The sloop HMAS YARRA, (CMDR W. H. Harrington, RAN), sank the Persian sloop BABR at Khorramshahr. YARRA attacked under the cover of darkness, and illuminated the enemy vessel at her berth. YARRA’S guns pounded the BABR at point-blank range until she sank. While this operation was in progress HMS KANIMBLA, (an Australian manned armed merchant cruiser), attacked the port of Bandar Shapur, seizing the port installations and enemy shipping in the anchorage. During this latter action, PO J. T. Humphries, RAN, KANIMBLA’S diver, was sent aboard the burning German merchant ship HOHENFELS. The ship’s sea-cocks had been opened, and the vessel was rapidly filling. PO Humphries dived in the flooded engine room, and in complete darkness found and closed the cocks, saving the ship from sinking. PO Humphries was awarded the George Medal in February 1942, for his outstanding gallantry.
Australian Naval History on 25 August 1941
Help us improve our website
We're a volunteer run organisation and we'd love your help. If you spot a typo, an incorrect image or a correction for this article? Let us know below.