Long-awaited honour finally bestowed on crew of HMAS Yarra
On the 22nd of March 2013 the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO announced the award of a Unit Citation for Gallantry (UCG) to the crew of HMAS Yarra (II) “for extraordinary gallantry in action off Singapore on the 5th of February 1942 and in the Indian Ocean on the 4th of March 1942”. When confronted by a greatly superior Japanese force, HMAS Yarra (II) turned towards the enemy and was sunk in action, trying to protect the convoy she was escorting to Fremantle.
The crew of an Australian Navy warship that fought a David and Goliath battle against the Japanese in World War II has been finally recognised for its bravery.
The Chief of Navy accepted the unit citation for gallantry on behalf of the crew of HMAS Yarra (II) which was presented by Governor General Quentin Bryce at a ceremony in Melbourne. View the video.
The vast majority of those on board the Yarra were killed in the firefight while en route to Australia on March 4, 1942.
It is the first unit citation awarded to the Navy and comes after years of lobbying from many of the crew’s relatives.
One of those instrumental in fighting for the recognition is Garry Taylor, whose great uncle was a gunner on the ship.
“It’s a fantastic occasion, fantastic. Not just for my family, but for the crew of the Yarra,” Mr Taylor said.
HMAS Yarra came under attack by the Japanese
On February 5, 1942, the crew of the Yarra rescued 1,804 troops from a carrier under attack from the Japanese just outside Singapore harbor.
A month later the ship made its final stand.
Five hundred kilometres off the coast of Java and just four days from home soil, it was leading three merchant ships when it was confronted at sunrise by a Japanese squadron.
The Navy says each of the ships was superior to HMAS Yarra in fighting strength and speed.
“The Yarra turned towards them doing her utmost to screen the convoy,” Governor General Quentin Bryce told the crowd present for the citation ceremony.
“Against overwhelming odds, she prepared to engage the enemy.”
The Yarra was struck by shells, badly damaged and set on fire, but the crew continued to fight on.
Even after the order to abandon ship was given, it is believed the last remaining gun crew continued to fire on the enemy until they themselves were silenced by direct fire.
“Each did their duty to the utmost, conquering fear, driven on the job, driven by professionalism and compassion,” Mrs Bryce said.
“Even when they knew there could only be one outcome they fought to the end.”
It was Garry Taylor’s great uncle, Ronald ‘Buck’ Taylor who was said to be the last gunner on the ship.
“(I’m proud) knowing a family member served his country well and honourably and that it’s now part of Australian history,” Mr Taylor said.
Only 13 members of the Yarra’s crew survived
Out of 151 crew members on the Yarra, 34 made it to life rafts.
Five days later a Dutch submarine found the men. By then only 13 men were alive.
