15, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Fremantle where she fuelled.

Around 1530H/15, she departed Fremantle for Singapore. (23)

19 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around mid-afternoon, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at the Singapore Naval Base. (23)

22 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Late in the afternoon, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Singapore for Fremantle. (23)

27 Apr 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1130H/27, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Fremantle from Singapore. (23)

6 May 1941
Around 0900H/6, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Fremantle for patrol. On departure from Fremantle gunnery exercises were carried out. (24)

9 May 1941 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1730H/9, HMAS Sydney (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) returned to Fremantle from patrol. (24)

Heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (83)

20 Apr 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMS Shropshire was recommissioned as HMAS Shropshire on this day. (25)

27 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
With her refit completed, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) proceeded from the Chatham Dockyard to Sheerness.

Later that day compass swing trials were carried out. (26)

30 Jun 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted D/G trials at Tilbury. (26)

1 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100B/1, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Sheerness for Scapa Flow. She is being escorted by HMS Worcester (Lt. J.A.H. Hamer, RN). (27)

2 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1200B/2, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and HMS Worcester (Lt. J.A.H. Hamer, RN) arrived at Scapa Flow from Sheerness. (27)

8 Jul 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted D/F calibration trails at Scapa Flow. (28)

9 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. (28)

12 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted underway refuelling exercises at Scapa Flow during which the destroyer HMS Beagle (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Murch, RN) was fuelled. (28)

16 Jul 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. These included rangefinding and inclination exercises (RIX) with HMS Sheffield (Capt. C.T. Addis, RN), exercises with aircraft and AA gunnery exercises. (28)

19 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted torpedo firing exercises in the Pentland Firth. Four destroyers were in company, these may have been HMS Onslow (Capt. J.A. McCoy, DSO, RN), HMS Obdurate (Lt.Cdr. C.E.L. Sclater, DSO and Bar, RN), HMS Opportune (Cdr. J. Lee-Barber, DSO and Bar, RN) and HMS Brilliant (Lt. J. Smallwood, RN). (28)

24 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. These included radar exercises during which HMS Scourge (Lt.Cdr. G.I.M. Balfour, RN) acted as target. (28)

26 Jul 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted underway refuelling exercises at Scapa Flow during which HMS Icarus (Lt.Cdr. R. Dyer, RN) was fuelled.

On completion of these exercises HMAS Shropshire left Scapa Flow and conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth during the remainder of the day. (28)

27 Jul 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. She then returned to Scapa Flow where she conducted bombardment exercises. (28)

29 Jul 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth.

She also acted as target for the submarine HMS Stubborn (Lt. A.A. Duff, RN) during exercises for the C.O.Q.C. (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course).

Before returning to Scapa Flow, HMAS Shropshire made several runs over the measured mile. (28)

11 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) completed her work-up programme at Scapa Flow.

No further details known since 29 July as no log is available after this date.] (29)

12 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
His Majesty the King visited Scapa Flow on 12/13 August 1943.

HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) was also visited on the 12th. (29)

13 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Early in the afternoon, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock. (29)

14 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. (29)

26 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Freetown from the U.K. (29)

27 Aug 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Freetown for Capetown. (29)

4 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Capetown from Freetown. (30)

5 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Capetown for Durban. (30)

7 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Durban from Capetown. (30)

14 Sep 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Durban for Fremantle. (30)

2 Oct 1943
Around 0730K/2, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Fremantle. She was then taken in hand for a short refit. (31)

25 Oct 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is docked in the Woolwich Dry Dock of the Morts Dock shipyard. (31)

28 Oct 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is undocked. She then conducted D/G trials at Sydney. (31)

29 Oct 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1600L/29, the heavy cruiser Around 1200B/2, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and destroyer HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) departed Sydney for Moreton Bay / Brisbane. (31)

30 Oct 1943
Around 1900L/30, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) arrived in Moreton Bay from Sydney. HMAS Warramunga then continued on to Brisbane. (31)

1 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) and HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted day and night gunnery exercises in Moreton Bay. (32)

2 Nov 1943
Around 1130L/2, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, with COMDESRON 4, T/Capt. F.R. Walker, USN on board), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and USS Helm (T/Cdr. W.B. Braun, USN) departed Moreton Bay for exercises and then to the Percy Islands. The next day Rear-Admiral Crutchley was ordered to take Task Force 74 to Milne Bay, New Guinea. (32)

5 Nov 1943
Around 0930L/5, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, with COMDESRON 4, T/Capt. F.R. Walker, USN on board), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and USS Helm (T/Cdr. W.B. Braun, USN) arrived at Milne Bay from Moreton Bay (Brisbane).

COMDESRON 4, T/Capt. F.R. Walker, USN, then transferred his flag to the destroyer USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN). (33)

8 Nov 1943
Around 0800L/8, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN, with COMDESRON 4, T/Capt. F.R. Walker, USN), USS Helm (T/Cdr. W.B. Braun, USN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) departed Milne Bay for exercises.

They returned to Milne Bay (Gili Gili) around 1020L/9. (33)

11 Nov 1943
Around 1700L/11, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN, with COMDESRON 4, T/Capt. F.R. Walker, USN), USS Helm (T/Cdr. W.B. Braun, USN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Purvis Bay, Florida Island, Solomon Islands. (33)

13 Nov 1943
Around 0900L/13, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN, with COMDESRON 4, T/Capt. F.R. Walker, USN), USS Helm (T/Cdr. W.B. Braun, USN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) arrived at Purvis Bay from Milne Bay. (33)

15 Nov 1943
Around 1500L/15, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN, with COMDESRON 4, T/Capt. F.R. Walker, USN), USS Helm (T/Cdr. W.B. Braun, USN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) departed Purvis Bay to return to Milne Bay. (33)

17 Nov 1943
Around 1645L/17, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN, with COMDESRON 4, T/Capt. F.R. Walker, USN), USS Helm (T/Cdr. W.B. Braun, USN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) arrived at Milne Bay from Purvis Bay. (33)

19 Nov 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0830L/19, the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) departed Milne Bay for exercises.

The destroyers returned around 1330L/19, the cruisers around 1700L/19. (33)

22 Nov 1943
Around 0615L/22, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN, with COMDESRON 4, T/Capt. F.R. Walker, USN), USS Helm (T/Cdr. W.B. Braun, USN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) departed Milne Bay for exercises.

They returned to Milne Bay (Gili Gili) between 1155L/23 and 1310L/23. (33)

6 Dec 1943
Around 1000L/06, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), light cruisers USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN), USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN) and the destroyers USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN, with COMDESRON 4, T/Capt. F.R. Walker, USN), USS Helm (T/Lt.Cdr. S.K. Santmyers, USN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) departed Milne Bay for exercises.

At 0615L/7, HMAS Warramunga and USS Helm were detached to make rendezvous with the troop transport West Point (American, 26454 GRT, built 1940) approaching Milne Bay from the southward.

The other ships of Task Force 74 returned to Milne Bay (Gili Gili) in the forenoon of December 7th. (34)

10 Dec 1943 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The cruisers of Task Force 74; HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN) and USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN) conducted AA gunnery and bombardment exercises at Milne Bay. (35)

13 Dec 1943
Around 0001L/13, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN) and USS Helm (T/Lt.Cdr. S.K. Santmyers, USN) departed Milne Bay for fighter direction exercises near Normanby Island.

They returned to Milne Bay around 1330L/13. (34)

15 Dec 1943

Operation Director

Landings at Arawe on New Britain.

Cover Force

Around 0700L/14, Task Group 74.1, made up of Task Group 74.1.1, which were the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and Task Group 74.1.2 which were the destroyers HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN (now Commander Destroyers Task Force 74)) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) , USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN) and USS Helm (T/Lt.Cdr. S.K. Santmyers, USN) departed Milne Bay to support the landings at Arawa on New Britain (operation Director) as part of operation Dexterity which in itself was part of operation Cartwheel which objection was to neutralise the major Japanese base at Rabaul. Task Group 74.1 was the cover group for operation Director.

Task Group 74.2, made up of the light cruisers USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN) and USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN), remained at Milne Bay at two hours notice for the moment.

Landing Force

The landings were to be carried out by Task Force 76 which was organised as follows;
CTG 76 (Headquarters Group) was on board the destroyer USS Conyngham. COMTASKFOR 76 was T/R.Adm. D.E. Barbey, USN.
Task Group 76.1 was the Transport Task Group of the amphibious transport HMAS Westralia and the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall.
Task Group 76.2 was the APD Task Group made up of seven APD's (APD = High Speed Transport).
Task Group 76.5 was the LCT Task Group made up of LCT from LCT Flot 7.
Task Group 76.6 was the Destroyer Task Group. This group was divided into Task Group 76.6.1 which was the escort unit made up of the destroyers USS Shaw, USS Drayton, USS Bagley and USS Mugford. Task Group 76.6.2 which was the bombardment unit made up of the destroyers USS Mahan, USS Lamson, USS Flusser, USS Reid and USS Smith.
Task Group 76.7 was the Escort and Minesweeping Group and was made up of 4 PC's, 9 SC's, 5 YMS and 1 APc. But more ships were in available in the forward area.
Task Group 76.8 was the Service Group and was made up of a repair ship, two landing craft repair ships (LST's), a 'medical' landing ship (LST) and two tugs.
Task Group 76.9 was the landing craft control group and was divided into four sub groups; 76.9.1 was the Buna Unit. 76.9.2 was the Cro Bay Unit. 76.9.3 was the Goodenough Unit. 76.9.4 was the Cape Cretin Unit.
Task Group 76.10 was the Beachmaster Unit.

At 1530L/14, CTF 76 in USS Conyngham (T/Cdr. J.H. Ward, USN, with T/R.Adm. D.E. Barbey, USN on board) departed Buna for Arawe in company with the first and second attack echelons and their escorts. The other ships in the convoy were the following, amphibious transport HMAS Westralia (Cdr. A.V. Knight, RD, RANR(S)), dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Harris, USNR), high speed transports USS Humphreys (T/Lt.Cdr. Frank Dewey Schwartz, USN) and USS Sands (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Brogger, Jr., USNR), destroyers USS Shaw (T/Cdr. R.H. Phillips, USN, with COMDESRON 5, T/Capt. J.H. Carter, USN on board), USS Drayton (T/Cdr. R.S. Craighill, USN), USS Bagley (T/Cdr. T.E. Chambers, USN), USS Mugford (T/Cdr. H.G. Corey, USN), USS Mahan (T/Cdr. J.T. Smith, USN), USS Lamson (T/Cdr. J.R. Rubins, USN), USS Flusser (T/Cdr. J.A. Robbins, USN), USS Reid (T/Cdr. H.H. McIlhenny, USN, with COMDESDIV 10, T/Capt. C.D. Reynolds, USN on board), USS Smith (T/Cdr. R.A. Theobald, Jr., USN), patrol craft USS PC-479 (Lt. M.C. White, USNR), USS PC-1122 (Lt. J.J. Peck, USNR), USS SC-742 (Lt. R.H. Blake, USNR), USS SC-981 (Lt.(jg) R.A. Campbell, USNR) and minesweeper USS YMS-51 (Lt. F.P. Allen, Jr., USNR).

1800L/14, after passing Cape Ward Hunt this force set course for Finschhaven as a deceptive move. Two Catalina flying boats provided A/S escort for the convoy.

