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If you would like to know more about Yarra, I'd be happy to help you out. My Great Uncle was CPO Engineroom Articifer and I am currently the Honourable Coordinator of the HMAS Yarra National Memorial in Melbourne.
I suppose the Yarra wouldn't have been able to outrun the Japanese anyway, but her commander may have thought he could at least delay them and allow the others a chance to scatter. A brave ship and crew who deserve the recognition. Thank you for the video! :)
The Takao class was one of the better Cruiser lines rolled out by the IJN due to their armament, armor pattern and speed. Japan despite being fond of weirdness and oddities when it came to naval doctrine really got a home run on that design. Though they themselves had a sad end(I guess you can take solace in the sisters being together save the nameship?) All in all though it's a good story showcasing a surprisingly excellent ship design from Japan and a show of gallantry under fire from Australia.
The last stand of the HMAS Yarra is one of my favorite last stands in history. Rankin deserves that Victoria Cross and I really hope, he will receive it.
This is the sort of battle where a "UNIT VICTORIA CROSS " would seem appropriate? Each man on the HMAS YARRA, would've likely known what their fate was going to be. The entire compliment of the ship deserved better! 🇦🇺
My Dad served with the Australian Navy for 15 years. Thank you :) To have UA-camrs from other countries take interest in our Naval stories is absolutely wonderful.
Of course, shipmate. We are all bound by our connection and reverence for the ocean. The bravery and exploits of any sailing man should be recognized and remembered.
This is the kind of stuff that is universal! What happened in small battles and engagements should be shared, war is about more than just the Big Battles, the little Battles count too!
As an American who had never heard of the Yarra before, massive respect. This is exactly the kind of dauntless fighting spirit that exemplifies what we love about our Aussie friends - you look out for your mates, and when faced with Death you spit square in his eye. Rankin and his crew are exemplars of courage to the last breath, especially that final gunner!
Oh they were all afraid. In fact it would be a lie and a dishonor to say they weren't. They were terrified but still did their duties. That is what heroism looks like. It's being afraid but still doing your duty.
Amazing! My utmost respect to him and every man who served with him. He participated in one of the greatest acts of selfless courage I've ever heard of. I can't even imagine what it must have been like to charge such overwhelming force and proceed to fight his ship for over an hour under those Japanese guns. He and his mates deserve to be more widely remembeted.
As an American I respect all honors that the RAN gives their proud sailors in whatever battle they face. Not so much as a big navy for sure, in situations like this where the Japanese are in Java and it is an open question if Australia itself is going to be attacked it is the primary duty of all officers and men to ensure that the Japanese would be given enough pressure not to.
Also considering it was a full fleet destroyer against two and a heavy cruiser, compared to one sloop against four destroyers and three heavy cruisers. And in an atempt to save her charge. Think its a no brainer.
@@snebbywebby2587 Jervis Bay was NOT a fleet destroyer but and AMC (Armed Merchant Cruiser) with a few old 6-inch guns. She attacked the panzerschiffen Admiral Scheer a sister to Admiral Graf Spee, under Kapitan zur See Kranke. It was a one-sided ship to ship encounter
I can't believe UA-cam recommended this gem of a channel. You're definitely going to keep growing; your videos are great. While the effort and research is spectacular already, I think it'd be nice to see some more dynamic backgrounds and music. I'm sure you'll make it big one day.
@@MaritimeHorrors I love the content, I just wish you had researched how to pronounce the word 'Yarra'. It's Yara, which rhymes with para, not Yaarraa. Sorry for being nit picky.
"Protect the Weak" ... even though you had no chance ... "For Valour" ... the inscription on a Victoria Cross medal ... amazing men doing amazing things in another time.
Just because you have no chance doesn't mean you have to make it easy for them. What an incredible way to make the Japanese work for it. Astounding bravery. Inspiring defiance.
The Yarra had no chance to escape and I think a captain knew that so instead of being cowards they tried their best to fight an enemy they knew would destroy them.
Thank you for covering these Aussie naval stories, we don't hear enough about them, even here in Australia. Just fyi, Yarra is pronounced with a hard a, like yak. It was named for the Yarra River that runs through Melbourne - Yarra Yarra means ever-flowing in the local Wurundjeri language, although they call the river Birrarung.
HMAS Yarra exemplifies far more than just the fighting spirit of the Australian Navy, or any Navy for that matter. Those aboard the Yarra that gave their lives that day, are real men. They are an example of what warriors dream of being. Maybe not fearless, but certainly undeterred by fear. They, like several other crews of allied vessels during WW2, looked the seemingly unstoppable horde of the Axis in the eye, and said to themselves "I'll fight that". And fight that, they did. We owe everything to such men.
HMAS Yarra had her own little Battle of Samar, proving just how difficult it is to be the hero in real life. I know the Takao class cruisers, and one of them would have been overkill; three would've been too much for ships larger than the Yarra. Much respect to the Aussies who put themselves in harm's way to try to save the defenseless ones.
It's not just the Aussie navy that look death in the face. Aussies in general have a "Summat's gotta be done, and fuck it, since I'm here I suppose I might as well be me." attitude.
Thank you for making this video about a brave Australian ship. The final action was in the Indian Ocean not the South Pacific. My Dad was one of the men killed in that final action. A brave ship manned by a crew of HEROES.
Hey man, you created what ive wanted to do for years in my dreams here. A proud US Naval aviation electrician here! Love your work Shipmate, fair winds and following seas.
As an Australian, i regretfully say that i've never heard of this encounter, so thank you for making it known. ( Yarra is pronounced like..'wheel barrow' but drop the ow and replace them with a double aa..yarra=baraa.). LOL...its easy for us aussies, coz we speak through our noses.
I'm so stoked I discovered this post. As a young U. S. Marine back in 1980 while on WesPac, I was one of a handful of Marines selected to go aboard the Australian Destroyer Escort HMAS Yarra while participating in Kangaroo operations in Shoal-water Bay, Australia...Its so important to remember our history and the brave men and women that carried the fight back then....the crew of the HMAS Yarra was outstanding sailors....Cheers Cobbers! God Bless the Royal Australian Navy!
yes it is so sad such a peaceful country does not honor it's war dead the way they should. And actions like this deserve professional respect in upon itself.
@@martintheiss4038 Well, I wouldn't really call us peaceful, and we've made our war dead so pure and sacrosanct that we're at risk of losing sight of who they really were. I suppose it was just too small an action to quite cut through to the public imagination at the time?
They shot at and sank all ships. Ironically, Rankin had to wait to pick up the minesweeper and then slow to her speed. had that not happened they would have been home safe.
