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20 October 1944

Forces employed during the landings at Leyte Gulf.

Task Forces organisation.

Task Force 77

was the Central Philippines Attack Force under T/Vice-Admiral T.C. Kinkaid, USN and was made up of the following Task Groups.

Task Group 77.1 was the Flagship Group which was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.1.1 was the Fleet Flagship Unit, made up of the Amphibious Force Command Ship USS Wasatch (T/Capt. A.M. Granum, USN, flying the flag of T/Vice-Admiral T.C. Kinkaid, USN) and her escorting destroyers USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. A.O. Momm, USN).
Task Unit 77.1.2 was the Cruiser Unit, made up of the light cruiser USS Nashville (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN) and the destroyers USS Abner Read (T/Cdr. A.M. Purdy, USN, with COMDESDIV 48, T/Capt. J.B. McLean, USN) and USS Bush (T/Cdr. R.E. Westholm, USN). On board USS Nashville was General MacArthur and his staff.

Task Group 77.2 was the Bombardment and Fire Support Group under COMCRUDIV 4, Rear-Admiral J.B. Oldendorf, USN, which was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.2.1 was Fire Support Unit North, under COMBATDIV 3, T/Rear-Admiral G.L. Weyler, USN, made up of the battleships (from BATDIV 3), USS Mississippi (Capt. H.J. Redfield, Jr., USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral G.L. Weyler, USN) and USS Idaho (Capt. H.J. Grassie, USN) and from BATDIV 4, USS West Virginia (Capt. H.V. Wiley, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral T.D. Ruddock, Jr., USN) and USS Maryland (Capt. H.J. Ray, USN). They were escorted by the destroyers USS Cony (T/Cdr. A.W. Moore, USN), USS Aulick (T/Cdr. J.D. Andrew, USN) and USS Sigourney (T/Lt.Cdr. F. Hale, Jr., USN).
Task Unit 77.2.2 was Fire Support Unit South, under COMCRUDIV 4, Rear-Admiral J.B. Oldendorf, USN, which was made up the battleships USS Tennessee (Capt. J.B. Heffernan, USN, flying the flag of COMBATDIV 2, T/Rear-Admiral T.E. Chandler, USN), USS California (Capt. H.P. Burnett, USN) and USS Pennsylvania (Capt. C.F. Martin, USN), heavy cruisers USS Louisville (T/Capt. S.H. Hurt, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 4, Rear-Admiral J.B. Oldendorf, USN), USS Portland (T/Capt. T.G.W. Settle, USN), USS Minneapolis (T/Capt. H.B. Slocum, USN), light cruisers USS Honolulu (T/Capt. H.R. Thurber, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 9, Rear-Admiral W.L. Ainsworth, USN), USS Denver (Capt. A.M. Bledsoe, USN , flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 12, T/Rear-Admiral R.W. Hayler, USN), USS Columbia (T/Capt. M.E. Curts, USN) and the destroyers USS Newcomb (T/Cdr. L.B. Cook, USN, with COMDESRON 56, Capt. R.N. Smoot, USN), USS Leutze (T/Cdr. B.A. Robbins, Jr., USN), USS Bennion (T/Cdr. J.W. Cooper, USN), USS Heywood L. Edwards (T/Cdr. J.W. Boulware, USN), USS Richard P. Leary (T/Cdr. F.S. Habecker, USN), USS Robinson (T/Cdr. E.B. Grantham, Jr., USN, with COMDESDIV 112, T/Capt. T.F. Conley, USN), USS Ross (T/Cdr. B. Coe, USN), USS Albert W. Grant (T/Cdr. T.A. Nisewaner, USN), USS Bryant (T/Cdr. P.L. High, USN), USS Halford (T/Cdr. R.J. Hardy, USN), USS Claxton (T/Cdr. M.H. Hubbard, USN, also COMDESDIVXRAY), USS Thorn (T/Lt.Cdr. F.H. Schneider, Jr., USN) and USS Welles (T/Lt.Cdr. J.S. Slaughter, USN).

Task Group 77.3 was the Close Covering Group under COMCRUDIV 15, T/Rear-Admiral D.E. Barbey, USN, which was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.3.1 was made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN), light cruisers USS Phoenix (T/Capt. J.H. Duncan, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, 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/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Cdr. D.M. Coffee, USN), USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN), USS Killen (T/Cdr. H.G. Corey, USN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN).

Task Group 77.4 was the Escort Carrier Group under COMCARDIV 22, T/Rear-Admiral T.L. Sprague, USN, which was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.4.1 was the Panaon Carrier Group under COMCARDIV 22, T/Rear-Admiral T.L. Sprague, USN. This Task Unit was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.4.11, was made up of the escort carriers USS Sangamon (T/Capt. M.E. Browder, USN, flying the flag of COMCARDIV 22, T/Rear-Admiral T.L. Sprague, USN), USS Suwanee (T/Capt. W.D. Johnson, USN), USS Chenango (T/Capt. G. van Deurs, USN) and USS Santee (T/Capt. R.E. Blick, USN).
Task Unit 77.4.12, was made up of the escort carriers USS Saginaw Bay (T/Capt. F.C. Sutton, Jr., USN, flying the flag of COMCARDIV 28, T/Rear-Admiral G.R. Henderson, USN) and USS Petrof Bay (T/Capt. J.L. Kane, USN).
Task Unit 77.4.13 (screen), was made up of the destroyers USS McCord (T/Cdr. F.D. Michael, USN), with COMDESRON 47, T/Capt. I.H. Nunn, USN), USS Trathen (T/Cdr. J.R. Millett, USN), USS Hazelwood (T/Cdr. V.P. Douw, USN) and the destroyer escorts USS Edmonds (Lt.Cdr. J.S. Burrows, Jr., USNR, with COMCORTDIV 63, T/Cdr. J.V. Bewick, USN on board), USS Richard S. Bull (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN), USS Richard M. Rowell (T/Cdr. H.A. Barnard, Jr., USN), USS Eversole (T/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Marix, USN) and USS Coolbaugh (Lt.Cdr. S.T. Hotchkiss, USNR).
Task Unit 77.4.2 was the Southern Carrier Group under COMCARDIV 24, T/Rear-Admiral F.B. Stump, USN. This Task Unit was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.4.21, was made up of the escort carriers USS Natoma Bay (T/Capt. A.K. Morehouse, USN, USN, flying the flag of COMCARDIV 24, T/Rear-Admiral F.B. Stump, USN) and USS Manila Bay (T/Capt. F. Lee, USN).
Task Unit 77.4.22, was made up of the escort carriers USS Marcus Island (T/Capt. C.F. Greber, USN, flying the flag of COMCARDIV 27, T/Rear-Admiral W.D. Sample, USN), USS Kadashan Bay (T/Capt. R.N. Hunter, USN), USS Savo Island (T/Capt. C.E. Ekstrom, USN) and USS Ommaney Bay (T/Capt. H.L. Young, USN).
Task Unit 77.4.23 (screen), was made up of the destroyers USS Haggard (T/Cdr. D.A. Harris, USN, with COMDESDIV 94, T/Capt. L.K. Reynolds, USN), USS Franks (T/Cdr. D.R. Stephan, USN), USS Hailey (T/Cdr. P.H. Brady, USN) and the escort destroyers USS Richard W. Suesens (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Graham, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 69, T/Cdr. T.C. Phifer, USN on board), USS Abercrombie (Lt.Cdr. B.H. Katschinski, USNR), USS Oberrender (Lt.Cdr. S. Spencer, USNR), USS Walter C. Wann (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Stedman, Jr., USNR) and USS Le Ray Wilson (Lt.Cdr. M.V. Carson, Jr., USNR).
Task Unit 77.4.3 was the Northern Carrier Group under COMCARDIV 25, T/Rear-Admiral C.A.F. Sprague, USN. This Task Unit was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.4.31, was made up of the escort carriers USS Fanshaw Bay (T/Capt. D.P. Johnson, USN, flying the flag of COMCARDIV 25, T/Rear-Admiral C.A.F. Sprague, USN), USS St. Lo (T/Capt. F.J. McKenna, USN), USS White Plains (T/Capt. D.J. Sullivan, USN) and USS Kalinin Bay (T/Capt. T.B. Williamson, USN).
Task Unit 77.4.32, was made up of the escort carriers USS Kitkun Bay (T/Capt. J.P. Whitney, USN, flying the flag of COMCARDIV 26, T/Rear-Admiral R.A. Ofstie, USN) and USS Gambier Bay (T/Capt. W.V.R. Vieweg, USN).
Task Unit 77.4.33 (screen), was made up of the destroyers USS Hoel (T/Cdr. Leon Samuel Kintberger, USN, with COMDESDIV 93, T/Cdr. W.D. Thomas, USN on board), USS Heerman (T/Cdr. A.T. Hathaway, USN), USS Johnston (T/Cdr. E.E. Evans, USN) and the escort destroyers USS Dennis (Lt.Cdr. S. Hansen, USNR), USS John C. Butler (T/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Pace, USN), USS Raymond (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Beyer, Jr., USNR) and USS Samuel B. Roberts (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Copeland, USNR).

Task Group 77.5 was the Minesweeping and Hydrographic Group under T/Cdr. W.R. Loud, USN, which was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.5.1 was made up of the destroyer minelayers USS Preble (T/Lt.Cdr. E.F. Baldridge, USN), USS Breese (D.B. Cohen, USN), high speed transport USS Sands (Lt. J.M. Samuels, USNR), high speed minesweepers USS Hovey (T/Lt. A.A. Clark, 3rd, USN, with COMINRON 2, T/Cdr. W.R. Loud, USN), USS Chandler (Lt. F.M. Murphy, USNR), USS Southard (Lt. J.E. Brennan, USNR), USS Long (Lt. S. Caplan, USNR), USS Hamilton (Lt.Cdr. J. Clague, USNR), USS Howard (T/Lt.Cdr. O.F. Salvia, USN), USS Palmer (Lt. W.E. McGuirk, Jr. USNR), minesweepers USS Zeal (Lt.Cdr. E.W. Woodhouse, USNR, with COMINDIV 14, Cdr. J.S. Chambers, USNR, on board), USS Token (Lt. W.T. Hunt, USNR), USS Tumult (Lt. W.K. McDuffie, USNR), USS Velocity (Lt. G.J. Buyse, USNR), USS Scout (Lt. E.G. Anderson, USNR), USS Sentry (Lt.Cdr. T.R. Fonick, USNR), USS YMS-YMS-1 (Lt. R.N. Compton, USNR), USS YMS-2 (Lt.(jg) K.B. Lucas, USNR), USS YMS-6 (J.H. Skog, USNR), USS YMS-39 (Lt.(jg) R.M. Sullivan, USNR), USS YMS-49 (Lt. J.A. Lynch, Jr., USNR), USS YMS-52 (Lt. W.A. Semmes, USNR), USS YMS-70 (Lt.(jg) D.L. Blackett, USNR), USS YMS-71 (Lt. E.O. Saltmarsh, USNR), USS YMS-81 (Lt. P.F. Beville, USNR), USS YMS-140 (Lt. R.J. Staehli, Jr. USNR), USS YMS-219 (Lt. M.R. Winfield, USNR), USS YMS-238 (Lt.(jg) W.C. Ling, USNR), USS YMS-243 (Lt.(jg) W.C. Kayser, USNR), USS YMS-286 (Lt.(jg) D.L. Middleton, USNR), USS YMS-293 (Lt. J.W. Holmes, USNR), USS YMS-314 (Lt. F.X. Gallagher, USNR), USS YMS-319 (Lt. R.F. Hellrung, USNR), USS YMS-335 (Lt.(jg) R.C. Wilkins, USNR), USS YMS-336 (Lt.(jg) J.G. McElroy, USNR), USS YMS-340 (Lt. P. Schminke, USNR), USS YMS-341 (Lt. H.O. Arend, USNR), USS YMS-342 (Lt. W.M. Reilly, USNR) and USS YMS-398 (Lt. W.A. Latta, USNR).
Task Unit 77.5.2 was made up of the frigate HMAS Gascoyne (Lt.Cdr. N.R. Read, RAN, with Cdr. K.E. Oom, RAN, on board), minesweepers USS YMS-YMS 316 (Lt. R.J. Dalton, USNR), USS YMS-393 (Lt. J.W. Montgomery, USNR) and motor launch HMAS HMDL 1074 (Lt.Cdr.(Emgy.) S.W.S. Robertson, RAN).

Task Group 77.6 was the Beach Demolition Group which was made up of the high speed transports USS Manley (Lt. R.T. Newell, Jr., USNR), USS Talbot (Lt.Cdr. C.C. Morgan, USNR), USS Goldsborough (Lt. W.J. Meehan, 3rd, USNR), USS Kane (Lt.Cdr. F.M. Christiansen, USNR), USS Brooks (Lt. S.C. Rasmussen, Jr., USNR), USS Belknap (Lt. R. Childs, Jr., USNR), USS Overton (Lt.Cdr. D.K. O'Conner, USNR), USS Humphreys (T/Cdr. O.B. Murphy, USNR), USS Rathburne (Lt.Cdr. R.L. Welch, USNR), USS Badger (Lt.Cdr. A.T. Enos, 3rd, USNR) and USS Clemson (Lt. W.F. Moran, USNR).

Task Group 77.7 was the Tanker Group which was made up of the tankers USS Ashtabula (Lt.Cdr. W. Barnett, Jr., USNR, with CTG 77.7, T/Capt. J.D. Beard, USN, on board), USS Saranac (Cdr. H.R. Parker, USN), USS Chepachet (Cdr. H.R. Adams, USNR) and USS Salamonie (T/Capt. L.J. Johns, USN). They were escorted by the escort destroyers USS Whitehurst (Lt. J.C. Horton, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 40, Cdr. C.A. Thorwall, USNR on board), USS Witter (Cdr. G. Herrmann, 3rd, USNR), USS Bowers (T/Cdr. F.W. Hawes, USN) and USS Willmarth (Lt.Cdr. J.G. Thorburn, Jr., USNR).

Task Force 78

was the Northern Attack Force, an amphibious unit, under T/Rear-Admiral D.E. Barbey, USN, and was made up of the following Task Groups.

Task Group 78.1 was the Palo Attack Group (Red Beach), under T/Rear-Admiral D.E. Barbey, USN, which was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 78.1.1 was made up of the Amphibious Force Command Ship USS Blue Ridge (Cdr. L.R. McDowell, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral D.E. Barbey, USN).
Task Unit 78.1.2 was made up of the destroyer destroyer Russell which was the reserve flagship.
Task Unit 78.1.31 was made up of the Amphibious Cargo Ships Fayette ( , with COMTRANSDIV 6, T/Capt. H.D. Baker, USN on board), Ormsby, Leedstown, Amphibious Transport Titania, Cargo Ship Hercules and the Landing Ship Docks Carter Hall and Epping Forrest.
Task Unit 78.1.32 was made up of the Amphibious Cargo Ships DuPage ( , with COMTRANSDIV 24, T/Capt. T.B. Brittain, USN on board), Fuller, Elmore, Wayne, Amphibious Transport Aquarius, Transport John Land and the Dock Landing Ship Gunston Hall.
Task Unit 78.1.4 was made up of the LST's 452 (with with COMLSTGR20, Cdr. D.M. Baker, USNR on board), 26, 168, 171, 181, 456, 458, 459, 462, 463 and 465.
Task Unit 78.1.5 was made up of the LSM's 19, 21 and 257.
Task Unit 78.1.6 was made up of the destroyers John Rodgers ( , with COMDESRON 25, T/Capt. H. Crommelin, on board), Murray, Harrison and McKee.
Task Unit 78.1.7 was the Control Unit and was made up of the patrol vessels PC-623 ( , with T/Capt. N.D. Brantly, USN, on board), 598, 1129 and SC-726.
Task Unit 78.1.8 was the Support Unit and was made up of the LCI(G)'s, 23, 65, LCI(R)'s, 71 ( , with Lt. R.E. Sargent, USNR on board), 72, 73, 74, 331.
Task Unit 78.1.9 was the Demolition Unit and was made up of the LCI(D)'s, 227 and 228.
Task Unit 78.1.10 was the Special LCI Unit and was made up of the LCI(L)'s 28, 361, 364, 429, 447 and 448.
Task Unit 78.1.11 was the Salvage Unit and was made up of the tug Quapaw.
Task Unit 78.1.12 was the Army H.Q. Unit and was made up of the patrol vessels PCE(R)-848, 849, 850, army vessel Apache and the small army cargo ship FP 47.

Task Group 78.2 was the San Ricardo Attack Group (White Beach), under T/Rear-Admiral W.M. Fechteler, USN, which was made up of the following Task Units. Task Unit 78.2.1 was made up of the Attack Transport USS Fremont ( , flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral W.M. Fechteler, USN) and the destroyer destroyer Anderson which was the reserve flagship.
Task Unit 78.2.2 was made up of the Attack Transports Leonard Wood, Pierce, James O'Hara, transport La Salle, Attack Transport Electra and the Dock Landing Ship Oak Hall.
Task Unit 78.2.3 was made up of the Attack Transports Harris, Fremont (also Task Group 78.2 Flagship, see above), Barnstable, transport Herald of the Morning, Amphibious Transport Arneb and the Dock Landing Ship White March.
Task Unit 78.2.4 was made up of the LST's 466 ( , with COMLSTFLOT 7, T/Capt. R.M. Scruggs, USN on board), 18, 66, 67, 68, 202, 204, 245, 467, 468, 469, 470, 474 and 476.
Task Unit 78.2.5 was made up of the LSM's 18 (with COMLSMFLOT 2, T/Cdr. Weintraub, USN on board), 20, 22, 23, 34, 138, 139, 258 and 311.
Task Unit 78.2.6 was made up of the destroyers Fletcher, Jenkins, La Vallette and USS Anderson (also Task Group 78.2 Reserve Flagship, see above).
Task Unit 78.2.7 was the Control Unit made up of the patrol vessels PC 1134 (, with T/Capt. D.W. Loomis, USN on board), 1119, 1120 and SC-991.
Task Unit 78.2.8 was the Support Unit and was made up of the LCI(R)'s 230 (, with T/Cdr. D.H. Day, USN on board), 34, 337, 338, 340, 341 and the LCI(G)'s 69 (, with Lt.Cdr. A.M. Holmes, USNR, on board) and 64.
Task Unit 78.2.9 was the Salvage Unit and was made up of the tug Sonoma.

