The sloop HMAS PARRAMATTA, (CMDR J. H. Walker, RAN), was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U559, while on passage to Tobruk. Of the ships complement of 162, there were only 24 survivors. 21 were picked up by HMS AVON VALE, (destroyer), while another three managed to swim ashore to the Libyan coast, and were rescued by advancing British troops.
HMAS HEROS recovered a Carley type lifefloat and two lifebelts, 160 miles north-west of Carnarvon, WA. They were believed to be from HMAS SYDNEY, (cruiser), sunk by the German raider KORMORAN.