Ernie Rudland - HMAS CANBERRA 1 recollections Japanese Midget Submarines attack on Sydney 31 May 1942 Having completed the docking part of the Refit we were towed to number 1 buoy Sydney Harbour awaiting ammunition stores etc... On the 31st May 1942, at about 1900 hours with only a skeleton crew aboard, information came through that the Jap submarines had entered the harbour. I was on the First watch manning the telephone exchange on board the ship, Everyone was ordered to remain on the upper deck no exceptions, I rang the Officer of the Watch and informed him in abeyance with his order I should close down the exchange and go to the upper deck. I was told in no uncertain manner to bloody stay put. This meant I was the only person below the waterline. Fortunately for me no torpedoes came our way. Ernie Rudland is the only known West Australian living survivor from the HMAS CANBERRA 1 which was sunk by Japanese Forces at Savo Island on the 09 August 1942, he is a Honorary Life Member of the WA Division of the Association and is a national treasure. Second to None
Posted on: Sun, 01 Jun 2014 08:00:09 +0000