Task Group 78.3 was the Panaon Attack Group (Green Beach), under T/Rear-Admiral A.D. Struble, USN, which was made up of the following Task Units. Task Unit 78.3.1 was made up of the destroyer Hughes (, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral A.D. Struble, USN.
Task Unit 78.3.2 was made up of the amphibious transports Manoora, Kanimbla and Westralia.
Task Unit 78.3.3 was made up of the destroyers Stack (, with COMDESDIV 4, T/Capt. J.L. Melgaard, USN) and Lang.
Task Unit 78.3.4 was made up of the destroyers Ringgold (, with COMDESDIV 50, T/Cdr. H.O. Parish, USN), Schroeder, Sigsbee and Dashiell.
Task Unit 78.3.5 was made up of the patrol vessels PC-1122 (, with T/Capt. C.D. Murphey, USN on board), 1133, LCI(R)'s 31, 342, LCI(G)'s 68, 70 and LCI(D) 29.

Task Group 78.4 was the Dinagut Attack Group (Green Beach), also under T/Rear-Admiral A.D. Struble, USN, which was on board the destroyer USS Hughes [see TU 78.3.1.]
Task Unit 78.4.1 was made up of the fast minelayer HMS Ariadne and the high speed transports Ward (, with COMTRANSDIV 22, Cdr. R.A. Wilhelm, USN on board), Kilty, Schley, Crosby and Herbert.
Task Unit 78.4.2 was made up of the destroyers USS Stack, USS Long [both were also part of TU 78.3.3.] and the frigates Bisbee (, with COMCORTDIV 43, Capt. W.J. Austermann, USCG on board) and Gallup.
Task Unit 78.4.3 was made up of the LST's

Task Force 79

was the Southern Attack Force, an amphibious unit, under T/Vice-Admiral T.S. Wilkinson, USN and was made up of the following Task Groups.

Task Force 38

was the Fast Carrier Task Force under T/Vice-Admiral M.A. Mitcher, USN. This Force was to provide cover for the operation and was made up of the following Task Groups.

Chronology of the passage towards the operations area.

0730I/10, Task Group 77.5 commenced departing Seeadler Harbour for the operations area.

0445I/12, Task Group 77.4 commenced departing Seeadler Harbour for the operations area. The following temporary Task Units remained behind to provide air cover for other Task Units en-route to the Leyte area;
Task Unit 77.4.14, made up of the escort carriers USS Saginaw Bay, USS Petrof Bay and the escort destroyers USS Edmonds and USS Richard S. Bull.
Task Unit 77.4.24, made up of the escort carriers USS Kadashan Bay, USS Ommaney Bay and the escort destroyers USS Richard W. Suesens and USS Abercrombie.
Task Unit 77.4.34, made up of the escort carriers USS Kitkun Bay, USS Gambier Bay and the escort destroyers USS Dennis and USS John C. Butler.

Around 0600I/12. Task Group 77.7 departed Humboldt Bay for the fuelling area.

Around 0730I/12, Task Groups 77.2.1, 77.2.2 and 77.6 commenced departing Seeadler Harbour for the operations area.

Around 1530I/13, Task Group 77.3 departed Humboldt Bay screening Units of Task Force 78, the actual Leyte Attack Force.

Around 0630I/15, Task Unit 77.1.1, departed Humboldt Bay for the operations area.

Around 1115I/16, Task Unit 71.1.2, departed Humboldt Bay for the operations area. On board USS Nashville was General MacArthur and his staff.

20 Apr 1943
HMS Shropshire was recommissioned as HMAS Shropshire on this day. (1)

27 Jun 1943
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. (2)

30 Jun 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted D/G trials at Tilbury. (2)

1 Jul 1943
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). (3)

2 Jul 1943
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. (3)

8 Jul 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted D/F calibration trails at Scapa Flow. (4)

9 Jul 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) conducted exercises in the Pentland Firth. (4)

12 Jul 1943
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. (4)

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. (4)

19 Jul 1943
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). (4)

21 Jul 1943
HMS Renown (Capt. W.E. Parry, CB, RN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and HMS Belfast (Capt. F.R. Parham, RN) conducted exercises off Scapa Flow. During the exercises the destroyers HMS Musketeer (Cdr. E.N.V. Currey, DSC, RN) and HMS Obedient (Lt.Cdr. H. Unwin, DSC and Bar, RN) might have been escorting HMS Renown. (5)

24 Jul 1943
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. (4)

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. (4)

27 Jul 1943
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. (4)

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. (4)

11 Aug 1943
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.] (6)

12 Aug 1943
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. (6)

13 Aug 1943
Early in the afternoon, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Scapa Flow for Greenock. (6)

14 Aug 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Greenock from Scapa Flow. (6)

17 Aug 1943

Combined convoy WS 33 / KMF 22.

This convoy was assembled off Oversay on 18 August 1943.

On assembly the combined convoy was made up of the following (troop) transports; Antenor (British, 11174 GRT, built 1925), Arundel Castle (British, 19118 GRT, built 1921), Boissevain (Dutch, 14134 GRT, built 1937), Cameronia (British, 19297 GRT, built 1920), Duchess of Bedford (British, 20123 GRT, built 1928), Duchess of Richmond (British, 20022 GRT, built 1928), Durban Castle (British, 17388 GRT, built 1938), Empress of Australia (British, 21833 GRT, built 1914), Glenartney (British, 9795 GRT, built 1940), Indrapoera (Dutch, 10825 GRT, built 1925), Johan de Witt (Dutch, 10474 GRT, built 1920), Marnix van St. Aldegonde (Dutch, 19355 GRT, built 1930), Monarch of Bermuda (British, 22424 GRT, built 1931), Orduna (British, 15507 GRT, built 1914), Ormonde (British, 14982 GRT, built 1917), Otranto (British, 20026 GRT, built 1925) and Tegelberg (Dutch, 14150 GRT, built 1937).

The convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), destroyer HMS Wrestler (Lt. R.W.B. Lacon, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Weston (Lt.Cdr. E. Gleave, RNR), HMS Chanticleer (Lt.Cdr. R.H. Bristowe, DSO, RN), HMIS Narbada (A/Cdr. A.W. Beeton, RIN), cutter HMS Totland (T/A/Lt.Cdr. H.E. Tourtel, RNR) and the frigates HMS Barle (Lt.Cdr. A.H. Davies, RNVR), HMS Ettrick (Lt.Cdr. J.E. Woolfenden, RD, RNR) and HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RNR).

The AA cruiser HMS Charybdis (Capt. G.A.W. Voelcker, RN) joined the convoy around 0955B/20.

HMS Charybdis parted company with the convoy around 2210B/21 and proceeded to Gibraltar arriving there on 22 August.

Around 1230B/22, HMAS Shropshire parted company with the convoy to proceed to Freetown.

The entire combined convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 24 August 1943.

From Gibraltar the convoys continued on as KMF 22 and WS 33.

26 Aug 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Freetown from the U.K. (6)

27 Aug 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Freetown for Capetown. (6)

4 Sep 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Capetown from Freetown. (7)

5 Sep 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Capetown for Durban. (7)

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

14 Sep 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Durban for Fremantle. (7)

23 Sep 1943
Around 1400H/23, the destroyer HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) joined the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) coming from Capetown, South Africa. (8)

24 Sep 1943
Around 0830H/24, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) arrived at Fremantle. (8)

27 Sep 1943
Around 0600H/27, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Fremantle for Sydney where she arrived around 0730K/2. She was escorted until 1200H/27 by HrMs Tjerk Hiddes (Lt.Cdr. W.J. Kruys, RNethN) which then detached to return to Fremantle where she arrived around 1730H/27. (9)

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. (10)

25 Oct 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is docked in the Woolwich Dry Dock of the Morts Dock shipyard. (10)

28 Oct 1943
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) is undocked. She then conducted D/G trials at Sydney. (10)

29 Oct 1943
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. (10)

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. (10)

1 Nov 1943
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. (11)

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. (11)

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). (12)

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. (12)

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. (12)

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. (12)

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. (12)

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. (12)

19 Nov 1943
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. (12)

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. (12)

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. (13)

10 Dec 1943
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. (14)

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. (13)

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
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. (15)

10 Jan 1944
Around 1645L/10, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Buna. (15)

11 Jan 1944
Around 0800L/11, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) arrived at Buna from Milne Bay. (15)

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. (16)

14 Jan 1944
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. (16)

15 Jan 1944
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. (16)

16 Jan 1944
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. (16)

22 Jan 1944
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. (15)

25 Jan 1944
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). (15)

27 Jan 1944
Around 0615L/27, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Milne Bay for Sydney. (16)

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. (16)

7 Feb 1944
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). (17)

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. (18)

10 Feb 1944
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. (17)

13 Feb 1944
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. (17)

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. (19)

23 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 Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) conducted exercises at Milne Bay. (20)

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.

(17)

29 Feb 1944
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. (17)

1 Mar 1944
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. (21)

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 longtitudes 145°00'E and 147°30'E. (21)

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. (21)

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. (22)

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. (21)

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. (21)

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. (21)

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. (21)

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. (23)

21 Mar 1944
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). (21)

22 Mar 1944
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. (21)

28 Mar 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 exercises east of Milne Bay. (21)

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. (21)

6 Apr 1944
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. (24)

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. (24)

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. (24)

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. (24)

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. (25)

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.] (25)

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. (24)

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. (26)

10 May 1944
During the forenoon, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted AA gunnery exercises off Seeadler Harbour.

In the afternoon HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. H. Williams, Jr., USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) also conducted AA exercises off Seeadler Harbour. (27)

13 May 1944
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. H.A. Showers, RAN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) conducted exercises off Seeadler Harbour. During the exercises a crewmember of USS Mullany was killed by a shell splinter. (27)

17 May 1944

Operation Straightline.

This operation was an amphibious landing Arara, northern New Guinea and also on Wadke Island.

Forces involved.
Task Group 77.2 was the Attack Group under T/Rear-Admiral A.G. Noble, USN.
Task Unit 77.2.1 was made up of the flagship was the destroyer USS Reid (T/Cdr. S.A. McCornock, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral A.G. Noble, USN). A second destroyer was also part of this Task Unit as relief flagship, this was the USS Wilkes (T/Cdr. F. Wolsieffer, USN).
Task Unit 77.2.2 was made up of the amphibious transports USS Henry T. Allen (T/Capt. H.B. Brumbaugh, USN) and HMAS Manoora (Cdr. A.P. Cousin, RANR(S)).
Task Unit 77.2.3 was the LCI Group under T/Cdr. H.F. McGee, USN, and was made up of USS LCI(L)-28 (Lt.(jg) N. Molyneaux, USNR, with 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)-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)-224 (Lt.(jg) P.O. Olafsson, USNR), USS LCI(L)-338 (Lt.(jg) C.M. Goodman, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-340 (Lt.(jg) H.F. Eckenrode, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-342 (Lt.(jg) R.A. Smith, USNR).
Task Unit 77.2.4 was the LST Group under T/Capt. R.M. Scruggs, USN, and was made up of USS LST-466 (Lt. R.E. McCarthy, USNR, with COMLSTFLOT 7, T/Capt. R.M. Scruggs, USN on board), USS LST-170 (Lt. T.N. Kelly, USCGR), USS LST-181 (Lt. R.J. Wilson, USNR, with Lt.Cdr. A. Schlott, USNR on board), USS LST-202 (?), USS LST-245 (Lt. M.J. McCabe, USNR), USS LST-456 (Lt. G.W. Prue, USN), USS LST-457 (Lt. W.P. Sullivan, USNR) and USS LST-458 (Lt. F.W. Hinrichs, USNR).
Task Unit 77.2.5 was Fire Support Group A under Rear-Admiral V.A.C. Crutchley, VC, DSC, RN, and was made up from ships of Task Force 74, 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. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN).
Task Unit 77.2.6 was Fire Support Group B under Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN, and was made up from ships of Task Force 75, 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 (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN), USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, 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/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 Trathen (T/Cdr. J.R. Millett, USN).
This force was further divided into three Fire Support Units.
77.2.61 was made up of USS Phoenix, USS Boise, USS Daly and USS Bache.
77.2.62 was made up of USS Hutchins and USS Beale.
77.2.62 was made up of USS Nashville, USS Abner Read and USS Trathen.
Task Unit 77.2.7 was Fire Support Group C under T/Capt. R.F. Stout, USN, and was made up of the destroyers USS Stevenson (T/Cdr. F.E. Wilson, USN, with COMDESRON 19, T/Capt. R.F. Stout, USN on board), USS Gillespie (T/Cdr. J.S. Fahy, USN), USS Hobby (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressey, USN, with T/Capt. COMDESDIV 38, W.S. Veeder, USN on board), USS Kalk (T/Cdr. H.D. Fuller, USN), USS Stockton (T/Cdr. W.W. Stark, Jr., USN), USS Grayson (T/Cdr. W.V. Pratt, 2nd, USN), USS Wilkes, USS Nicholson (T/Cdr. W.W. Vanous, USN), USS Russell (T/Cdr. L.R. Miller, USN), USS Roe (T/Cdr. F.S. Stich, USN).
This force was further divided into four Fire Support Units.
77.2.71 was made up of USS Hobby and USS Kalk.
77.2.72 was made up of USS Gillespie and USS Stockton.
77.2.73 was made up of USS Stevenson and USS Russell.
77.2.74 was made up of USS Wilkes, USS Nicholson, USS Roe and USS Grayson.
Task Unit 77.2.8 was the Beachmaster Unit.
Task Unit 77.2.9 was the Special Service Group. This force was further divided into three Units.
77.2.91 was the Control Unit and was made up of the patrol vessels USS SC-703 (Lt.(jg) R.M. Baird, USNR), USS SC-699 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Foristel, USNR), USS SC-734 (Lt. R.B. MacLean, USNR) and USS SC-736 (Lt.(jg) F.A. Marsteller, USNR).
77.2.92 was the Rocket Unit and was made up of LCI(R)'s, USS LCI(R)-31 (Lt.(jg) T.J. Morrissey, USNR), USS LCI(R)-34 (Lt.(jg) J.F. Keefe, USNR) and USS LCI(R)-73 (Lt.(jg) N.M. Taylor, USNR).
77.2.93 was the Minesweeping and Salvage Unit and was made up of the munesweepers USS YMS-8 (Lt. F.L. Comley, USNR), USS YMS-46 (Lt.(jg) H.J. Topping, USNR), USS YMS-47 (Lt.(jg) A.W. Busbee, USNR), USS YMS-51 (Lt. F.P. Allen, Jr., USNR) and the tug USS Sonoma (Lt.(jg). G.I. Nelson, USN).

Chronology of the passage towards the operations area.

1500K/15, Task Force 74 (Task Unit 77.2.5) and Task Force 75 (Task Unit 77.2.6) departed Seeadler Harbour for the operations area.

1900K/16, Echelon S-1, Section 1, which was made up of USS LCI(L)-28, USS LCI(L)-25, USS LCI(L)-26, USS LCI(L)-26, USS LCI(L)-29, USS LCI(L)-30, USS LCI(L)-71, USS LCI(L)-72, USS LCI(L)-74, USS LCI(L)-224, USS LCI(L)-338, USS LCI(L)-340 and USS LCI(L)-342, Echelon S-1, Section 2, which was made up of USS Henry T. Allen and HMAS Manoora and Echelon S-3, which was made up of USS LCI(R)-31, USS LCI(R)-34, USS LCI(R)-73, USS SC-699, USS SC-703, USS SC-734 and USS SC-736 departed Hollandia for the operations area. They were escorted by the destroyers USS Reid, USS Russell, USS Gillespie, USS Hobby, USS Kalk, USS Stockton and the destroyer escorts USS James E. Craig (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Andrews, USNR, with COMCORTDIV 37, T/Cdr. M.W. Firth, USN, on board), USS Manning (Lt.Cdr. J.I. Mingay, USNR) and USS Eichenberger (T/Lt.Cdr. N. Harrell, USN).

1900K/16, Echelon S-2, which was made up of USS LST-466, USS LST-170, USS LST-181, USS LST-202, USS LST-245, USS LST-456, USS LST-457, USS LST-458 and USS Sonoma departed Tanahmerah Bay for the operations area. They were escorted by the destroyers USS Stevenson, USS Grayson, USS Wilkes, USS Nicholson and USS Roe.

All echelons arrived in the operations area around 0515K/17.

Chronology of the actual landing operations near Arara on 17 April 1944.

0600K/17, The naval bombardment was commenced by the ships of Task Forces 74 and 75. These also bombarded Wadke Island. Several fires were started ashore by the bombardment and off Wadke several Japanese barges were sunk. No enemy reaction followed on the bombardment.

On completion of the bombardments, around 0700K/17, the troops from the two amphibious transports went in and landed according to plan. They were followed by waves of troops from the LCI(L)'s.

Already at 0630K/17, having launched their boats, USS Henry T. Allen and HMAS Manoora departed the area escorted by USS James E. Craig, USS Manning and USS Eichenberger.

0835K/17, The first LST was beached. By now all LCI(L)'s had completed unloading and commenced to return to Hollandia where they arrived around 2200K/17.

1143K/17, troops were landed on Insoemanai Island (off Wadke) without enemy opposition.

1200K/17, Task Force 75 was released from the operation. They arrived at Humboldt Bay around 1745K/17.

2200K/17, Three of the LST's of Echelon S-2 had completed unloading and departed for Hollandia escorted by USS Stevenson, USS Stockton and USS Russell.