Many RAN members have been done a great diservice by Politicians and Bureaucrats as after almost three quarters of a century only Teddy Shean has been awarded the Victoria Cross, Captains and crewmembers such as Lt Commander Rankin and many of his crew and a member of the RAN serving aboard one of the British Battleships lost of Malaysia before the fall of Singapore who basically did exactly what Teddy Shean had done going down whilst continuing to fire his weapon back at the attacking Japanese, all worthy of the Victoria Cross or similar recognition. Then we have HMAS Perth and USS Houston in the battle off Java where they fought with great courage and honor against a full Japanese Invasion fleet the RAN mkembers has been so badly treated regarding being recognised for their actions, May they all RIP and their deeds be sung far and wide for they are deserving of that at least. The VC it seems whilst being compared to either the Medal of Honor of at least the US Navy Cross was for members of the Royal Australian Navy harder to be awarded than even the Medal of Honor. If the Medal of Honor was awarded at the same rate as the VC for RAN members then there may at best have been as few as 50 Medals of Honor ever awarded for every war the US was involved in
They were better men than me. Turning towards such a powerful enemy force sealed their fates and any chance of escape. Their only purpose to perhaps cause some damage to an enemy destroyer and buy some time for the other ships to escape. A 4 inch gun could not penetrate the 5 inch belt armour or turrets of a Japanese cruiser. It could really only damage a destroyer.
I am sure the commander knew that. The point here is that a brave Australian crew took on a small fleet and a brilliant commander that was by no means their class and yet refused to just capitulate.
What an excellent channel! As an Aussie let me say don't sweat it about pronunciation, it changes from 1 side of the continent to the other anyway. Someone has already suggested to you the HMS Jervis Bay story, I think it really fits your channel. There is a good reference called "If the Gods are good" by Gerald L.Dustin and Ralph Segman. Worth a read even if you don't cover the story. My father came to Australia in 1938 as a 10 year old aboard the Jervis Bay, so the story of HX84 The Admiral Scheer and HMS Jervis Bay really resonates.
May I point out with respect one small error in this story. That is that Australia as a part of the British commonwealth didn't automatically go to war when great Britain did. Our government's had the choice too remain natural, the government in the U.K had to request the support of the dominion government's. Who then in their part would consult with the opposition leaders and cabinet, and put it to a vote. So it was actually nearly 2 days after that the Australian prime minister announced that Australia was at war. I only recently came across your channel and it already one of my favourites.
Actually the British Commonwealth was a post war construct. Australia was an independent dominion Under the umbrella of the British Empire. The process you describe is accurate I believe so please excuse the semantics. RAN honours and awards were run through the British Admiralty unlike the Australian army which had taken control of their awards. While some take the view that there was prejudice, somebody had to make a nomination and in the chaos the followed the outbreak of war a lot were overlooked - especially when the senior officers were killed.
@@MaritimeHorrors I am an American. The way that governance happens in the Commonwealth is that there is a five year "Governor General" who is a joint appointee of the Prime Ministers and the monarch in London who is the signatory (assent) figure in the parlementary legistlation and the de facto "commander in chief" of forces but most day to day governance inclusive of monitoring and funding of war departments are done by a Member of Parlament who is assigned the job by the Prime Minister and the Governor General at the moment.
@@martintheiss4038 The Australian Governor General is a prominent citizen who is appointed by the Prime Minister, not elected, and is really just a "ribbon cutter." He/She signs Bills passed by Parliament into Law, swears-in in coming cabinet members/prime ministers. As the King's representative is the head of the military, has no real power except if there is a parliamentary deadlock and then can call a general election to break the deadlock. Cannot make that decision without taking counsel from Constitutional Law experts.
You may be aware of another small ship action in 1942, HMAS Armidale. In 2020, after a long campaign, Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean who stayed at his gun on Armidale firing until it sank was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. His VC is the first award of the VC to a member of the RAN. I hope Acting Leading Seaman Ronald Taylor, Lieutenant Commander Rankin in command of HMAS Yarra and Lieutenant Commander Francis Smith the second-in-command are all similarly honoured.
I see types of posts here. 1. How to pronounce words in Australian English. ( NB the ads are wrong , Fosters is Australian for horse piss not beer) and 2. That the Yarra ( however we should pronounce it) should have just run away. The Yarra was less than half the speed of the Japanese slowest ships it fought against. The captain decided to stall for time to let the others escape ( while this failed it gave them a chance to attempt to flee) . I respect the Aussie’s attempt to try and let the other ships in the convoy to flee, but war is war. A lot of the keyboard warriors should have a drop bear land on them 🤣
Yarra could barely make 16 kts so how do you think she could simply 'run away'? Her duty was to protect the convoy and her ships company did their best to do that, despite it being futile. You show a distinct lack of understanding of naval doctrine and, in doing so, show disrepect to the crew of HMAS Yarra.
What I've learned watching these beautifully done videos, is that the military doesn't give a f* about these heroes. Why wait DECADES to award heroes? Such a tragedy and they add salt to the wound and never honoring them while their families are still alive. So sad. Rest in peace to all the brave seamen.
I always felt a bit sorry for the Italians, backing the wrong side in both world wars and then, when they changed sides in WWII having the sh*t kicked out of them by the vengeful third reich. I have NO sorrow or sympathy for the japanese however, the suffering of British and Australian POWs at their hands was horrific and unforgivable. Thanks for retelling the story of the Yarra in so much detail, you really captured the glory and horror of sea battles with this one. I don't usually have tears in my eyes after one of your videos but I did with this one. If Rankin and his crew don't deserve the Victoria Cross then I don't know who does.
Your pronounciation of Fremantle is adorable :D We don't stress the middle (or any) of the syllables when we speak of "Freo." Another excellenct and informative video.
being australian it kinda hurts to hear the way australian names like yarra were said/ still though was a really interesting video and the way stuff was pronounced isn't a problem either lol
I find it a bit telling that the RAN did not plan joint Sydney Perth war plans until 1988. Shows how difficult it was to defend a nation like that back then.
HMS Jervis Bay went down fighting the heavy cruiser Admiral Scheer, with Captain Fegen awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross . HMS Glowworm went up against the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper and lost, with Lieutenant Commander Roope receiving a posthumous VC. In both cases one ship against a heavy cruiser, not the same odds as Yarra, one sloop against three heavy cruisers and a few destroyers. USS Johnston had even greater odds with Commander Evans, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. So does Rankin deserve a VC? I leave that thought with you.
