HMAS YARRA and HMS FLAMINGO, (sloops), were heavily attacked by German bombers between Mersa Matruh and Tobruk. FLAMINGO was hit in the engine room and was taken in tow by YARRA. The ships arrived safely in Tobruk.
HMS REPULSE, (battle-cruiser), screened by HMAS VAMPIRE and HMS TENEDOS, (destroyers), sailed from Singapore for Darwin.The ships were recalled when Japanese convoys were sighted steaming for Malaya.