Memorial Service 6th March 2022
March 4th, 2021 Commemorative Service
After 2020, a rather tumultuous year in which we were fortunate to commemorate those brave men who served on HMAS Yarra II, we have had to come to a difficult decision.
Chovid 19 has caused chaos and uncertainty, especially when it comes to public gatherings, and our association has not been immune.
Paramount in our minds must be the safety of us all and so the decision has been made to cancel this year’s commemorative service.
In lieu of this cancellation we invite you not only to remember the brave men of HMAS YARRA II, but relive through video, the life of the Memorial.
Please remember that the HMAS Yarra Memorial is a not for profit organisations that relies on donations. All donation will be gratefully received and can be forwarded to the Coordinator.
LEST WE FORGET
Turning of the first sod for the construction of the Memorial. 4th March 2000
The dedication of the Memorial. 12th December 2000
Angus Walsh making presentations. 12th December 2000
Navy League of Australia Vic-Tas Division March 2018 NEWSLETTER
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SINKING OF THE HMAS YARRA II 4.3.1942 – 4.3.2017
MEMORIAL SERVICE – LOSS OF HMAS YARRA II, 6th March 1942
An extract from “Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria Rogues Yarn March 2017”.
A Memorial Service to remember the 75th anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Yarra II in a heroic battle against an overwhelming Japanese force of three heavy cruisers and two destroyers.
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.
The Passing of Angus Walsh
It is with great regret that I have to inform everyone that our beloved founder of the memorial sadly passed away on the 1.1.2016, one day shy of his 91st birthday. Angus Walsh was well known to everyone for his tireless work in getting the memorial up and built and has been a constant supporter to everyone who came his way with advise, love and sincere friendship. There is nothing I can say to anyone who knew him to stop them from feeling very saddened by this news and I know he will be remembered with sincere fondness by many, many people and that is how he would want it to be. We send our sincere condolences to his lovely wife Mena and respective families.
Chris Hirchfield. Coordinator
The sinking of HMAS Yarra II
