Yarra recognised with gallantry citation

AN old wrong has been righted with a Unit Citation for Gallantry awarded to the crew of HMAS Yarra for brave actions during the dark days of World War II.

Just 13 of 151 sailors survived Yarra's sinking when she took on a superior Japanese fleet to try to protect a fleeing convoy of merchant ships.

None now remain alive so Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs accepted the medal on their behalf from Governor-General Quentin Bryce in Melbourne.

That follows an inquiry into whether retrospective Victoria Cross medals could be awarded to 13 former servicemen, including Yarra's captain Lieutenant Commander Robert Rankin and crewman Leading Seaman Ronald Taylor, both killed in her final action.

Although no VCs were awarded, the inquiry found the outstanding performance of Yarra's crew should have been recognised for two actions.

As Japanese aircraft attacked Singapore on February 5, 1942, Yarra, then commanded by Wilfred Harrington, went alongside the burning troop transport Empress of Asia, rescuing more than 1800 soldiers.

Then on March 4, Yarra was escorting a convoy of merchant ships to Australia when three Japanese heavy cruisers and two destroyers approached.

Cmdr Rankin ordered the convoy to scatter while the sloop held off the Japanese warships. The Yarra was struck repeatedly by enemy shells but the 151-strong crew fought on.

Vice Admiral Griggs said those on Yarra faced almost certain death without wavering, serving Australia with extraordinary gallantry, skill and conspicuous devotion to duty.

"They did so as one company, even to death. In doing so, they set an enduring example to which all members of the Royal Australian Navy can aspire," he said in a statement.

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