HMAS WARNAMBOOL
IN AUSTRALIAN WATERS
DURING WW2

visits since 18 February 2002

The 748 tons Bathurst Class Corvette, HMAS Warnambool was launched on 8 May 1941. She joined the 20th Minesweeping Flotilla after her sea trials for 3 months of patrols and anti-submarine duties in Bass Strait before moving to the northern parts of Australia.

HMAS Warnambool was in Darwin Harbour on 19 February 1942 when the Japanese carried out their first air raid on Darwin. HMAS Warnambool was lucky to escape damage and suffered no casualties.

On 20 February HMAS Warnambool rescued 73 survivors from the Filipino vessel Don Isidro which had been badly damaged and set ablaze by the Japanese attackers near Bathurst Island. While they were rescuing the survivors a Japanese float plane bombed HMAS Warnambool. Again there was no damage.

REFERENCE BOOKS

"For Those in Peril - A comprehensive listing of the Ships and Men of the RAN who have paid the Supreme Sacrifice in the Wars of the 20th Century"
by Vic Cassells

Heaps of WW2 books available at Amazon.com

"Australia @ War"

This page first produced 18 February 2002

This page last updated 04 October 2005