The examination vessel HMAS FAURO CHIEF, (LEUT Perry), was commissioned.
The Bathurst class minesweeper, (corvette), HMAS GAWLER, (LCDR W. J. Seymour, RAN), was commissioned. GAWLER was laid down in Broken Hill Pty Co’s Yard, Whyalla, SA, on 24 January 1941, and launched on 4 October 1941. Lady Duncan, (Wife of the Hon. Sir Walter Duncan, Leader of the Liberal and Country Party in South Australia), performed the launching ceremony.
The Brisbane-based USS S39, (submarine), was wrecked on Rossel Island, in the Louisiades Group. The submarine’s crew were rescued by HMAS KATOOMBA, and landed at Townsville.