1900L/14, the third attack echelon was scheduled to depart Cape Cretin. This echelon was made up of seven LCT's; USS LCT 172, USS LCT 174, USS LCT 176, USS LCT 374, USS LCT 378, LCT 380 and USS LCT 381. They were escorted by the patrol vessel USS SC-699 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Foristel, USNR), minesweeper USS YMS-70 (Lt. B.M. Brink, USNR) and coastal transport USS APc-4 (Lt.(jg) E.R. Edwards, USNR). USS LCT-378 and USS LCT-380 however were stuck on the beach and could not sail with the third attack echelon and remained behind but were able to departed around 1945L/14.

1900L/14, Task Group 74.1 passed north of Kiriwina Island and proceeded to the north-west at 27 knots.

2030L/14, the convoy with the first and second echelons changed its course to 040 to proceed to Arawe.

0100L/15, Task Group 74.1 was now about 25 nautical to the east of the first and second attack echelons. Task Group 74.1 remained 25 nautical miles to the east of the Arawe attack force until 0400L/15.

0315L/15, an enemy floatplane circled the convoy and dropped a stick of bombs near USS Reid. It was now apparent that the Allied movement had been spotted and that the element of surprise had been lost.

0400L/15, the convoy was led into the Transport Area by USS Conyngham. USS Humpreys and USS Sands had previously left the formation (around 0320L/15) escorted by USS Lamson and USS Shaw, they were to proceed to vicinity of Cape Merkus. HMAS Westralia and USS Carter Hall immediately began unloading. By 0500L/15, USS Cartel Hall had launched all her 41 DUKW's, Buffaloes and Alligators.

Task Group 74.1, the cover group, at this moment still 25 nautical miles to the east of the Arawe attack force commenced to sweep eastwards along the south coast of New Britain about 15 miles from the coast.

0500L/15, Task Group 74.1 had just increased speed to 27 knots and set course for a position to the north of Kiriwina Island when HMAS Warramunga got a sound contact and dropped a full pattern of depth charges on it. The attack could not be followed up as dawn was approaching and HMAS Warramunga was ordered to rejoin the Task Group.

0505L/15, HMAS Westralia and USS Carter Hall had completed unloading and then left the area for Buna escorted by the destroyers USS Bagley, USS Mugford, USS Drayton and the patrol vessels USS PC-1120 and USS PC-1129. They arrived at Buna around 1625L/15. HMAS Westralia, USS Carter Hall then immediately departed for Milne Bay, escorted by USS Conyngham and USS Bagley.

0515L/15, the leading wave of amphibious tractors was sighted heading full speed towards Arawe harbour, which if continued, would place them well ahead of schedule. USS SC-742, having learned from the leader that he had misunderstood his orders, ordered them to turn back to kill time.

0530L/15, the landing plan for Blue Beach called for three waves of five rubber boats each, but the troop commander desired to use four waves of four boats each. Due to the narrowness of the beach, this change appeared feasible and was accepted. Just as the first wave was about to land, Japanese, entrenched along and in the general vicinity of Blue Beach opened up with machine gun and mortar fire. The Japanese fire raked back and forth across all waves. The situation became most critical since it was not possible to determine the exact location of our troops, and it was considered better not to open ship counter battery fire until our troops could be located definitely.

0533L/15, USS Shaw proceed to a firing position where she was able to open fire without endangering our own troops. Two salvos silenced the Japanese. As far as is known, no troops reached the beach. The succeeding waves scrattered and returned to USS Shaw. After daylight survivors were recovered by destroyers and landing craft in the area.

USS SC-742 escorted the amphibious tractors of the first wave toward Orange Beach, via Pilelio Passage, but the succeeding waves failed to join up. The control LCVP was sent to herd them on, while the first wave stalled along losing time rapidly.

0615L/15, the Naval Gun Fire Support Group commenced bombardment on Orange Beach five minutes behind schedule, anticipating a delay in the first wave.

0625L/15, Six B-25 bombers reported on station in the Arawe Area for close support.

0637L/15, the naval bombardment ceased on Orange Beach and USS Shaw opened fire for three minutes on the ridge east of Cape Merkub. The bombardment did not draw enemy fire.

0645L/15, USS SC-742 fired 20mm on Cape Merkub as she entered the pass into Arawe Harbour. At the same time USS SC-981 laid a heavy and accurate rocket barrage on the beach and bluff east of the Cape. They drew no return fire.

0705L/15, USS SC-742 fired 49 rockets on Orange Beach as the first wave was 200 yards from the shore.

0708L/15, the B-25 bombers were ordered to bombard and stafe Cape Merkub and the area behind Orange Beach.

0710L/15, The first wave of amphibious tractors hit the beach, 40 minutes late, due partly to the late start, partly to the slowness in joining up, and partly to the unexpected current in Pilelio Passage.

0715L/15, Eight P-38 aircraft arrived on station as air cover over the landing area. USS Shaw was acting as fighter director ship, with USS Reid standing by.

0730L/15, Seven B-25 bombers comprising the second air support group relieved the first which departed to the eastward to find alternate targets to bomb on the track leading to Cape Bali.

0750L/15, The third wave of alligators landed, followed closely the fourth and fifth waves. The following three waves (ESB craft) were forced to lay to in Pelelio passage due to the slowness of the alligators.

0800L/15, Sixteen P-38's were on aircombat patrol over the landing area.

0810L/15, The sixth wave landed. The LCP's beached 30 yards from the shore and the troops waded ashore in three feet of water over the reefs.

0820L/15, USS Shaw, standing by as support off Blue Beach, picked up one officer and 19 men of the assault troops who failed to reach the beach.

0830L/15, The beachmaster reported the landing going well, but thst he was having difficulty in finding suitable landing points for boats.

0835L/15, Echelon number three arrived on schedule from Cape Cretin. While entering Pilelo Passage, numerous army personnel were picked up from the rubber boats and from the water. These men were the survivors of the unsuccessful attack on Blue Beach. At 0855, while waiting on the signal to beach, units of this echelon were subjected to an attack by 15 enemy dive bombers. Fortunately the craft had been dispersed and were thus able to maneuver and avoid serious damage. Three enemy planes were shot down.

0841L/15, USS Reid reported two groups of unidentified planes bearing 052°, 55 miles at 18000 feet and then lost them in the land echo in the vicinity of Gasmata.

0850L/15, Both USS Reid and USS Shaw regained radar contact of the enemy planes bearing 054°, 34 miles, course 190° and speed 180 knots. USS Shaw vectored our fighter patrol out at 23000 feet. USS Conyngham departed the Arawa area at 30 knots.

0857L/15, Our planes made contact with enemy planes.

0901L/15, USS Shaw reported enemy aircraft, 335°, 14 miles. This placed the enemy over USS Conyngham, which was indeed correct. Thirty or more planes were starting an attack. About 24 enemy Val aircraft released bombs on Arawe harbour. One Val bombed USS Conyngham but skillful maneuvering caused the bombs to miss, resulting in no damage.

0909L/15, USS Shaw reported enemy aircraft bearing 030°, 30 miles.

0926L/15, USS Shaw and USS Reid lost radar contact with the enemy aircraft at 080° at a range of 59 miles.

1600L/15, All destroyers of the gunfire support and escort group joined the return convoy south of Cape Ward Hunt. USS Conyngham proceeded independently to Buna.

1800L/15, Task Group 74.1, the cover group, which had spent the day to the north of Kiriwina Island now set corse to return to the Arawe area to protect the landing forces from possible enemy attack by surface ships but at 2000L/15, when it became clear that no enemy surface ships were to interfere with the landings, Task Group 74.1 was ordered to return to Milne Bay.

1830L/15, Echelon four departed Cape Cretin for Arawe. It was made up of six LCT's; USS LCT-82, USS LCT-88, USS LCT-384, USS LCT-386, USS LCT-387 and USS LCT-388. They were escorted by the patrol vessel USS SC-743 (Lt. W.W. Robinson, USNR) and the coastal transport APc-21 (Lt.(jg) W.J. Bates, USNR). Later the same evening they were ordered to return to Cape Cretin.

1900L/15, Echelon three completed unloading at Arawe and departed to return to Cape Cretin.

0630L/16, Echelon four again departed Cape Cretin for Arawa. It was made up of the same ships listed as above with the addition of LCT-378 and LCT-380. Also the minesweeper YMS-50 had joined as escort.

0800L/16, The cover group, Task Group 74.1 arrived at Milne Bay from the Arawe area. They now remained at Milne Bay at two hours readiness for sea.

1630L/16, Echelon four, en route from Cape Cretin to Arawe was attacked by twelve Japanese Val and Zeke aircraft but no damage was done by the enemy.

0130L/17, Echelon four, which was unloading at Arawe was submitted to intermittent air attacks during the night. The enemy attacks lasted until 0845L/17. At 0810L/17 around 50 enemy Val and Nate aircraft attacked by dive bombing and strafing. USS APc 21 was sunk by a direct hit at 0815L/17. USS YMS-50 sustained underwater damage by a near miss. USS LCT-88, USS LCT-378, USS LCT-380, USS LCT-384 and USS LCT-386 all sustained hull damage. USS LCT-380 had to be beached but was later able to return to Cape Cretin under her own power.

Sailing of echelon five was cancelled.

1900L/17, Echelon six departed Cape Cretin for Arawe. It was made up of six LCT's; USS LCT-142, USS USS LCT-166, USS LCT-245, USS LCT-248, USS LCT-391 and USS LCT-393. They were escorted by the patrol vessel USS SC-699, minesweeper USS YMS-49 (Lt. J.R. Lewis, USNR) and the coastal transport APc-15 (Lt.(jg) K. Goffigon, III. USNR).

2300L/17, Echelon four returned to Cape Cretin from the Arawe area only half unloaded.

0800L/18, Echelon six arrived at Arawe and unloaded as scheduled.

1900L/18, Echelon six, having completed unloading at Arawe, departed that place to return to Cape Cretin. During the unloading operations they had not been attacked. Fighter cover of the area had now been much inproved compared to the previous day.

0800L/19, Echelon six arrived at Cape Cretin from Arawe.

1700L/19, Echelon seven departed Cape Cretin for Arawe. This echelon was made up of six LCT's; USS LCT-61, USS LCT-177, USS LCT-179, USS LCT-183, USS LCT-184 and USS LCT-371. They were escorted by the patrol vessel USS SC-703 (Lt.(jg) R.M. Baird, USNR), minesweeper YMS-70 and the coastal transport APc-22 (Lt.(jg) V.G. Martin, USNR). Very bad weather was encountered and USS LCT-179 sustained weather damage and after two hours had to turn back to Cape Cretin.

0620L/20, Echelon seven arrived at Arawe from Cape Cretin.

1645L/20, Echelon seven completed unloading at Arawe and departed that place to return to Cape Cretin.

1700L/20, Echelon eight departed Cape Cretin for Arawe. This echelon was made up of six LCT's; USS LCT-85, USS LCT-171, USS LCT-172, USS LCT-176, USS LCT-374 and USS LCT-381. They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS SC-738 (Lt.(jg) R.B. Woodcock, USNR), USS SC-743 and the coastal transport APc-2.

0330L/21, Three enemy aircraft attack Arawa but no damage was done.

0630L/21, Echelon seven arrived at Cape Cretin from Arawe.

0715L/21, Echelon eight arrived at Arawe from Cape Cretin.

1150L/21, While unloading at Arawe, echelon eight was attacked by enemy aircraft, 30 Vals and 15 Zero's dive bombed and strafed them. USS APc-2 was near missed and started to take on water. USS LCT-171, sustained multiple holes on her starboard side forward, from shrapnel.

1700L/21, Echelon eight, still at Arawe, was again attacked by Japanese aircraft. 45 Vals and 15 Zero's again dive bombed and strafed them but no further damage was done by the enemy. Echelon eight then departed Arawe to return to Cape Cretin.

