The Sinking of HMAS Canberra

Last Updated: 11 August 2008

U.S. destroyers remove the crew from the fatally-damaged HMAS Canberra on August 9, 1942. [US Naval Historical Center, Photo 80-G-13488]

U.S. destroyers remove the crew from the fatally-damaged HMAS Canberra on August 9, 1942. [US Naval Historical Center, Photo 80-G-13488]

August 9 marks the anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Canberra, the Australian heavy cruiser which participated in the amphibious landings on Guadalcanal which marked the turning point of World War II in the Pacific.

The ship was crippled during the battle of Savo Island on August 9, 1942, and later sunk.

The suffered 193 dead, and was the first ship sunk on what would eventually become known as Ironbottom Sound.

Radio Australia's Pacific Beat Program marks the anniversary, in which Bruce Hill spoke with Australian military historian John Innes, who live in Solomon islands, and retired Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Commander Mackenzie Gregory, who was officer of the watch on Canberra the night of the battle.


On the Mat


Correspondent's Notebook


Extended Interviews

Listen to Bruce Hill's full interview with Mackenzie Gregory and John Innes on the events of August 9, 1942.