In the heart of World War II, the naval battles of Leyte Gulf and Lingayen witnessed the bravery of HMAS Australia and its crew. These battles are forever etched in the memory of those who fought and in the hearts of Australians who continue to honour the sacrifices made. On October 21st, veterans, families, and communities gather to remember and pay tribute to these moments in history, reminding us of the resilience and courage that paved the way for peace. Here, we share personal reflections, addresses, and historical accounts from those who lived through these defining moments.
Tribute to HMAS Australia – Poem by A.B. Don Morgan
A.B. Don Morgan, who served aboard HMAS Kanimbla, penned a poignant poem reflecting on the memories and emotions tied to HMAS Australia during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. This tribute brings us closer to the experience of those who saw the ship in its final days of war, battered but unyielding.
We saw her last in Leyte Gulf, a battered twisted wreck
With evidence of recent fights still lying round her decks
She seemed no longer equal to the glories of the past
Yet looked somehow defiant with the Ensign on the mast
My mind went back to other days, the likes of Moratai
How proud and safe we had felt with “Australia” standing by
Devoid of peace time splendour yet her firmness seemed to show
A willingness to hurl death and, destruction at the foe
Again off the Mindoro Coast for us when things looked black
Jap planes were overhead to try and turn the Convoy back
It looked as if they might succeed till “Australia” came in sight
And with accurate A.A. barrage soon put the foe to flight
All day in the Lingayen Gulf on the invasion morn
“Australia’s” guns were belching from a hull so bruised and torn
When we put to sea that evening many of her crew were dead
But the Japanese paid dearly for Australian blood that shed,
In her deformed yet stately beauty we saw her all the more
As a symbol and a tribute to the land we’re fighting for
And the spirit of her fighting men yet ready to do their share
Told the enemy in more than words
“Australia” will be there.
II. Address to HMAS Australia Veterans Association (1993)
Delivered during a 1993 veterans’ event commemorating Leyte and Lingayen Day, this address by David J. Hamer provides historical insight and a personal reflection on the significance of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Hamer served as a gunnery officer aboard HMAS Australia and later became a senator, bringing both naval and political perspectives to his words.
When I was a boy, and for a long time afterwards, on 21st October we used to celebrate Trafalgar Day. Now Trafalgar was a great victory, by the greatest Admiral of them all, the greatest and most decisive battle between lines of sailing battleships. But it had little to do with Australia.
Times have changed. These days we celebrate on 21st October an even greater victory, the battle of Leyte Gulf. The scale of the battle of Leyte Gulf almost defies imagination, though it is not yet as famous a battle as Trafalgar. The battle of Leyte Gulf was fought over thousands of miles, and the forces involved were staggering: forty aircraft carriers and nineteen battleships, including the six biggest battleships ever built. There were battles between fleets of aircraft carriers, between carrier aircraft and battleships, surface actions between battleships and aircraft carriers, a night action between lines of battleships, a major amphibious landing—the largest and longest-range amphibious landing ever attempted—a struggle between carrier and short-based air power and the start of the kamikaze campaign. It was the greatest naval battle ever fought.
What is more, it was decisive. After Trafalgar, the war against Napoleon went on for ten more years. After Leyte Gulf the Japanese navy was finished, Japan was finished, and the surrender was inevitable, atom bombs or no atom bombs.
The navies of three countries were involved in the Leyte Gulf battle—those of Japan, America, and Australia. The Australian contribution was substantial: the cruisers Australia and Shropshire; the destroyers Arunta and Warramunga; the frigate Gascoyne; the survey vessel HDML 1074; the infantry landing ships Kanimbla, Westralia, and Manoora; the store ships Poyang, Yunnan, and Merkur; and the tanker Bishopdale.
The only Australian ship to suffer casualties was the Australia. She was hit on the bridge by a suicide aircraft, with thirty killed—including the Captain—and sixty-four wounded. Less than three months later, after repairs, Australia was hit by a further five suicide aircraft during the invasion of Luzon, with fifty-six killed and more than a hundred wounded. But during both these actions, despite the casualties, despite the damage, Australia continued with her allotted tasks until the battles were won.
We hear much these days about how we should draw closer to South-East Asia. I think we should remind them occasionally about how much Australia contributed, nearly fifty years ago, to the liberation of one of the largest countries of South-East Asia.
Today, on October 21st, we remember all those who fought in the liberation of the Philippines. But particularly we remember those who fought, and those who died, in the battle of Leyte Gulf, the greatest naval battle in the history of the world.
PATRON: DAVID J. HAMER
(David Hamer was a gunnery officer in HMAS Australia. He was later promoted to Captain and had command of various ships. After leaving the R.A.N. he was elected to the Senate.)
III. Roll of Honour
The following Roll of Honour commemorates those who served aboard HMAS Australia, ensuring their courage and commitment are never forgotten:
Captain E.V. Dechaineux (DSC)
Anderson N.W.
Amerat J.
Avery F.B.
Baker R.G.
Barnes W.M.G.
Bell W.H.
Brown J.W.
Buchtal M.C.
Buckland R.
Burridge P.D.
Clark G.J.
Clarke K.
Cornish R.I.
Deborah H.K.
Dobell E.W.
Donelly G.D.
Emery F.W.
Evenson N.J.
Ford H.E.S.
Frawley G.
Fenton G.K.
Fitzroy W.G.
Fogerty F.C.
Gamble J.R.
Gates J.E.
Geier C.J.
Hamer D.J.
Harrison V.L.
Holdall J.W.
Hutchinson G.F.
Jones J.M.
Kerr W.
King J.M.
Ladd A.W.
Lane F.H.
Lawrence P.J.
Leach F.C.
Lewis W.H.
Lud W.
Mackie-Hall C.W.
Marshall A.
Miller F.G.
Moore G.J.
Munday W.T.
O’Neill H.F.
Patterson R.J.
Perry M.F.
Rowell J.B.
Ryan G.L.
Sharpe R.H.
Smith F.A.
Stephens C.F.
Whittaker H.R.
Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future
As we remember the bravery of those who served aboard HMAS Australia, we are reminded of the lasting bond between Australia and the Philippines, forged through shared sacrifice and a pursuit of peace. Let us continue to honour their memory by learning from history and fostering a future built on unity and respect. If you or your family have stories to share about this significant part of history, we invite you to contribute in the comments or share on social media.
