On May 14, 1945 , while towing the 30-ton ketch STINGRAY from Coconut Island to Thursday Island , HMAS WATCHER , commanded by Commissioned Officer from Warrant Rank Francis G. Squire RANR [S], grounded one mile off Harvey Rock Light. The ship was a total loss but there were no casualties.
CMDR G. C. Oldham, RAN, LEUT J. S. Austin, RAN, and LEUT J. S. Mesley, RAN, were awarded the DSC for gallantry while serving in HMAS SHROPSHIRE, (cruiser), during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
CAPT J. M. Armstrong, RAN, was awarded the DSO for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, whilst commanding HMAS AUSTRALIA, (cruiser), during the Battle of Lingayen Gulf, and subsequent landings on Luzon. The award of the US Navy Cross for the same operations was made in 1946.
HMA Ships HOBART, ARUNTA, WARRAMUNGA, SWAN, WARREGO, COLAC and IPSWICH, were involved in operations which saw the capture of the Wewak Peninsula in New Guinea.