To add to HMAS Yarra's back story, she was escorting a convoy to Singapore in early February 1942 - this convoy would be the last to arrive in Singapore before the surrender on 15th February. This convoy included the Empress of Asia, a Canadian Pacific ship being used as a troop transport to carry the British 18th Division to Singapore. The Empress of Asia was heavily bombed and set on fire amidships. The captain deliberately ran the ship aground close to Sultan Shoal lighthouse to stop her sinking, 11 miles from Singapore. As part of the rescue of the troops onboard, HMAS Yarra came alongside the stern and evacuated the remaining troops from that end of the ship. These included my father who stepped from the Empress of Asia to the Yarra without getting his feet wet, which was a great relief to him as he was scared of sharks had he gone into the water. HMAS Yarra landed him in Singapore but 18th Division had lost all their equipment. My father recounted how he had to go on patrol armed only with 2 hand grenades until he found a Thompson sub-machine gun from a dead Australian soldier. It was all for nought as the British surrendered on 15th February 1942 - my father's 24th Birthday. Like many others he spent the next 3 1/2 years as a POW, but that's another story.
If, at only 1,500 tonnes, she IS a Sloop. She was launched as a Sloop. Corvettes (K) were used on North Atlantic/Artic Convoys so NOT post WW2 replacements of sloops. History/facts are poor so it makes the story difficult to follow. Now, this is a story of bravery that I was completely ignorant of. However it is spoilt by sloppy commentary. That is an insult to the bravery seen by so many in WW2.
They may not have the fire power, but Aussies ain't pussies. Respect to the crew, and to the guy that kept firing shells. I believe he did actually get a Victoria Cross in the end.
This story supports my comments in another video that the RAN performed way better than the RN during WWII ...I can only imagine if Japan was geographically situated in the place of Germany that there wouldn't be any RN at all
I've gotta say, Rankin had to be one hell of a leader to inspire that kind of ferocious fighting in his men. Not at all saying that those men weren't courageous in their own rights, but that that kind of group single-mindedness on fighting like hell to the bitter end tends to be sparked by a competant and trustworthy leader. I have no other way to describe that than 100% Plus Ultra, all of them.
My mother and my sister and my daughters middle names are Rankin ,Rest in peace brave warriors of the Yarra and thankyou for telling the story of another Australian act of bravery
I hope commander Rankin does get the Victoria cross.a truely brave man in command of a light weight ship with all the odds stacked against him in battle at sea Belfast Northern Ireland
People used to ask me why I joined the army instead of the navy during Vietnam. I said I could walk a hundred miles but couldn’t swim a hundred miles. This video proves I made the right choice . Those Aussies were brave. RIP ,my respects
Arthur. I joined the RAN for many reasons but always had the view that if I was to be taken out being somewhere with three meals a day and at least one shower with luck beat living in mud in the ground
Agreed. The crew don't get any choice here. Rankin wanted to have a fight, the rest of them didn't have a choice and just did their jobs. They're all heroes for doing their jobs to the fullest that day.
I don't wish to put people down but if you haven't served in the Navy or know naval history then you are in no position to comment. The facts. Rankin did NOT want a fight. He was tasked with the protection of the convoy the same as the escorts in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. That was the duty charged to him and his crew. And no one in their right mind wants to fight three heavy cruisers and two destroyers in a small ship with half their speed a tenth their size and three 4" guns. I'm pretty damned sure he and his crew would have been very happy to be to hell and gone elsewhere. But THEY knew their duty. Protect those ships and hopefully one may get away. This is no different than we see with furies and police who have a duty to serve and protect. Yarra did its duty in a bloody conflict in a time of war. Rankin had the fight thrust on him and consider this. Five ships faster than Yarra. Running was no option. You may not understand that but all of us who have served swore an oath. Yarra fulfilled that oath. I would have done the same as did Rangatiki and Jervis Bay
@@andrewstackpool4911 I understand that, it's completely reasonable. The point is the whole crew should be formally recognised. They all did their jobs to the end as they were instructed. Nobody wanted to die that day, they just wanted to do what was right by the fleet, they did was was *necessary.* So it's only fair that each and everyone of them, from deckies, cooks to officers, be recognised.
Thank you for your comments. As I said my concern is people thinking or implying Rankin was some of sort of glory hound. In a way the crew and he are commemorated by a new far more powerful Yarra in my time and a submarine named after him. I have said elsewhere that he should get the VC as it is the CO who makes the calls. The procedure makes that almost impossible but Shean finally got his. Hopefully Rankin will follow suit. However while Malta got the George Cross ship wide VCs don't happen. The CO of HMS GLOWWORM got his in similar circumstances because the captain of the Hopper wrote to the Admiralty recommending it. Sadly no such chivalry existed in the IJN.
the Heavy cruiser is called the Takao class, not Takowa. Japanese can be a bit weird sometimes but you got the other ships right. Also the Kageros were armed 3 twin 5 inch guns. you said it had 10 5 inch guns. I understand the mistake as i've made it too.
I'm telling you dude British navy and subsequently Australian navy men have the biggest swinging d*cks on the sea. In my mind the last defiant turret shot from the one ship that went down trying to intercept the Bismark. I can't think of the vessel. I feel like it was the HMS Hood but I could be very wrong
The Royal Navy inherited the traditions of the Royal Navy of which HMAS Yara's captain upheld. to the highest degree Not to take anything away from his heroism but escape in that situation was not an option, nor was surrender compatible with the traditions of the service, and iladiviced in the case of the Japanese, so that his choice to fight was the only one there was. A brave man and a brave crew to the end.
With no option for escape or surrender, many lesser men would shrivel in fear. The fact that Yarra lasted over an hour against such firepower testifies to just how much her entire crew mastered their fear and fought as one until that final gunner was killed. I'm in awe of their fighting spirit.
Hong Kong was invaded at exactly the same time as the Pearl Harbour attack effectively meaning Japan went to war with the US, Britain and Commonwealth at the exact same time. It was a bloody affair. Singapore was afterwards but catastrophic for Britain and the Commonwealth. The Royal Navy in Asia was mostly lost and most of the Australian army in Asia was lost there hence all Aussie land forces were sent home from Europe and North Africa to fight.
The last HMAS Yarra was a River-class frigate, one of the multi-role vessels of the RAN in the 60s and 70s. Rankin is remembered in one of the Collins class submarines. There's a problem with an award of the VC going by the way they must be awarded. However, with the recent award to Shean of the Armidale one may follow
For a David and Goliath battle where David won see the fight of the HMIS Bengal (half the size of the Yarra and mounting a single 3inch gun) and the Dutch tanker Ondina against the Japanese auxiliary cruisers Aikoku Maru and Hokoku Maru.