1200L/22, Echelon eight arrived at Cape Cretin from Arawe.

26 Dec 1943

Operation Dexterity

Landings at Cape Gloucester on New Britain.

Plan.

Operation Dexterity comprised the second phase of the operations against the Japanese on New Britain. The first phase had been the landings at Arawe.

Troops were to be landed in the Cape Gloucester area by the Cape Gloucester Task Force which would be transported to the combat area by ships from Task Force 76 which were given cover by ships from Task Force 74.

Cover Force, Task Force 74.

The Corver Force was given three main tasks;
Covering the overwater transport of the amphibious force which would land in the Cape Gloucester area on 26 December 1943 at 0745L.
Bombardment of shore targets prior to the landing of troops.
Subsequent to the initial assault, providing a covering force in the combat area.

Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), light cruiser USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN), USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN) and the destroyers USS Bush (T/Cdr. T.A. Smith, USN, with COMDESDIV 48, T/Capt. W.F. Petersen, USN on board), USS Bache (T/Cdr. F.M. Adamson, USN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN), USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN), USS Ralph Talbot (T/Lt.Cdr. R.D. Shepard, USN), USS Helm (T/Lt.Cdr. S.K. Santmyers, USN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN).

Task Force 74 was divided in several Task Units;
Task Unit 74.1.1 were HMAS Australia and HMAS Shropshire.
Task Unit 74.1.2 were HMAS Warramunga, HMAS Arunta, USS Ralph Talbot and USS Helm.
Task Unit 74.2.1 were USS Nashville and USS Phoenix.
Task Unit 74.2.2 were USS Bush, USS Bache, USS Ammen and USS Mullany.

Amphibious Force, Task Force 76.

Task Group 76.1 was the 'Eastern Assault Group', it was made up of the following Task Units;

Task Unit 76.1.1 was the Headquarters Unit. It was made up of the destroyer USS Conyngham (T/Cdr. J.H. Ward, USN, with the commander Task Force 76 (CTG 76), T/R.Adm. D.E. Barbey, USN on board).

Task Unit 76.1.2 was the APD Task Unit under T/Capt. J.D. Sweeney, USN. It was made up of Task Units 76.1.21 and 76.1.22.
Task Unit 76.1.21 was made up of the high speed transports USS Stringham (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Moureau, USNR, with T/Capt. J.D. Sweeney, USN on board), USS Kilty (T/Lt.Cdr. D.L. Mattie, USN), USS Ward (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Lemly, USNR) and USS Crosby (Lt. W.E. Sims, USNR).
Task Unit 76.1.22 was made up of the high speed transports USS Brooks (Lt.Cdr. C.V. Allen, USNR, with T/Cdr. J.S. Willis, USN on board), USS Gilmer (Cdr. J.S. Horner, USNR), USS Humphreys (T/Lt.Cdr. F.D. Schwartz, USN), USS Sands (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Brogger, Jr., USNR) and USS Noa (Lt. H.W. Boud, USNR).

Task Unit 76.1.3 was the LCI Unit. It was made up of Task Units 76.1.31, 76.1.32 and 76.1.33.
Task Unit 76.1.31 (for Beach Yellow One) was made up of the LCI's USS LCI(L)-71 (?, with Lt.Cdr. J.P. Hurndall, USNR on board), USS LCI(L)-30 (?), USS LCI(L)-72 (Lt.(jg) S.Z. Kepner, USNR), USS LCI(L)-74 (Lt.(jg) R.J. Liechti, USNR), USS LCI(L)-226 (Lt.(jg) O.L. Miles, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-338 (Ens. C.W. Griffin, USNR).
Task Unit 76.1.32 (for Beach Yellow Two) was made up of the USS LCI(L)-73 (Lt.(jg) N.M. Taylor, USNR), USS LCI(L)-337 (Lt.(jg) M.D. Skelton, USNR), USS LCI(L)-340 (Lt.(jg) H.F. Eckenrode, USNR), USS LCI(L)-342 (Lt.(jg) R.A. Smith, USNR), USS LCI(L)-343 (Lt.(jg) C.P. Heinrich, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-344 (Lt.(jg) R.B. Ruby, USNR).
Task Unit 76.1.33 (Rocket Section) was made up of the LCI(R)'s USS LCI(R)-31 (Lt.(jg) T.J. Morrissey, USNR) and USS LCI(R)-34 (Lt.(jg) J.F. Keefe, USNR).

Task Unit 76.1.4 was the Destroyer Unit. It was made up of Task Units 76.1.41 and 76.1.42.
Task Unit 76.1.41 was the Escort Section and was made up of the destroyers USS Shaw (T/Cdr. R.H. Phillips, USN, with COMDESRON 5, T/Capt. J.H. Carter, USN on board), USS Drayton (T/Cdr. R.S. Craighill, USN), USS Lamson (T/Cdr. J.R. Rubins, USN), USS Bagley (T/Cdr. T.E. Chambers, USN), USS Mugford (T/Cdr. H.G. Corey, USN), USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. E.W. Herron, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN), USS Brownson (T/Cdr. J.B. Maher, USN) and USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN).
Task Unit 76.1.42 was the Close Fire Support Section and was made up of the destroyers USS Flusser (T/Cdr. J.A. Robbins, USN) and USS Mahan (T/Lt.Cdr. E.G. Campbell, USN).

Task Unit 76.1.5 was the Cruiser Bombardment Unit. It was made up of Task Units 76.1.51 and 76.1.52.
Task Unit 76.1.51 was made up of Task Unit 74.1.1 (see above).
Task Unit 76.1.52 was made up of Task Unit 74.1.2 (see above).

Task Unit 76.1.6 was the Beach Yellow harbour Unit. It was made up of Task Units 76.1.61 and 76.1.62.
Task Unit 76.1.61 was the Control Section which was made up of the patrol vessels USS SC-742 (Lt. R.H. Blake, USNR) and USS SC-981 (Lt.(jg) R.A. Campbell, USNR).
Task Unit 76.1.62 was the Minesweeping Section made up of the motor minesweepers USS YMS-51 (Lt. F.P. Allen, Jr., USNR), USS YMS-52 (Lt. A.I. Roche, USNR) and USS YMS-70 (Lt. B.M. Brink, USNR). Task Group 76.2 was the 'Eastern Supply Group', it was made up of the following Task Units;

Task Unit 76.2.1 was the First Supply Section. It was made up of seven LST's; USS LST-466 (Lt. H.M. Graham, USNR with COMLSTFLOT 7, T/Capt. J.B. Mallard, USN on board), USS LST-18 (Lt. J. Lencie, USCG), USS LST-66 (Lt. H.A. White, USCG), USS LST-67 (Lt.(jg) G.A. Gyland, USCG), USS LST-68 (Lt. K.A.E. Linquist, USCG), USS LST-202 (Lt. B. Ayesa, USCGR) and USS LST-204 (Lt. A.I. Roberts, USCG).
Task Unit 76.2.2 was the Second Supply Section. It was made up of seven LST's; USS LST-452 (Lt. R.D. Jones, USNR, with COMLSTGR20, T/Capt. R.M. Scruggs, USN on board), USS LST-22 (Lt. G.P. Phillip, USNR), USS LST-26 (Lt. E. Kiernan USCGR), USS LST-454 (Lt. E.R. Swanton, USNR), USS LST-456 (Lt.(jg) G.W. Prue, USN), USS LST-457 (Lt.Cdr. J.E. van Zandt, USNR) and USS LST-465 (Lt.Cdr. M.F. Stiling, USNR).
Task Unit 76.2.3 was the Third Supply Section. It was made up of five LST's; USS LST-459 (Lt. E.F. Arthur, USNR), USS LST-168 (Lt. A.S. Moreau, USCGR), USS LST-170 (Lt. T.N. Kelly, USCGR), USS LST-171 (Lt.Cdr. H.A. West, USNR) and USS LST-458 (Lt. F.W. Hinrichs, USNR) and the patrol vessels USS PC-1119 (Lt.Cdr. H.M. Blake, USNR), USS PC-1120 (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Molitor, USNR) and USS PC-1122 (Lt. J.J. Peck, USNR). Task Unit 76.2.3 was the Fourth Supply Section. It was made up of five LST's; USS LST-474 (Lt. R.W. Langworthy, USNR), USS LST-467 (Lt.(jg) M.B. Taylor, USNR), USS LST-468 (Lt. I.K. Stevenson, USNR), USS LST-470 (Lt. D.J. Guthridge, USNR) and USS LST-475 (Lt. M.S. Whitsett, USNR) and the patrol vessels USS SC-703 (Lt.(jg) R.M. Baird, USNR), USS SC-734 (Lt. R.B. MacLean, USNR) and USS SC-738 (Lt.(jg) R.B. Woodcock, USNR).

Task Group 76.3 was the 'Western Assault Group', under T/Capt. C.D. Reynold, USN, it was made up of the following Task Units;
Task Unit 76.3.1 was the Escort and Bombardment Unit and was made up of the destroyers USS Reid (T/Cdr. H.H. McIlhenny, USN, with COMDESDIV 10, T/Capt. C.D. Reynolds, USN on board) and USS Smith (T/Cdr. R.A. Theobald, Jr., USN).
Task Unit 76.3.2 was the Small Craft Unit and was made up of 12 LCT's and several smaller landing craft including 16 LCM's. They were escorted by the patrol craft USS PC-479 (Lt. M.C. White, USNR), USS SC-637 (?) and USS SC-699 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Foristel, USNR).
Task Unit 76.3.3 was the LCI Unit and was made up of the following LCI's; USS LCI(L)-25 (Lt.(jg) W.R. Maliek, USNR), USS LCI(L)-26 (Lt. H.J. Adams, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-27 (Lt.(jg) H.G. Hibbard, USNR), USS LCI(L)-29 (Lt. T.R. Hopkins, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-224 (Lt. W.A.P. Watkins, USNR).

Task Group 76.4 was the Service group which was made up of the repair ship USS Rigel (Capt. R. Dudley, USN), landing craft repair ship USS LST-455 (Lt. W.E. Peterton, Jr., USNR) and the landing craft (medical) USS LST-464 (Lt. A.K. Ridgway, USNR).

Task Group 76.5 was the Landing Craft Control Group. It was made up of the following Task Units;
Task Unit 76.5.1 was the Buna Unit and it was made up of the landing craft repair ship USS Amycus (Lt. J.J. Reidy, Jr., USNR).
Task Unit 76.5.2 was the Oro Bay Unit and it was made up of the coastal transport USS APc 15 (Lt.(jg) K. Goffigon, III. USNR).
Task Unit 76.5.3 was the Cape Cretin Unit and it was made up of the landing craft repair ship USS LST-453 (Lt.Cdr. O.L. Norman, USNR) and coastal transport USS APc 6 (Lt. C.R. Rosebro, Jr., USNR).

Task Group 76.6 was the Reserve Group made up of the amphibious transport HMAS Westralia (Cdr. A.V. Knight, RD, RANR(S)), dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Harris, USNR) and the attack cargo ship USS Etamin (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Stedman, USCGR).

Task Group 76.7 was the Salvage Group and was made up of the tugs USS Sonoma (Lt.(jg). N.G. Irwin, USN) and HMAS Reserve (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.A. Keith, RANR(S)).

