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World War Two / Re: HMS Anking WW2
« on: Tuesday 09 December 14 22:51 GMT (UK) »
Hi Val, In January 1942 my father was transferred from HMS Danae to HMS Anking as the senior rating for the telephone system. HMS Anking left Tanjong Priok with a convoy under escort from HMAS Yarra. He was asleep on the open deck on 04/03/42 when it all commenced. HMS Anking was the first in the convoy to sink from the shelling (3 Japanese heavy cruisers plus destroyers). He was one of the fortunate few to clear the ship and get to a lifeboat. 56 survivors from the lifeboat were picked up by a Dutch merchant ship later in the day. They arrived in Colombo 10 days later. Other records show 2 more survivors from HMAS Anking who were interned by the Japanese until after the war. Info on Anking can be found at www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=19176. Info relating to HMAS Yarra, and therefore the action on 04/03/42, can be found at www.navy.gov.au/hmas-yarra-ii You'll need to scroll down to find the relevant information. My father remembers little else apart from the heroic, yet futile, response of HMAS Yarra. bhj