Thank you so much for telling the story of the valiant crew of this little sloop. It is almost unknown in Yarra's home country today, outside of the RAN and a few history-minded people. You certainly did it justice, and I for one am very grateful to you, sir. One minor detail you missed is that, before turning toward the enemy, Rankin ordered his engine room to make smoke, in a vain attempt to shield his charges. I have in my mind's eye that relatively tiny sloop of war, belching black smoke from its little funnel as it steamed toward a massed enemy it had no chance of defeating, or even slowing. Sadly, Rankin's VC recommendation did not go ahead - the review recommended that only Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheehan of HMAS Armidale be retrospectively awarded the VC for his undoubtedly heroic deeds. It is almost forgotten, even among historians, that LS Ron "Buck" Taylor of the Yarra (whom you rightly mentioned) performed feats almost identical to those of Teddy, and has never received any recognition. I guess this illustrates the difficulty of trying to correct wrongs 80 years after the fact - by righting one wrong, you create others. Again, thanks and BZ. The Last Post ceremony for LCDR Rankin held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra can be found here: facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=10155654272417525 The Last Post ceremony for LS Taylor held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra can be found here: s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/PAFU2015/104.01/video/6123591.MP4
As someone who lives near the Yarra river and wants to serve my part in the Royal Australian navy this story (as well as teddy sheeans if u don’t know that look it up it’s rlly good) these story’s keep my going and are what Australia stands for!
Well told. But Yarra is not pronounced "Yahhhh - ra" , it's just ............... Yarra, same as the timber is "Jarrah" or how "Barra" is sometimes short for a "Barrow" (or to describe a Barramundi :-) ). Rankin was a hero. He signaled to the convoy to scatter, while he turned to buy them time. They had no chance, but did what little they could. Fitting that Rankin is remembered in the submarines name.
T LS Ronald Taylor . who was still at his post .. firing the Gun .. as the vessel went down .. should also be recognised and his name put forward for the VC as well .... IMHO ....
Great share, I live near Fremantle Australia but was not aware of the Yarra. Combined with Kokoda, and many other battles Oz proves itself capable of fighting above its class time and again. Lets hope though never again.
i am loving these mini audio doc's. thou to say Kookaburra you say it like this ((first part, say Cuckoo as in the cuckoo clock, second part is pronounced like the first part of Barramundi (the fish) or you can do Ba like a sheep, and Ra. the sounds together like this cuckoo-ba-ra Kookaburra))
Attention all hands!
I now have merch! My channel artist has made up some merch on her teepublic. All funds go to paying her for the wonderful work she does. So if you want to show your support for the channel and the great art she does, pick something up!
www.teepublic.com/user/dragonrise_studio/albums/146205-maritime-horrors
If you would like to know more about Yarra, I'd be happy to help you out. My Great Uncle was CPO Engineroom Articifer and I am currently the Honourable Coordinator of the HMAS Yarra National Memorial in Melbourne.
✨🙏✨
I suppose the Yarra wouldn't have been able to outrun the Japanese anyway, but her commander may have thought he could at least delay them and allow the others a chance to scatter. A brave ship and crew who deserve the recognition. Thank you for the video! :)
Not really, the destroyers could have easily caught her. It was just a pure delaying action.
@@goodshipkaraboudjan Exactly. :)
The Takao class was one of the better Cruiser lines rolled out by the IJN due to their armament, armor pattern and speed. Japan despite being fond of weirdness and oddities when it came to naval doctrine really got a home run on that design.
Though they themselves had a sad end(I guess you can take solace in the sisters being together save the nameship?) All in all though it's a good story showcasing a surprisingly excellent ship design from Japan and a show of gallantry under fire from Australia.
@@goodshipkaraboudjan lol, that was his entire point.
The Yarra's top speed was about 18 knots. The cruisers could do almost 35 knots and the destroyers almost 40.
The last stand of the HMAS Yarra is one of my favorite last stands in history. Rankin deserves that Victoria Cross and I really hope, he will receive it.
I couldn't agree more! :) He's more than earned it
Like Teddy Sheean(spelling?) Ronald Taylor deserves a VC too.
The VC i AGREE!:-)
If Rankin doesn't who does?
This is the sort of battle where a "UNIT VICTORIA CROSS " would seem appropriate? Each man on the HMAS YARRA, would've likely known what their fate was going to be. The entire compliment of the ship deserved better! 🇦🇺
My Dad served with the Australian Navy for 15 years. Thank you :) To have UA-camrs from other countries take interest in our Naval stories is absolutely wonderful.
Of course, shipmate. We are all bound by our connection and reverence for the ocean. The bravery and exploits of any sailing man should be recognized and remembered.
This is the kind of stuff that is universal! What happened in small battles and engagements should be shared, war is about more than just the Big Battles, the little Battles count too!
As an American who had never heard of the Yarra before, massive respect. This is exactly the kind of dauntless fighting spirit that exemplifies what we love about our Aussie friends - you look out for your mates, and when faced with Death you spit square in his eye. Rankin and his crew are exemplars of courage to the last breath, especially that final gunner!
@@cnkclark he actually took out a plane when the ship was nearly under water which helped the remaining survives escape.
@@ports787 Respect!
Gotta give the Yarra and crew respect for going down guns blazing with no fear
just like the USS Johnston at the of Samar
Oh they were all afraid. In fact it would be a lie and a dishonor to say they weren't. They were terrified but still did their duties. That is what heroism looks like. It's being afraid but still doing your duty.
Thanks for sharing this video, it it much appreciated as my Grandpa Harold George Wagland was one of the 13 survivors.
Oh that's incredible! Your grandfather must have been a very courageous man! Thank you for sharing, shipmate.
With Veteran's Day approaching here in the US, I'd like to take a moment and thank your Grandpa for his service!
@@corycollier thank you 😊
Amazing! My utmost respect to him and every man who served with him. He participated in one of the greatest acts of selfless courage I've ever heard of. I can't even imagine what it must have been like to charge such overwhelming force and proceed to fight his ship for over an hour under those Japanese guns. He and his mates deserve to be more widely remembeted.
@@cnkclark thank you so much for your kind words and recognition of this event.
As an Australian I never heard this story before but the commander should awarded the Victoria Cross in my opinion.
As an American I respect all honors that the RAN gives their proud sailors in whatever battle they face. Not so much as a big navy for sure, in situations like this where the Japanese are in Java and it is an open question if Australia itself is going to be attacked it is the primary duty of all officers and men to ensure that the Japanese would be given enough pressure not to.
@@martintheiss4038 my great grandfather was on the hmas Yarra when it sunk. He was a stocker his name alwyn latimar clarke. 21 years old first to. Die
Rankin deserves a VC. There was a RN Captain awarded the VC for basically doing the same thing in the North Atlantic in 1940 so there is a precedent.
