HMAS Armidale - Persistent Courage

Today take a look at the brief career and sinking of HMAS Armidale, and the efforts thereafter to ensure proper recognition for what was done that day, with an extensive account by the last of the ships crew.
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[@Drachinifel]

Pinned post for Q&A :)

[@galbert117]

If you could build a fleet of ships with a end like the Armidale (whether they be a long service or short service ships) what ships would be in this fleet?

[@thehandoftheking3314]

What is your opinion of the Proposed Malta Class carriers? (I'd love to see a model of these somewhere)

[@brendonbewersdorf986]

What is the best size of ship in your opinion for submarine hunting? Is a destroyer truly the best? Or are frigates minesweepers Corvettes and other various small ship classes capable of being just as effective?

[@Qossuth]

Not sure if this is the right place, but have you ever covered the USN Commencement Bay Escort Carriers and in particular the Palau? My dad served on the Palau on the tour mentioned in the Wikipedia article on her, where they dropped off planes in Turkey and went on to Haifa, though my memory of his telling me about it from 40-50 years ago is that they dropped the planes in Haifa. A hook for at least mentioning the Palau :) might be that, from looking at the Wikipedia article on escort carriers, the Palau may have been the last escort carrier commissioned for USN service (?). Anyway, thanks for your content!

[@Deevo037]

Would it be possible to do the story of the so called Scrap Iron flotilla?

[@joshthomas-moore2656]

To that person who's a relative to DR Ray Leonard, thank you for the oppertunity to hear his story and my condolences for his passing.

[@jj63100]

The day is rapidly approaching when the last WWII veteran will be gone. These interviews are priceless. Thank you so very much for doing this.

[@thomilsvlog4544]

Not just the last veterans, but also the last witnesses and survivors of the horror that took place during those dark years. To anyone who reads this, if you have a veteran or survivor in your family, see if you can write down or record their experiences if they're willing to talk about it. As a culture and as individuals, I believe that we owe it to them to keep their memories alive, to never forget.

[@archibaldlarid3587]

It's funny how people only appreciate these things when the last of those who witnessed it are nearly gone. There are thousands of hours of eyewitness testimony, both audio and video, just from the Nuremberg Trials, and the written records could fill an entire library. They are dark, heart wrenching and often terrifying, taken when the memories were still fresh, but people don't want that, they would rather get the warm fuzzies watching a dying man barely remember what happened. History does not exist just to make you feel proud and patriotic, that is propaganda, not history. Real history is not pretty, it does not give one the warm fuzzies, it's dark, deadly and shameful. Sadly many people could use a dose of shame to counteract their virulent strain of Patriotic Nationalism.

[@kranjcalan]

kzbin.info Very good chanel with ww2 veterans interviews

[@davidpnewton]

Case in point: the last veteran of the Battle of the River Plate died recently.

[@timothyboles6457]

Unfortunately so true. The greatest generation

[@lezardvaleth2304]

You're not simply a youtuber anymore, Drach, you are now a legit historian. This is as primary source as it fucking gets.

[@archibaldlarid3587]

I'm pretty sure he was a Legit Historian first and a youtuber second dude. You don't start a channel dedicated to naval history if isn't not already something you are neck deep in.

[@LordOceanus]

@@archibaldlarid3587 Actually he is an engineer

[@hisdadjames4876]

Very moving and authentic account. Thanks for unearthing and sharing it with us, Drach.

[@bartsutra]

@@LordOceanus, well technically those things aren’t mutually exclusive.

[@mastathrash5609]

Keeping their voices alive an relevant, that in itself is tremendous enough.

[@johntowner1893]

I am Australian and I cried my eyes out listening to this man recollect the days of sacrifice which so many men gave their lives to. We will never know what they lived through. Lest we forget.

[@Ealsante]

I'm sure many of them gave their lives precisely in the hope that we don't have to suffer what they did. We must remember and try to keep it that way.

[@joeminella5315]

I think, here in the States, we've long forgotten, unfortunately.

[@peterforden5917]

reminds me of the line from a poem"visions of Glory spare my aching sight", You dont need to be a Strine to weep for the glory and Honour of such men. "They shall live for evermore"

[@thomlinford]

I feel ya mate - me too

[@steveaustin62]

Ditto mate.

[@finlayjohnman519]

Still an excellent storyteller in his old age. What a man. RIP

[@Wambampy]

Wait is he really that old?

[@77thTrombone]

@@Wambampy I understood that he recorded thi at age 98. It was a poignant story.

[@USSAnimeNCC-]

rip o7

[@tobiasGR3Y]

Man literally took a final breath so he could keep firing the twenty-millimeter and protecting his crewmates rather than using it to free himself from the sinking vessel he tied himself to. There are literally no other words that are needed to describe him.

[@michaelworsley3341]

I have a few words to describe Teddy , A BLOODY HERO

[@genericpersonx333]

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13, King James Bible

[@CSSVirginia]

@@genericpersonx333 yep.

