Unknown (Gunner)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of an unknown gunner serving in HMAS Stuart, the Battle of Cape Matapan and the Siege of Tobruk, Mediterranean Sea, 1941.

Wallet 1 of 1 - Contains an unattributed six-page handwritten account of the Battle of Cape Matapan by a gunner serving in HMAS Stuart dated 28 March 1941. The account covers the period the author joined HMAS Stuart at 2.30 pm on 27 March 1941 through to the aftermath of the battle on the morning of 29 March, but largely focuses on the pursuit of the Italian battle fleet and the night action on 28 March. The author records his experience stationed at 'Y" gun during the engagement, and documents first-hand observations at the height of the night action such as ships scrambling for position at close quarters, shells and "tin fish" (torpedos) striking targets, Italian ships ablaze and crew members diving overboard.

The collection also includes a handwritten transcription of a German propaganda leaflet addressed to "Aussies" and dropped over Tobruk c. June-November 1941. The leaflet references Australian casualties at Crete, Tobruk and Syria, and urges Australian forces to show their white flags and surrender. The transcribed leaflet features some minor differences in wording to the original printed German leaflet. The verso is annotated with brief details relating to A.R. Davey [PA1793 Leading Seaman Allan Rollsbusch Davey] whilst serving in HMAS Stuart.

• Wallet 1 of 1 - Unattributed account titled "Battle of Matapan" by a gunner serving in HMAS Stuart and a transcribed German propaganda leaflet relating to the Siege of Tobruk, 1941