 |
A number of RAN ships supported the 9th Division landing in June 1945. The HMAS Hobart, Arunta, Hawkesbury, Barcoo, Lachlan, as well as the LSIs Westralia, Manoora and Kanimbla were all present as part of the US Seventh Fleet. By the 18 June Japanese forces that had survived the initial assault had fallen back into a stronghold dubbed 'The Pocket". HMAS Shropshire, with its 8" guns, was called in to lend support to the artillery bombardment on the Japanese position. A few days later the Arunta supported the 20th Brigade as it moved into the Miri-Lutong area and against Senia.
Following these operations the Arunta, Shropshire and Hobart moved south to participate in the pre-invasion bombardment of Balikpapan. HMAS Gascoyne was also involved in this operation. In addition to the bombardment phase the RAN ships were involved in escorting troop convoys and providing supplies.
|
|
|