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1400L/24, The fifth echelon, made up of seven LST's; USS LST-452, USS LST-452, USS LST-22, USS LST-26, USS LST-454, USS LST-456, USS LST-457 and USS LST-465 departed Cape Sudest for the Cape Gloucester area via Cape Cretin. They were escorted by the destroyers USS Beale, USS Hutchins, USS Brownson and USS Daly. HMAS Reserve also accompanied this echelon.

1630L/24, Task Force 74, the cover force, departed Milne Bay.

0100L/25, The third echelon, made up of seven LST's; USS LST-466, USS LST-18, USS LST-66, USS LST-67, USS LST-68, USS LST-202 and USS LST-204 departed Cape Sudest for Cape Gloucester. They were escorted by the destroyers USS Drayton, USS Lamson, USS Bagley and USS Mugford.

0600L/25, Task Force 76's flagship for the operation, the destroyer USS Conyngham departed Cape Sudest for the Cape Gloucester area. With the flagship were the first and second echelons which were made up of the high speed transports USS Stringham, USS Kilty, USS Ward, USS Crosby, USS Brooks, USS Gilmer, USS Humphreys, USS Sands, USS Noa, the LCI(L)'s USS LCI(L)-30, USS LCI(L)-31, USS LCI(L)-34, USS LCI(L)-70, USS LCI(L)-71, USS LCI(L)-72, USS LCI(L)-73, USS LCI(L)-74, USS LCI(L)-226, USS LCI(L)-337, USS LCI(L)-338, USS LCI(L)-340, USS LCI(L)-342, USS LCI(L)-343, USS LCI(L)-344, [USS LCI(L)-28 (Lt.(jg) E.A. Winton, USNR) apparently was also with them though she is not listed in the Task Force originsation form for the operation]. They were escorted by the destroyers USS Shaw, USS Mahan, USS Flusser, USS Reid, USS Smith, patrol vessels USS SC-742, USS SC-981 and the minesweepers USS YMS-50, USS YMS-51 and USS YMS-70.

1130L/25, Task Force 74 cleared Cape Ward Hunt and began to overtake the attack echelons. It was the plan that Task Force 74 would be about 12 miles ahead of the leading echelon before dark and during the night approach would therefore be covering all the echelons which were following.

1600L/25, The fourth echelon made up of 12 LCT's and 16 LCM's departed Cape Cretin for Cape Gloucester. They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-479, USS SC-637 and two PT-boats. This echelon was to land on Green Beach in the Western area.

2000L/25, When it was now just dark Task Force 74 was ahead of the leading echelon.

2120L/25, USS YMS-50 had to part company with the first en second echelon due to engine trouble. She was ordered to proceed to Cape Cretin.

2130L/25, the sixth echelon departed Cape Sudest for Yellow Beach, Cape Glouceter. It was made up of LST's USS LST-459, USS LST-168, USS LST-170, USS LST-171 and USS LST-458. They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-1119, USS PC-1120 and USS PC-1122. The destroyers USS Flusser and USS Mahan were to join this echelon about 25 nautical miles south of Langemak Bay and shortly afterwards also USS Reid and USS Smith around 1600L/26.

0455L/26, the seventh echelon departed Cape Sudest for Yellow Beach, Cape Glouceter. It was made up of LST's USS LST-474, USS LST-467, USS LST-468, USS LST-470 and USS LST-475. They were escorted by the patrol vessels USS SC-703, USS SC-734 and USS SC-738. The destroyers USS Lamson, USS Drayton, USS Bagley and USS Mugford were to join this echelon near Langemak Bay.

0445L/26, Taks Force 74 split into Task Group 74.1 and 74.2 (see above) to enter their respective fire support areas.

0600L/26, As scheduled HMAS Australia, HMAS Shropshire, HMAS Warramunga and HMAS Arunta commenced bombarding the vicinity of Gloucester aerodrome. The objects of the bombardments were to destroy enemy installations and to prevent the enemy from reorganising counter measures to the landing. Also the enemy artillery was to be silenced. The bombardment was continued until 0720L/26 by which time over 700 round of 8" high explosive, nearly 900 rounds of 4.7" high explosive and nearly 100 rounds of 4" high explosive had been fired. There was no enemy opposition to this intense bombardment.

0625L/26, USS Nashville and USS Phoenix commenced bombarding targets on the western coastline of Borgen Bay,including targets in the vicinity of 'Yellow Beaches' where the assault landing would be made. This bombardment, with USS Bache joining in for ten minutes to fire 300 rounds of 5", continued until 0727L/26. Over 1600 rounds of 6" were fired by USS Nashville and USS Phoenix.

USS Flusser and USS Mahan intermittently bombarded 'Yellow Beaches' up to H-hour, firing a total of about 400 rounds of 5".

0700L/26, between 0700 and 0720 hours, five squadrons of B-24 bombers, from medium altitude, bombed targets in the Cape Gloucester area. As far as could be seen these bombers had no AA opposition. This was thought to be due the the effective naval bombardment of the area.

0728L/26, between 0728 and 0743 hours, four squadrons of B-25 bombers swept in from seaward and bombed and strafed the Yellow Beaches from very low altitude.

0743L/26, between 0745 and 0745 hours, rocket boats laid a creeping rocket barrage up the Yellow Beaches and from behind this barrage the main assault was made without opposition.

0750L/26, Green Beach at Tauali, had been similarly prepared by naval and air bombardment and here, too, the assault force got ashore without opposition.

Fighers on air alert were over the combat area soon after sunrise. The first fighter sortie was four flights (16 planes in total) but from 0800L/26, the air support plan allowed for 12 flights (48 planes) being continually over the combat area and other squadrons of fighters were on ground alert available on call.

0800L/26, HMAS Shropshire, which was the fighter direction shop for all fighter planes in the combat area, began tracking a large group of bogies approaching from the direction of Rabaul and it was thought that the enemy reaction was on its way. However these bogies crossed to southward over New Britain and a group of fighters sent down to southward saw the enemy planes retiring after attacking Awawe.

0830L/26, with the assault proceeding favourably, CTF 76 released Task Force 74 which then began a high speed retirement to west and south through Vitiaz Strait.

0840L/26, LST's of the third echelon beached on Yellow Beach and commenced unloading.

0900L/26, Four squadrons of heavy bombers attacked Target Ridge from medium altitude and at 0930L/26 four squadrons of attack bombers struck targets in the Gloucester-Borgen Area.

Shortly after Task Force 74 entered Vitiaz Strait, HMAS Shropshire radar detected two large groups of bogies coming in from the westward and these were reckoned to be an enemy strike from his New Guinea air bases. Additional fighters were summoned and in all 96 fighters planes were disposed to meet this attack. However at this time the radar was confused by land all round and the bogies were lost. At about the time these bogies were estimated by dead reckoning to be approaching an attacking position, Task Force 74 was in rain an temporary low overcast so that the force may have avoided detection, though it has not been ascertained exactly where these enemy groups did actually go.

0920L/26, The commander General Cape Gloucester Task Force departed USS Conyngham which then left the area for the Buna / Cape Sudest area. En-route she overtook the high speed transports of the first echelon which had already left the landing area. The LCI's of the second echelon also departed the landing area around this time, having retracted from the beach successfully.

1330L/26, The LST's of the third echelon retracted as scheduled to make room for the incoming echelon five. Echelon three had however not yet been completely unloaded. The delay in unloading had been due to the difficulty in preparing the dispersal area. The thick growth and soft ground behind the beach was the retarding factor. Approximately 100 tons of bulk and a few vehicles were returned to Cape Sudest but were later shipped back in following echelons.

1415L/25, USS Shaw, the fighter director ship in the Cape Gloucester area, picked up two large groups of enemy planes, one group bearing 010°, 65 miles and the other bearing 080°, 50 miles.

1430L/26, Task Force 74 was now south-east of Finschhaven, Task Unit 74.2.2 (four destroyers, see above) were detached to return to the Cape Gloucester area and during the night to carry out a covering patrol.

Around 1445L/26, an enemy air attack consisting of a large number of dive bombers with fighter escort and a group of high level bombers was made on our ships off Cape Gloucester. Fighter interception was made and is estimated to have shot down 56 enemy planes. However a number of dive bombers got through and attacked our ships. USS Brownson was sunk, USS Shaw was badly damaged by near misses and USS Lamson and USS Mugford were slightly damaged. USS LST-66 also sustained minor damage due to a near miss.

1530L/26, USS Lamson and USS Daly had picked up 34 and 163 survivors from the USS Brownson. These included 11 of the ships officers. While picking up the survivors USS Daly suffered some minor damage due to a heavy underwater explosion, most likely depth charges exploding on board the sinking USS Brownson.

1700L/26, A second air attack on our destroyers off Cape Gloucester developed. Approximately 50 enemy aircraft, 18 of which were torpedo carrying Bettys approached at low altitude. At least 13 were destroyed by fighters and 3 by AA gunfire from ships. No damage was sustained and it is believed that none of the enemy aircraft had been able to release torpedoes. This action ended the days air activity.

1800L/26, Echelon five (7 LST's), plus USS LST-466 from echelon three, departed Yellow Beach for Cape Sudest escorted by USS Hutchins and USS Beale. A total of about 200 tons of bulk stores were still on board. Departure was made on schedule as it was condidered to dangerous to navigate the reef during darkness.

1815L/26, Task Units 74.1.1, 74.1.2 and 74.2.1 arrived at Buna where they immediately refueled on completion of which they came short notice to proceed to sea if required.

2300L/26, the first echelon, made up of the high speed transports, USS Stringham, USS Kilty, USS Ward, USS Crosby, USS Brooks, USS Gilmer, USS Humphreys, USS Sands, USS Noa, arrived at Cape Sudest from the Cape Gloucester area.

2330L/26, USS Conyngham with CTF 76 on board, arrived at Buna from the Cape Gloucester area.

During the night of 26/27 December, Task Unit 74.2.2 carried out a covering patrol in the Cape Gloucester area without incident.

0730L/27, the sixth echelon, made up of the LST's USS LST-459, USS LST-168, USS LST-170, USS LST-171 and USS LST-458 arrived at Cape Gloucester escorted by the destroyers USS Flusser, USS Mahan, USS Reid, USS Smith and the patrol vessels USS PC-1119, USS PC-1120 and USS PC-1122.

0740L/27, Task Unit 74.2.2 which was withdrawing from night patrol, was ordered to join the seventh echelon consisting of USS Drayton, 4 LST's and 3 SC's proceeding the the Cape Gloucester area. The radar intallation on board USS Drayton was defective. The fighter direction party was transferred at sea from USS Drayton to USS Bush.

0800L/27, the second echelon, made up of the LCI(L)'s, USS LCI(L)-28, USS LCI(L)-30, USS LCI(L)-31, USS LCI(L)-34, USS LCI(L)-70, USS LCI(L)-71, USS LCI(L)-72, USS LCI(L)-73, USS LCI(L)-74, USS LCI(L)-226, USS LCI(L)-337, USS LCI(L)-338, USS LCI(L)-340, USS LCI(L)-342, USS LCI(L)-343 and USS LCI(L)-344 arrived at Cape Sudest from the Cape Gloucester area.

0830L/27, the seventh echelon, made up of the LST's USS LST-474, USS LST-467, USS LST-468, USS LST-470 and USS LST-475 and escorted by the destroyers USS Drayton, USS Bush, USS Bache, USS Ammen and USS Mullany.

0900L/27, The fourth echelon made up of 12 LCT's arrived at Cape Cretin from Cape Gloucester escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-479, USS SC-637 and SC-699.

1000L/27, Task Unit 74.1.2 (four destroyers, see above) departed Buna to carry out a night covering patrol to the north-eastward of Cape Gloucester.

