This year marks the 60th anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Perth during the Battle of Sunda Strait. On March 1, 1942, a Japanese invasion force off Banten Bay sank this gallant ship.

Having survived the Battle of Java Sea just 24 hours previously, Perth, in company with USS Houston, arrived in Tanjong Priok (the Port of Batavia), to re-fuel and take on supplies. The Battle of Java Sea had resulted in defeat for the allied ships involved, by a larger and better-coordinated Japanese force.

The commanding officer of Perth, CAPT Hector Waller took USS Houston under his orders as the senior officer following the demise of RADM Karel Doorman on board De Ruyter.

Both ships arrived at Tanjong Priok at 1430, February 28, to find a deserted port with oil tanks smouldering from a Japanese attack three days prior. With only 50 per cent of their oil requirements and limited supplies, Perth was directed to Tjilatjap, via Sunda Strait. Fortunately some wooden lifeboats were requisitioned and taken on board, later proving invaluable.

Perth and Houston departed Tanjong Priok at 1900 that evening. They were to be in company with the Dutch destroyer, Evertsen, but she had not received her orders and so remained behind.

Dutch intelligence reported Sunda Strait clear of enemy shipping, but this proved to be old information.

At 2305 the yeoman of the watch on Perth sighted a destroyer fine on the starboard bow. This destroyer, Fubuki, had been shadowing the two ships since about 2240. Upon receiving signal flashes from Perth the destroyer turned away making smoke. Perth altered course in pursuit, signalling Houston to do likewise. Later LEUT Gay of the Perth, reported: "Still following our quarry and with Houston keeping station astern, we discovered within a very short time that we were in the middle of the main Jap landing force - about 60 fully-loaded transports with an escort of one aircraft carrier, seven cruisers and at least 20 destroyers".

Still unaware of the full scale of the force within the bay, CAPT Waller opened fire on the Fubuki. The destroyer Harukaze laid an effective smoke screen to cover the transports.

Meanwhile, Fubuki fired torpedoes at Houston from a distance of 2500 metres. She was hit and immediately reduced speed. Perth opened fire on the destroyer but without success.

As Perth and Houston independently fought for their lives, it was recorded by the Perth's plot that she was circling in a diameter of five miles to evade torpedo hits and cover Houston.

Perth suffered her first hit at 2326 on the forward funnel. Continuing firing at unidentified targets she sustained little damage until CAPT Waller attempted to pass through Sunda Strait at full speed. Two torpedoes hit and the order to abandon ship was given.

Perth sank at about 0025, with Houston going down at about 0045. Perth had a crew of 681, comprising 671 naval personnel, six RAAF personnel and four civilians. Some 350 naval personnel and three civilians were killed. Four died ashore prior to capture. A further 106 were to die in captivity, including one RAAF member.

It is believed that whilst his crew was abandoning ship, CAPT Waller was killed by a shell burst on the bridge.

During the battle several Japanese transports were sunk by Perth and Houston, this included GEN Imamura's headquarters ship. The Japanese fired 85 torpedoes during the action.

By Priscilla Alchin