HMS JERVIS BAY
Also considering it was a full fleet destroyer against two and a heavy cruiser, compared to one sloop against four destroyers and three heavy cruisers. And in an atempt to save her charge. Think its a no brainer.
Definitely agree he deserves the VC
@@snebbywebby2587 Jervis Bay was NOT a fleet destroyer but and AMC (Armed Merchant Cruiser) with a few old 6-inch guns. She attacked the panzerschiffen Admiral Scheer a sister to Admiral Graf Spee, under Kapitan zur See Kranke. It was a one-sided ship to ship encounter
@@andrewstackpool4911 lmao, missed that reply. point still stands though
I can't believe UA-cam recommended this gem of a channel. You're definitely going to keep growing; your videos are great. While the effort and research is spectacular already, I think it'd be nice to see some more dynamic backgrounds and music. I'm sure you'll make it big one day.
I greatly appreciate the kind words, shipmate. The channel has been growing far faster than I expected. Hope you enjoy my other content.
here here! I'm binge-watching this and absolutely enjoying every bit so far!
@@MaritimeHorrors I love the content, I just wish you had researched how to pronounce the word 'Yarra'. It's Yara, which rhymes with para, not Yaarraa. Sorry for being nit picky.
"Protect the Weak" ... even though you had no chance ... "For Valour" ... the inscription on a Victoria Cross medal ... amazing men doing amazing things in another time.
Just because you have no chance doesn't mean you have to make it easy for them. What an incredible way to make the Japanese work for it. Astounding bravery. Inspiring defiance.
The Yarra had no chance to escape and I think a captain knew that so instead of being cowards they tried their best to fight an enemy they knew would destroy them.
"Protect the weak" she did not, even though she tried. Tough luck
Thank you for covering these Aussie naval stories, we don't hear enough about them, even here in Australia. Just fyi, Yarra is pronounced with a hard a, like yak. It was named for the Yarra River that runs through Melbourne - Yarra Yarra means ever-flowing in the local Wurundjeri language, although they call the river Birrarung.
Well said, I was wondering how to correct him.
“All gave some,some gave all” R.I.P to those men ! They gave their lives for others to live.
Commenting for the algorithm.
Very much appreciated, shipmate. May the algorithm gods be in my favor lol
HMAS Yarra exemplifies far more than just the fighting spirit of the Australian Navy, or any Navy for that matter.
Those aboard the Yarra that gave their lives that day, are real men. They are an example of what warriors dream of being. Maybe not fearless, but certainly undeterred by fear. They, like several other crews of allied vessels during WW2, looked the seemingly unstoppable horde of the Axis in the eye, and said to themselves "I'll fight that". And fight that, they did. We owe everything to such men.
Not South Pacific... Indian Ocean!!
NO. Waters north of Australia
A great naval story. The pronunciation is hysterical, great for a laugh . Yaaaara and coookaburas. Sad loses of our boys - Lest we Forget.
… and Takawa (?) instead of Takao.
And cahcatoow
Free man tell
HMAS Yarra had her own little Battle of Samar, proving just how difficult it is to be the hero in real life. I know the Takao class cruisers, and one of them would have been overkill; three would've been too much for ships larger than the Yarra. Much respect to the Aussies who put themselves in harm's way to try to save the defenseless ones.
Yea over kill still took almost an hour to properly kill her
It's not just the Aussie navy that look death in the face. Aussies in general have a "Summat's gotta be done, and fuck it, since I'm here I suppose I might as well be me." attitude.
I love that attitude. Cheers to the Aussie spirit.
Thank you for making this video about a brave Australian ship. The final action was in the Indian Ocean not the South Pacific. My Dad was one of the men killed in that final action. A brave ship manned by a crew of HEROES.
Hey man, you created what ive wanted to do for years in my dreams here. A proud US Naval aviation electrician here! Love your work Shipmate, fair winds and following seas.
God Bless all the brave souls that never gave up, and went down swinging
Hear hear.
No greater sacrifice, may all those lost souls rest in peace!!!🙏 Another great episode Sir and your artist's work is awesome!!!👍😎
As an Australian, i regretfully say that i've never heard of this encounter, so thank you for making it known. ( Yarra is pronounced like..'wheel barrow' but drop the ow and replace them with a double aa..yarra=baraa.). LOL...its easy for us aussies, coz we speak through our noses.
As an Aussie I learnt this about action at school in the 60's.
My Father ALWAYS spoke so HIGHLY of AUSTRALIAN soldiers and sailors when he was in the U.S navy in WW2...WE Yanks LOVE AUSTRALIA!!!
I'm so stoked I discovered this post. As a young U. S. Marine back in 1980 while on WesPac, I was one of a handful of Marines selected to go aboard the Australian Destroyer Escort HMAS Yarra while participating in Kangaroo operations in Shoal-water Bay, Australia...Its so important to remember our history and the brave men and women that carried the fight back then....the crew of the HMAS Yarra was outstanding sailors....Cheers Cobbers! God Bless the Royal Australian Navy!
I was on the Yarra circa 1979 - 1981
we may have had a beer issue together! I remember the Yank marines & sailor's were staggered we had beer on board
My Mum and Dad were RAAFies back then, they used to tell me about the Kangaroo exercises, seemed like it was a bit of a highlight for them.
That would have been HMAS Yarra III. I was at the launching of HMAS Yarra III at Williamstown Melbourne Australia in 1958.
I've fallen into the Yarra, and have even pet a kookaburra (extremely fluffy) but I've never heard of this story, thanks for sharing it!
yes it is so sad such a peaceful country does not honor it's war dead the way they should. And actions like this deserve professional respect in upon itself.
@@martintheiss4038 Well, I wouldn't really call us peaceful, and we've made our war dead so pure and sacrosanct that we're at risk of losing sight of who they really were.
I suppose it was just too small an action to quite cut through to the public imagination at the time?
@@martintheiss4038 You should research ANZAC Day, it's where the entire nation stops to honour them for a day.
Hi from New Zealand!🇳🇿The Yarra! Great ship! Great crew!🇦🇺
Sabaton! I summon you! Joakin! Do your magic and honor these men and ship!
Oh, this is exactly their sort of thing, isn't it!
@@cnkclark Indeed... Sabaton sees this story and they go: *It's free realstate.*
So long as they were shooting at the Yara they weren't shooting at the cargo ships in the convoy.
Mission accomplished.
The Francol, Anking and MMS51 were sunk first.
They shot at and sank all ships. Ironically, Rankin had to wait to pick up the minesweeper and then slow to her speed. had that not happened they would have been home safe.