0130K/18, The remaining five LST's of Echelon S-2 had completed unloading and departed for Hollandia escorted by USS Kalk, USS Hobby and USS Gillespie.

Chronology of the landing operations on Wadke Island on 18 May 1944.

1700K/17, Echelon S-4, made up of the LST's USS LST-18 (Lt. C.W. Radke, USCG), USS LST-67 (?), USS LST-206 (Lt. C.O. Opperman, USCG) and USS LST-465 (Lt.Cdr. R.T. Murphy, USNR) departed Humboldt Bay for Wadke. They were escorted by 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) and the destroyer escorts USS Lovelace (Cdr. R.D. de Kay, Jr., USNR), USS Neuendorf (T/Cdr. J.N. McDonald, Jr., USN) and USS Whitehurst (T/Lt.Cdr. J.R. Gray, USN).

0900K/18, Echelon S-4 arrived off Wadke, and troops were then landed on Wadke covered by gunfire from the LCI(R)'s and USS Wilkes and USS Roe. USS LCI(R)-31 and USS LCI(R)-34 were both damaged by enemy fire and sustained 1 dead and 5 wounded and 1 dead and 3 wounded respectively. On the island the troops encountered stiff Japanese resistance. Early in the afternoon Allied troops had captured the air strip but enemy resistance remained strong.

[Later, follow up echelons proceeded to the Arara / Wadke area but these will be dealt with seperately.]

18 May 1944
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. H.A. Showers, RAN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) were patrolling to the north-east of Wadke Island to provide cover for the ongoing amphibious operations in the Arare / Wadke area.

Late in the morning / early in the afternoon, HMAS Arunta and HMAS Warramunga were topped off by HMAS Shropshire and HMAS Australia respectively.

During the night of 20/21 May 1944, Task Force 74 patrolled near Liki Island to guard the Wadke area from attack from Japanese warships reported to be in the Halmahera area but no enemy was encountered.

Around 0700K/21, Task Force 74 was relieved on patrol by Task Force 75. Task Force 74 then set course for Hollandia arrived there around 1230K/21. (27)

28 May 1944
Around 1200K/28, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Humboldt Bay, New Guinea for Sydney where she was to refit. (27)

3 Jun 1944
Around 0800K/3, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Sydney from Humboldt Bay. She was then taken in hand for a short refit. (28)

17 Jun 1944
During the night of 17/18 June 1944, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is fumigated. (28)

19 Jun 1944
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is docked in the Sutherland Dock at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard. (28)

22 Jun 1944
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) is undocked. (28)

29 Jun 1944
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) conducted post refit trials off Sydney. (28)

30 Jun 1944
Around 1415K/30, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Sydney for Seeadler Harbour, Manus. (28)

5 Jul 1944
Around 1700K/5, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) arrived at Seeadler Harbour, Manus from Sydney.

A short stop had been made at Milne Bay in the morning of 4 July.

While on passage from Sydney to Milne Bay exercises and trials had been carried out. (29)

8 Jul 1944
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) conducted AA gunnery exercises at Seeadler Harbour. (30)

9 Jul 1944
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) conducted AA gunnery exercises at Seeadler Harbour. (30)

12 Jul 1944
Around 1000K/12, Task Force 74, made up of HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) and USS Bache (T/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN) departed Seeadler Harbour for Aitape. (30)

13 Jul 1944
Around 0700K/13, Task Force 74, made up of HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) and USS Bache (T/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN) arrived at Aitape from Seeadler Harbour. (30)

14 Jul 1944
Between 0500K/14 and 0630K/14, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) and USS Bache (T/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN) departed Aitape for bombardment duties.

From 0800K/14, bombardments commenced. HMAS Australia and HMAS Warramunga bombarded targets near Yakamul. HMAS Arunta bombarded targets near Marubian. USS Bache bombarded targets near Matupu. HMAS Shropshire and USS Ammen bombarded targets near Sowam.

Air spotting had been available for all ships and in all cases all areas were reported to have been very well covered.

On completion of the bombardments HMAS Australia and HMAS Warramunga remained in the area on standy for the Army if required for bombardment duties. The other ships returned to Aitape.

During the afternoon HMAS Australia answered a call from the Army and opened fire on an enemy troop concentration near Charov. Spotting was difficult and after 20 rounds of 8" HMAS Australia ceased fire.

HMAS Australia and HMAS Warramunga returned to Aitape before dark.

Ammunition expenditure was as follows;
HMAS Australia, 100 rounds of 8".
HMAS Shropshire, 66 rounds of 8".
HMAS Arunta, 201 rounds of 4.7".
HMAS Warramunga, 201 rounds of 4.7".
HMAS Ammen, 173 rounds of 5".
HMAS Bache, 225 rounds of 5".
(30)

17 Jul 1944
Around 1135K/17, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and USS Bache (T/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN) departed Aitape to bombard an enemy headquarters and troop concentrations near Niap.

Around 1200K/17, HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Aitape to bombard enemy troop concentrations near Marubian.

HMAS Shropshire opened fire on her target at 1421K/17 and ceased fire at 1427K/17. She had been assisted by an aircraft for spotting duties. HMAS Shropshire and USS Bache returned to Aitape around 1700K/17.

HMAS Australia also destroyed her target around the same time and then returned to Aitape with HMAS Warramunga. (31)

20 Jul 1944
Around 0630K/20, HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) departed Aitape to bombard enemy targets in the Yakamul area. They were joined by HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) which had already been at sea.

Around 0800K/20, HMAS Australia and HMAS Shropshire opened fire on their assigned targets. HMAS Australia expended 120 round of 8" while HMAS Shropshire expended 92 rounds of 8".

On completion of the bombardment they returned to Aitape. (30)

22 Jul 1944
At Aitape, Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, transferred his flag from HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN) to HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN).

Around 1300K/22, HMAS Australia and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) departed Aitape for Sydney where they were to refit. (30)

25 Jul 1944
Around 0600K/25, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), USS Bache (T/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) departed Aitape for Humboldt Bay where they arrived around 1200K/25.

At 0845K/25, an aircraft reported a submarine in position 03°10'S, 143°10'E. USS Hutchins and USS Ammen were detached to hunt this submarine but no contact was made. A large log was seen, which was possibly mistaken for a submarine. They arrived at Humboldt Bay late in the afternoon. (30)

30 Jul 1944

Operation Globetrotter.

This operation was amphibious landings on Middelburg and Amsterdam Islands (east of Cape Sansapor) and to the west of Cape Sansapor and later also to the east of Cape Sansapor.

Forces involved.

Task Force 77 was the Attack Force under T/Rear-Admiral R.A. Fechteler, USN.
Task Group 77.1 was the Force Flagship, the destroyer USS Swanson (T/Cdr. W.K. Ratliff, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral R.A. Fechteler, USN).
Task Group 77.2 was the Main body and was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.2.1 was Fire Support Group A and was 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) and USS Russell (T/Cdr. L.R. Miller, USN).
Task Unit 77.2.2 was Fire Support Group B and was made up of the destroyers USS Fletcher (T/Cdr. J.L. Foster, USN, with COMDESDIV 42, T/Capt. A.E. Jarrell, USN on board), USS Radford (T/Capt. G.E. Griggs, USN), USS Jenkins (T/Cdr. M. Hall, Jr., USN) and USS La Valette (T/Cdr. W. Thompson, USN).
Task Unit 77.2.3 was Fire Support Group C and was made up of the destroyers USS Stevenson (T/Cdr. F.E. Wilson, USN, with COMDESRON 19, T/Capt. J.R. Pahl, USN on board) and USS Welles (T/Cdr. D.M. Coffee, USN).
Task Unit 77.2.4 was the High Speed Transport Unit and was made up of the high speed transports USS Kilty (Lt. L.G. Benson, USNR, with COMDESDIV 22, T/Cdr. D.L. Mattie, USN) on board), USS Schley (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Farley, USNR), USS Ward (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Lemly, USNR), USS Crosby (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Sims, USNR) and USS Herbert (T/Cdr. J.N. Ferguson, Jr., USN).
Task Unit 77.2.5 was the LCI Unit and was made up of the LCI's, USS LCI(L)-546 (Lt.(jg) W.B. Campbell, USNR with, COMLCIFLOT 8, T/Cdr. F.B.C. Martin, USN, on board), USS LCI(L)-544 (Lt.(jg) L.V. Sternberg, USNR), USS LCI(L)-545 (Lt.(jg) T.B. King, USNR), USS LCI(L)-547 (Lt.(jg) J.S. Peacock, USNR), USS LCI(L)-548 (Lt.(jg) J.B. Reeves, USNR), USS LCI(L)-577 (Lt.(jg) E.J. Morgan, USNR), USS LCI(L)-578 (Lt.(jg) W.D. Rounds, USNR), USS LCI(L)-579 (Lt.(jg) J. Wood, USN), USS LCI(L)-661 (Lt.(jg) P.B. Pylant, USN), USS LCI(L)-957 (Lt.(jg) J.F. Hartmann, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-958 (Lt.(jg) W.R. McCracken, USNR), USS LCI(L)-961 (Lt.(jg) R.P. Games, USNR), USS LCI(L)-962 (Lt.(jg) R.L. Steele, USNR) from LCI Flotilla 8 and USS LCI(L)-430 (Lt. P.C. Hill, Jr., USNR, with COMLCIFLOT 7, T/Cdr. H.F. McGee, USN on board), USS LCI(L)-62 (Lt.(jg) J.M. Roye, USN), USS LCI(L)-334 (Lt.(jg) M.E. Staed, USNR), USS LCI(L)-335 (Lt.(jg) J.A. Latimer, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-519 (?).
Task Unit 77.2.6 was the LST Unit and was made up of the LST's, USS LST-18 (Lt. C.W. Radke, USCG, with COMLSTGR 21, Cdr. F.D. Higbee, USCG, on board), USS LST-26 (?), USS LST-28 (Lt. B.D. Quirk, USNR), USS LST-66 (Lt. W.H. McGowan, USCG), USS LST-170 (Lt.(jg) J.C. Baquie, USCGR), USS LST-202 (Lt.Cdr. T.N. Kelley, USCGR), USS LST-206 (Lt.(jg) J.D. Robertshaw, USCGR) and USS LST-466 (Lt. R.E. McCarthy, USNR).
Task Unit 77.2.7 was the Special Service Unit which was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.2.71 was the Control Section which was made up of the patrol vessels, USS PC-1120 (Lt.Cdr. C.S. Molitor, USNR), USS PC-1132 (Lt. W.E. Quint, USNR), USS PC-1133 (Lt. J.C. Chandler, USNR) and USS PC-1134 (Lt. D.J. Callaghan. Jr. USNR).
Task Unit 77.2.72 was the Rocket Section which was made up of the LCI(R)'s, USS LCI(R)-31 (Lt.(jg) L.J. Haidet, USNR), USS LCI(R)-34 (Lt.(jg) R.J. Sponsler, USNR) and USS LCI(R)-73 (Lt.(jg) N.M. Taylor, USNR).
Task Unit 77.2.73 was the Salvage Section which was made up of the tug USS Vireo (Lt.(jg) S. Delamater, USNR).
Task Group 77.3 was the First Reinforcement Group and was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Group 77.3.1 was the LST Unit which was made up of the LST's USS LST-452 (Lt. G.W. Miller, USNR, with COMLSTGR20, Cdr. D.M. Baker, USNR on board), USS LST-171 (Lt. L.H. Smiley, USNR), USS LST-395 (Lt. A.C. Forbes, USNR), USS LST-397 (Lt. W.R. Hitch, USNR), USS LST-456 (Lt. G.W. Prue, USN), USS LST-458 (Lt. F.W. Hinrichs, USNR), USS LST-462 (Lt. W.D. Gregory, USNR) and USS LST-463 (Lt.(jg) A.E. Grounds, USNR).
Task Group 77.3.2 was the Escort Unit which was made up of the destroyers USS Hobby (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressey, USN, with T/Capt. COMDESDIV 38, W.S. Veeder, USN on board), USS Gillespie (T/Cdr. J.S. Fahy, USN), USS Anderson (T/Lt.Cdr. J.F. Murdock, USN) and USS Stockton (T/Cdr. W.W. Stark, Jr., USN).
Task Group 77.4 was the Second Reinforcement Group and was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Group 77.4.1 was the LST Unit which was made up of the LST's USS LST-469 (Lt. L.E. Green, USNR), USS LST-181 (Lt. R.J. Wilson, USNR), USS LST-204 (Lt. C.W. Radke, USCG), USS LST-245 (Lt. M.J. McCabe, USNR), USS LST-457 (Lt. W.P. Sullivan, 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).
Task Group 77.4.2 was the Escort Unit which was made up of the destroyers USS Wilkes (T/Cdr. F. Wolsieffer, USN, with COMDESDIV 24, T/Capt. A.J. Greenacre, USN on board), USS Nicholson (T/Cdr. W.W. Vanous, USN), USS Grayson (T/Cdr. W.V. Pratt, 2nd, USN) and USS Stack (T/Cdr. R.E. Wheeler, USN).

Cover Forces.

To provide cover for the operation, Task Forces 74 and 75 were deployed.

Task Force 74 was made up of the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) 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/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN).

Task Force 75 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 Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) and the destroyers USS Abner Read (T/Cdr. T.B. Hutchins, 3rd, USN, with COMDESDIV 48, T/Capt. J.B. McLean, USN), USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN), USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) and USS Trathen (T/Cdr. J.R. Millett, USN).

Chronology of the passage towards the operations area.

0800K/27, Task Force 75 (see above) departed Seeadler Harbour, Manus for the operations area.

2300K/27, Task Force 77 (TF 77.1 and TF 77.2, see above) departed Maffin Bay for the operations area. This was known as Echelon G-1.

1000K/28, Task Force 74 (see above) departed Humboldt Bay to make rendezvous with Task Force 75. Rendezvous was affected around 1500K/28. Both Task Forces now operated in company as Task Force 78, Covering Force.. A naval bombardment for the landings was not planned, Task Force 78's orders were to just provide cover for the landings.

0800K/29, USS LCI(L)-958 parted company to proceed to Mios Woendi as reserve. One of the other LCI(L)'s also parted company as there were 16 LCI(L)'s present during the landing operations.

2330K/29, Echelon G-2, made up of Task Group 77.3 (see above) departed Maffin Bay for the operations area. The four escorting destroyers from Destroyer Division 38 had actually departed Humboldt Bay around 2245K/28 and joined the convoy of LST's on leaving Maffin Bay having first conducted an A/S patrol in the area. 2315K/29, Echelon G-3, made up of Task Group 77.4 (see above) departed Maffin Bay for the operations area. The four escorting destroyers from Destroyer Division 24 had arrived at Maffin Bay from Humboldt Bay earlier in the day.

Chronology of the landing operations in the operations area.

0700K/30, Task Force 77, (TF 77.1 and TF 77.2) commenced landing operations east of Cape Sansapor and on Middelburg and Amsterdam Islands. No enemy opposition was encountered.

0830K/30, Task Force 78, was released and set course to proceed to Mios Woendi. Around the same time the LCI(L)'s departed the operations area to return to Maffin Bay escorted by USS PC-1122 and USS PC-1133.

1800K/30, The LST's, having completed unloading, departed the area to return to Maffin Bay. Tug USS Vireo was with them. They were escorted by USS Swanson, USS Fletcher, USS Radford, USS Jenkins, USS La Vallette, USS Stevenson and USS Welles.

0800K/1, Echelon G-2 arrived commenced beaching the LST's to unload which was completed later the same day following which they set course to proceed to Mios Woendi having been joined by the three 3 LCI(R)'s and the tugs USS Whippoorwill (T/Lt. C.L. Knopp, USN) and HMAS Sprightly (Lt. G.S. Duck, RANR(S)). They were escorted by USS Morris, USS Hughes, USS Mustin, USS Russell, USS Hobby, USS Gillespie, USS Anderson and USS Stockton.

0800K/3, Echelon G-3 arrived commenced beaching the LST's to unload which was completed later the same day following which they set course to proceed to Mios Woendi.

31 Jul 1944
Around 0730K/31, Task Force 78, made up of the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), light cruisers USS Phoenix (T/Capt. J.H. Duncan, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, 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/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Capt. J.B. Cochran, USN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN), USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) and the destroyers USS Abner Read (T/Cdr. T.B. Hutchins, 3rd, USN, with COMDESDIV 48, T/Capt. J.B. McLean, USN), USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN), USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) and USS Trathen (T/Cdr. J.R. Millett, USN) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) arrived at Mios Woendi from the Cape Sansapor area. (32)

3 Aug 1944
Around 1840K/3, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), light cruiser USS Nashville (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, 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/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Abner Read (T/Cdr. T.B. Hutchins, 3rd, USN) and USS Trathen (T/Cdr. J.R. Millett, USN) departed Mios Woendi for Seeadler Harbour, Manus. (33)

5 Aug 1944
Around 1430K/5, the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), light cruiser USS Nashville (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, 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/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Abner Read (T/Cdr. T.B. Hutchins, 3rd, USN) and USS Trathen (T/Cdr. J.R. Millett, USN) arrived at Seeadler Harbour from Mios Woendi. (33)

14 Aug 1944
During 14/15 August 1944, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), USS Nashville (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN), HMS Ariadne (Capt. Lord Ashbourne, RN), USS O'Bannon (T/Cdr. R.W. Smith, USN), USS Taylor T/Cdr. N.J.F. Frank, Jr., USN) and USS Hopewell (T/Cdr. C.C. Shute, USN) conducted exercises off Manus. (34)

18 Aug 1944
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), USS Nashville (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN), HMS Ariadne (Capt. Lord Ashbourne, RN), USS Nicholas (T/Cdr. R.T.S. Keith, USN, with COMDESRON 21, T/Capt. J.K.B. Ginder, USN on board), USS O'Bannon (T/Cdr. R.W. Smith, USN), USS Taylor T/Cdr. N.J.F. Frank, Jr., USN) and USS Hopewell (T/Cdr. C.C. Shute, USN) conducted exercises off Manus. (35)

21 Aug 1944
During 21/22 August 1944, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), USS Nashville (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN), HMS Ariadne (Capt. Lord Ashbourne, RN), USS Nicholas (T/Cdr. R.T.S. Keith, USN, with COMDESRON 21, T/Capt. J.K.B. Ginder, USN on board), USS Hopewell (T/Cdr. C.C. Shute, USN) and USS Bush (T/Cdr. R.E. Westholm, USN) conducted exercises off Manus. (34)

23 Aug 1944
Around 0900K/23, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Seeadler Harbour for Hollandia. She is escorted by USS Nicholas (T/Cdr. R.T.S. Keith, USN, with COMDESRON 21, T/Capt. J.K.B. Ginder, USN on board). (36)

24 Aug 1944
Around 1300K/24, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) and USS Nicholas (T/Cdr. R.T.S. Keith, USN, with COMDESRON 21, T/Capt. J.K.B. Ginder, USN on board) arrived at Humboldt Bay (Hollandia) from Seeadler Harbour (Manus).

