On This Day

1945 > WW2

February 14, 1945

The River class frigate HMAS LACHLAN was commissioned. LACHLAN was laid down at Mort’s Dock, Sydney, and launched on 25 March 1944. LACHLAN, carrying the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, made a ceremonial entry into the Captain Cook Graving Dock, Sydney, officially opening the dock.

CMDR A. P. Cousin, RANR(S), was appointed to the DSO for conspicuous service while commanding HMAS MANOORA in amphibious landings at Tanahmerah Bay, Wakde Taem, Morotai, Leyte, Lingayen, Tarakan, Labuan and Balikpapan.

ADML Sir Bruce Fraser, RN, arrived in Sydney in command of the British Pacific Fleet.

CMDR K. H. Oom, RAN, was appointed to the OBE for conspicuous service while surveying in advanced areas in command of HMA Ships WHYALLA and SHEPPARTON.

February 13, 1945

The air/sea rescue vessels, (search and rescue craft), HMA Ships AIR HOPE, (LEUT R. W. Dunn, RANVR), and AIR SPRAY, (SBLT W. A. Booth, RANVR), were commissioned.

February 11, 1945

HMAS Nizam, twelve miles off Cape Leeuwin Light and while altering course, the ship struck a freak wave and rolled very heavily, 75 to 80 degrees, to port and 10 ratings were lost overboard. This accident occurred at ten o’clock at night with the wind at nearly gale force. The ship circled for a long period but no sign of any survivor was seen. Some damage was caused and Nizam remained at Fremantle until 7 March 1945 making good defects

February 10, 1945

The main body of the British Pacific Fleet arrived at Sydney. At its peak strength the BPF numbered 336 vessels.

February 9, 1945

Carrier-borne aircraft from the British Pacific Fleet landed at Nowra, NSW. The air station was in use by the RAAF from 7 May 1942 until it was transferred to the RN as an air station on 15 October 1944. On the departure of the RN the station was in disuse until taken over by the RAN and commissioned as HMAS ALBATROSS in 1948.