1800L/27, Task Unit 74.2.2 and USS Drayton took up patrol off the reefs. During the night USS Mullany made three depth charge attacks on a sound contact with no observed results.

1800L/27, As four destroyers of Task Force 76 had been sunk or damaged, the destroyers of Task Force 74 were now assigned for temporary escort duty with Task Force 76.

2200L/27, Echelon 5 (7 LST's) and LST-466, escorted by USS Hutchins and USS Beale arrived at Cape Sudest from the Cape Gloucester area.

0300L/28, Task Unit 74.1.2 left patrol and retired towards Cape Cretin.

0400L/28, The fifth echelon, made up of USS LST-452, USS LST-452, USS LST-22, USS LST-26, USS LST-454, USS LST-456, USS LST-457 and USS LST-465 arrived at Cape Sudest from the Cape Gloucester area escorted by USS Beale, USS Hutchins and USS Daly.

0700L/28, The seventh echelon had completed unloading and by 0830L/28, it was retiring from the Cape Gloucester area escorted by Task Unit 74.2.2 and USS Drayton.

1430L/28, The eight echelon departed Cape Sudest for the Cape Gloucester area. It was made up of the high speed transports USS Stringham, USS Kilty, USS Ward, USS Crosby, USS Brooks, USS Gilmer, USS Humphreys, USS Sands and USS Noa. They were escorted by the destroyers USS Hutchins and USS Lamson and would later be joined by USS Bush, USS Bache, USS Ammen and USS Mullany.

1600L/28, Task Unit 74.1.2 departed Cape Cretin to make a high speed dash up towards the Cape Gloucester area to repeat the night covering patrol of last night and to return to Cape Cretin afterwards.

At 1700L/28, Task Unit 74.1.2 departed Cape Cretin to proceed to the southward to join the escort of the ninth echelon that was to proceed from Cape Sudest to the Cape Gloucester area. As HMAS Warramunga and HMAS Arunta were short of fuel they arrived at Buna around 2200L/29 where they took on board 100 tons of fuel from HMAS Australia and HMAS Shropshire respectively. They departed around 2330L/28 to rejoin the other two destroyers of their Task Unit which meanwhile had joined the ninth echelon.

2100L/28, The ninth echelon, made up of six LST's; USS LST-466, USS LST-18, USS LST-66, USS LST-67, USS LST-68, USS LST-202 departed Cape Sudest for the Cape Gloucester area. USS LST-204 was unable to retract and had to proceed to Cape Gloucester with the next (tenth) echelon. They were escorted by HMAS Warramunga, HMAS Arunta, USS Ralph Talbot and USS Helm although the two Australian destroyers only joined later as they first had to fuel (see above). The ninth echelon arrived at Cape Gloucester around 0700L/30. After unloading they departed for Oro Bay around 1300L/30 still escorted by the four destroyers from Task Unit 74.1.2 which then detached after having passed Cape Ward Hunt. The destroyers of Task Unit 74.1.2 arrived at Buna around 1800L/31 minus HMAS Warramunga which arrived at 2030l/31 having trouble with salt water contamination in her boiler feed water.

2200L/28, the sixth echelon, made up of USS LST-459, USS LST-168, USS LST-170, USS LST-171, USS LST-458 and escorted by USS Flusser, USS Mahan, USS Reid, USS Smith and the patrol vessels USS PC-1119, USS PC-1120 and USS PC-1122 arrived at Cape Sudest from Cape Gloucester.

At 1700L/28, Task Unit 74.1.2 departed Cape Cretin to proceed to the southward to join the escort of the ninth echelon that was to proceed from Cape Sudest to the Cape Gloucester area. As HMAS Warramunga and HMAS Arunta were short of fuel they arrived at Buna around 2200L/29 where they took on board 100 tons of fuel from HMAS Australia and HMAS Shropshire respectively. They departed around 2330L/28 to rejoin the other two destroyers of their Task Unit which meanwhile had joined the ninth echelon.

0650L/29, the eight echelon, made up of the high speed transports USS Stringham, USS Kilty, USS Ward, USS Crosby, USS Brooks, USS Gilmer, USS Humphreys, USS Sands and USS Noa escorted by the destroyers USS Lamson, USS Bush, USS Bache, USS Ammen and USS Mullany arrived at Cape Gloucester. Unloading was completed at 0930L/29 when they departed to return to Cape Sudest where they arrived around 2300L/29. USS Gilmer had on board 50 wounded Marines.

1400L/29, the seventh echelon arrived at Buna from Cape Gloucester. Task unit 74.2.2 was still with the seventh echelon.

1 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) and HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) proceeded from Buna to Milne Bay. (36)

10 Jan 1944
Around 1645L/10, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Buna. (36)

11 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0800L/11, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Buna from Milne Bay. (36)

12 Jan 1944
Around 0800L/12, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the light cruisers USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN) and USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) departed Buna for Cape Sudest where they arrived around 1010L/12.

Around 1530L/12, they departed for exercises on completion of which they anchored in Porlock Bay around 1800L/12. (37)

14 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0805L/14, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the light cruisers USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN) and USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) departed Porlock Bay for exercises.

They anchored off Buna around 1035L/14.

Around 1530L/14, they weighed anchor and proceed for more exercises.

They anchored in Porlock Bay around 1810L/14. (37)

15 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 2225L/15, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the light cruisers USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN) and USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) departed Porlock Bay for Milne Bay. (37)

16 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1100L/16, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the light cruisers USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN) and USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) arrived at Milne Bay from Porlock Bay. (37)

22 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
The heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the light cruisers USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN) and USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) conducted exercises in Milne Bay. (36)

25 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted exercises in Milne Bay. These included underway refuelling exercises with USS Victoria (Lt.Cdr. W.W. Evans, USNR). (36)

27 Jan 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0615L/27, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Sydney. (37)

30 Jan 1944
Around 0630L/30, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Milne Bay. At Sydney she was taken in hand for some repairs and part of the crew were sent on leave. (37)

7 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Sydney, Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN, transferred his flag from HMAS Australia (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, MVO, DSO, RAN) to HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN). (38)

9 Feb 1944
1730L/9, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) departed Sydney for Milne Bay.

On board were Admiral G.C.C. Royle, KCB, RN and his secretary as well as the Director General of Munitions, Mr. Essington-Lewis. (39)

10 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) conducted gunnery exercises off Moreton Bay on completion of which she set course to continue her passage to Milne Bay. (38)

13 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 1015L/13 HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) arrived at Milne Bay from Sydney.

The passengers were disembarked the following day. (38)

22 Feb 1944
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) and USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN) conducted exercises at Milne Bay. (40)

23 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) and USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) conducted exercises at Milne Bay. (41)

25 Feb 1944
Around 0615L/25, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), light cruisers USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN), USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) and the destroyers USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN), USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) departed Milne Bay for exercises in an area to the south-west of the Louisiade Archipaligo. The submarine USS Scamp (T/Cdr. J.C. Hollingsworth, USN) participated in the exercises.

At 0638L/26, USS Boise parted company to proceed to Sydney. The remaining ships then returned to Milne Bay arriving around 1000L/26.

(38)

29 Feb 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) departed Milne Bay for Cape Sudest. (38)

1 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Around 0300L/1, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) arrived at Cape Sudest from Milne Bay. (42)

2 Mar 1944
Around 2300L/2, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), light cruisers USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN) and the destroyers USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), USS Bache (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN) and USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN), departed Cape Sudest to proceed to a position to the north-east of the Admiralty Islands between latitude 02°00'S and the Equator and longitudes 145°00'E and 147°30'E. (42)

4 Mar 1944
Between 1615L/4 and 1715L/4, a bombardment of enemy guns on Hauwei Island was conducted by HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN), USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board) and USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN).

On completion of the bombardment they rejoined USS Bache (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN) and USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN). Patrol near the Admiralty Islands was then resumed. (42)

6 Mar 1944
During the afternoon, USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN) fuelled USS Bache (T/Cdr. F.M. Adamson, USN) and USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN) while USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN) fuelled USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board) and USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN). HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) did not fuel any other ships. (43)

7 Mar 1944
Between 1645L/7 and 1715L/7, after Task Force 74 had entered Seeadler Harbour, a bombardment of enemy guns on Pitylu, Hauwei, Ndrilo and Koruniat islands was conducted by HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN), USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN), USS Bache (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN) and USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN).

On completion of the bombardment course was set for Cape Sudest. (42)

8 Mar 1944
Around 1630L/8, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), light cruisers USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN) and the destroyers USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), USS Bache (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN) and USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN) arrived at Cape Sudest from operations. (42)

10 Mar 1944
Around 1900L/10, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), light cruisers USS Phoenix (Capt. A.G. Noble, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN) and the destroyers USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), USS Bache (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN) and USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN) departed Cape Sudest for Milne Bay. (42)

11 Mar 1944
The heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), light cruisers USS Phoenix (T/Capt. J.H. Duncan, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN) and the destroyers USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), USS Bache (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN) and USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN) arrived at Milne Bay from Cape Sudest. Before entering Milne Bay exercises were carried out. (42)

14 Mar 1944
Around 0900L/14, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), light cruisers USS Phoenix (T/Capt. J.H. Duncan, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN) and the destroyers USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), USS Bache (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN), USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN), USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) departed Milne Bay for exercises from which they returned around noon the following day. (44)

21 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
At Milne Bay, Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN, transferred his flag from HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) to HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN). (42)

22 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN) conducted exercises at / off Milne Bay. (42)

28 Mar 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) and HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted exercises east of Milne Bay. (42)

31 Mar 1944
Around 0630K/31, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) departed Milne Bay for exercises in the northern Coral Sea with the submarine USS Cero (T/Lt.Cdr. E.F. Dissette, USN).

During the day weather conditions deteriorated and the night exercises had to be cancelled and the cruisers returned to Milne Bay on 1 April 1944.

The destroyers remained out and in the end were able to conduct exercises with the submarine on 1 April before the destroyers and the submarine returned to Milne Bay late afternoon. USS Ammen proceeded to Oro Bay though arriving there around 0425K/2. (42)

6 Apr 1944 (position 0.00, 0.00)
Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) conducted exercises to the east of Milne Bay. During the exercises the destroyers made a torpedo attack on the cruisers. (45)

7 Apr 1944
HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN) and HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted AA gunnery exercises at Milne Bay.

HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) conducted A/S exercises at Milne Bay with USS S-42 (T/Lt.Cdr. P.E. Glenn, USN).

Around 1600K/7, Task Force 74, made up of HMAS Australia, HMAS Shropshire, HMAS Arunta, HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) departed Milne Bay for exercises in the northern Coral Sea.

All ships returned to Milne Bay on completion of the exercises the following day. HMAS Warramunga and USS Mullany also conducted A/S exercises with USS S-42 before entering Milne Bay. (45)

14 Apr 1944
Around 1500K/14, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) departed Milne Bay for Cape Sudest. (45)

15 Apr 1944
Around 0630K/15, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) arrived at Cape Sudest from Milne Bay.

Shortly before arrival HMAS Warramunga conducted underway refuelling exercises connecting to HMAS Australia. (45)

18 Apr 1944
Around 0545K/18, Around 0630K/15, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) departed Cape Sudest for Seeadler Harbour, Manus. (46)

19 Apr 1944
Around 1200K/19, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) arrived at Seeadler Harbour, Manus from Cape Sudest.

They departed again for operations around 1730K/19.

[For more info on these operations see the event ' Operations Reckless and Persecution ' for 22 April 1944.] (46)

22 Apr 1944

Operations Reckless and Persecution.