Many RAN members have been done a great diservice by Politicians and Bureaucrats as after almost three quarters of a century only Teddy Shean has been awarded the Victoria Cross, Captains and crewmembers such as Lt Commander Rankin and many of his crew and a member of the RAN serving aboard one of the British Battleships lost of Malaysia before the fall of Singapore who basically did exactly what Teddy Shean had done going down whilst continuing to fire his weapon back at the attacking Japanese, all worthy of the Victoria Cross or similar recognition. Then we have HMAS Perth and USS Houston in the battle off Java where they fought with great courage and honor against a full Japanese Invasion fleet the RAN mkembers has been so badly treated regarding being recognised for their actions, May they all RIP and their deeds be sung far and wide for they are deserving of that at least.
The VC it seems whilst being compared to either the Medal of Honor of at least the US Navy Cross was for members of the Royal Australian Navy harder to be awarded than even the Medal of Honor.
If the Medal of Honor was awarded at the same rate as the VC for RAN members then there may at best have been as few as 50 Medals of Honor ever awarded for every war the US was involved in
You should have more subscribers, intriguing video.
Very much appreciated, shipmate.
They were better men than me. Turning towards such a powerful enemy force sealed their fates and any chance of escape. Their only purpose to perhaps cause some damage to an enemy destroyer and buy some time for the other ships to escape. A 4 inch gun could not penetrate the 5 inch belt armour or turrets of a Japanese cruiser. It could really only damage a destroyer.
I am sure the commander knew that. The point here is that a brave Australian crew took on a small fleet and a brilliant commander that was by no means their class and yet refused to just capitulate.
What an excellent channel!
As an Aussie let me say don't sweat it about pronunciation, it changes from 1 side of the continent to the other anyway.
Someone has already suggested to you the HMS Jervis Bay story, I think it really fits your channel. There is a good reference called "If the Gods are good" by Gerald L.Dustin and Ralph Segman. Worth a read even if you don't cover the story.
My father came to Australia in 1938 as a 10 year old aboard the Jervis Bay, so the story of HX84 The Admiral Scheer and HMS Jervis Bay really resonates.
Going forward, there is an Australian link as CAPT Fegan had been the Commandant of the RAN Naval College at Jervis Bay before the war
*Dutch sailors rescued at sea*
*Dutch sailors thrown back into sea*
Dutch Sailors : "God dammit"
Haha I though of this too actually, also a Dutch sub rescued the survivors
Like Taffy 3, there was but one choice for the YARRA. Buy time.
A brave little ship.
May I point out with respect one small error in this story. That is that Australia as a part of the British commonwealth didn't automatically go to war when great Britain did. Our government's had the choice too remain natural, the government in the U.K had to request the support of the dominion government's. Who then in their part would consult with the opposition leaders and cabinet, and put it to a vote. So it was actually nearly 2 days after that the Australian prime minister announced that Australia was at war. I only recently came across your channel and it already one of my favourites.
Oh, very interesting, I wasn't solid on how all of that went down. Thank you.
Actually the British Commonwealth was a post war construct. Australia was an independent dominion Under the umbrella of the British Empire. The process you describe is accurate I believe so please excuse the semantics. RAN honours and awards were run through the British Admiralty unlike the Australian army which had taken control of their awards. While some take the view that there was prejudice, somebody had to make a nomination and in the chaos the followed the outbreak of war a lot were overlooked - especially when the senior officers were killed.
@@MaritimeHorrors I am an American. The way that governance happens in the Commonwealth is that there is a five year "Governor General" who is a joint appointee of the Prime Ministers and the monarch in London who is the signatory (assent) figure in the parlementary legistlation and the de facto "commander in chief" of forces but most day to day governance inclusive of monitoring and funding of war departments are done by a Member of Parlament who is assigned the job by the Prime Minister and the Governor General at the moment.
@@martintheiss4038
The Australian Governor General is a prominent citizen who is appointed by the Prime Minister, not elected, and is really just a "ribbon cutter."
He/She signs Bills passed by Parliament into Law, swears-in in coming cabinet members/prime ministers. As the King's representative is the head of the military, has no real power except if there is a parliamentary deadlock and then can call a general election to break the deadlock. Cannot make that decision without taking counsel from Constitutional Law experts.
You may be aware of another small ship action in 1942, HMAS Armidale. In 2020, after a long campaign, Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean who stayed at his gun on Armidale firing until it sank was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. His VC is the first award of the VC to a member of the RAN. I hope Acting Leading Seaman Ronald Taylor, Lieutenant Commander Rankin in command of HMAS Yarra and Lieutenant Commander Francis Smith the second-in-command are all similarly honoured.
This story is absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for your research and sharing of it!
Captain Rankin and Seaman Ronald Taylor definitely deserve the Victoria Cross!
A. Pronunciation.
B. Indian Ocean. Not the Pacific.
I don't have any idea why it took so long to recognize there bravery ??!!! WELL DONE HMMS YARRA !!!👍👍
I see types of posts here. 1. How to pronounce words in Australian English. ( NB the ads are wrong , Fosters is Australian for horse piss not beer) and 2. That the Yarra ( however we should pronounce it) should have just run away. The Yarra was less than half the speed of the Japanese slowest ships it fought against. The captain decided to stall for time to let the others escape ( while this failed it gave them a chance to attempt to flee) . I respect the Aussie’s attempt to try and let the other ships in the convoy to flee, but war is war. A lot of the keyboard warriors should have a drop bear land on them 🤣
Yarra could barely make 16 kts so how do you think she could simply 'run away'? Her duty was to protect the convoy and her ships company did their best to do that, despite it being futile. You show a distinct lack of understanding of naval doctrine and, in doing so, show disrepect to the crew of HMAS Yarra.
What I've learned watching these beautifully done videos, is that the military doesn't give a f* about these heroes.
Why wait DECADES to award heroes? Such a tragedy and they add salt to the wound and never honoring them while their families are still alive. So sad. Rest in peace to all the brave seamen.
I always felt a bit sorry for the Italians, backing the wrong side in both world wars and then, when they changed sides in WWII having the sh*t kicked out of them by the vengeful third reich. I have NO sorrow or sympathy for the japanese however, the suffering of British and Australian POWs at their hands was horrific and unforgivable. Thanks for retelling the story of the Yarra in so much detail, you really captured the glory and horror of sea battles with this one. I don't usually have tears in my eyes after one of your videos but I did with this one. If Rankin and his crew don't deserve the Victoria Cross then I don't know who does.
Your pronounciation of Fremantle is adorable :D We don't stress the middle (or any) of the syllables when we speak of "Freo." Another excellenct and informative video.
Americans have by tradition little resolve to learn quirks like Yarra and Freemantle.
