HMAS TOBRUK

While operating in the Solomon Islands area under OPERATION PLUMBOB, HMAS TOBRUK (CMDR Vin Thompson) at 1100 on July 14 conducted a ceremony in commemoration of HMAS CANBERRA I and members of her ship's company who lost their lives during the Battle of Savo Island almost 58 years ago.

CANBERRA's mission was to protect the transports against Japanese attack by being part of a screening force for the American invasion which had landed on Guadalcanal only a day previous.

CANBERRA was the lead ship in the south patrol of Savo Island and received almost the full force of the Japanese barrage and was immediately put out of action as well as losing 78 of her men including her Captain, CAPT F.E. Getting, on August 9 1942.

During the battle the Japanese sank two cruisers, two were severely damaged and later sank, and two more badly damaged.

CANBERRA now lies in approximately 740m of water in what has become known as Iron Bottom Sound.

As a result of the Battle of Savo Island, more than 1000 allied sailors lost their lives and another 700 were wounded.

The ceremony conducted onboard TOBRUK commemorated the fact that almost 58 years ago CANBERRA and the men who served in her made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The ceremony took place over the site of Canberra's wreck at Iron Bottom Sound with an address made by LEUT Katherine Hassell.

A wreath laying ceremony was conducted followed by a small arms salute.

By SBLT Kim Venables