| The Royal
Australian Navy (RAN) had partaken in several operations in the liberation
of the Philippines. In October of 1944, H.M.A.S. SHROPSHIRE, AUSTRALIA,
ARUNTA, WARRAMUNGA and the GASCOYNE were involved in the Battle of Leyte.
The AUSTRALIA suffered heavy damage from a Japanese Kamakazi plane, on
October 20.
On October
25, in the Battle of Surigao Strait, H.M.A.S. SHROSPHIRE and the ARUNTA
were involved in this sea battle. In January of 1945 the Allies began the
invasion of Lingayen which saw H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA, SHROPSHIRE, ARUNTA and
the WARRAMUNGA taking part in bombardment duties, while the MANOORA, KANIMBLA
and WESTRALIA landed troops. The sloop WARREGO and the frigate GASCOYNE
performed escort duties and survey tasks. The AUSTRALIA and the ARUNTA
were damaged in this battle. |
