A Seagull amphibian aircraft from HMAS PERTH, (cruiser), was shot down by German aircraft off Anti Kyrethia, Greece. The aircraft crashed into the sea, but her crew of three, (Flight Lieutenant E. V. Beaumont, RAAF, SBLT G. F. Brian, RAN, and PO Telegraphist D. Bowden), swam to a nearby island and were later rescued by HMS HAVOCK. PERTH had been sent to Greece again to embark troops at Kalamata, which was unsuccessful, and some 6000 troops were left behind to fall into German hands.
A beginning was made by the RAN in the employment of women, when 12 members of the Womens’ Emergency Signalling Corps were engaged for duty as telegraphists at Harman wireless station, Canberra, ACT.
LEUT J.H.H. Kessack, RANVR, was killed in a premature explosion while attempting to render safe an enemy mine in an English port. Kessack had dealt successfully with 10 mines before his death. He was awarded the George Medal posthumously.