Ahoy - Mac's Web Log

Hi there!
 
I heard a vague rumour that an expedition to the Solomons to look at the wreck HMAS Canberra was occurring this year. I heard Bruce Loxton was involved. I am most excited to hear about this and was wondering when they were going to Iron Bottom Sound?

I searched the web for any information but came upwith nothing except your exceptional site.

Perhaps you know when they will be in the Solomons and we can expect some new information?

Thank you 
Sincerely,

Ewan Stevenson

Ewan,

Last year an American film producer wanting to revisit the Battle of Savo Island and in particular to dive with a remote vehicle on the wreck site visited Australia.

With Bruce, he came to Melbourne and interviewed several Canberra survivors including myself, he was then trying to raise the money needed from several sources both in the US and here in Australia. I have not heard of recent times anything concrete about the project going ahead.

That is about all I can give you at this stage.

Thank you for your kind comments about Ahoy.

Regards,

Mac. Gregory.

Hi Mac
 
Thanks for the information.
 
I was born on Guadalcanal in 1972 . My father arrived there as an architect for the BSIP in 1963. My father Scottish my mum welsh. I grew up there and totally besotted with the WWII history and archaeology. In 1994, I discovered the wrecks of the USS Seminole and USS Aaron Ward.
 
I SCUBA dive so only focus on "shallow" wrecks. One wreck I am looking for is the USS George F. Elliott. But she is a hard one to pin-point exactly where sunk. Maybe you can add something.
 
You are the first Canberra veteren I have communicated with! I feel honoured.
 
I have recorded many interviews by video and tape with NZ veterens particularly of the HMNZS MOA and KIWI.
 
I believe I am the only one doing it here in NZ which I find quite unbelievable.
 
So nice to have your prompt reply.
 
Regards
 
Ewan

Ewan,

I am attaching a US Navy page about the US Transport George F Elliott, you may well be aware of this site.
I well recall her unloading in the transport anchorage area, close to shore, off Guadalcanal, when she was clobbered by a Japanese bomber, probably a Betty, the Japanese were pressing home torpedo attacks on the invasion fleet.

She needed to be sunk soon after.

Should you wish to discuss Savo, and Canberra's involvement, I will be happy to answer any queries, when it all started I was the Officer of the Watch on her bridge, having the fateful Middle Watch that particular night.

Nice to talk with you.
Mac.

Ewan,

George F Elliott on fire off Guadalcanal, you may recognize the topography, to help in her location.

Mac.

George F Elliott on fire off Guadalcanal

Hi Peter,

I am trying to locate the actual position of the wreck of US Transport George F Elliot, On the 8th. of August 1942 when anchored off Lunga Point Guadalcanal and unloading, during an air attack, she was clobbered by a Betty, and set on fire.

The ship got underweigh and her crew tried to control the fire, to no avail, and the ship was abandoned and sunk. I believe at that time she was closer to Florida Island than Guadalcanal, but I cannot find the position where she sank.

If you or any of your contacts can help I would be very grateful.

Thank you for the photo of the Canberra plaque, now unfortunately gone, but maybe we will get a decent Memorial in its place.

 

All the best.

 

Mac..

Hi everyone

Chuckle! Chuckle! Chuckle!

Humourously, this has gone full circle. I initially made the enquiry with Mac. Seems we all know each other and no closer to the exact whereabouts of where the GEORGE F. ELLIOTT sank!

Ewan asked Mac, Mac asked Peter, Peter asked Ewan....

Cheers
Ewan

Ewan,

What a hoot, as you say we have gone full circle.

Well, some one, some where must have the answer, but whom and where are they?? In my research experience, one should never give up, it may happen sometime, and out there is the knowledge, and out of the blue will come an E-Mail to one of us.

All the best
Mac.

Hi Mac

Yes, had a chuckle or two. Thank you so much for trying! The best bet is from a vet who recalls something of AP-13's last moments. However, I have corresponded with 1 or 2 AP-13 vets etc and they were long off the ship before she went down.

Cheers
Ewan

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