| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | 044791 |
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Film polyester negative |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
V&W Class Destroyer Vampire. Four V&W Destroyers joined the RAN in October 1933 after serving ...
Description
V&W Class Destroyer Vampire. Four V&W Destroyers joined the RAN in October 1933 after serving with the RN in the late stages of World War 1. After early action in World War 2 in the Mediterranean area until May 1941, Vampire departed for a refit which was completed in December of the same year. On 9 April 1942 whilst on escort duty with the RN Aircraft Carrier Hermes in Malayan waters both ships were sunk by Japanese aircraft. Vampire was the first RAN vessel to be in contact with Japanese Forces and was also the only Australian destroyer to be sunk by the Japanese.