HMAS AUSTRALIA, (cruiser), rescued 9 the crew of 13 of a Sunderland flying boat which had force-landed in heavy seas, and gale-force winds, west of the Hebrides. 4 airmen lost their lives. In the rescue, CMDR J. M. Armstrong and 12 ratings were lowered over the cruiser’s side on ropes to snatch the airmen from the sea.