Group portrait of survivors of the Auxiliary Mine Sweeper HMAS Patricia Cam, which was sunk on 22 ...

Group portrait of survivors of the Auxiliary Mine Sweeper HMAS Patricia Cam, which was sunk on 22 January 1943, at the shore establishment HMAS Melville. The group had just been rescued from a rocky islet off the Cape Wessel Islands by the motor launch Kuru, a week after their vessel was sunk. Identified are, (front row) left to right: Stoker Arthur Bennett, Melbourne; Able Seaman (AB) Greg Durrington, Sydney; Telegraphist Bert R L Stevens, Sydney; Steward Alfred R Tanner, Melbourne; (standing) AB Don Brun, Adelaide; Stoker George W Williams, Melbourne; Ordinary Seaman (OS) D Murray, Mackay; Sub Lieutenant John Leggoe, York, WA; Cook John R. Hawkins, Melbourne; Lieutenant Alexander C Meldrum (Captain of Patricia Cam), Sydney; Petty Officer Hulbert Challender, Hobart; AB Aubery R White, Perth; and Engine Room Artificer John D McKimmie, Launceston. The Patricia Cam had been on a supply trip between Millingimbi and Elcho Islands when a Japanese floatplane from the 734th Kokati dropped a bomb which sunk the ship within a minute. After dropping another bomb the floatplane continued strafing the crew for almost 20 minutes. The floatplane then landed and one of its aircrew forced Reverend Len Kentish at gunpoint to clamber aboard, whereupon it took off. Among those who died during or subsequent to the attack were OS Andrew Johnston; Engine Room Artificer William Moffitt; AB Edward Nobes; and OS Neil Penglase. Reverend Kentish was taken to Dobo Island, where he was beheaded on 4 May 1943.