At Hollandia HMAS Shropshire exchanged her 4" AA gun barrels. (36)

27 Aug 1944
Around 0700K/27, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN) departed Humboldt Bay for Seeadler Harbour. She is escorted by USS Nicholas (T/Cdr. R.T.S. Keith, USN, with COMDESRON 21, T/Capt. J.K.B. Ginder, USN on board) and USS O'Bannon (T/Cdr. R.W. Smith, USN). (37)

28 Aug 1944
Around 1210K/28, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), USS Nicholas (T/Cdr. R.T.S. Keith, USN, with COMDESRON 21, T/Capt. J.K.B. Ginder, USN on board) and USS O'Bannon (T/Cdr. R.W. Smith, USN) arrived at Seeadler Harbour from Humboldt Bay. (37)

31 Aug 1944
During During 31 August / 1 September 1944, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), USS Nashville (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN), USS Nicholas (T/Cdr. R.T.S. Keith, USN, with COMDESRON 21, T/Capt. J.K.B. Ginder, USN on board), h COMDESRON 21, T/Capt. J.K.B. Ginder, USN on board), USS O'Bannon (T/Cdr. R.W. Smith, USN), USS Taylor T/Cdr. N.J.F. Frank, Jr., USN), USS Hopewell (T/Cdr. C.C. Shute, USN) and USS Bush (T/Cdr. R.E. Westholm, USN) conducted exercises off Manus. (38)

3 Sep 1944
At Seeadler Harbour, Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, transferred his flag from HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) to HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN). (39)

8 Sep 1944
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board) and USS Bache (T/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN) conducted gunnery exercises off Manus. (40)

10 Sep 1944
Around 0630I/10, Task Force 74, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) as well as Task Force 75 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 (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN), USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, 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/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Cdr. D.M. Coffee, 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), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN), USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN) and USS Bush (T/Cdr. R.E. Westholm, USN) departed Seeadler Harbour, Manus for Humboldt Bay where they arrived around 0700I/11. (40)

15 Sep 1944

Operation Tradewind.

This operation was an amphibious landing on Morotai.

Forces involved.

Task Force 77.
The force flagship was the Amphibious Force Command Ship USS Wasatch (T/Capt. A.M. Granum, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral D.E. Barbey, USN. Reserve flagship was the destroyer USS Russell (T/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Wicks, Jr., USN).

Task Group 77.1 was the Escort Carrier Group under T/R.Adm. T.L. Sprague, USN. It was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.1.1 was made up of the escort carriers USS Sangamon (T/Capt. M.E. Browder, USN, flying the flag of COMCARDIV 22, T/R.Adm. T.L. Sprague, USN), USS Suwanee (T/Capt. W.D. Johnson, USN), USS Chenango (T/Capt. G. van Deurs, USN) and USS Santee (T/Capt. R.E. Blick, USN).
Task Unit 77.1.2 was made up of the escort carriers USS Fanshaw Bay (T/Capt. D.P. Johnson, USNflying the flag of, COMCARDIV 25, T/R.Adm. C.A.F. Sprague, USN) and USS Midway / St. Lo (T/Capt. F.J. McKenna, USN).
Task Unit 77.1.3 was made up of the destroyer escorts USS Edmonds (T/Cdr. C.S. Barker, Jr., USN, with COMCORTDIV 63, T/Cdr. J.V. Bewick, USN, on board), USS Richard S. Bull (T/Lt.Cdr. A.W. Gardes, Jr., USN), USS Richard M. Rowell (T/Cdr. H.A. Barnard, Jr., USN), USS Eversole (T/Lt.Cdr. G.E. Marix, USN), USS Dennis (Lt.Cdr. S. Hansen, USNR), USS Shelton (Lt.Cdr. L.G. Salomon, USNR), USS John C. Butler (T/Lt.Cdr. J.E. Pace, USN) and USS Raymond (Lt.Cdr. A.F. Beyer, Jr., USNR).

Task Force 77.2 was the Cover and Bombardment Force under T/Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN. It was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Unit 77.2.1 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 Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, 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/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Cdr. D.M. Coffee, USN) and USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN).
Task Unit 77.2.2 was made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN).
Task Unit 77.2.3 was made up of the light cruiser USS Nashville (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN) and the destroyers USS Abner Read (T/Cdr. T.B. Hutchins, 3rd, USN, with COMDESDIV 48, T/Capt. J.B. McLean, USN) and USS Bush (T/Cdr. R.E. Westholm, USN).

Task Force 77.3 was the Attack Force.
Task Group 77.3.1 was the Attack Force for White Beach under T/Rear-Admiral D.E. Barbey, USN, with USS Wasatch as flagship and was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Group 77.3.11 was 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 Mustin ( T/Lt.Cdr. J.G. Hughes, USN), USS Russell, USS John Rodgers (T/Cdr. J.G. Franklin, USN) and USS McKee (T/Cdr. R.B. Allen, USN).
Task Group 77.3.12 was made up of the amphibious transport HMAS Kanimbla (Cdr. A.V. Bunyan, RANR(S)).
Task Group 77.3.13 was made up of the high speed transports USS Ward (Lt.Cdr. F.W. Lemly, USNR), USS Schley (Lt.Cdr. E.T. Farley, USNR), USS Kilty (Lt. L.G. Benson, USNR), USS Crosby (Lt.Cdr. W.E. Sims, USNR) and USS Herbert (T/Cdr. J.N. Ferguson, Jr., USN).
Task Group 77.3.14 was made up of the LCI(L)'s, USS LCI(L)-28 (Lt.(jg) W.T. Witt, USNR, with COMLCIFLOT 7, T/Cdr. H.F. McGee, USN, on board), USS LCI(L)-25 (Lt.(jg) G.W. Connelly, USNR), USS LCI(L)-29 (Lt. J.F. McNamara, USNR), USS LCI(L)-30 (Lt.(jg) L.E. Larson, USNR), USS LCI(L)-224 (Lt.(jg) W.K. Bohn, USNR), USS LCI(L)-225 (Lt.(jg) W.S. Ogilvy, USNR), USS LCI(L)-226 (Lt.(jg) W.L. Harned, USNR), USS LCI(L)-361 (Lt.(jg) A.J. Hawkes, USNR), USS LCI(L)-430 (Lt. P.C. Hill, Jr., USNR) and USS LCI(L)-432 (Lt. M.D. Coppersmith, USNR).
Task Group 77.3.15 was made up of the LST's, USS LST-470 (Lt. D.J. Guthridge, USNR, with COMLSTGR20, Cdr. D.M. Baker, USNR on board), USS LST-245 (Lt. M.J. McCabe, USNR), USS LST-459 (Lt. N. Waggener, USNR) and USS LST-474 (Lt.(jg) H.T. Ross, USNR).
Task Group 77.3.16 was made up of the LCT's, USS LCT-947, USS LCT-939, USS LCT-940 and USS LCT-941.
Task Group 77.3.17 was made up of the patrol vessels USS PC-1119 (Lt. J.E. Martin, Jr., USNR) and USS PC-1134 (Lt.(jg). W.B. Marshall, USNR).
Task Group 77.3.18 was made up of the LCI(G)'s, USS LCI(G)-68 (Lt.(jg) J.D. Devaney, USNR), USS LCI(G)-70 (Lt. R.M. Jordan, USNR) and LCI(R)'s USS LCI(R)-72 (Lt.(jg) J.F. Dray, USNR) and USS LCI(R)-73 (Lt.(jg) N.M. Taylor, USNR).
Task Group 77.3.19 was made up of the tug USS Sonoma (Lt. W.R. Wurzler, USNR) and USS LCI(D)-227 (Lt.(jg) A.S. Eskind, USNR) [D = Demolition] ().
Task Group 77.3.2 was the Attack Force for Red Beach under T/Rear-Admiral R.A. Fechteler, USN, with USS Hughes (T/Cdr. E.B. Rittenhouse, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral R.A. Fechteler, USN) as flagship and was made up of the following Task Units.
Task Group 77.3.21 was made up of the destroyers USS Fletcher (T/Cdr. J.L. Foster, USN, with COMDESDIV 42, T/Capt. A.E. Jarrell, USN on board), USS Radford (T/Cdr. G.L. Caswell, USN), USS Jenkins (T/Cdr. M. Hall, Jr., USN), USS La Valette (T/Cdr. W. Thompson, USN) and USS Stack (T/Cdr. R.E. Wheeler, USN).
Task Group 77.3.22 was made up of the amphibious transport HMAS Manoora (Cdr. A.P. Cousin, RANR(S)).
Task Group 77.3.23 was made up of the LCI(L)'s, USS LCI(L)-546 (Lt.(jg) W.B. Campbell, USNR, with, COMLCIFLOT 8, T/Cdr. F.B.C. Martin, USN, on board), i>USS LCI(L)-543 (Lt.(jg) L.S. Mosley, USNR), USS LCI(L)-544 (Lt.(jg) L.V. Sternberg, USNR), USS LCI(L)-545 (Lt.(jg) T.B. King, USNR), USS LCI(L)-547 (Lt.(jg) J.S. Peacock, USNR), USS LCI(L)-577 (Lt.(jg) E.J. Morgan, USNR), USS LCI(L)-578 (Lt.(jg) W.D. Rounds, USNR), USS LCI(L)-579 (Lt.(jg) J. Wood, USN), USS LCI(L)-663 (Lt.(jg) F.B. Stimson, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-744 (Lt.(jg) J.B. Vallely, USNR), LCI(L)-746 (Lt.(jg) E.H. Chittenden, USNR), USS LCI(L)-747 (Lt. R.M. Burnes, USNR), USS LCI(L)-748 (Lt.(jg) D.R. Hassell, USNR), USS LCI(L)-750 (Lt.(jg) S.A.R. White, USNR), USS LCI(L)-958 (Lt.(jg) W.R. McCracken, USNR), USS LCI(L)-962 (Lt.(jg) R.L. Steele, USNR), USS LCI(L)-964 (Lt.(jg) H.R. dePue, USNR), USS LCI(L)-965 (Lt.(jg) A.T. Wellman, USNR), USS 967 (Lt.(jg) H.M. Piper, Jr., USNR), USS 968 (Lt.(jg) B. Shaw, USNR), USS 969 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Clement, USNR), USS 971 (Lt.(jg) V. Muse, Jr., USNR), USS 976 (Lt.(jg) W.C. Lawtom, USNR), USS 977 (Lt.(jg) J.T. Morgan, Jr., USNR), USS 978 (Lt.(jg) P. Tackett, USNR), USS 979 (Lt.(jg) M.J. Fleischman, USNR), USS 981 (Lt.(jg) T.J. Bailey, USNR), USS 1014 (Lt.Cdr. R.W. Moncure, USNR) and USS 1015 (Lt. G.Y. Harry, USNR).
Task Group 77.3.24 was made up of the LST's, USS LST-466 (Lt. R.E. McCarthy, USNR), with COMLSTFLOT 7, T/Capt. R.M. Scruggs, USN on board), USS LST-181 (Lt. R.J. Wilson, USNR), USS LST-452 (Lt. G.W. Morris, USNR), USS LST-456 (Lt. G.B. Libby, USNR), USS LST-462 (Lt. W.D. Gregory, USNR), USS LST-467 (Lt. M.B. Taylor, USNR), USS LST-468 (Lt.(jg) L.H. Bellis, USNR) and USS LST-472 (Lt. W.O. Tally, USN).
Task Group 77.3.25 was made up of the LCT's, USS LCT-948, USS LCT-942, USS LCT-943, USS LCT-949, USS LCT-950, USS LCT-951, USS LCT-952 and USS LCT-953.
Task Group 77.3.26 was made up of the Landing Ship Dock USS Carter Hall (Lt.Cdr. F.J. Harris, USNR).
Task Group 77.3.27 was made up of the patrol vessels USS PC-1120 (Lt. H.T. Smith, Jr., USNR), USS PC-1122 (Lt. L.C. Hall, USNR), USS PC-1133 (Lt. J.C. Chandler, USNR) and USS PC-476 (Lt. D. Knapp, USNR).
Task Group 77.3.28 was made up of the LCI(G)'s, USS LCI(G)-69 (Lt.(jg) H.R. Roesti, USNR, with Lt.Cdr. A.M. Holmes, USNR, on board), USS LCI(G)-23 (Lt.(jg) M.L. Russell, USNR), USS LCI(G)-64 (Lt.(jg) F.G. Love, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(G)-65 (Lt.(jg) C.J. Macaluso, USNR) and LCI(R)'s USS LCI(R)-31 (Lt.(jg) L.J. Haidet, USNR) and USS LCI(R)-34 (Lt.(jg) R.J. Sponsler, USNR).
Task Group 77.3.29 was made up of the minesweepers USS YMS-8 (Lt.(jg) E.S. Conway, USNR), USS YMS-9 (Lt.(jg) B.F. Hildes, USNR), USS YMS-46 (Lt. H.J. Topping, USNR) and USS YMS-51 (Lt.(jg) W.F. Montgomery., USNR).

Chronology of the passage towards the operations area.

1000I/10, Task Group 77.1, the Carrier Cover Group, (see above), departed Seeadler Harbour for the operations area.

1300I/11, Echelon M-1, made up of all Task Units of Task Groups 77.3.1 and 77.3.2 (see above) departed Maffin Bay for the operations area.

2300I/11, Task Units 77.2.1 and 77.2.2 (see above) departed Humboldt Bay for the operations area.

1000I/12, Task Unit 77.2.3 departed Humboldt Bay for the operations area. On board USS Nashville General MacArthur and staff is embarked.

Chronology of the initial landing operations in the operations area.

0630I/15, The order ' Deploy ' was given for the landings which were to commence at 0830I/15 (H-hour). The LCT's which had been towed to the operations area by LST's had just been cut loose and were now proceeding on their own. YMS minesweepers commenced sweeping the landing area.

0700I/15, between around 0700 and 0830 hours the ships from Task Force 77.2 bombarded their selected targets near the landing area. Carrier aircraft from Task Force 77.1 conducted fighter and A/S patrols and were also available to attack land targets. Following the bombardment the ships of Task Force 77.2 remained in the area to provide cover for the operation. They were released from the operation at 1800I/16.

0830I/15, H-hour, Landing operations commenced.

0900I/15, USS Carter Hall departed the operations area for Mios Woendi. She was escorted by USS Herbert and USS Crosby. All three ships had completed unloading.

1030I/15, Almost all LCI(L)'s, having completed unloading, departed the operations area for Hollandia. They were escorted by USS Ward, USS Schley and USS Kilty.

2000I/15, Five LST's and four LCI(L)'s, having completed unloading, departed the operations area for Cape Sansapor. They were escorted by the destroyers USS Morris and USS Jenkins.

1800I/15, HMAS Kanimbla and USS Manoora departed the operations area for Hollandia. They were escorted by the destroyer USS Stevens and the patrol vessel USS PC-476.

1700I/16, The remaining seven LST's, having completed unloading departed Morotai for Cape Sansopor. They were escorted by USS Anderson and USS Stack.

More echelons transporting troops and supplies arrived at Morotai during the next days. [These will not be dealth with here.]

18 Sep 1944
Around 0715I/18, Task Force 77.2 (Task Force 75), made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. H.A. Showers, RAN), light cruisers USS Phoenix (T/Capt. J.H. Duncan, USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Nashville (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN), USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, 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/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Cdr. D.M. Coffee, 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), USS Bush (T/Cdr. R.E. Westholm, USN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN), USS Mullany (T/Cdr. B.J. Mullaney, USN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Mios Woendi from operations in the Morotai area. (40)

27 Sep 1944
0700I/27, Task Force 75, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, 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 (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN), USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, 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/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Beale (T/Cdr. D.M. Coffee, 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), USS Bush (T/Cdr. R.E. Westholm, USN), USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN), USS Mullany (T/Cdr. A.O. Momm, USN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. N.A. Mackinnon, RAN) arrived at Mios Woendi from operations in the Morotai area. (40)

2 Oct 1944
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN), USS Bush (T/Cdr. R.E. Westholm, USN) and USS Mullany (T/Cdr. A.O. Momm, USN) conducted exercises off Manus. (41)

11 Oct 1944
1700I/11, Task Forces 74 and 75, made up of the heavy cruisers HMAS Australia (Capt. E.F.V. Dechaineux, DSC, RAN, flying the flag of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, RN), 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 (T/Capt. C.E. Coney, USN), USS Boise (Capt. J.S. Roberts, USN) and the destroyers USS Hutchins (T/Cdr. C.B. Laning, USN, with COMDESRON 24, T/Capt. K.M. McManes, USN, on board), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC, RN) departed Seeadler Harbour, Manus for Humboldt Bay.