These operations were amphibious landings at Hollandia and Aitape in New Guinea.

Forces involved.

Task Force 77 (with T/Rear-Admiral D.E. Barbey, USN in command) was the Attack Force and was made up of the following units;

Task Group 77.1 was the Western Attack Group and was made up of the following ships.
The destroyer USS Swanson (T/Cdr. E.L. Robertson, Jr., USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral D.E. Barbey, USN) was the flagship of Task Force 77 (and Task Group 77.1), further ships in the Task Group were the following; amphibious transports USS Henry T. Allen (T/Capt. J. Meyer, USN), HMAS Manoora (Cdr. A.P. Cousin, RANR(S)), HMAS Kanimbla (A/Cdr. N.H. Shaw, RAN), dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Harris, USNR), attack cargo ship USS Triangulum (T/Cdr. F.W. Parsons, USNR), LST's USS LST-467 (Lt. M.B. Taylor, USNR, with COMLSTGR 19, T/Cdr. T.C. Green, USN, on board), USS LST-171 (Lt.Cdr. H.A. West, USNR), USS LST-220 (Lt. C.J. Goode, USNR), USS LST-245 (Lt. M.J. McCabe, USNR), USS LST-468 (Lt. I.K. Stevenson, USNR), USS LST-470 (Lt. D.J. Guthridge, USNR) and USS LST-475 (Lt. M.S. Whitsett, USNR), LCI(L)'s USS LCI(L)-71 (?, with Lt.Cdr. J.P. Hurndall, USNR on board), USS LCI(L)-72 (Lt.(jg) S.Z. Kepner, USNR), USS LCI(L)-74 (Lt.(jg) R.J. Liechti, USNR), USS LCI(L)-340 (Lt.(jg) H.F. Eckenrode, USNR), USS LCI(L)-343 (Lt.(jg) C.T. Roberts, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-344 (Lt.(jg) H.W. Griswold, USNR), USS LCI(L)-361 (Lt.(jg) A.J. Hawkes, USNR), USS LCI(L)-362 (Lt. J.R. Sawtell, USNR), USS LCI(L)-363 (Lt. R.E. Sargent, USNR), USS LCI(L)-364 (Lt.(jg) L.D. Sloane, USNR), USS LCI(L)-429 (Lt. R.V. Hughes, USNR), USS LCI(L)-430 (Lt. P.C. Hill, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-431 (Lt.(jg) F.M. Slatinshek, USNR), USS LCI(L)-447 (Lt. J.C. Craig, USNR), USS LCI(L)-448 (Lt.(jg) R.H. Flowers, USNR), destroyers USS Hobby (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressey, USN, with T/Capt. COMDESDIV 38, W.S. Veeder, USN on board), USS Grayson (T/Cdr. W.V. Pratt, 2nd, USN), USS Wilkes (T/Cdr. F. Wolsieffer, USN), USS Nicholson (T/Cdr. W.W. Vanous, USN), USS Gillespie (T/Cdr. J.S. Fahy, USN), USS Kalk (T/Cdr. H.D. Fuller, USN), patrol vessels USS SC-736 (Lt.(jg) F.A. Marsteller, USNR), USS SC-738 (Lt. J.S. Munroe, USNR), landing craft rocket USS LCI(G)-31 (Lt.(jg) T.J. Morrissey, USNR), minesweepers USS YMS-8 (Lt. F.L. Comley, USNR), USS YMS-10 (Lt.(jg) H.H. Goodman, USNR) and the tug HMAS Reserve (T/Lt. D. Morrison, RANR(S)).

Task Group 77.2 was the Central Attack Group and was made up of the following ships.
The destroyer USS Reid (T/Cdr. S.A. McCornock, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral R.A. Fechteler, USN) was the flagship of Task Group 77.2), further ships in the Task Group were the following; amphibious transport HMAS Westralia (Cdr. A.V. Knight, RD, RANR(S)), dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (Cdr. D.E. Collins, USNR), attack cargo Ganymede (Lt.Cdr. G.H. Melichar, USNR), high speed transports USS Humphreys (T/Cdr. F.D. Schwartz, USN), USS Brooks (Lt.Cdr. C.V. Allen, USNR), USS Gilmer (Cdr. J.S. Horner, USNR), USS Sands (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Brogger, Jr., USNR), USS Herbert (T/Cdr. J.N. Ferguson, Jr., USN), LST's USS LST-466 (Lt. R.E. McCarthy, USNR, with COMLSTFLOT 7, T/Capt. R.M. Scruggs, USN on board), USS LST-118 (Lt. C.W. Lundberg, USNR), USS LST-454 (Lt. E.R. Swanton, USNR), USS LST-457 (Lt. W.P. Sullivan, USNR), USS LST-458 (Lt. F.W. Hinrichs, USNR), USS LST-463 (Lt. A.W. McWorter, USNR), USS LST-465 (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Murphy, USNR), LCI(L)'s USS LCI(L)-28 (Lt.(jg) N. Molyneaux, USNR, with COMLCIFLOT 7, T/Cdr. H.F. McGee, USN, on board), USS LCI(L)-25 (Lt.(jg) W.R. Maliek, USNR), USS LCI(L)-26 (Lt. H.J. Adams, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-27 (Lt.(jg) H.G. Hibbard, USNR), USS LCI(L)-29 (Lt. T.R. Hopkins, USNR), USS LCI(L)-30 (Lt. C.B. Faunce, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-224 (Lt.(jg) P.O. Olafsson, USNR), USS LCI(L)-225 (Lt.(jg) W.S. Ogilvy, USNR), USS LCI(L)-226 (Lt.(jg) O.L. Miles, USNR), USS LCI(L)-227 (Lt.(jg) J.J. McNeilly, USNR), USS LCI(L)-228 (Lt.(jg) W.A. Steiger, USNR), USS LCI(L)-230 (?), USS LCI(L)-337 (Lt.(jg) M.D. Skelton, USNR), USS LCI(L)-338 (Lt.(jg) C.M. Goodman, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-342 (Lt.(jg) R.A. Smith, USNR), USS LCI(L)-432 (Lt. M.D. Coppersmith, USNR), destroyers USS Stevenson (T/Cdr. F.E. Wilson, USN, with COMDESRON 19, T/Capt. R.F. Stout, USN on board), USS Stockton (T/Cdr. W.W. Stark, Jr., USN), USS Thorn (T/Cdr. E. Brumby, USN), USS Welles (T/Cdr. D.M. Coffee, USN), USS Radford (T/Capt. G.E. Griggs, USN), USS Taylor T/Cdr. N.J.F. Frank, Jr., USN), USS Roe (T/Cdr. F.S. Stich, USN), high speed minesweepers USS Hogan ( T/Lt.Cdr. W.H. Sublette, USN), USS Long (T/Lt.Cdr. R.V. Wheeler, Jr., USN), patrol vessels, USS SC-703 (Lt.(jg) R.M. Baird, USNR), USS SC-734 (Lt. R.B. MacLean, USNR), USS LCI(G)-34 (Lt.(jg) J.F. Keefe, USNR), USS LCI(G)-73 (Lt.(jg) N.M. Taylor, USNR), minesweepers USS YMS-46 (Lt.(jg) H.J. Topping, USNR), USS YMS-47 (Lt.(jg) A.W. Busbee, USNR) and the tug USS Sonoma (Lt.(jg). G.I. Nelson, USN).

Task Group 77.3 was the Eastern Attack Group and was made up of the following ships.
The destroyer USS La Valette (T/Cdr. W. Thompson, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral A.G. Noble, USN) was the flagship of Task Group 77.3 which was further made up of the high speed transports USS Kilty (Lt. L.G. Benson, USNR, with COMTRANSDIV 22, T/Cdr. D.L. Mattie, USN, on board), USS Talbot (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Morgan, USNR), USS Dent (Lt.Cdr. R.A. Wilhelm, USNR), USS Schley (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Farley, USNR), USS Ward (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Lemly, USNR), USS Crosby (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Sims, USNR), USS Dickerson (Lt.Cdr. J.R. Cain, Jr., USNR), USS Kane (Lt. F.N. Christiansen, USNR), USS Noa (Lt.Cdr. H.W. Boud, USNR), dock landing ship USS Epping Forest (Cdr. L. Martin, USNR), attack cargo ship USS Etamin (Lt.Cdr. G.W. Stedman, Jr., USCGR), LST's USS LST-452 (Lt. G.W. Miller, USNR, with COMLSTGR20, Lt.Cdr. D.M. Baker, USNR on board), USS LST-38 (Lt. W.T. Roberts, Jr., USNR), USS LST-122 (Lt. S.C. Pirie, USNR), USS LST-221 (Lt. J.H. Church, USNR), USS LST-241 (Lt. A.N. Firestone, USNR), USS LST-270 (Lt. O.W. Barber, USN), USS LST-456 (Lt. G.W. Prue, USN), destroyers USS Nicholas (T/Cdr. R.T.S. Keith, USN, with COMDESRON 21, T/Capt. F.X. McInerney, USN on board), USS Jenkins (T/Cdr. M. Hall, Jr., USN), USS O'Bannon (T/Cdr. R.W. Smith, USN), USS Hopewell (T/Cdr. C.C. Shute, USN), high speed minesweepers USS Perry (Lt.Cdr. I.G. Stubbart, USN), USS Hamilton (T/Cdr. R.R. Sampson, USN), patrol vessels USS SC-637 (?), USS SC 648 (?), USS SC-742 (Lt. R.H. Blake, USNR), USS SC-981 (Lt.(jg) R.A. Campbell, USNR), minesweepers YMS-48 (Lt. R.C. Lynch, USNR), YMS-51 (Lt. F.P. Allen, Jr., USNR) and the tug USS Chetco (Lt.(jg) R.E. Gill, USN).

Task Group 77.4 was the First Reinforcement Group and was made up of the following Units.
Task Unit 74.4.1 was the Western Unit under T/Capt. E.M. Thompson, USN, and was made up of the following ships; attack cargo ship USS Virgo (Cdr. C.H. McLaughlin, USNR), LST's, USS LST-18 (Lt. C.W. Radke, USCG), USS LST-22 (?), USS LST-26 (?), USS LST-66 (Lt.(jg) W.H. McGowan, USCG), USS LST-67 (?), USS LST-68 (?), USS LST-227 (Lt. J. Molnar, USNR), destroyers USS Stevens (T/Cdr. W.M. Rakow, USN, with COMDESRON 25, T/Capt. E.M. Thompson, USN on board), USS Harrison (T/Cdr. C.M. Dalton, USN) and the frigate USS Coronado (Cdr. N.W. Sprow, USCG).
Task Unit 74.4.2 was the Central Unit under T/Cdr. J.J. Greytak, USN, and was made up of the following ships; LST's USS LST-459 (Lt. N. Waggener, USNR), USS LST-41 (Lt. W.B. Dundon, Jr., USNR), USS LST-276 (Lt. P.J. Bergeaux, USNR), USS LST-476 (Lt. C.A. Boyer, USNR), USS LST-479 (Lt. D.J. Guthridge, USNR), destroyers USS McKee (T/Cdr. J.J. Greytak, USN), USS John Rodgers (T/Cdr. H.O. Parish, USN) and the frigate USS San Pedro (Lt.Cdr. C.O. Ashley, USCG).
Task Unit 74.4.3 was the Eastern Unit under T/Capt. H.O. Larson, USN, and was made up of the following ships; attack cargo USS Bootes (Lt.Cdr. H.P. Bacon, USNR), LST's USS LST-469 (Lt. L.E. Green, USNR), USS LST-181 (Lt. R.J. Wilson, USNR), USS LST-474 (Lt. R.W. Langworthy, USNR), USS LST-478 (Lt.(jg) J.C. McCormick, Jr., USNR), USS LST-481 (Lt. G. McGuire, USN), USS LST-482 (Lt. G.T. Wharton, USNR), destroyers USS Fletcher (T/Cdr. J.L. Foster, USN, with COMDESDIV 42, T/Capt. H.O. Larson, USN), USS Murray (T/Cdr. P.R. Anderson, USN) and the frigates USS Long Beach (Lt.Cdr. T.R. Midtlyng, USCG) and USS Glendale (Cdr. H.J. Doebler, USCG).

