HMAS PERTH, (cruiser), embarked two landing barges, and sailed for Crete with HM Ships PHOEBE, CALCUTTA, COVENTRY, GLENGYLE, JERVIS, JANUS, and HASTY.
The auxiliary minesweeper HMAS BOMBO, was commissioned. BOMBO was laid down in 1930, and owned by Quarries Pty Ltd, NSW. She re-commissioned as a store-carrier on 27 January 1944.
HMA Ships NAPIER and NIZAM, (destroyers), with HM Ships KELVIN and KANDAHAR, landed stores and ammunition at Sfakia, Crete. The Australian ships evacuated over 400 troops. NAPIER landed LEUT L.M. Hinchliffe, RAN, as Beachmaster. LEUT Hinchliffe’s work as Beachmaster was recognised by the award of the DSC.