I grew up a few miles from Fremantle - we pronounced it both ways - FREEmantle and Fr'MANtle (I was an East Freo football supporter.)
being australian it kinda hurts to hear the way australian names like yarra were said/ still though was a really interesting video and the way stuff was pronounced isn't a problem either lol
I am an American. We do not educate ourselves on much Australian stuff.
Would it help balance things if you had a list of some American names to pronounce, like Poughkeepsie or Puyallup? 😆
Rankin and HMAS Yarra went out like absolute bosses.
If your going to do this stuff, get it right and get your facts straight! Java and Fremantle are on the INDIAN ocean, NOT THE SOUTH PACIFIC!
I find it a bit telling that the RAN did not plan joint Sydney Perth war plans until 1988. Shows how difficult it was to defend a nation like that back then.
Did the HMS Yarra inflict any damage on the IJN ships?
H.m.A s.
No damage was recorded on the enemy ships.
@@macinverts Thank you.
She never got within range. Three 4-inch vs 8-inch
@@andrewstackpool4911 Thank you for the info.
Yarra: hard 'A' as in 'hat' not ''ar'
HMS Jervis Bay went down fighting the heavy cruiser Admiral Scheer, with Captain Fegen awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross . HMS Glowworm went up against the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper and lost, with Lieutenant Commander Roope receiving a posthumous VC. In both cases one ship against a heavy cruiser, not the same odds as Yarra, one sloop against three heavy cruisers and a few destroyers. USS Johnston had even greater odds with Commander Evans, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
So does Rankin deserve a VC? I leave that thought with you.
Why hasn't thisan gotten a VC yet?? What he done was more VC worthiness then what has been given in recent battles situation.
To add to HMAS Yarra's back story, she was escorting a convoy to Singapore in early February 1942 - this convoy would be the last to arrive in Singapore before the surrender on 15th February. This convoy included the Empress of Asia, a Canadian Pacific ship being used as a troop transport to carry the British 18th Division to Singapore. The Empress of Asia was heavily bombed and set on fire amidships. The captain deliberately ran the ship aground close to Sultan Shoal lighthouse to stop her sinking, 11 miles from Singapore. As part of the rescue of the troops onboard, HMAS Yarra came alongside the stern and evacuated the remaining troops from that end of the ship. These included my father who stepped from the Empress of Asia to the Yarra without getting his feet wet, which was a great relief to him as he was scared of sharks had he gone into the water. HMAS Yarra landed him in Singapore but 18th Division had lost all their equipment. My father recounted how he had to go on patrol armed only with 2 hand grenades until he found a Thompson sub-machine gun from a dead Australian soldier. It was all for nought as the British surrendered on 15th February 1942 - my father's 24th Birthday. Like many others he spent the next 3 1/2 years as a POW, but that's another story.
If, at only 1,500 tonnes, she IS a Sloop. She was launched as a Sloop.
Corvettes (K) were used on North Atlantic/Artic Convoys so NOT post WW2 replacements of sloops. History/facts are poor so it makes the story difficult to follow. Now, this is a story of bravery that I was completely ignorant of. However it is spoilt by sloppy commentary.
That is an insult to the bravery seen by so many in WW2.
They may not have the fire power, but Aussies ain't pussies. Respect to the crew, and to the guy that kept firing shells. I believe he did actually get a Victoria Cross in the end.
No he didn't. That was Teddy Sheahan on HMAS Armidale.
Seriously tho, Lt Cmdr Rankin should have gotten the Victoria Cross for that!
This story supports my comments in another video that the RAN performed way better than the RN during WWII ...I can only imagine if Japan was geographically situated in the place of Germany that there wouldn't be any RN at all
Absolute BRAVERY!!💪👊💥
It sure is strange how much Maritime Horrors sounds A LOT like Part-Time Explorer....
Hmmm....
I've gotta say, Rankin had to be one hell of a leader to inspire that kind of ferocious fighting in his men. Not at all saying that those men weren't courageous in their own rights, but that that kind of group single-mindedness on fighting like hell to the bitter end tends to be sparked by a competant and trustworthy leader.
I have no other way to describe that than 100% Plus Ultra, all of them.
My mother and my sister and my daughters middle names are Rankin ,Rest in peace brave warriors of the Yarra and thankyou for telling the story of another Australian act of bravery
It's Yarra, not Yurra sorry mate. Love the channel by the way. 😁🇦🇺 Rankin is a bloody legend!
Awsome video, love this channel!
Much appreciated, shipmate!
The way the IJN treated battle survivors is one of the true horrors of war anywhere.
I hope commander Rankin does get the Victoria cross.a truely brave man in command of a light weight ship with all the odds stacked against him in battle at sea Belfast Northern Ireland
hey virgin cruise liners loves putting ads in front of videos about horrendous sinkings, what signal are they sending?
God Bless them all. May their souls be with God🇦🇺🇬🇧👍🏻
People used to ask me why I joined the army instead of the navy during Vietnam. I said I could walk a hundred miles but couldn’t swim a hundred miles. This video proves I made the right choice . Those Aussies were brave. RIP ,my respects
Arthur. I joined the RAN for many reasons but always had the view that if I was to be taken out being somewhere with three meals a day and at least one shower with luck beat living in mud in the ground
It’s criminal that this story is barely known in Australia.
You gotta love the little guy. See you in Valhalla Cdr. Rankin.
last time i looked java and fremantle were in the Indian ocean not the south pacific?
God bless their sacrifice.
Im pretty sure everyone on the Yarra deserves a VC not just the boss who picked the fight
Rankin didn't pick the fight sport, it came to him. Three heavy 8-inch cruisers and two 5-inch destroyers.
Agreed. The crew don't get any choice here. Rankin wanted to have a fight, the rest of them didn't have a choice and just did their jobs. They're all heroes for doing their jobs to the fullest that day.
I don't wish to put people down but if you haven't served in the Navy or know naval history then you are in no position to comment.
The facts. Rankin did NOT want a fight. He was tasked with the protection of the convoy the same as the escorts in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. That was the duty charged to him and his crew. And no one in their right mind wants to fight three heavy cruisers and two destroyers in a small ship with half their speed a tenth their size and three 4" guns. I'm pretty damned sure he and his crew would have been very happy to be to hell and gone elsewhere. But THEY knew their duty. Protect those ships and hopefully one may get away. This is no different than we see with furies and police who have a duty to serve and protect. Yarra did its duty in a bloody conflict in a time of war. Rankin had the fight thrust on him and consider this. Five ships faster than Yarra. Running was no option. You may not understand that but all of us who have served swore an oath. Yarra fulfilled that oath. I would have done the same as did Rangatiki and Jervis Bay
@@andrewstackpool4911 I understand that, it's completely reasonable. The point is the whole crew should be formally recognised. They all did their jobs to the end as they were instructed. Nobody wanted to die that day, they just wanted to do what was right by the fleet, they did was was *necessary.* So it's only fair that each and everyone of them, from deckies, cooks to officers, be recognised.