[@sawyerawr5783]

"To the last breath I stab at thee." It may be a fictional line, but it seems appropriate here.

[@nmccw3245]

@@sawyerawr5783 - ― Herman Melville, Moby-Dick

[@Big_E_Soul_Fragment]

RIP Teddy Sheean, went down as a badass Also an actual account from Dr. Ray Leonard(Also may he Rest in Peace) wow, that's awesome

[@DaveSCameron]

Was he Sugars great-grandfather?

[@ferallion3546]

Agreed. As a former gunnersmate in the USN I’d say if you have to go out, that’s the way to do it.

[@RCAvhstape]

Sheean died a warrior's death.

[@alun7006]

@@RCAvhstape A horrific one.

[@haroldbenton979]

Like so many of the men who died at Pearl Harbor. Some who stayed behind to keep guns going by providing the air to clear the barrels after each shot. Those that led men out of flooding compartments.

[@NoName-sb9tp]

I find it’s disgusting on how giving a war hero his well-deserved medal is frowned upon from the upper echelons. And thank you Drach, for making it’s possible to hear the story from a veteran.

[@Niinsa62]

Agree. But it also kind of puts in perspective how the Victoria Cross came about. Before it, there were no medals for ordinary soldiers, only for officers. After the Crimean War, in the 1850's, a member of parliament proposed that there should be some simple and cheap medal that ordinary soldiers could get. He was totally ridiculed by his peers for this stupid idea. But then the queen stepped in and thought it was a brilliant idea. And it would be the highest honor in the empire, it would carry her name, and she would meet the recipient and award him his medal in person, in gratitude for his service. There's an excellent documentary on how this came about, with Jeremy Clarkson. A must see.

[@cp1cupcake]

@@Niinsa62 There is also a bit of an issue of oversaturation. Imagine getting the US Medal of Honor for keeping your ship together during a storm you hit in peacetime. Now imagine multiple people getting it for the same event (fyi, this is a thing which actually happened). If you could get the Medal of Honor today for that, then it would be a lot cheaper and important than what it is today.

[@bcfairlie1]

I am a Kiwi and I totally salute and thank this brave man for his service to Australia. What a,legend. R.I.P, HMAS Armidale and all who fought aboard her.

[@enzannometsuke8812]

Oh Drach, I am reduced to tears. This is the most heartfelt of all your productions, of which I have watched them all. What a truly memorable interview. RIP Ray

[@TheBlackaddicus]

Thank you Drach for helping to spread the story of HMAS Armidale, and that of Teddy Sheean. Coming from Tasmania myself, I followed the campaign that eventually lead to Teddy being posthumously awarded the VC closely.

[@the13inquisitor59]

Signed that one myself. Travesty it took so long to give him that medal.

[@pararigger64]

Never Should have taken that long. To climb back aboard a sinking vessel, strap yourself into an anti-aircraft gun and keep firing away even while underwater… I wish I was 1/10 of the man he was.

[@lllordllloyd]

I'm also Tasmanian. I received a 'robocall' political polling call, asking me about a range of political issues, then, 'would you approve the award of a Victoria Cross to Teddy Sheehan?'. This is an appalling way to recognise bravery. My own father was in Bomber Command, they had a similar battle for a campaign star, which was resolved in a 'successful' but politically expedient manner.

[@MrGrenadeMcBoom]

My ship's crew, USS GUARDIAN, marched in the ANZAC day parade in Darwin way back in 2011. It is one of my most cherished memories, praying, marching, singing and drinking with the diggers and sailors, even a few flyboys, down in Darwin. God Bless Australia and all of her people. Never forget.

[@brockbayley5279]

the Australian movie industry needs to stop faffing about and make a movie about this thrilling story. thanks for sharing the interview Drach

[@KoalaG888]

I agree, it would make a great movie. But I'd hate to see what hollywood would do to it - probably cast Teddy Sheehan as a transgender "person of color" fighting the white supremacy patriarchy with his carbon neutral lgbt float - nah sometimes it's better to leave the true heroes in peace

[@GrahamWKidd]

The people who made Danger Close: The battle of Long Tan should do it. Stunning realism.

[@snewsom2997]

They are too busy adapting comic books, videogames, and releasing sequels and remakes. Maybe Mel Gibson, he likes to do these historical type movies.

[@the13inquisitor59]

We barely had one before the pandemic. Now, it's basically dead thanks to lack of support.

[@Kim_Jong-un1356]

@@KoalaG888 Christ...don't give them ideas!!!

[@wester42]

Another quick fact is that the HMAS Sheean is the only Collins class that is not named after an officer.

[@michaelworsley3341]

In fact HMAS Sheean is the only ship in the Royal Australian Navy ever to be named after a seaman and not a officer , No more love can a man show , than to lay down his life for his comrades , deepest respect Teddy and to all those who have and are serving in the ADF LEST WE FORGET

[@Colt45hatchback]

Hope they preserve it then so we can see it often in the future

[@wesleyintihar670]

@@michaelworsley3341 Actually no. HMAS Choules is named after Chief Petty Officer Claude Choules.

