The ‘Scrap iron Flotilla’ turns into Tobruk ferry service

Tobruk, like Gallipoli, is a name that is etched in the history of Australians at war. At Tobruk, the all conquering German forces received their first setback at the hands of Australians when vital supply lines were kept open by the Royal Australian Navy’s ‘Scrap Iron Flotilla.’     

Two ships, HMAS Parramatta and HMAS Waterhen were sunk by an enemy U Boat and dive bomber respectively with heavy loss of life. On Parramatta, 137 sailors lost their lives including 8 young men from Queensland. 

Daniel Beer from Toowoomba          
Andrew Watson from Fairfield
Leslie Savage from West End
Reginald Chamberlain from Toowoomba
John Davies from Rosalie
Harold Koy from Talwood
James Martin from Wynnum
John Streeter from Sunnybank 

In all, the Australian destroyers made a total of 139 runs in and out of Tobruk during the period of the regular ‘Ferry’. Vendetta held the record with 39 individual passages into Tobruk. 

All their names will be read out and wreaths laid at a ceremony at the Jack Tar memorial on Thursday 28 September at 11am. Families, friends, veterans and serving members of the ADF all welcome.