Ahoy - Mac's Web Log

Hello Mac

What a fabulous site you have!  I am working on a DVD project for the grandkids, "Our Family in Uniform", and while researching one of my dad's ships, HMAS Westralia, came across your discussion with David Wimer and noted that you offered to email him a photo of the ship. This is exactly what I was after. Is it possible to have a copy?

I do recall a shoe box which had many photos of dad's time on Westralia, but sadly they are long gone. There were several of some operations involving air attack (Lingayen Gulf?), I particularly recall one of dad with flash hood and helmet manning an Oerlikon. Do you have any such photos, of a generic nature, which may allow me to provide  youngsters with some understanding of the the challenges that my dad and his mates faced.

Thanks in anticipation,
Graeme Crombie

Graeme,

I am home in Melbourne again.

Here are two photos of Westralia.

The top one is Westralia, and the bottom photo Manoora.

Here is another one of Westralia:

I will mail separately a photo of a sailor in Anti Flash gear and one of a 20mm Oerlikon being manned.

HMAS Shropshire fires an 8 inch gun salvo at the Lingayen Gulf landings

January 1945.

See this URL: http://www.ahoy.tk-jk.net/macslog/HMASShropshireabookbyStan.html for the book on HMAS Shropshire, you may find some photos of interest in it that could be suitable for your project.

Best regards,
Mac.

Mac

Thanks for the prompt response.  I am not in any great huury to complete the DVD.  It was something that came out of ANZAC comemorations at the kids schools, so I guess my aiming mark is next ANZAC Day.  But, I would like finish it within the next couple of months. So, if you could do something on your return it would be appreciated. I will contact you at the end of June.

Bon Voyage!

Graeme