Most of the destroyers of Task Forces 74 and 75 had been delayed in sailing. They departed later to overtake and join at sea which they did in the following order; USS Bache (T/Cdr. R.C. Morton, USN), USS Mullany (T/Cdr. A.O. Momm, USN) and USS Bush (T/Cdr. R.E. Westholm, USN) joined around 1830I/11. USS Ammen (T/Cdr. J.H. Brown, USN) joined around 2115I/11. USS Daly (T/Cdr. R.G. Visser, USN) joined around 2200I/11. USS Beale (T/Cdr. D.M. Coffee, USN) joined around 0045I/12. USS Killen (T/Cdr. H.G. Corey, USN) and finally USS Abner Read (T/Cdr. A.M. Purdy, USN, with COMDESDIV 48, T/Capt. J.B. McLean, USN) joined around 0800I/12.

Task Forces 74 and 75 arrived at Humboldt Bay around 1220I/12. (41)

7 Mar 1945
Task Unit 74.1.1, made up of the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Manus. (42)

10 Mar 1945
Task Unit 74.1.1, made up of the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and HMAS Warramunga (Lt.Cdr. J.M. Alliston, DSC and Bar, RN) conducted exercises off Manus.

On completion of the exercises HMAS Shropshire and HMAS Arunta set course for Sydney while HMAS Hobart and HMAS Warramunga set course for Leyte to report to CTF 74. (42)

17 Jun 1945
Around 1000I/17, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN) arrived off Labuan Island. Commodore Farncomb took over the fire support duties for which HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN), USS Hart (T/Cdr. W.D. Coleman, USN) and USS Metcalf (T/Cdr. D.L. Martineau, USN) remained with him. He hoisted his broad pendant in HMAS Shropshire. CTG 74.3 then left the area around 1720I/17 for Tawi Tawi.

On 18 June, HMAS Shropshire conducted a bombardment of the Japanese stronghold on Labuan Island between 1455I/18 and 1550I/18.

At 1655I/19, Commodore Farncomb transferred his flag from HMAS Shropshire to HMAS Arunta for the upcoming landings at Lutong (just north of Miri). (43)

20 Jun 1945

Landings at Lutong.

Composition of the forces taking part was as follows;
Task Group 74.1 was the Fire Support Group under Commodore Commodore H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN made up of the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN), light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN) and destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN), USS Hart (T/Cdr. W.D. Coleman, USN) and USS Metcalf (T/Cdr. D.L. Martineau, USN).
Task Unit 76.20.50 was the Lutong Assault Unit under T/Capt. F.B.C. Martin, USN (COMLCI(L)FLOT 8) which flew his flag in USS LCI(L)-546 (Lt.(jg) H.K. Wells, USNR).
Task Unit 76.20.51 was the LSM Unit under T/Cdr. W.E. Verge, USN (COMLSMFLOT 7) which was made up of the following LSM's; USS LSM-54 (Lt. D.L. Newborg, USNR, with T/Cdr. W.E. Verge, USN on board), USS LSM-133 (Lt. C.D. Davis, USNR) and USS LSM-269 (Lt. H.T. Turner, Jr. USNR).
Task Unit 76.20.52 was the LST Unit under Lt. F.P. Lawrence, USNR and was made up of the following LST's; USS LST-562 (Lt. F.P. Lawrence, USNR), USS LST-573 (Lt. G.W. Hessemer, USNR) and USS LST-667 (Lt. W.S. Biernat, USN).
Task Unit 76.20.53 was the LCT / LCM Unit under Lt. DeMoss, USNR (COMLCTGR 74), which was made up the following LCT's; USS LCT-1310, USS LCT-1312, USS LCT-1317 and USS LCT-1331. Also one LCM was attached to this unit.
Task Unit 76.20.54 was the Control Unit under Lt. J.R. Goodrich, USNR. It was made up of the patrol vessels USS PC-1120 (Lt. J.R. Goodrich, USNR) and USS SC-732 (Lt.(jg) I.L. Mann, Jr., USNR).
Task Unit 76.20.55 was the Support Unit under Lt.Cdr. R.E. Sargent, USNR, which was made up of the following LCS(L)'s; USS LCS(L)-46 (Lt. W.P. McCarthy, USNR), USS LCS(L)-58 (Lt. D. Gregory, USNR), USS LCS(L)-60 (Lt. W.H. White, Jr., USNR), LCI(R)'s; USS LCI(R)-71 (Lt.(jg) C.C. Benson, USNR), USS LCI(R)-72 (Ens. C.R. Weiner, USNR), USS LCI(R)-74 (Ens. V.J. Goerke, USNR), LCI(M)'s USS LCI(M)-359 (Ens. T.S. Adair, USNR), USS LCI(M)-431 (Lt.(jg) J.C. Elkins, USNR) and LCS(L)(S)'s USS LCS(L)-961 (?) and USS LCS(L)-985 (?).

Around 1530I/19, the Lutong Assault Unit departed Brunei Bay for the operation. Escort was proviced by the three destroyers from Task Group 74.1. Commodore Farncomb flew his flag in HMAS Arunta. HMAS Shropshire and HMAS Hobart remained standy-by at Brunei Bay and would be called upon for bombardment duties if needed.

At 0701I/20, the order 'Deploy' was given.

At 0738I/20, USS PC-1120 reported that the ' Line of Departure ' had been established.

At 0830I/20, the destroyers began their bombardment duties.

At 0911I/20, wave 1 departed for the beach led by the Support Craft. Mortar ships began their bombardment duties.

At 0914I/20, the 2nd wave departed for the beach.

At 0917I,20, the 3rd wave departed for the beach.

At 0921I/20, support craft began firing a rocket barrage.

At 0925I/20, the rocket bomberdment ceased.

At 0926I/20, the 4th wave departed for the beach.

At 0930I/20, wave 1 landed.

At 0932I/20, wave 2 landed.

At 0935I/20, wave 3 landed. Also the destroyers ceased their bombardment.

At 0942I/20, wave 4 landed.

at 1014I/20, the Beachmaster requisted that the second assault force be landed.

At 1017I/20, CTU 76.20.50 ordered the second assault for be landed. These troops were were taken in by LCVPs as they became available.

At 1024I/20, LCT's and LCM's were ordered to get underway and beach.

At 1043I/20, USS LCM-269 was sent in to beach and test conditions for unloading.

At 1102I/20, USS LCS(L)-961 and USS LCS(L)-985 were ordered to help broached LCVP's.

At 1123I/20, all troops of the second assault had been landed.

At 1132I/20, the beachmaster reported that an LCVP from USS LST-667 was sunk 15 yards from the beach.

At 1317I/20, LVT's commenced reloading on USS LST-573 and USS LST-562.

At 1415I/20, CTU 76.20.53 reported that USS LCT-1317 completed unloading at 1119I/20, USS LCT-1312 at 1145I/20 and USS LCT-1310 at 1152I/20.

At 1530I/20, the ' Line of Departure ' was dissolved by CTU 76.20.50.

At 1740I/20, USS LCT-1331 completed unloading.

At 1915I/20, USS LSM-54 and USS LSM-133 beached.

At 0400I/21, USS Hart was detached to make rendezvous with HMAS Shropshire and HMAS Hobart in position 05°30'N, 114°45'E. The cruisers departed Brunei Bay around 0630I/21. Rendezvous was effected around 0900I/21 but by then they had been ordered to return to Brunei Bay taking USS Hart with them.

At 0930I/21, CTU 76.20.50 went ashore to observe unloading and to arrange for the return of released POW's to Brunei Bay.

At 1050I/21, the Beachmaster informed CTU 76.20.50 that the reserves would not be needed and may return to Brunei Bay.

At 1325I/21, all LSM's were unloaded and retracted from the beach.

At 1800I/21, Task Unit 76.20.50 got underway to return to Brunei Bay. They were screened by USS Metcalf, USS PC-1120, SC-732 and the minesweepers USS YMS-4 (Lt.(jg) F.D. Bender, USNR), USS YMS-6 (Lt. M. McVickar, USNR), USS YMS-51 (Lt.(jg) A.L. Giesenschlag, USNR), USS YMS-68 (Lt. G.L. O'Neil, USNR), USS YMS-259 (Lt. M. Goedjen, USNR), USS YMS-313 (Lt.(jg) W.H. Reibold, USNR) and USS YMS-340 (Lt. P. Schminke, USNR).

USS LCS(L)-46 and USS LCS(L)-58 remained at Lutong.

At 0645I/22, HMAS Arunta returned to Brunei Bay. Commodore Farncomb then left the destroyer and re-hoisted his broad pendant in HMAS Shropshire.

Task Unit 76.20.50 returned to Brunei Bay in the morning of the 22nd, around 0900I/22.

(44)

22 Jun 1945
Around 1800I/22, HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN), HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN), USS Hart (T/Cdr. W.D. Coleman, USN) and USS Metcalf (T/Cdr. D.L. Martineau, USN) departed Brunei Bay for Tawi Tawi where they arrived around 0800I/24. (43)

27 Jun 1945
In the morning HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNN) bombarded Japanese shore guns off Balikpapan.

Later that day Tromp joined Task Force 74.1 which was made up of the Australian heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN), the Australian light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN), the Australian destroyer HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN) and the US destroyers USS Hart (Cdr. W.D. Coleman, USN) and USS Metcalf (Cdr. D.L. Martineau, USN). (45)

1 Jul 1945

Operation Oboe II, Allied landings at Balikpapan.

Part I, the pre-landing phase.

