World War II heroes honoured

Australians who served onboard the HMAS Yarra (II) were honoured in Docklands last month.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce presented the HMAS Yarra (II)’s Unit Citation for Gallantry on March 4 at Melbourne City Marina, for its actions on two occasions.  

The unit citation recognised the actions of the ship’s company on February 5, 1942 and a month later on March 4, 1942.

On February 5, the HMAS Yarra rescued almost 2000 men from sinking ship Empress of Asia, which had been damaged following an attack by Japanese aircraft.

HMAS Yarra’s commanding officer, Commander Wilfred Hastings Harrington manoeuvred the ship next to the sinking vessel to allow 1334 men to be transferred across, before rescuing 470 men from life rafts and floats in the water.

Only a month later the HMAS Yarra was travelling with a convoy of three merchant vessels from Java to Fremantle when ship lookouts sighted a Japanese surface action group.

Yarra commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Robert William Rankin manoeuvred the ship between the enemy and the convoy.

The ship was struck by heavy shellfire and was badly damaged, ultimately leading to its sinking and the death of most of the ship’s crew. From a company of 151 men there were just 13 survivors.

The Governor-General said she was honoured to thank the crew, on behalf of all Australians, for their gallantry.

The Unit Citation for Gallantry is one of just two unit citations that recognise a collective effort in military operations.

Many descendants of people who served onboard the HMAS Yarra (II) during the incidents were in attendance at the ceremony on March 4 and the HMAS Yarra (IV) served as the backdrop for the ceremony.