Task Group 77.5 was the Second Reinforcement Group and was made up of the following Units.
Task Unit 77.5.1 was the Western Unit and was made up of the following ships; amphibious transports USS Zeilin (T/Cdr. T.B. Fitzpatrick, USN), USS Windsor (Capt. D.C. Goodward, USNR), LST's USS LST-168 (Lt. H. Twiford, USCG), USS LST-170 (Lt. T.N. Kelly, USCGR), USS LST-202 (?), USS LST-204 (?), USS LST-206 (Lt. C.O. Opperman, USCG), USS LST-269 (Lt. V.T. Finch, USNR), USS LST-447 (Lt. T. Peckelder, USNR), destroyers USS Sigsbee (T/Capt. B. van Meter Russell, USN), USS Dashiell (T/Cdr. E.A. Barham, USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Lovelace (Cdr. R.D. de Kay, Jr., USNR) and USS Manning (Lt.Cdr. J.I. Mingay, USNR).
Task Unit 77.5.2 was the Central Unit and was made up of the following ships; LST's USS LST-395 (Lt. A.C. Forbes, USNR), USS LST-339 (Lt. J.J. Croft, USNR), USS LST-397 (Lt. W.R. Hitch, USNR), USS LST-460 (Lt.(jg) H.E. Robinson, USNR), USS LST-472 (Lt. W.O. Tally, USN) and the destroyers USS Ringgold (T/Lt.Cdr. W.B. Christie, USN) and USS Schroeder (T/Cdr. J.T. Bowers, Jr., USN).
Task Unit 77.5.3 was the Reserve Unit and was made up of the following ships; amphibious transports USS Harry Lee (T/Cdr. J.G. Pomeroy, USN), USS Ormsby (Capt. L. Frisco, USNR) and amphibious cargo ship USS Centaurus (Capt. G.E. McCabe, USCG).

Cover for the landings was provided by ships from Task Forces 74, 75 and 78.

Task Force 74, under Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN, was made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN).

Task Force 75, under Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN, was made up of the light cruisers USS Phoenix (T/Capt. J.H. Duncan, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Nashville (Capt. H.A. Spanagel, USN), USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USNN) and the destroyers USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), USS Bache (T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN), USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN), USS Abner Read (T/Cdr. T.B. Hutchins, 3rd, USN, with COMDESDIV 48, T/Capt. J.B. McLean, USN) and USS Bush (T/Cdr. T.A. Smith, USN).

Task Force 78, under Rear-Admiral R.E. Davison, USN, was the air cover force and was made up of the following Task Units;
Task Unit 78.1.1 was made up of the escort carriers USS Sangamon (T/Capt. M.E. Browder, USN, with COMCARDIV 22, Rear-Admiral V.H Ragsdale, USN, on board), USS Suwanee (T/Capt. W.D. Johnson, USN), USS Chenango (T/Capt. D. Ketcham, USN) and USS Santee (T/Capt. H.F. Fick, USN).
Task Unit 78.1.2 was their escort made up of the destroyers USS Morris (T/Cdr. G.L. Caswell, USNR, with COMDESRON 2, T/Capt. E.A. Solomons, USN, on board), USS Hughes (T/Cdr. E.B. Rittenhouse, USN), USS Mustin (T/Cdr. M.M. Riker, USN), USS Ellet (T/Cdr. E.C. Rider, USN), USS Lansdowne (T/Cdr. W.S. Maddox, USN, with COMDESDIV 24, T/Capt. J.L. Melgaard, USN, on board), USS Lardner (T/Cdr. J.D. Parker, USN) and USS Black (T/Cdr. E.R. King, Jr., USN).
Task Unit 78.2.1 was made up of the escort carriers USS Manila Bay (T/Capt. B.L. Braun, USN, with COMCARDIV 24, Rear-Admiral R.E. Davison, USN, on board), USS Coral Sea (T/Capt. H.W. Taylor, Jr., USN), USS Corregidor (T/Capt. R.L. Bowman, USN) and USS Natoma Bay (T/Capt. H.L. Meadow, USN).
Task Unit 78.2.2 was their escort made up of the destroyers USS Erben (T/Cdr. M. Slayton, USN, with COMDESRON 48, T/Capt. J.T. Bottom, Jr., USN), USS Walker (T/Cdr. H.E. Townsend, USN), USS Hale (T/Cdr. D.W. Wilson, USN), USS Abbot (T/Cdr. M.E. Dornin, USN), USS Bullard (T/Cdr. B.W. Freund, USN, with COMDESDIV 96, T/Capt. C.E. Carroll, USN), USS Kidd (T/Cdr. A.B. Roby, USN) and USS Chauncey (T/Cdr. L.C. Conwell, USN).

Chronology of the passage towards the operations area.

1000K/16, Echelon R-1, Group B, made up of USS LCI(L)-71, USS LCI(L)-72, USS LCI(L)-74, USS LCI(L)-340, USS LCI(L)-343, USS LCI(L)-344, USS LCI(L)-361, USS LCI(L)-362, USS LCI(L)-363, USS LCI(L)-364, USS LCI(L)-429, USS LCI(L)-430, USS LCI(L)-431, USS LCI(L)-447, USS LCI(L)-448, USS LCI(G)-31, USS SC-736, USS SC-738 departed Goodenough Island for the operations area via Seeadler Harbour. USS Gillespie and USS Kalk were to join off Cape Sudest.

0400K/17, Echelon R-1, Group C, made up of USS LST-479, USS LST-171, USS LST-220, USS LST-245, USS LST-468, USS LST-470 and USS LST-475 departed Goodenough Island for Cape Sudest where USS Ganymede and USS YMS 8 and USS YMS 10 were to join and subsequently proceed to the operations area.

1000K/17, Echelon R-1, Group E, made up of USS LCI(L)-28, USS LCI(L)-25, USS LCI(L)-26, USS LCI(L)-27, USS LCI(L)-29, USS LCI(L)-30, USS LCI(L)-224, USS LCI(L)-225, USS LCI(L)-226, USS LCI(L)-227, USS LCI(L)-228, USS LCI(L)-230, USS LCI(L)-337, USS LCI(L)-338, USS LCI(L)-342, USS LCI(L)-432, USS LCI(G)-34, USS LCI(G)-73 departed Cape Cretin for the operations area via Seeadler Harbour. They were escorted by USS Stockton, USS SC-637, USS SC-648, USS SC-703, USS SC-742, USS SC-743 and USS SC-981.

1000K/17, Echelon R-1, Group A, made up of USS Henry T. Allen, HMAS Manoona, HMAS Kanimbla, USS Carter Hall departed Goodenough Island for the operations area. They were escorted by USS Swanston and USS Hobby. USS Grayson was to join off Cape Sudest.

2100K/17, USS Ganymede and HMAS Reserve departed Cape Sudest to join Echelon R-1, Group C. They were escorted by USS Wilkes and USS Nicholson.

0001K/18, USS Grayson departed Cape Sudest to join Echelon R-1, Group A.

0700K/18, Echelon R-2, Western Attack Group, made up of USS Virgo, USS LST-18, USS LST-22, USS LST-26, USS LST-66, USS LST-67, USS LST-68, USS LST-227 departed Goodenough Island for the operations area. Their escort, USS Stevens, USS Harrison and USS Coronado were to join off Cape Sudest.

1200K/18, Echelon R-1, Group F, made up of USS Triangulum, USS LST-466, USS LST-118, USS LST-454, USS LST-457, USS LST-458, USS LST-463, USS LST-465, USS Sonoma, USS Hogan, USS Long, USS YMS-46, USS YMS-47, USS Stevenson, USS Taylor and USS Roe departed Cape Cretin for the operations area.

1300K/18, Echelon R-1, Group H, made up of USS Etamin, USS LST-452, USS LST-38, USS LST-122, USS LST-221, USS LST-241, USS LST-270, USS LST-456, USS Chetco, USS SC-637, USS SC-648, USS SC-742, USS SC-981, USS YMS-48, USS YMS-51, USS Perry, USS Hamilton, USS Nicholas and USS O'Bannon departed Cape Cretin for the operations area.

1400K/18, Echelon R-1, Group E, arrived at Seeadler Harbour from Cape Cretin.

1430K/18, Part of Task Force 75, USS Phoenix, USS Boise, USS Hutchins, USS Beale and USS Daly departed Cape Sudest for the operations area.

1500K/18, Echelon R-1, Group B, arrived at Seeadler Harbour from Goodenough Island.

1800K/18, Echelon R-1, Group D, made up of HMAS Australia, USS Gunston Hall, USS Humphreys, USS Brooks, USS Gilmer, USS Sands and USS Herbert departed Cape Cretin for the operations area. They were escorted by USS Reid, USS Welles and USS Radford.

1900K/18, Echelon R-1, Group G, made up of USS Epping Forest, USS Kilty, USS Talbot, USS Dent, USS Schley, USS Ward, USS Crosby, USS Dickerson, USS Kane, USS Noa departed Cape Cretin for the operations area. They were escorted by USS La Vallete and USS Hopewell.

2200K/18, USS Stevens, USS Harrison and USS Coronado departed Cape Sudest to join Echelon R-2, Western Attack Group at sea.

0700K/19, USS Jenkins departed Seeadler Harbour to escort the submarine USS Dace (T/Cdr. B.D. Claggett, USN) northwards and then join Echelon R-1, Group H on completion of this duty.

0700K/19, Echelon R-3, Western Attack Group, made up of USS Zeilin, USS Windsor, USS LST-168, USS LST-170, USS LST-202, USS LST-204, USS LST-206, USS LST-269, USS LST-447 departed Goodenough Island for the operations area. They are to be joined off Cape Sudest by USS Sigsbee, USS Dashiell, USS Lovelace and USS Manning.

1100K/19, USS Nashville, USS Abner Read and USS Bache departed Cape Cretin for Borgen Bay, New Britain where they arrived around 1715K/19. They departed from there for the operations area around 1950K/19. On board USS Nashville was General MacArthur and his staff.

1300K/19, Echelon R-2, Hollandia and Aitape Groups, made up of USS LST-459, USS LST-41, USS LST-276, USS LST-476, USS LST-479, USS LST-469, USS LST-181, USS LST-474, USS LST-478, USS LST-481, USS LST-482, USS Harry Lee, USS Ormsby, USS Centaurus and USS Bootes departed Cape Cretin for the operations area. They were escorted by USS McKee, USS John Rodgers, USS Fletcher, USS Murray, USS San Pedro, USS Long Beach and USS Glendale.

1730K/19, Task Force 74, made up of HMAS Australia, HMAS Shropshire, HMAS Arunta, HMAS Warramunga, USS Ammen and USS Mullany departed Seeadler Harbour to provide cover for the landing forces and bombardment duties in the operations area.

1800K/19, Echelons R-1 Group B and Group E (see above) departed Seeadler Harbour for the operations area.