Composition of the forces taking part was as follows;
Task Group (TG) 78.2 was the Balikpapan Attack Group under Vice-Admiral D.E. Barbey, USN, made up of the following units.
TG 78.2.1 was the Group Flagship Unit under T/Capt. K.D. Ringle, USN, made up of the Amphibious Force Command Ship USS Wasatch (T/Capt. K.D. Ringle, USN, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A.G. Noble, USN) and fighter direction ship USCGC Spencer (Cdr. J.R. Hinnant, USCG).
TG 78.2.2 was the Transport Unit under A/Capt. A.P. Cousin, RANR(S), made up the Landing Ships HMAS Manoora (A/Capt. A.P. Cousin, RANR(S)), HMAS Westralia (A/Cdr. E.W. Livingston, RANR(S)), HMAS Kanimbla (Cdr. A.V. Bunyan, RANR(S)), Landing Ship Dock USS Carter Hall (Lt.Cdr. H.L. Host, Jr., USNR) and the Attack Cargo Ship Titania (T/Cdr.(Retd.) M.W. Callahan, USN).
TG 78.2.3 was the Fast Transport unit under T/Cdr, Wm.S. Parsons, USN, COMTRANSDIV 103, made up of the High Speed Transports USS Lloyd (Lt.Cdr. W.R. Taylor, USNR, with T/Cdr, Wm.S. Parsons, USN, Commanding Officer COMTRANSDIV 103, on board), USS Newman (Lt.Cdr. R.I. Thieme, USNR), USS Liddle (Lt.Cdr. W.D. Kennedy, USNR), USS Kephart (Cdr. I.H. Cammarn, USNR) and USS Diachenko (Lt.Cdr. S.H. Johnson, USNR).
TG 78.2.4 was the LSM Unit under T/Capt. D.J. Wientraub, USN on board the Landing Craft Flotilla Flagship USS LCFF-789 (Lt. R.J. Minnich, USNR), made up of the following units;
LSM Group 4; under Lt.Cdr. R.C. Johnson, USN, up of the following LSM's; USS LSM-18 (Lt. W.B. Wilder, USNR, with T/Lt.Cdr. R.C. Johnson, USN on board), USS LSM-19 (Lt. E.L. McComb, USNR), USS LSM-21 (Lt. C.L. Crayne, USN), USS LSM-22 (Lt. W.E. Rivinius, USNR), USS LSM-257 (Lt. E.C. Nufer, USNR), USS LSM-258 (Lt.(jg) J. Black, USNR), USS LSM-310 (Lt. E.P. White, USNR) and USS LSM-311 (Lt. P.M. Brooks, USNR).
LSM Group 5; under Lt.Cdr. E.G. Smith, USNR, made up of the following LSM's; USS LSM-36 (Lt. M.S. McLeod, USNR, with T/Lt.Cdr. E.G. Smith, USNR on board), USS LSM-37 (Lt. G.W. Smith, USNR), USS LSM-130 (Lt. L.R. French, USNR), USS LSM-141 (Lt. E.A. Quinlan, USNR), USS LSM-148 (Lt. F.W. Cely, USN), USS LSM-150 (Lt. G.B. McCauley, USNR) and USS LSM-205 (Lt. D.W. Barton, USNR).
LSM Group 6; under T/Lt.Cdr. E.E. Weire, USN, made up of the following LSM's; USS LSM-42 (Lt. S.I. Burton, USNR, with T/Lt.Cdr. E.E. Weire, USN on board), USS LSM-38 (Lt. H.A. Seitz, USNR), USS LSM-39 (Lt. G.C. Hollowell, USNR), USS LSM-40 (Lt. C.L. Garrett, USNR), USS LSM-223 (Lt. P.C. Hawn, USNR), USS LSM-224 (Lt. D.B. Wrensch, USNR) and USS LSM-267 (Lt. R.F. Ruben, USNR).
TG 78.2.5 was the LST Unit under T/Capt. F.J. Mee, USN, made up of the following units;
LST Flot 22 under T/Capt. F.J. Mee, USN, made up of the following LST's; USS LST-632 (Lt. G.W. Chandler, USNR, with COMLSTFLOT 22, T/Capt. F.J. Mee, USN on board), USS LST-639 (Lt. G.M. Brown, USNR), USS LST-714 (Lt. R.F. Williams, USNR), USS LST-721 (Lt. R.B. Safford, USNR), USS LST-935 (Lt. B.B. Wells, USN) and USS LST-938 (Lt. H.W. Limes, USNR).
LST Flot 7 under T/Capt. G.A. Sinclair, USN, made up of the following LST Groups;
LST Group 19, under Cdr. J.E. van Zandt, USNR, made up of the following LST's; USS LST-466 (Lt. J.P. Witherspoon, USNR, with COMLSTFLOT 7, T/Capt. G.A. Sinclair, USN, on board), USS LST-181 (Lt.(jg) C.V. Lynch, USNR), USS LST-245 (Lt. M.J. McCabe, USNR), USS LST-470 (Lt. M. Loring, USNR), USS LST-471 (Lt. J.K. Haman, USNR) and USS LST-474 (Lt. G.L. Hull, USNR, with COMLSTGR19, Cdr. J.E. van Zandt, USNR on board).
LST Group 20, under Cdr. D.M. Baker, USNR, made up of the following LST's; USS LST-452 (Lt. R.D. Jones, USNR, with COMLSTGR20, Cdr. D.M. Baker, USNR on board), USS LST-454 (Lt. D.J. Morrison, USNR), USS LST-456 (Lt.(jg) E.J. Lambert, USNR), USS LST-457 (Lt. W.W. Hacker, USNR) and USS LST-462 (Lt. W.D. Gregory, USNR).
From LST Group 21 were the following LST's; USS LST-66 (Lt. W.J. Holbert, USCGC), USS LST-168 (Lt. H. Twiford, USCG) and USS LST-206 (Lt. S.F. Regard, USCG).
From LST Flot 8
LST Group 23, under T/Cdr. T.C. Linthicum, USN, made up of the following LST's; USS LST-1018 (Lt. P.F. Williams, USNR, with COMLSTGR23, T/Cdr. T.C. Linthicum, USN on board), USS LST-395 (Lt. C.W. Saale, USNR), USS LST-397 (Lt. E.W. Teasley, USNR), USS LST-911 (Lt. M.T. Saffield, USNR), USS LST-1016 (Lt. J.W. Chapman, USNR) and USS LST-1017 (Lt. B.I. Sobel, USNR).
From LST Groups 22 and 24 were the following LST's; USS LST-666 (Lt. J.H. Reid, USNR), USS LST-673 (Lt. J.K. Athow, USNR), USS LST-694 (Lt. J.D. McLaughlin, USNR), USS LST-740 (Lt. A.G. McMahon, USNR) and USS LST-910 (Lt. H.V. Ruble, USN).
From LST Flot 15 were the following LST's; USS LST-579 (Lt. H.B. Severs, USNR), USS LST-703 (LT. E.H. Marsland, USNR), USS LST-753 (Lt. T.J. Dailey, USNR) and USS LST-777 (Lt. W.F. Lagotic, USN).
TG 78.2.6 was the LCI Unit under Cdr. A.V. Jannotta, USNR, made up of the following LCI(L)'s from LCIFLOT24;
USS LCI(L)-624 (Lt. E.F. Harris, USNR, with COMLCIFLOT 24, Cdr. A.V. Jannotta, USNR, on board), USS LCI(L)-622 (Lt. H.V. Smith, USNR), USS LCI(L)-625 (Lt.(jg) C.E. Bole, USNR), USS LCI(L)-634 (Lt.(jg) J.J. Connolly, USNR), USS LCI(L)-636 (Lt. J.A. Moore, USNR), USS LCI(L)-655 (Lt. E. Kingdon, Hurlock, USNR), USS LCI(L)-699 (Lt. P.B. Gates, USNR), USS LCI(L)-700 (Lt.(jg) J.E. Howe, USNR), USS LCI(L)-712 (Lt. R.I. Basch, USNR), USS LCI(L)-999 (Lt.(jg) C.P. Castle, USN), USS LCI(L)-1002 (Lt. E.B. Schicker, Jr., USNR), USS LCI(L)-1003 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Jessee, USNR), USS LCI(L)-1008 (Lt.(jg) W.A. Green, USNR), USS LCI(L)-1025 (Lt. W.C. Kingsley, USNR), USS LCI(L)-1072 (Lt. M.B. Kirby, USNR) and USS LCI(L)-1076 (Lt. O.E. Caldcleugh, USNR).
TG 78.2.7 was the Control Unit under Cdr. A.J. Petersen, USNR, made up of the following patrol vessels; USS PC-1134 (Lt. O.A. Barge, Jr., with Cdr. A.J. Petersen, USNR on board), USS PC-610 (Lt. J.K. Winter, USNR), USS SC-698 (Lt. J.C. Hedges, USNR), USS SC-747 (Lt.(jg) R.E. Oberfeld, USNR) and USS SC-750 (Lt.(jg) F.C. Cuthbertson, USNR).
TG 78.2.8 was the Close Support Unit under T/Cdr. D.H. Day, USN, was made up of the following LCS(L)'s; USS LCS(L)-8 (Lt.Cdr. E.C. Thomas, USNR), USS LCS(L)-27 (Lt.(jg) J.M. Bledsoe, USNR), USS LCS(L)-28 (Lt. R.H. Bost, USNR), USS LCS(L)-29 (Lt. J.F. McNamara, USNR), USS LCS(L)-30 (Lt. C.H. Sanders, USNR), USS LCS(L)-41 (Lt.(jg) A.P. Marincovich, USNR), USS LCS(L)-43 (Lt.(jg) E.A. Blakley, USNR), USS LCS(L)-44 (Lt. J.M. Leggat, USNR), USS LCS(L)-48 (Lt. D.E. Widel, USNR) and USS LCS(L)-50 (Lt. B.T. Clark, USNR). The following LCI(R)'s; USS LCI(R)-230 (Lt.(jg) E.L. Grimes, USNR, with T/Cdr. D.H. Day, USN on board), USS LCI(R)-31 (Ens. D.B. Hummel, USNR), USS LCI(R)-34 (Lt.(jg) F.W. Schwarz, USNR), USS LCI(R)-73 (Lt.(jg) W.V. Ferguson, USN), USS LCI(R)-226 (Ens. J.W. Joyce, USNR), USS LCI(R)-331 (Lt.(jg) E.F. Sheeran, USNR), USS LCI(R)-337 (Ens. G.W. Green, USN) and USS LCI(R)-338 (Ens. J.S. Hageman, USNR). The following LCI(G)'s; USS LCI(G)-21 (Lt.(jg) J.G. Gent, USNR), USS LCI(G)-22 (Lt.(jg) W.F. Saul, USNR), USS LCI(G)-24 (Lt.(jg) G.D. Rankin, USNR), USS LCI(G)-61 (Lt.(jg) R.M. Prann, USNR), USS LCI(G)-66 (Lt.(jg) J.A. Kraus, USNR) and USS LCI(G)-67 (Lt.(jg) G.J. Puhl, USNR).
TG 78.2.9 was the Minesweeping Unit under Lt.Cdr. T.R. Fonick, USNR, made up of the following units;
Task Unit (TU) 72.2.91 was made up of the minesweepers USS Sentry (Lt.Cdr. T.R. Fonick, USNR, (COMMINDIV 34)), USS Scout (Lt. E.G. Anderson, USNR) and USS Scuffle (Lt.Cdr. E.A. Johnson, USNR).
TU 72.2.92 under Lt.Cdr. D.W. Blakeslee, USNR, was made up of the YMS's; USS YMS-9 (Lt.(jg) W.E. Vermillion, USNR), USS YMS-10 (Lt.(jg) R.D. Waterman, USNR), USS YMS-39 (Lt. R.M. Sullivan, USNR), USS YMS-46 (Lt.(jg) T. Markin, USNR), USS YMS-47 (Lt. R.H. Heller, USNR), USS YMS-49 (lt.(jg) D.E. Reysa, USNR), USS YMS-50 (Lt(jg) B.G. Stern, USNR), USS YMS-51 (Lt.(jg) A.L. Giesenschlag, USNR), USS YMS-53 (Lt.(jg) F.W. Ketner, USNR), USS YMS-65 (lt. C.R. Silk, USNR), USS YMS-73 (Lt. J.H. Frederick, USNR), USS YMS-84 (Lt. J.V. Barton, USNR), USS YMS-95 (Lt.(jg) G.E. Newby, Jr., USNR), USS YMS-224 (Lt.(jg) F.J. Weingartner, USNR), i>USS YMS-269 (Lt. P.J. Ganey, USNR), USS YMS-314 (Lt.(jg) J.W. Easton, USNR), USS YMS-315 (Lt. E.E. martin, Jr., USNR), USS YMS-335 (Lt.(jg) R.F. Klick, USNR), USS YMS-336 (Lt.(jg) J.A. Reid, USNR), USS YMS-339 (Lt.(jg) M.E. Fitzgerald, USNR), USS YMS-364 (Lt. C.K. Soper, USNR), USS YMS-365 (Lt.(jg) F.C. Huff, USNR), USS YMS-366 (Lt. (jg) T.J. Duncan, Jr., USNR), USS YMS-367 (Lt.(jg) E.E. Huppenbauer, Jr., USNR), USS YMS-368 (Lt.(jg) C.D. Drago, USNR) and USS YMS-392 (Lt. W.H. Kendrick, USNR). As tenders for the minesweepers there were the high speed transport USS Cofer (Lt. H.C. McClees, USNR) and the LSM USS LSM-1 (Lt. E.J. Flowers, USNR).
TG 78.2.10 was the Beach Party Unit.
TG 78.2.11 was the Demolition Unit under Lt. States, was made up of the high speed transports USS Kline (Lt. B.F. Uran, USNR) and USS Schmitt (Lt. T.A. Melusky, USNR) and two underwater demolition teams.
TG 78.2.12 was the LCT Unit under Lt. Buckley. This unit was made up of the following LCT's;
LCT Group 73 was made up of USS LCT-1293 (with Lt. Buckley on board), USS LCT-1081, USS LCT-1289, USS LCT-1291, USS LCT-1295, USS LCT-1297, USS LCT-1299, USS LCT-1301, USS LCT-1302, USS LCT-1304, USS LCT-1306, USS LCT-1308, USS LCT-1325 and USS LCT-1329.
LCT Group 21 was made up of USS LCT-1298 (with Lt. Coffin (COMLCTGR21) on board), USS LCT-83, USS LCT-178, USS LCT-372, USS LCT-373, USS LCT-864, USS LCT-898, USS LCT-990, USS LCT-992, USS LCT-1016, USS LCT-1296 and USS LCT-1327.
TG 78.2.13 was the Salvage and Firefighting Unit under Lt.Cdr. H. Pond, USNR, made up of the salvage vessel Cable (Lt.Cdr. H. Pond, USNR), USS LCI(S)-700 (?), USS LCI(S)-702 (?), USS LCI(S)-1000 (?) and USS LCI(S)-1071 (?) and the tug USS ATR-61 (Lt. W.M. Heywood, USNR).
TG 78.2.14 was the Service Unit under Lt.Cdr. Wallace, made up of the following ships; oiler USS Chepachet (Lt.Cdr. H.K. Wallace, USNR), gasoline tankers USS Sakatonchee (Lt. F.C. Steinmetz, USNR), USCG Gualala (?), landing craft repair ship USS Creon [Former LST-1036] (Lt. M.G. Pooley, USNR), landing craft LST's USS LST-67 (serving as ammunition ship) (Lt. R.L. McGirl, USNR), USS LST-171 (Lt. M.B. Taylor, USNR), USS LSM-129 (Lt. W.A. Farmer, USNR), cargo ship USS Poinsett (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Baughman, USNR), army cargo ships FS 164, FS 361, auxiliary Banshee (?), auxiliary trawler USS YP-421 (Lt.(jg) W.E. Baker, USN), tug USS Pinto (Lt. R. Brown, USNR) and floating crane USS YD-65.
TG 78.2.15 was the Screening Unit under COMDESRON 5, T/Capt. F.D. McCorkle, USN, made up of the following units;
Destroyer Squadron 5 was made up of the following destroyers; USS Flusser (T/Lt.Cdr. K.G. Robinson, USN with COMDESRON 5, T/Capt. F.D. McCorkle, USN on board), USS Drayton (T/Lt.Cdr. V.A. Dybdal, USN), USS Conyngham (T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Bampton, USN) and USS Smith (T/Lt.Cdr. E.H. Huff, USN).
Destroyer Squadron 14 was made up of the following destroyers; USS Frazier (T/Lt.Cdr. J.N. Renfro, USN, with COMDESRON 14, T/Capt. G.L. Sims, USN on board) and USS Bailey (T/Lt.Cdr. A.F. Johnson, USN).
Destroyer Squadron 22 was made up of the following destroyers; USS Robinson (T/Cdr. R.E. Malpass, USN, with COMDESRON 22, T/Capt. R.H. Smith, USN on board), USS Saufley (T/Lt.Cdr. F.W. Silk, USN), USS Waller (T/Cdr. H.leR. Thompson, Jr., USN), USS Philip (T/Cdr. J.B. Rutter, Jr., USN).
There were also five destroyer escorts part of the Screening Unit, these were; USS Chaffee (Lt.Cdr. A.C. Jones, USNR), USS Edwin A. Howard (Lt.Cdr. F.D. Denfeld, USNR), USS Jesse Rutherford (Lt.Cdr. J.W. Jordan, USNR), USS Key (T/Lt.Cdr. F.D. Buckley, USN) and USS Leland E. Thomas (Lt.Cdr. B.J. Dunn, USNR). The frigate HMAS Gascoyne (Lt. E.J. Peel, RAN) was also part of Screening Unit.
TG 78.2.16 was the Press Unit, made up of the USS LCI(L)-635 (Lt. H. Hopkins, USNR) and the small army cargo ship FP 47.
TG 78.2.17 was the Hydrographic Unit under A/Cdr. C.G. Little, DSC, RAN, made up of the sloop HMAS Warrego (A/Cdr. C.G. Little, DSC, RAN), USS YMS-196 (Lt. C.W. Griffith, USNR) and USS Mango (Lt. H.R. Greenley, USNR).

To provide cover for the operation the following Units were deployed.
TU 70.1.5 was the Motor Torpedo Boat Unit under Lt.Cdr. Tappan, made up of two Motor Torpedo Boat Tenders; USS Mobjack (Lt.Cdr. J.H. McClain, USNR) and USS Varuna (Lt. C.J. Kalb, USN) and the tug USS ATR-56 (Lt. E.C. McCoy, USNR). These ships served 23 Motor Torpedo Boats of MTB Squadrons 10 and 27.
MTBRON 10 was made up of the following Motor Torpedo Boats; USS PT-108, USS PT-116, USS PT-124, USS PT-125, USS PT-163, USS PT-167, USS PT-168, USS PT-169, USS PT-170, USS PT-171 and USS PT-174.
MTBRON 27 was made up of the following Motor Torpedo Boats; USS PT-356, USS PT-357, USS PT-358, USS PT-359, USS PT-360, USS PT-361, USS PT-372, USS PT-373, USS PT-374, USS PT-375, USS PT-376 and USS PT-377.
Task Force (TF) 74 was the Support and Covering Group under T/Rear-Admiral R.S. Riggs, USN, made up of the following units.
TG 74.1 under Commodore H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN, was made up of the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN) and the destroyers USS Hart (T/Cdr. W.D. Coleman, USN) and USS Metcalf (T/Cdr. D.L. Martineau, USN).
TG 74.2 under T/Rear-Admiral R.S. Riggs, USN, was made up of the light cruisers USS Montpelier (T/Capt. W.A. Gorry, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral R.S. Riggs, USN (COMCRUDIV 12)), USS Cleveland (T/Capt. H.G. Hopwood, USN), USS Columbia (T/Capt. M.E. Curts, USN), USS Denver (T/Capt. T.F. Darden, Jr., USN), HrMs Tromp (A/Capt. F. Stam, RNN) and the destroyers USS Conway (T/Cdr. J.H. Besson, Jr., USN, with COMDESDIV 44, T/Capt. S.G. Hooper, USN on board), USS Stevens (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressey, USN), USS Cony (T/Lt.Cdr. T.C. Siegmund, USN), USS Eaton (T/Cdr. C. Brown, USN), USS Killen (T/Cdr. J.L. Semmes, USN), USS Albert W. Grant (T/Cdr. G.S. Higginbotham, USN, with COMDESDIV 112, T/Capt. B.J. Mullaney, USN, on board) and HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN).
TG 74.3 under T/Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN, was made up of the light cruisers USS Nashville (T/Capt. A. MacOndray, Jr., USN, flying the flag of COMCRUDIV 15, T/Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN), USS Phoenix (T/Capt. H.L. Challenger, USN, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral D.E. Barbey, USN, Commander Balikpapan Attack Force, CTF 78) and the destroyers USS Conner (T/Lt.Cdr. W.A. Sissons, USN, with COMDESRON 51, T/Capt. H.J. Martin, USN), USS Charette (T/Lt.Cdr. G.P. Joyce, USN, with COMDESDIV 102, T/Capt. J.W. Callahan, USN on board), USS Bell (T/Lt.Cdr. B.H. Shupper, USN) and USS Burns (T/Cdr. J.T. Bullen, Jr., USN).
TG 78.4 was the Escort Carrier Group under T/Rear-Admiral W.D. Sample, USN, made up of the following escort carriers; USS Suwanee (T/Capt. D.S. Cornwell, USN, with COMCARDIV22, T/Rear-Admiral W.D. Sample, USN on board), USS Block Island (T/Capt. F.M. Hughes, USN), USS Gilbert Islands (T/Capt. L.K. Rice, USN). They were escorted by the destroyer USS Dale (T/Lt.Cdr. S.M. Zimny, USNN) and the destroyer escorts USS Mitchell (Lt.Cdr. J.K. Carpenter, USNR), USS Donaldson (Lt.Cdr. H.G. Hartmann, USNR), USS Cloues (Lt.Cdr. K.G. Rich, USNR), USS Lamons (Lt.Cdr. H.C.M. Lamkin, USNR) and USS Kyne (Lt.Cdr. C.F Sweet, Jr., USNR).

The day of the landings was set at 1 July 1945, which was known as 'Fox' day. But as usual before a landing operation a period om minesweeping and bombardments preceeded the landings. We deal with these operations first.

The mission of the minesweepers was to clear the channels, approaches, anchorages, landing beaches and other designated areas of Allied and enemy mines prior to 'Fox' day in Balikpapan Bay, Borneo, NEI, to allow safe passage for the Balikpapan Attack Group.

Enemy minefields were reported off shore southeast of Balikpapan and also across the harbour entrance. Sutstantial enemy ground forces and many coast defence and duel purpose guns were known to be present defending the beaches. The enemy was expected to make every effort to harass and repulse the pre-'Fox' day operations.

Extensive Allied minelaying activity was conducted by RAAF Caralinas between February and October 1944 in Balikpapan Harbour and approaches. Of the total of 126 Allied infuence mines planted a possible 93 were still assumed to be active and requested sweeping prior to the landings on 'Fox' day. Due to the quantity and types of Allied mines present in the area it was agreed that a minimum of 16 days would be required to provide an approach chennel and to cover fire support areas to a reasonable degree of safety for landing operations to be conducted.

Minesweeping operations pre-'Fox' day

On 11 June 1945 ('Fox' day-20), at 0700I Oboe II, 'A' echelon got underway from Morotai for Balikpapan. The following vessels were part of this echelon. USS Smith, USCG Gualala, USS YMS-10, USS YMS-46, USS YMS-47, USS YMS-49, USS YMS-50, USS YMS-52, USS YMS-53, USS YMS-95, USS YMS-315, USS YMS-335, USS YMS-336, USS YMS-339, USS YMS-364, USS YMS-366, USS YMS-368 and USS YMS-392.

At 0900I/13, USS Drayton departed Morotai to rendezvous with 'A' echelon.

At 1430I/13, TG 74.2 departed Tawi Tawi to rendezous with 'A' echelon. TG 72.2 was divided into five groups for fire support duty, these were;
TU 74.2.1 was Fire Support Unit Able, made up of USS Montpelier and USS Conway.
TU 74.2.2 was Fire Support Unit Baker, made up of USS Denver and USS Eaton.
TU 74.2.3 was Fire Support Unit Charlie, made up of USS Columbia and USS Cony.
TU 74.2.4 was Fire Support Unit Dog, made up of HrMs Tromp (to join later) and USS Stevens.
TU 74.2.5 was Fire Support Unit Echo (to join later), made up of USS Cleveland, USS Killen and USS Albert W. Grant.
USS Hart, USS Medcalf and HMAS Arunta were still operating off Brunei Bay on the 13th and only joined later.

At 1745I/13, USS Cofer departed Tawi Tawi to rendezvous with 'A' echelon.

Around 0720I/14, all groups joined in position 01°01'N, 119°38'E. USS Smith and USS Drayton then departed for Morotai. The other ships then set course for the operations area.

At 0642I/15, TU 78.2.92 arrived at the 100 fathom curve due east of the objective. YMS commenced streaming minesweeping gear and began sweep of apporach track for moored and acoustic mines in wedge formation. USS Cofer, USCG Gualala and TG 74.2 following them into swept water. At 1324I/15 the right and left flank of the YMS formation proceeded independently as had been planned. At 1622I/15 the right and left flank reformed wedge formation and commenced sweeping the approach track on an easterly course. At 2222I/15 sweeping ceased and the gear was recovered at the 100 fathom curve. All results of sweeping were negative.

At 0650I/16, the YMS Unit was detached to carry out assigned moored, magnetic and acoustic exploratory sweep of the fire support areas. At 0901I/16, minesweeping LCVP's commenced exploratory sweep of reported Japanese minefields. They returned at 1425I/16 from their minesweeping operations. At 1915I/16, all sweeping ceased and the YMS also retired for the night. Again no mines were swept this day.

At 0625I/17, minesweeping operations commenced in the fire support areas. These operations ceased at 1905I/17 when the YMS retired for the night. All results were again negative.

At 0630I/18, minesweeping operations commenced in the assault and close fire support areas. At 1253I/18, USS YMS-50 exploded an allied influence mine under her bow and was seriously damaged. At 1300I/18, USS YMS-50 was taken under fire by enemy shore batteries. The cruiser support group opened up with counter battery fire. At 1312I/18, LCVP's from USS Cofer proceeded to the rescue of personnel and also attempted to tow USS YMS-50. At 1448I/18, the LCVP's were also taken under fire and the attempts to tow USS YMS-50 were abandoned. All personnel was rescued. USS Denver then opened fire on the hulk of USS YMS-50 which then finally sank. At 1815I/18, minesweeping operations ceased and the YMS retired for the night. At 1855I/18 a Japanese float plane (Pete) closed TU 78.2.92, USS Cofer opened fire. The Combat Air Patrol took up chase of the aircraft. No further enemy air activity was reported. One influence mine was swept which damaged USS YMS-50.

