Destroyers

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HMAS Arunta

HMAS Arunta.jpg
HMAS ARUNTA, commissioned in 1942, was the first of Australia’s Tribal Class Destroyers and was the fastest ship ever built for the RAN at that time (36 knots). ARUNTA became one of the best known RAN ships in World War 2 and was the only Australian-built destroyer to single-handedly sink a Japanese submarine – a feat achieved off Port Moresby within six months of commissioning. In late 1944, during the retaking of the Philippines, ARUNTA acted as an escort for amphibious units and bombarded enemy positions. She also took part in the largest naval battle in history, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. At the Battle of Surigao Straits, ARUNTA led the US destroyers KILLEN and BEALE in a night torpedo attack against the Japanese battle line.
ARUNTA was damaged by Kamikaze aircraft in January 1945 with the loss of two men while supporting landings at Lingayen Gulf, but following temporary repairs the vessel continued to play an active role in the Pacific War.
ARUNTA was active for some years after the war and in 1955 became one of the first RAN ships to join the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve, setting the pattern for RAN and South-East Asian deployments.

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