Thank you for your comments. As I said my concern is people thinking or implying Rankin was some of sort of glory hound. In a way the crew and he are commemorated by a new far more powerful Yarra in my time and a submarine named after him. I have said elsewhere that he should get the VC as it is the CO who makes the calls. The procedure makes that almost impossible but Shean finally got his. Hopefully Rankin will follow suit. However while Malta got the George Cross ship wide VCs don't happen. The CO of HMS GLOWWORM got his in similar circumstances because the captain of the Hopper wrote to the Admiralty recommending it. Sadly no such chivalry existed in the IJN.
With that speed, not much use other than as an escort. Remarkable bravery by the captain, can only have known what was coming.
like a child with a pocketknife taking on a polar bear.
That is extremely hardcore. They knew they wouldn't make it if they ran so they committed to the last doomed option.
Good ship, l can't wait for your next video!
Very much appreciated, shipmate.
"They have no grave,but the cruel sea,
No flowers lay at their head.
A rusting hulk is their tombstone,
A'fast on the Ocean bed."
Lest We Forget.
Lest We Forget.
the Heavy cruiser is called the Takao class, not Takowa. Japanese can be a bit weird sometimes but you got the other ships right. Also the Kageros were armed 3 twin 5 inch guns. you said it had 10 5 inch guns. I understand the mistake as i've made it too.
I'm telling you dude British navy and subsequently Australian navy men have the biggest swinging d*cks on the sea. In my mind the last defiant turret shot from the one ship that went down trying to intercept the Bismark. I can't think of the vessel. I feel like it was the HMS Hood but I could be very wrong
Yep HMS Hood.
The Royal Navy inherited the traditions of the Royal Navy of which HMAS Yara's captain upheld. to the highest degree Not to take anything away from his heroism but escape in that situation was not an option, nor was surrender compatible with the traditions of the service, and iladiviced in the case of the Japanese, so that his choice to fight was the only one there was. A brave man and a brave crew to the end.
With no option for escape or surrender, many lesser men would shrivel in fear. The fact that Yarra lasted over an hour against such firepower testifies to just how much her entire crew mastered their fear and fought as one until that final gunner was killed. I'm in awe of their fighting spirit.
Rankin deserves the Victory Cross. From one Navy man to Another, I salute you Rankin. May you rest in piece.
Size comparison - fuck
I didn't know Singapore and Hong Kong got hit along with Pearl Harbor. Any chance of getting videos that cover some basics of those at some point?
Hong Kong was invaded at exactly the same time as the Pearl Harbour attack effectively meaning Japan went to war with the US, Britain and Commonwealth at the exact same time. It was a bloody affair.
Singapore was afterwards but catastrophic for Britain and the Commonwealth. The Royal Navy in Asia was mostly lost and most of the Australian army in Asia was lost there hence all Aussie land forces were sent home from Europe and North Africa to fight.
Corvettes are smaller than sloops.
Arrgh, Yarra is pronounced as Ya-ra and the Kookaburra is pronounced Cook-a-bar-a.
I feel the same whenever Takao is pronounced Takao-wa.
The last HMAS Yarra was a River-class frigate, one of the multi-role vessels of the RAN in the 60s and 70s. Rankin is remembered in one of the Collins class submarines. There's a problem with an award of the VC going by the way they must be awarded. However, with the recent award to Shean of the Armidale one may follow
Another excellent video; thank you!
For a David and Goliath battle where David won see the fight of the HMIS Bengal (half the size of the Yarra and mounting a single 3inch gun) and the Dutch tanker Ondina against the Japanese auxiliary cruisers Aikoku Maru and Hokoku Maru.
Thank you so much for telling the story of the valiant crew of this little sloop. It is almost unknown in Yarra's home country today, outside of the RAN and a few history-minded people. You certainly did it justice, and I for one am very grateful to you, sir. One minor detail you missed is that, before turning toward the enemy, Rankin ordered his engine room to make smoke, in a vain attempt to shield his charges. I have in my mind's eye that relatively tiny sloop of war, belching black smoke from its little funnel as it steamed toward a massed enemy it had no chance of defeating, or even slowing.
Sadly, Rankin's VC recommendation did not go ahead - the review recommended that only Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheehan of HMAS Armidale be retrospectively awarded the VC for his undoubtedly heroic deeds.
It is almost forgotten, even among historians, that LS Ron "Buck" Taylor of the Yarra (whom you rightly mentioned) performed feats almost identical to those of Teddy, and has never received any recognition. I guess this illustrates the difficulty of trying to correct wrongs 80 years after the fact - by righting one wrong, you create others.
Again, thanks and BZ.
The Last Post ceremony for LCDR Rankin held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra can be found here:
facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=10155654272417525
The Last Post ceremony for LS Taylor held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra can be found here:
s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/PAFU2015/104.01/video/6123591.MP4
One brave little ship
As someone who lives near the Yarra river and wants to serve my part in the Royal Australian navy this story (as well as teddy sheeans if u don’t know that look it up it’s rlly good) these story’s keep my going and are what Australia stands for!
This channel is going to blow up for sure! Excellent work
Stoker David Somerville,lost a t sea, abord U77, harch 1942, rest peacefully, Uncle Dave
Well told. But Yarra is not pronounced "Yahhhh - ra" , it's just ............... Yarra, same as the timber is "Jarrah" or how "Barra" is sometimes short for a "Barrow" (or to describe a Barramundi :-) ).
Rankin was a hero. He signaled to the convoy to scatter, while he turned to buy them time. They had no chance, but did what little they could.
Fitting that Rankin is remembered in the submarines name.
A little bit of my soul dies every time he pronounces Yarra! And then he pronounces Kookaburra!
T LS Ronald Taylor . who was still at his post .. firing the Gun .. as the vessel went down .. should also be recognised and his name put forward for the VC as well .... IMHO ....
Great share, I live near Fremantle Australia but was not aware of the Yarra. Combined with Kokoda, and many other battles Oz proves itself capable of fighting above its class time and again. Lets hope though never again.
i am loving these mini audio doc's. thou to say Kookaburra you say it like this ((first part, say Cuckoo as in the cuckoo clock, second part is pronounced like the first part of Barramundi (the fish) or you can do Ba like a sheep, and Ra. the sounds together like this cuckoo-ba-ra Kookaburra))