At 0625I/19, YMS's commenced scheduled sweep of assault and close support areas. At 1100I/19, the sweepers were taken under fire by shore batteries and the support group then silenced these. At 1250I/19, the YMS minesweepers were again taken under fire by shore batteries but no damage was sustained. At 1900I/19, the minesweepers recovered their gear and then got underway again to retire for the night.

At 0640I/20, the YMS commenced scheduled sweep of fire support areas. At 1322I/20, USS YMS-368 exploded an Allied influence mine near her stern causing severe structural damage. USS Cofer effected temporary repairs and the vessel remained afloat. At 1850I/20 minesweeping was ceased, gear recovered and the minesweepers retired for the night. One influence mine was swept on this date which damaged USS YMS-368.

At 0600I/21, the YMS commenced scheduled operation in assault and close support areas. At 1038I/21 the YMS Unit came under fire from shore batteries. No damage was sustained. At 1258I/21, they again came under fire by enemy shore batteries and yet again at 1450I/21. At 1455I/21, USS YMS-335 was struck by a shell on her 3" gun platform. She sustained four killed and five wounded. At 1916I/21, minesweeping operations ceased and the YMS retired for the night. No mines were swept on this day.

At 0530I/22, YMS commenced scheduled sweep in assault and close support areas. At 1006I/22, the YMS came under fire from shore batteries. At 1014I/22, USS YMS 10 was struck in the bow, above the waterline, by a shell. There were no personnel casualties. At 1430I/22, USS Sentry, USS Scout, USS YMS-39, USS YMS-314, USS YMS-365 and USS LSM-1 arroved on the objective area. Lt.Cdr. Fonick then took over command of TU 78.2.9 from Lt.Cdr. Blakeslee. At 1658I/22, the YMS again came under fire. They retired for the night at 1956I/22. No mines were swept on this day.

At 0530I/23, YMS commenced operations in assault and close support areas. At 1006I/23 they again came under fire from shore batteries. USS YMS-364 was struck by an enemy shell which failed to explode. At 1310I/23, USS YMS-368 was damaged by a mine explosion. She was taken in tow by USS YMS-335 and they departed for Tawi Tawi. At 1515I/23, shore batteries again opened fire on the YMS. No damage was sustained. At 1841 the YMS retired for the night. Again no mines were swept on this day.

At 0540I/24, YMS commenced scheduled operations in the assault area. USS Scout with 6 YMS conducted a moored sweep of the approach track to broaden the existing swept channel. At 1253I/24, USS YMS-9 reported for duty with TU 78.2.9. The TU came under sporadic fire from shore batteries during the day. No damage was sustained. At 1920I/24, TU 78.2.9 units retired for the night. Once again no mines were swept during this day.

At 0530I/25, YMS commenced scheduled operations in assault lane and close support area. At 0905I/25, the leading YMS were taken under fire by shore batteries but no damage was sustained. At 1105I/25, USS YMS-52 exploded an influence mine. At 1343I/25, USS YMS-365 detonated an influence mine which damaged her sweep. She retired from the area to effect repairs. Also YMS-39 detonated one influence mine and cut one moored mine in her sweep which was sunk by gunfire. At 1845I/25, TU 78.2.9 proceeded to the anchorage area of Balikpapan. Three influence and one moored mine were swept during the day. At 2030I/25 they came under attack by four enemy aircraft. At 2033I/25, USS Cofer was attacked by three enemy aircraft which fired torpedoes which passed under her bow. One aircraft was shot down by USS Cofer. Another aircraft was shot down by USS Cofer in conjunction with other ships of TU 78.2.9. A third aircraft was shot down by USS Sentry.

At 0611I/26, YMS commenced scheduled operations in the assault area. At 0700I/26, USS Scuffle and USS YMS-196 reported for duty with TU 78.2.9. At 1008I/26, an influence mine exploded during minesweeping operations in the assault area. At 1200I/26, three more contact mines were swept in the area which were destroyed by USS Stevens. At 1343I/26, USS YMS-365 detonated an influence mine with magnetic sweep. At 1424I/26, USS YMS-365 exploded a mine, thought to be of influence type, directly beneath her. The keel was broken amidships. USS YMS-364 proceeded to remove her survivors. All personnel was saved. USS YMS-196 joined in the rescue and opened fire on the hulk of the damaged minesweeper which resulted in her bow section being sunk. The stern finally sank at 1645I/26. At 1547I/26, USS YMS-39 exploded a mine, believed to be an Allied magnetic mine. Her superstructure disintergrated and the vessel capsized and sank in less than one minute. Two additional mine explosions occurred in short succession the first approximately 100 yards abean and the second near electrode of long log. USS YMS-196 proceeded to rescue the survivors. Three of the crew were killed and one was missing. LCVP's from USS Cofer and USS Schmidt assisted in the rescue of surivors from USS YMS-39 and USS YMS-365. At 1855I/26, minesweeping ceased and the minesweepers proceeded to the anchorage. Six influence and three moored mines had been swept. Destroyers took fire support stations on this day to render close support during sweeping operations. Further enemy gunfire directed against the minesweepers was sporadic and inaccurate.

At 0610I/27, YMS commenced scheduled operations in the assault area. At 1310I/27, USS YMS-392 detonated an influence mine without sustaining damage. At 1840I/27, minesweeping operations ceased and the minesweepers proceeded to the anchorage. One influence and one moored mine were swept on this date.

At 0614I/28, YMS commenced scheduled operations in the assault area. At 1405I/28, USS YMS-47 exploded an Allied influence mine under her stern. A large hole was the result and the after compartments were flooded. USS YMS-366 and USS YMS-49 assisted by LCVP's from USS Cofer, USS Kline and USS Schmitt succeeded in rescuing all personnel and in towing USS YMS-47 out of the mine field. USS YMS-47 was taken alongside USS Scout for pumping and emergency repairs. Although the after deck was awash the engine room compartments were pumped out and the vessel stayed afloat. At 1920I/28, minesweeping ceased and the minesweepers returned to the anchorage. two influence mines were swept on this day, one of which damaged USS YMS-47.

At 0610I/29, YMS commenced scheduled operations in the assault area. These operations were ceased at 1850I/29 when they returned to the anchorage. Four moored contact mines were swept on this date.

YMS again commenced minesweeping operations in the assault area on 30 June [no time given in the report but must have been after dawn.] At 0945I/30, USS YMS-314 exploded an Allied influence mine about 100 feet astern. She sustained minor damage. At 1300I/30, USS YMS-65 and USS YMS-269 reported for duty with TU 78.2.9. At 1927I/30, minesweeping operations ceased and all YMS returned to the anchorage. One influence and three moored contact mines were swept this date.

At 0615/1, on 'Fox' day, YMS commenced scheduled sweeping operations in the area adjacent to the landing beach. USS YMS-196 was released from duty with TU 78.2.9 and she joined the Hydrographic Unit. At 1815I/1, USS YMS-84, USS YMS-224 and USS YMS-367 reported for duty with TU 78.2.9. At 1917I/1, minesweeping operations ceased for the day and the YMS returned to the anchorage. One moored mine was swept on this day. Total to this date, 15 Allied influence mines and 13 enemy moored contact mines were swept.

Pre-'Fox' day operations by Underwater Demolition Teams.

At 1700I/20, the temporary formed TU 78.2.93 departed Morotai for the operations area. This TU was to render close in fire support to the Underwater Demolition Teams during their pre-invasion operations of destroying underwater obstacles in the landing areas. These opertions would cover a day of six days in which reconnaissance and three days in which obstacle demolition operations were successfully carried out. TU 78.2.93 was made up of USS LCS(L)-30 (with COMLCS(L)GR 1, Lt.Cdr. W.F. Hunt, USNR on board), USS LCS(L)-8, USS LCS(L)-28, USS LCS(L)-29, USS LCS(L)-41, USS LCS(L)-43, USS LCS(L)-44 and USS LCS(L)-48. Taking passage with them from Morotai were also USS Schmitt, USS YMS-9 and USS Mango.

Around 1100I/24, TU 78.2.93 entered the Balikpapan area and reported to CTU 74.2 and 78.2.9 for duty. No assignment was given for the remainder of the day.

Around 0715I/25, The LCS(L) were in position to give fire support for underwater demolition work in the alternate landing areas at Manggar and Manggar Ketjil. A heavy concentration of 3", 40mm and 20mm was delivered into the immediate beach areas to eliminate, if possible, any sniper and machine gun positions. At 0800I/25, when the swimmers were taken into the beach, the fire was decreased and was concentrated in the tree tops along the beach. By 1000I/25 the reconnaissance was completed and all units retired and anchored.

Pre-dawn on the 26th, all ships of TU 78.2.93 got underway towards the Manggar Ketjil area to support obstacle demolition activities of the Underwater Demolition Teams. At 0700I/26 ships on station commenced strafing the beach. Between 0700 and 0820 hours, when swimmers embarked, fire was ceased several times to allow low level air strikes to be carried out. At 1025I/26, swimmers completed their assignment and charges were set off. Shortly thereafter units withdrew from a successful days work and anchored as before.

At 0430I/27, ships got underway and proceeded towards the assault beach at Klandasan. The passage was through unswept and hazardous water and a maximum speed of five knots was maintained at all times. To insure safe navigation the USS Stevens maintained an accurate radar plot and transmitted instructions via voice radio. By 0740I/27, all ships were anchored at short stay 2300 yards from the beach and commenced firing into the beach area. Eight small enemy mortar and gun fire was received from the beach. At 0840I/27, the swimmers commenced their reconnaissance work and completed this around 1030I/27. Several ships observed enemy gun emplacements and either took them under fire or reported them to enable larger units to do a more effective job. On completion of the operation all ships retired to the anchorage.

At 0345I/28, TU 78.2.9 got underway. USS Stevens again did an excellent job of plotting the ships through the mine fields. At 0745I/28, all ships anchored 1200 yards from the beach and the order to open fire was given. At 0840I/28, obstacle demolition began. Several enemy gun emplacements began to fire on the demolition teams and the support ships. At 1020I/28, USS LCS(L)-8 received a hit in the conn and at 1041 she received two more. Four men were slightly injured from shrapnel. Prior to this at 0740I/28, USS LCS(L)-41 received four hits from small automatic weapons. Damage was slight. At 1040I/28, the demolition charge was detonated and retirement commenced. The ships then returned to the anchorage.

On 29 June TU 78.2.9 conducted no operations.

At 0610I/30, the ships of TU 78.2.9 again go underway for the Klandasan area where the Underwater Demolition Teams were to complete their operations. Heavy air strikes and bombardment aided greatly in keeping enemy fire to a minimum. The Demolition Teams commenced operations at 0840I/30 and at 0945I/30 they were finished and detonated the charges. No damage was inflicted by the enemy on this day.

Pre-'Fox' day operations TG 74.2.

TG 74.2, at that moment made up of the light cruisers USS Montpelier, USS Columbia, USS Denver and the destroyers USS Conway, USS Stevens, USS Cony and USS Eaton, departed Tawi Tawi around 1430I/13. They then made rendezvous with TU 78.2.92 around 0720I/14 in position 01°01'N, 119°38'E. They then escorted this TU to the Balikpapan area.

It was the mission of TG 74.2 to destroyer enemy personnel, defences, installations and facilities in the Balikpapan Area in the vicinity of the landing beaches by gunfire and by directing air force aircraft in attack missions until the arrival of the Attack Group Commander.

On 15 June TG 74.2 with TU 78.2.93 arrived in the Balikpapan area. At 0745I/15 the COMTASKGR 74.2 directed the group to form the Fire Support Units as listed above (HrMs Tromp was to arrive later) and then for the Units to proceed independently with the cruisers streaming paravanes.

At 0807I/15, USS Denver completed streaming paravanes and proceeded with USS Stevens and USS Eaton in support of the minesweepers.

Shortly after noon a flight of B-24's bombarded Balikpapan. Following the read a large column of black smoke was sighted rising from the Manggar area and later also from the area of Signal Hill.

At 0719I/16, USS Stevens was ordered to assist the minesweepers with navigation using her SG radar.

At 1027I/16, USS Conway made a depth charge attack on an A/S contact but it was later thought to have been a submerged wreck.

At 0720I/17, USS Stevens was again detached to assist the minesweepers with navigation.

Around 1230I/17, a flight of B-24's bombarded Balikpapan. They did not made contaced with the Commander Support Aircaft on board USS Montpelier.

Around 1430I/17, three squadrons of Liberators bombarded the target area. These had contacted the Commander Support Aircraft on board USS Montpelier successfully before they started their attacks.

At 1450I/17, USS Denver commenced a bombardment from long range with an aircraft spotting.

At 1500I/17, USS Montpelier commenced a bombardment with an aircraft spotting.

In the evening of the 17th TU 74.2 was attacked by enemy aircraft but no damage was sustained. It was estimated that seven aircraft had attacked. Their result was several near misses.

At 1000I/18, B-24 bombers attacked Balikpapan again. The entire area of the attack was shrouded by smoke. One hour later eight more B-24 squadrons were over the target area but six of them bombard the secondary target, the Manggar area, due to bad visibility over the primary target.

At 1256I/18, the Fire Support Units opened a counter battery fire after USS YMS-50 had been mines and taken under fire by the enemy.

At 1516I/18, wounded and survivors from USS YMS-50 were put on board USS Montpelier.

At 1602I/18, USS Denver sank the wreck of USS YMS-50 with gunfire.

Around 1000I/19, the first B-24's of the day arrived over the target area. More strikes followed during the day.

At 1230I/19, USS YMS-10 reported being fired upon. USS Stevens was ordered to give her support and she was able to silence the enemy gun.

At 1340I/19, USS Conway was detached to give navigational aid to the YMS minesweepers. She rejoined on completion of this task at 1725I/19.

At 1625I/19, HrMs Tromp arrived from Morotai and reported for duty with TG 74.2.

During the morning of 20 June the destroyers fuelled from the cruisers.

Around noon air strikes commenced. More strikes followed during the afternoon.

At 1530I/20, HrMs Tromp dropped two depth charges on an A/S contact but lost the contact immediately afterwards. The A/S contact was probably a wreck.

In the afternoon of the 20th some wounded men from the damaged USS YMS-368 were put on board USS Denver for treatment.

Around 0920I/21, B-24's arrived to commence this day's air attacks.

Around 1140I/21, USS Denver opened fire on enemy coast batteries.

Around 1255I/21, cruisers and destroyers again opened fire on enemy coast batteries after USS YMS-52 had been fired upon.

At 1452I/21, YMS's were taken under fire by a previously unreported enemy battery. USS YMS-335 was hit. The destroyers were ordered to take silence this enemy coast battery. Four casualties and five wounded from USS YMS-335 were later transferred to USS Montpelier.

At 1535I/21, USS Conway was detached to give navigational aid to some YMS minesweepers. On completion of this duty she rejoined her Unit. Some cover fire was provided from time to time by the cruiser and destroyers of TU 74.2.

At 0915I/22, the first air strike of the day hit the target area. As usual air strikes continued throughout the day.

At 1000I/22, the leading YMS was taken under fire by enemy guns. TF 74.2 replied with a heavy barrage.

At 1657I/22, USS YMS-53 was taken under fire by the enemy. TF 74.2 replied with gunfire.

During 23 June 1945, USS Montpelier, USS Denver, USS Columbia, HrMs Tromp, USS Conway, USS Stevens, USS Cony, USS Eaton, USS Cofer, USS Schmitt and USCG Gualala were fuelled by USS Chepachet which had arrived escorted by USS Leland E. Thomas. On completion of the fuelling operations they left for Tawi Tawi.

At 0835I/23, USS Denver and USS Conway were fired upon by enemy coastal batteries. these were immediately taken under fire and the enemy guns ceased fire.

At 1130I/23, a target that had been taken under fire by USS Montpelier blew up with a series of violent explosions. This must have been an ammunition dump.

At 1145I/23, air strikes commenced.

At 1303I/23, YMS were taken under fire by enemy shore batteries. These were quickly silenced by counter battery fire from the cruisers and destroyers.

On 24 June 1945, several ships of TG 74.2 were ammunitioned by USS LST-67 which had arrived escorted by USS Bell. This continued also on 25 June. Upon completion of ammunitioning these were ordered to proceed to Tawi Tawi.

At 0415I/24, USS Cony was detached to aid the YMS with navigation during their operations.

At 0840I/24, an enemy AA battery, which had opened fire on spotting aircraft, was taken under fire and silenced by USS Columbia.

At 1015I/24, USS Denver reported having knocked out an enemy gun.

Around 1100I/24, heavy air strikes commenced. Several bombs however landed way too close to Allied ships.

At 0400I/25, USS Denver, USS Conway and USS Cony were ordered to provide fire support during operations of Underwater Demolition Team 11 during operations on the Manggar and Manggar Ketjil beaches. B-25's also supported the operation with low level bombing attacks. One B-25 crashed, its crew being rescued by USS Cony.

At 0959I/25, the leading YMS was taken under fire by enemy shore batteries. USS Montpelier, USS Eaton and USS Stevens replied with counter battery fire.

Around 1113I/25, B-24's commenced the days air attacks on Balikpapan.

At 1155I/25, USS Bell silenced an enemy gun with several salvoes.

In the evening of the 25th, enemy aircraft attacked the forces in the Balikpapan area but no damage was done by them. Several attackers were shot down.

During the night of 25/26 June 1945, USS Cony conducted a night harassing mission off the Manggar / Manggar Ketjil beaches.