2345K/19, USS Sigsbee, USS Dashiell, USS Lovelace and USS Manning departed Cape Sudest to join Echelon R-3, Western Attack Group at sea.

0700K/20, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H (of Echelon R-1) all made rendezvous to the north of the Admiralty Islands and then continued on towards the operations area.

1300K/20, Echelon R-3, Central Attack Unit, made up of USS LST-395, USS LST-339, USS LST-397, USS LST-460, USS LST-472, USS Schroeder and USS Ringgold departed Cape Cretin for the operations area.

1730K/21, The Eastern Attack Group parted company with the other two Attack Groups and proceeded towards Aitape without incident.

1800K/21, The Western Attack Group and Central Attack Group parted company with each other and proceeded without incident towards Tanahmerah Bay and Humboldt Bay respectively.

Chronology of the actual landing operations on 22 April 1944.

Western Area, Tanahmerah Bay.

0500K/22, The Western Attack Group arrived in the transport area according to schedule and commenced lowering of boats and disembarking troops.

0600K/22, The naval bombardment of the two 8" cruisers (HMAS Australia and HMAS Shropshire and six destroyers () commenced until 0645K/22. All ships stood well in to insure good observation. 600 rounds of 8" and 1500 rounds of 5" and 4.7" were fired without response. The air bombardment was cancelled owing to the absence of any indication of the presence of the enemy.

0700K/22, Landings at Red Beach 1 and 2 were made according to schedule. No opposition was encountered although small parties of Japanese were found in the hills behind Red Beach 2. Landings of troops and supplies continued on this day as scheduled and without enemy air or naval reaction.

Central Area, Humboldt Bay.

0500K/22, The Central Attack Group arrived in the transport area according to schedule and troops were disemraked rapidly and the landing craft stood toward the beach as scheduled.

0600K/22, The naval bombardment was conducted according to plan, three light cruisers (USS Phoenix, USS Nashville and USS Boise) and six destroyers ( USS Hutchins, USS Bache, USS Beale, USS Daly, USS Abner Read and USS Bush) delivered intense fire against the assigned targets until 0645K/22.

0645K/22, Naval aircraft delivered effective bombardment and conducted strafing missions on Beaches White 1 and 2.

0700K/22, Assault waves hit the beaches and quickly secured both sides of the entrance to Jautifa Bay. The landing came as a complete surprise and the Japanese abandoned their beach defences, rifle pits and weapons at the commencement of the naval bombardment. Sporadic resistance was encountered later in the day but the assault force secured the heights overlooking Challenger Cove, the tracks between Hollandia and Pim, Leimok Hill and Pim itself by nightfall. Unloading of LST's and transports progressed favourably despite the congested beach area. No enemy reaction was made to the Allied operations.

Eastern Area, Aitape.

0100K/22, The high speed minesweepers proceeded ahead of the Eastern Attack Group to sweep the transport area. The YMS minesweepers were slow in leaving formation and due to rain squalls, did not arrive in the transport area in sufficient time to complete sweeping operations before the arrival of the transport group. The DMS's were able to make one sweep before the transports arrived in the area.

0500K/22, The Attack Group arrived in the transport area as scheduled and the transports commenced lowering their boats and disembarking troops. As soon as loaded, the landing craft from the high speed transports formed on the SC's which were used as control vessels, and proceeded towards the beach.

0600K/22, The naval bombardment commenced and continued until 0630K/22, at which time the naval air delivered a bombardment on previously assigned targets, followed by a strafing attack on the beach until 0640K/22.

0645K/22, Two SC's, fitted with rockets and stationed on either flank on the landing craft approaching the beach, delivered their fire as the landing craft approached the beach and landed. Due to the difficulty in identifying the proper beach, the landing was made about 800 yards to the eastward of Blue Beach 1 at a small village called Wapil. The landing was made without oppostiion and only slight opposition developed later. It is believed that the landing was a complete surprise as breakfast was found on the stoves cooking and in several huts clothes were left by the bunks were Japanese left hurriedly. No enemy air or naval reaction was encountered in the initial landings.

Further movements on 22 April 1944.

0900K/22, USS Schley, USS Ward, USS Kane and USS Noa departed Aitape to effect rendezvous with Echelon R-2 and join as escorts.

0900K/22, Return Group I, USS Carter Hall, USS Gunston Hall, USS Humphreys, USS Brooks, USS Gilmer, USS Sands and USS Herbert departed the operations area for Cape Cretin.

0900K/22, Return Group M, USS Epping Forest, USS Kilty, USS Talbot, USS Dent, USS Crosby and USS Dickerson departed Aitape for Cape Sudest. (USS Epping Forest was to part company at Cape Cretin).

0930K/22, Return Group J, made up of 15 LCI's from Red Beaches and 16 LCI's from White Beaches made rendezvous and set course to proceed to Cape Cretin.

1600K/22, Return Group K, USS Henry T. Allen, HMAS Kanimbla, HMAS Manoora, HMAS Westralia having completed unloading at Tanahmerah Bay and Humboldt Bay departed for Cape Sudest escorted by USS Nicholson, USS Gillespie, USS Welles, USS Hogan and USS Long.

1800K/22, Task Forces 74 and 75 were released from their close support mission and reported to the Commander 7th Fleet. Task Force 74 joined Task Unit 78.2 the following morning while Task Force 75 left the operations area.

1900K/22, Return Group N, made up of 7 LST's and 2 SC's departed Aitape for Cape Cretin escorted by USS O'Bannon, USS Hopewell, USS Stembel, USS Hamilton and USS Perry.

2000K/22, Return Group L, made up of 6 LST's from Red Beach and 6 LST's from White Beach, and USS Sonoma departed the operations area for Cape Cretin. The LST's from Red Beach were to continue to Cape Sudest. They were escorted by USS Kalk, USS Hobby, USS Radford, USS Stevenson and USS Stockton.

23 April 1944.

All land forces continued consolidation of their respective areas encountering only slight enemy opposition. Allied casualties were slight.

0430K/23, The Commander Eastern Attack Group rendezvoused with the Reserve Group transporting elements of the Aitape Landing Force scheduled to land on Tumleo and Seleo Island and also Korako. The landings on these two islands were made according to schedule. The landing craft from 4 APD's were sent to USS Ormsby for the troops that were to land in the assault waves, eight LCP's going to each island. No opposition was encountered on landing and only slight opposition develiped at Seleo. Several Japanese were killed and a few natives were captured. No Allied casualties were suffered.

0700K/23, Echelon R-2 arrived in the Aitape-Humboldt Bay-Tanahmerah Bay area as scheduled and commenced unloading.

1500K/23, USS Phoenix, USS Boise, USS Hutchins, USS Beale and USS Daly arrived at Seeadler Harbour from the operations area.

1900K/23, Return Group O, made up of 7 LST's from Tanahmerah Bay and 6 LST's from Humboldt Bay had completed unloading and departed for Cape Cretin escorted by USS Stevens, USS Harrison, USS Taylor, USS San Pedro and USS Coronado.

1930K/23, Return Group P, made up of USS Harry Lee, USS Ormsby and USS Centaurus departed Aitape for Cape Cretin. They were escorted by USS Fletcher, USS Jenkins, USS Long Beach and USS Glendale. USS Jenkins later sank an enemy barge to the east of Hollandia, killing nine Japanese.

1940K/23, a single enemy aircraft attacked White Beach 1 at Humboldt Bay. A fire was started in the dump area. The result was that LST's were unable to beach at this point due to the lage fire which lasted for several day amongst our supplies.

24 April 1944.

Hollandia village was captured and patrols were now working towards the enemy airfields. Aitape village was also captured as was Tumleo Island.

0700K/24, Echelon R-3, Western and Central Units arrived at Humboldt Bay and commenced unloading which was completed around 1930K/24 and the Echelon, joined by USS Virgo, USS Ganymede, USS YMS-8 and USS YMS-10, then left for Cape Cretin escorted by USS Grayson, USS John Rodgers, USS Taylor and USS McKee.

2045K/24, USS Schroeder, on patrol 20 nautical miles north of Humboldt Bay was attacked by twelve enemy torpedo aircraft but she sustained no damage.

[Operations continued in the Hollandia area but will be dealth with on individual ships pages from the 25th.]

Operations in the area continued but will not be further listed here.

23 Apr 1944
Around 0730K/23, Task Force 74, made up of heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) made rendezvous with Task Group 78.2 made up of the escort carriers USS Manila Bay (T/Capt. B.L. Braun, USN, with COMCARDIV 24, Rear-Admiral R.E. Davison, USN, on board), USS Coral Sea (T/Capt. H.W. Taylor, Jr., USN), USS Corregidor (T/Capt. R.L. Bowman, USN) and USS Natoma Bay (T/Capt. H.L. Meadow, USN) and the destroyers USS Erben (T/Cdr. M. Slayton, USN, with COMDESRON 48, T/Capt. J.T. Bottom, Jr., USN), USS Walker (T/Cdr. H.E. Townsend, USN), USS Hale (T/Cdr. D.W. Wilson, USN), USS Abbot (T/Cdr. M.E. Dornin, USN), USS Bullard (T/Cdr. B.W. Freund, USN, with COMDESDIV 96, T/Capt. C.E. Carroll, USN), USS Kidd (T/Cdr. A.B. Roby, USN) and USS Chauncey (T/Cdr. L.C. Conwell, USN).

They remained in company until they all arrived at Seeadler Harbour in the morning of the 28th.

On the 24th the destroyers were fuelled by the bigger ships; HMAS Australia fuelled HMAS Warramunga and HMS Arunta, USS Corregidor fuelled USS Ammen and USS Mullany. USS Natoma Bay fuelled USS Hale , USS Abbot and USS Chauncey, USS Manila Bay fuelled USS Walker and USS Erben, USS Coral Sea fuelled USS Bullard and USS Kidd. (45)

29 Apr 1944
Between 0600K/29 and 0700K/29, Task Group 78.2 made up of the escort carriers USS Manila Bay (T/Capt. B.L. Braun, USN, with COMCARDIV 24, Rear-Admiral R.E. Davison, USN, on board), USS Coral Sea (T/Capt. H.W. Taylor, Jr., USN) and USS Corregidor (T/Capt. R.L. Bowman, USN) and the destroyers USS Erben (T/Cdr. M. Slayton, USN, with COMDESRON 48, T/Capt. J.T. Bottom, Jr., USN), USS Walker (T/Cdr. H.E. Townsend, USN), USS Hale (T/Cdr. D.W. Wilson, USN), USS Abbot (T/Cdr. M.E. Dornin, USN), USS Bullard (T/Cdr. B.W. Freund, USN, with COMDESDIV 96, T/Capt. C.E. Carroll, USN), USS Kidd (T/Cdr. A.B. Roby, USN) and USS Chauncey (T/Cdr. L.C. Conwell, USN) and Task Force 74, made up of heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) departed Seeadler Bay for the operations area to the north of Hollandia.

Around 1430K/2, USS Bullard, USS Kidd and USS Chauncey were detached to join Task Group 78.1 and Task Force 75 (these were the other carrier / cruiser Cover Group).

Around 1800K/2, Task Group 78.2 was joined by the destroyers USS Lansdowne (T/Cdr. W.S. Maddox, USN, with COMDESDIV 24, T/Capt. J.L. Melgaard, USN, on board), USS Lardner (T/Cdr. J.D. Parker, USN) and USS Ellet (T/Cdr. E.C. Rider, USN) which in turn had parted company with Task Group 78.1.

At 2000K/2, Task Group 78.2 and Task Force 74 set course to return to Seeadler Harbour where they arrived around 0700K/4. (47)

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