HMAS Perth (I)

Service and Sacrifice

Officer and men of HMAS Perth (I), 1941

Commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy on the eve of World War II, HMAS Perth (I) was the only RAN vessel in the Atlantic at the outbreak of war. She returned to Australia for a short period before serving in the Mediterranean, gaining praise for her crew's seamanship and accurate gunnery. Returning to Australia for repairs she was present at the outbreak of the Pacific War and was eventually assigned to waters surrounding the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). It was here that she would meet her fate after an unexpected contact with the Japanese invasion fleet.

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Battle of Java Sea - 4:12pm to 7pm

Battle of Java Sea - 7pm - 11pm

Battle of Sunda Strait

Perth entering Port Jackson 1939

Captain Hec Waller (right) talking with Lieutenant Commander Rhodes

Crew explaining naval guns to AIF members on the way to Greece.

HMAS Perth (I) and crew in Alexandria Harbour.

HMAS Perth (I) (left) and HMS Illustrious under attack in Malta Harbour.

HMAS Perth (I) (left) during the Battle of Mattapan.