At 0500I/26, USS Denver and USS Conway were ordered to join USS Cony off the the Manggar / Manggar Ketjil beaches to give support to the Underwater Demolition Teams that were to operate there this morning. On completion of the operations they rejoined the remainder of TF 74.2.

At 0735I/26, the operations by the Underwater Demolition Teams commenced. B-24's and B-25's also assisted with bombing strikes which were very effective and were completed around 0815I/26. More air strikes on the Balikpapan area were conducted later in the morning and very early in the afternoon.

After USS YMS-365 had hit a mine. Her survivors were later put on board USS Columbia as did the survivors from USS YMS-39 which had also been mined later the same afternoon.

At 0610I/27, USS Stevens was detached to aid the LCS with navigation during their support of the Underwater Demolition Teams at Klandasan beach.

Around 0815I/27, air strikes commenced.

At 0950I/27, fire was opened on enemy guns in the beach area.

Around 1000I/27, TG 74.1, made up of HMAS Shropshire, HMAS Hobart, HMAS Arunta, USS Hart and USS Metcalf arrived in the area from Tawi Tawi.

Around 1105I/27, USS Edwin A. Howard, USS Mobjack and eight Motor Torpedo Boats (from MTB RON 10; USS PT-163, USS PT-167, USS PT-170, USS PT-174 and from MTB RON 27; USS PT-361, USS PT-372, USS PT-373 and USS PT-377) arrived in the area from Tawi Tawi.

During the night of 27/28 June 1945, four Motor Torpedo Boats patrolled the area. These were from MTB RON 10; USS PT-167 and USS PT-170 and from MTB RON 27; USS PT-372 and USS PT-377.

At 0425I/28, USS Stevens was detached to again aid the LCS with navigation during their support of the Underwater Demolition Teams.

At 0547I/28, Both TG 74.1 and 74.2 were ordered to take up their assigned bombardment stations.

At 0650I/28, firing from the beach against the LCS(L)'s was reported. The cruisers were ordered to commence a bombardment.

At 0758I/28, B-25's commenced bombarding the beach area in support of the Underwater Demolition Teams. The strike lasted for about 10 minutes.

The enemy was much more active this day and from time to time engaged our forces which each time replied with gunfire to silence the enemy guns.

At 1026I/28, USS LCS(L)-28 was hit. Five minutes afterwards she reported to have lost steering control but last she regained control after having effected repairs.

At 1030I/28, the demolition charges set by the Underwater Demolition Units went off, on schedule despite the enemy's efforts to frustrate their work.

During the night of 28/29 June 1945, USS Stevens conducted a night harassing mission along the Klandalan beaches while MTB's (from MTB RON 27; USS PT-361 and USS PT-373) operated off the Manggar beaches. Also patrolling were from MTB RON 10; USS PT-163 and USS PT-174 to the south of Balikpapan and from MTB RON 27; USS PT-372 and PT-377 off the Pengah River mouth.

At 1142I/29, the first flight of B-24's started to attack targets in the vicinity of Signal Hill. More attacks followed throughout the day.

At 1245I/29, a B-25 crashed into the sea. Two survivors were picked up by a floatplane from USS Montpelier and later put on board the cruiser.

Late in the afternoon / early in the evening, the destroyers, less USS Stevens, fuelled from the cruisers.

During the night of 29/30 June 1945, USS PT-163 and USS PT-170 patrolled to the south-west of Balikpapan. PT-167 and USS PT-377 patrolled between the Manngar River estuary and Sepinggan.

At 0830I/30, the LCS(L)'s were in position off Klandasan beach and opened fire to cover the Underwater Demolition Team swimmers. Air strikes also commenced shortly before 0900 hours.

At 0924I/30, the Underwater Demolition Teams reported having completed their objective. They had sustained no casualties, opposition had been light this morning.

USS Chepachet, escorted by Leland E. Thomas, had also returned from Tawi Tawi to fuel ships from TU's 74.1 and 74.2. During the day she fuelled; USS Montpelier, USS Conway, USS Denver, USS Stevens, USS Columbia, USS Edwin A. Howard, HMAS Shropshire, USS Schmitt, HMAS Hobart and USS Killen.

At 1645I/30, fire was opened on enemy shore batteries by USS Hart after USS YMS-314 was taken under fire which herself also replied with her 3" gun.

Around 1925I/30, TG 74.1 and 74.2 retired from the area for the night minus USS Denver and USS Hart remained off Klandasan to cover the area from possible minelaying operations by the enemy. Also USS Metcalf remained behind for a night harassing fire mission.

During the night of 30 June / 1 July, USS PT-372 and USS PT-377 patrolled between Manggar and Sambodja and USS PT-361 and USS PT-373 patrolled between between Stalkoedo and Manggar Ketjil.

'Fox' day approaching, more cover forces arriving in the area.

As 'Fox' day (1 July 1945) was now approaching more cover forces were despatched to the area.

At 0610I/26, TG 78.4, the Escort Carrier Group departed Leyte for Balikpapan. It was made up of the escort carriers USS Suwanee, USS Block Island and USS Gilbert Islands which were escorted by They were escorted by the destroyer USS Dale and the destroyer escorts USS Mitchell, USS Donaldson, USS Cloues USS Lamons and USS Kyne.

At 1900I/28, USS Nashville, USS Charette and USS Bell from TG 74.3 departed Tawi Tawi to make rendezvous with the Escort Carrier Group which they did at 0809I/29.

At 0838I/29, the light cruiser USS Phoenix and the destroyers USS Conner and USS Burns also joined. They had departed Morotai around 0630I/28.

After these forces had joined company the organisation now became as follows;
TG 78.4 under command of T/Rear-Admiral W.D. Sample, USN, was divided into the following Units;
TU 78.4.1 was the Escort Carrier Unit under T/Rear-Admiral W.D. Sample, USN (COMCARDIV 22), made up of the escort carriers USS Suwanee, USS Block Island and USS Gilbert Islands. On board USS Block Island was T/Rear-Admiral D. Ketcham, USN (COMCARDIV 27) as Second in Command).
TU 78.4.2 was the Screen under T/Capt. J.H. Martin, USN (COMDESRON 51), made up of the destroyers USS Conner, USS Charette, USS Bell, USS Burns, USS Dale and the destroyer escorts USS Mitchell, USS Donaldson, USS Cloues, USS Lamons and USS Kyne.
TU 78.4.3 was the Cruiser Unit under T/Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN, made up of the light cruisers USS Nashville and USS Phoenix (with CTF 78 embarked).

After TG 78.4 had formed up course was set for the Balikpapan area.

These was also TG 74.2 which departed Manila Bay for Balikpapan via Tawi Tawi at 1800I/27, TG 74.2.5, made up of the light cruiser USS Cleveland and the destroyers USS Albert W. Grant and USS Killen. On board the USS Cleveland was Army General MacArthur, Commander in Chief Southwest Pacific Aera (CinCSWPA), and his staff. In the morning of the 29th of June they made a short call at Tawi Tawi to pick up the latest mail for the CinCSWPA.

Now back to TG 78.4, at 1448I/29, USS Lamons obtained an A/S contact in position 01°34'N, 119°59'E and an emergency turn was made.

At 1454I/29, USS Lamons dropped a full pattern of depth charges. USS Dale went over to assist and both remained at the scene to hunt the possible enemy submarine while the remainder of the TG continued their passage towards Balikpapan. They rejoined the TG at 1924I/29.

During the 29th a continues CAP and A/S patrol had been maintained for the TG from 0636I/29 to 1920I/29.

On 30 June 1945 CAP and A/S patrol were maintained over the Balikpapan area from 0657I/30 to 1918I/30 and also over the own TG from 1352I/30 to 1918I/30. In the afternoon some of the escorts (USS Burns, USS Conner, USS Charrette, USS Dale and USS Bell) fuelled from either USS Suwanee and USS Block Island. Otherwise passage was uneventful and TG 78.4 arrived east of Balikpapan around 0730I/30.

TG 74.2 arrived in the Balikpapan area in the evening of 30 June.

Passage of the landing forces to the Balikpapan area.

The bulk the Balikpapan Attack Group (TG 78.2, see above) departed Morotai for the landing area on 26 June 1945 so as to arrive in the operations area on 30 June ('Fox'-1). Passage was uneventful and the first units crossed the 100 fathom curve shortly before midnight during the night of 30 June / 1 July. (46)

3 Jul 1945
Around 1300I/3, Task Group 74.1, made up of the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN) and the destroyers HMAS Arunta (Cdr. A.E. Buchanan, DSO, RAN), USS Albert W. Grant (T/Cdr. G.S. Higginbotham, USN, with COMDESDIV 112, T/Capt. B.J. Mullaney, USN on board) and USS Killen (T/Cdr. J.L. Semmes, USN) departed the Balikpapan area for Tawi Tawi where they arrived around 1300I/4. (47)

24 Jul 1945
On 24 July 1945, Task Force 74, under T/Rear-Admiral R.F. Good, USN, departed Subic Bay for exercises.

Task Force 74 was made up of the following Task Units;
74.1 under Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN, was made up of the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), light cruiser HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN) and the destroyers USS Albert W. Grant (T/Cdr. G.S. Higginbotham, USN, with COMDESDIV 112, T/Capt. B.J. Mullaney, USN on board), USS Killen (T/Cdr. J.L. Semmes, USN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Bataan (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN).
74.2 under T/Rear-Admiral R.F. Good, USN, was made up of the heavy cruisers USS San Francisco (T/Capt. J.E. Whelchel, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral R.F. Good, USN), USS Tuscaloosa (T/Capt. J.G. Atkins, USN), USS New Orleans (T/Capt. J.E. Hurff, USN) and the destroyers USS Haraden (Lt.Cdr. L.J. O'Brien, Jr., USN, with COMDESRON 51, T/Capt. H.J. Martin, USN), USS Stevens (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressey, USN), USS Hart (T/Cdr. W.D. Coleman, USN), USS Metcalf (T/Cdr. D.L. Martineau, USN), USS Shields (T/Lt.Cdr. G.T. McDaniel, Jr., USN, also COMDESDIV 115) and USS Wiley (T/Cdr. B.P. Field, Jr., USN).
74.3 under T/Capt. H.L. Challenger, USN, was made up of the light cruisers USS Phoenix (T/Capt. H.L. Challenger, USN), USS Nashville (T/Capt. A. MacOndray, Jr., USN) and the destroyers USS Charrette (T/Lt.Cdr. G.P. Joyce, USN, with COMDESDIV 102, T/Capt. W.H. Watson, Jr., USN), USS Conner (T/Lt.Cdr. W.A. Sissons, USN), USS Bell (T/Cdr. B.H. Shupper, USN) and USS Burns (T/Cdr. J.T. Bullen, Jr., USN).

At 0730I/24, the destroyers commenced leaving Subic Bay in the following order; HMAS Bataan, USS Killen, USS Haradan, USS Albert W. Grant, USS Hart, USS Charrette, USS Bell, USS Burns and USS Conner. From 0743I/24, the cruisers USS San Francisco, USS New Orleans, USS Tuscaloosa, USS Phoenix, USS Nashville and USS Shropshire commenced leaving Subic Bay.

At 0953I/24, the Task Force commenced scheduled AA exercises. These were completed at 1146I/24.

At 1159I/24, the light cruiser HMAS Hobart and the destroyers HMAS Warramunga, USS Wiley and USS Stevens joined the formation. These had departed Subic Bay shortly before 1000I/24.

At 1900I/24, USS Hart and USS Conner were detached for picket duty and did not participate in this night's exercises.

Around 2015I/24, the formation closed the imaginary enemy for a simulated attack. This exercise took about half an hour and included simulated torpedo attacks.

The Task Force then cruised in the general area off Subic Bay throughout the night.

At 0627I/25, USS Conner returned from picket duty and resumed her station in the destroyer screen. At 0655I/25, USS Hart also rejoined. On returning from their picket stations both destroyers acted as target for tracking drills.

Tactical maneuver exercises were carried out durning the morning.

At 1300I/25, schedules AA firing exercises commenced.

At 1706I/25, Destroyer Division 102 left the formation and formed in column in the following order; USS Charrette, USS Bell, USS Conner and USS Burns. At 1807I/25, Destroyer Division 102 formed a scouting line with an interval of 5 miles between ships. At 2002I/25, the division maneuvered to close the range to the remainder of the Task Force and at 2114I/25 they commenced torpedo attacks on the cruisers with a simulated firing of torpedoes at 2131I/25. At 2142I/25 the exercises were completed. USS Charrette and USS Conner took station in the destroyer screen while USS Bell and USS Burns took station as picket destroyers for the night.

At 0603I/26, USS Burns returned from picket duty followed by USS Bell at 0640I/26. Both destroyers took up station in the screen.

At 0936I/26, commenced Force tactical maneuvers which were completed around 1252I/26. At 1152I/26, USS Stevens had been detached to investigate a reported plane crash.

At 1302I/26, scheduled AA firing exercises commenced. At 1413I/26, USS Stevens rejoined. AA exercises were completed at 1500I/26. At 1433I/26, CTF 74 hoisted his flag in USS Tuscaloosa, having transferred from USS San Francisco by means of USS Albert W. Grant.

At 1503I/26, USS Tuscaloosa, USS New Orleans, USS Charrette, USS Conner, USS Bell and USS Burns parted company for Manila Bay where they arrived later the same day. These ships were now known as Task Unit 74.4.

All the other ships proceeded to Subic Bay also arrived there later in the afternoon of the 26th. (48)

29 Jul 1945
Task Force 74 was informed that a Japanese convoy had been reported to the south, in the Gulf of Siam, and that they were to intercept.

Therefore, around 0200I/29, the heavy cruisers USS San Francisco (T/Capt. J.E. Whelchel, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral R.F. Good, USN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), light cruisers USS Phoenix (T/Capt. H.L. Challenger, USN), USS Nashville (T/Capt. A. MacOndray, Jr., USN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN) and the destroyers USS Haraden (Lt.Cdr. L.J. O'Brien, Jr., USN, with COMDESRON 51, T/Capt. H.J. Martin, USN), USS Stevens (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressey, USN), USS Hart (T/Cdr. W.D. Coleman, USN), USS Shields (T/Lt.Cdr. G.T. McDaniel, Jr., USN, also COMDESDIV 115), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Bataan (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN) departed Subic Bay.

Around 0325I/29, also the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (T/Capt. J.E. Hurff, USN) and the destroyers USS Bell (T/Cdr. B.H. Shupper, USN) and USS Burns (T/Cdr. J.T. Bullen, Jr., USN) departed Manila Bay to join the other ships of Task Force 74 at sea which they did around 0800I/29.

Around 1015I/29, Task Force 74 reversed course after having been recalled.

Around 1145I/29, USS New Orleans, USS Bell and USS Burns were detached to return to Manila Bay while the other ships returned to Subic Bay. All ships around at their destination around 1730I/29.

31 Jul 1945
Exercises were commenced by ships from Task Force 74.

Around 0630I/31, the destroyers USS Wiley (T/Cdr. B.P. Field, Jr., USN) and USS Hart (T/Cdr. W.D. Coleman, USN) departed Subic Bay for A/S exercises with the submarine USS Carbonero (T/Cdr. C.L. Murphy, USN).

Around 0700I/31, the heavy cruiser Tuscaloosa and the destroyers Shields and Metcalf departed Manila Bay for exercises.

Around 0730I/31, the heavy cruisers USS San Francisco (T/Capt. J.E. Whelchel, USN, flying the flag of T/Rear-Admiral R.F. Good, USN), HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), light cruisers USS Phoenix (T/Capt. H.L. Challenger, USN), USS Nashville (T/Capt. A. MacOndray, Jr., USN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN) and the destroyers USS Haraden (Lt.Cdr. L.J. O'Brien, Jr., USN, with COMDESRON 51, T/Capt. H.J. Martin, USN), USS Stevens (T/Cdr. G.W. Pressey, USN), USS Shields (T/Cdr. G.B. Madden, USN, also COMDESDIV 115), USS Metcalf (T/Cdr. D.L. Martineau, USN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Bataan (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN) departed Subic Bay for exercises.

Around 0800I/31, the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (T/Capt. J.E. Hurff, USN) and the destroyers USS Bell (T/Cdr. B.H. Shupper, USN) and USS Burns (T/Cdr. J.T. Bullen, Jr., USN) departed Manila Bay for exercises.

Exercises commenced around 0930I/31.

Around 1515I/31, USS Carbonero proceeded to Subic Bay escorted by USS Hart. USS Hart then rejoined USS Wiley around 1730I/31 and both destroyers then joined the other ships of Task Force 74 for the exercises.

During the night of 31 July / 1 August, USS Stevens and USS Metcalf were detached to serve as picked destroyers. They rejoined shortly after 0700I/1.

On the two above destroyers rejoining, USS Bell and USS Burns detached for A/S exercises with USS Carbonero.

AA exercises were conducted during the morning of 1 August and at noon USS Bell and USS Burns rejoined on completion of their A/S exercises, which were then taken over by USS Stevens and USS Metcalf.

The remainder of the day was spent conducting gunnery and tactical exercises. Around 1645I/1, USS Stevens and USS Metcalf rejoined on completion of their A/S exercises.

Around 2130I/1, USS Bell and USS Hart were detached to take up picket stations for the night. They rejoined around 0700I/2.

Around 1400I/2, USS San Francisco, USS Haraden, USS Stevens and HMAS Bataan parted company to proceed to Manila Bay where they arrived around 1630I/2.

The remainder of Task Force 74 arrived at Subic Bay around the same time.

17 Aug 1945
HMAS Shropshire (Capt. C.A.G. Nichols, MVO, DSO, RN, flying the broad pendant of Commodore J.A. Collins, CB, RAN), HMAS Hobart (Capt. R.S. Dowling, RAN), HMAS Warramunga (Cdr. M.J. Clark, DSC, RAN) and HMAS Bataan (Cdr. H.M. Burrell, RAN) departed Subic Bay for Japan via Leyte and Okinawa.

They arrived in Tokyo Bay on 31 August 1945.