| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | P01878.007 |
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Film copy negative |
| Maker |
HMAS Melbourne |
| Conflict |
Period 1960-1969 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Commonwealth of Australia copyright |
South China Sea. 1969-06-03. Extensively damaged American Allen M Sumner class destroyer USS ...
Description
South China Sea. 1969-06-03. Extensively damaged American Allen M Sumner class destroyer USS Frank E Evans (DD-754) after coming into collision with the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne in the early hours of the morning. The stern section of the destroyer was secured to the Melbourne's starboard quarter and ladders were rigged to evacuate the survivors. Dazed and unsure, the survivors appear to be being coaxed to the ladders by the two sailors on the destroyer's helo deck. The sailor on the left appears to be one of the crew of the Evans while the sailor on the right is almost certainly Naval Airman R. W. Winston of No. 816 Squadron who was awarded a Queen's Commendation in recognition of his gallantry in assisting the rescue of the survivors from the American destroyer. Twenty-two RAN officers and sailors received awards made in recognition of the many acts of bravery following the collision.