Three future British WWII naval heroes were serving on the staff of RADM E. R. G. R. Evans, (Evans of the Broke), in HMAS AUSTRALIA, (cruiser).

They were:-

• First Lieutenant; Future CAPT F. S. Bell, RN, (who commanded HMS EXETER in the Battle of the River Plate);
• Gunnery Officer; Future CAPT J. A. Collins, RAN, (who commanded HMAS SYDNEY in the sinking of the Italian cruiser BARTOLOMEO COLLEONI);
• Staff Officer; Future CAPT E. D. B. McCarthy, RN, (who commanded HMS AJAX in the sinking of the Italian destroyers AERONE, ARIEL, and ARTIGLIO).