[@michaelworsley3341]

@@wesleyintihar670 sorry what i should have said was HMAS Sheean is the only ship of the RAN ever to be named after a ORDINARY SEAMAN

[@wesleyintihar670]

@@michaelworsley3341 No problem. After I sent my reply I thought that was what you meant. Cheers

[@mikeholton9876]

here in the United States we refer to our veterans and heroes of the home front of this era as "the Greatest Generation". this gent and his crewmates are certainly just as deserving of the moniker. Rest Easy Seaman Leonard. End of Watch.

[@MrFinalresistance]

Wow that interview sent chills down my spine. Thank you for this Drach and also may you rest in peace Dr. Victor 'Ray' Leonard.

[@jamesbrown4092]

I've never been so completely riveted to my screen as I was during Dr. Leonard's interview. The best historical books and movies pale in comparison to being able listen to somebody who was actually there. R.I.P.

[@barleysixseventwo6665]

Giving the name of a man whose dying act was to keep fighting off the enemy even AFTER he was dragged beneath the surface of the ocean to a SUBMERSIBLE is darkly fitting.

[@madsaadsa9496]

Hi Barley, us Aussies often do this. The then Prime Minister, Harold Holt drowned whilst spearfishing, yet had a public swimming pool in Melbourne named in his memory not long after.

[@greg_mca]

@@madsaadsa9496 I don't understand why people cite that particular example, when his name being given to a coastal naval and submarine communications centre is so much funnier

[@madsaadsa9496]

@@greg_mca I wasn't aware of those examples regarding Harold Holt but i do agree it's even funnier. Especially considering the conspiracy theories about his disappearance. 😂

[@TheAsh274]

"I may be under the water, but I will still kill you"

[@Sandman253]

Thee Americians even named a ship after PM Holt:- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Harold_E._Holt

[@American_Jeeper]

Drach, I think this is by far your best video yet, mate. Ray, Teddy and the entire crew of the Armidale exemplify why the men and women of WWII are called the Greatest Generation. Frank Walker’s book would make one hell of a movie.

[@joshuaharrington6094]

Bless their hearts. From a Yank in Texas to the Boys Down Under Thank You.

[@stevenjennings197]

God bless that sailor, his shipmates, and all World War 2 veterans.

[@GM-fh5jp]

Jesus, that was tough to listen to. There in the flesh, the epitome of "The Greatest Generation" What men they were. R.I.P Mr. Leonard and all those who bravely went down with the HMAS Armidale and in the aftermath of its sinking. Thank you for posting this Drach...it should be preserved for posterity. I think, upon reflection and being a long-term subscriber to your channel that this episode stands as your finest.

[@dm4544]

What an incredible opportunity to have gotten to listen to this man share his story. Thank you for providing the means.

[@happydays563]

What the hell! I'm sitting in Armidale NSW, Australia right now! (The small town this ship is named after) What a shock to see this. It's a beautiful small town with a pop of 24,504. I went to school here an am back for my studies during Covid. Big fan of your work Drachinifel :) - Thank you for your service, Ray. Lest we forget.

[@jeebus6263]

So do they change the pop to 24503 when you go off to school?

[@happydays563]

@@jeebus6263 yep!

[@wanderer651952]

Hi happy! From a New Armidalian, to a Old Armidalian. I bought a house here six years ago, for a quiet end-of-life, take-me-out-in-a-box retirement. With Covid it's even quieter!

[@wanderer651952]

@@jeebus6263 Hi Jeebus! Actually, Armidale is a university town, centered around the University of New England, well-known for its distance education efforts. In non-Covid years its population fluctuates by several thousand each year, as internal students go home for the holidays and external students arrive for residential schools at various times throughout the year. It makes for a culturally diverse mix, unlike your usual small rural city, here in country Australia. Just sayin'. ;

[@jeebus6263]

@@wanderer651952 where's the university of Old England?

[@ferallion3546]

As a former gunnersmate in the USN, I have to say if you have to go out, that’s the way to go out. Defending your shipmates, going down with the ship in a blaze of glory, shooting from under the waves, and effectively utilizing the buddy system by taking the enemy with you and ensuring that they also get to die for their country. Bravo Zulu to that VC combat sailor.

[@sawyerawr5783]

stand to your guns to the last.

[@dancingwiththedarkness3352]

When facing death, ordinary people can do the most extraordinary things.

[@wanderer651952]

The image of tracers rising from beneath the waves is pretty compelling, isn't it?

[@johnlansing2902]

At a time in life when people scream about not having swirls in their cappuccinos this man was putting his life on the line for a country full of people he had never met ……. Thank you sir ! God bless.

[@CSSVirginia]

I have been honored to meet several of these old timers. Grandfather was one. Hard times made them what they were.

[@Masu_Stargazer]

@@CSSVirginia I was only a boy in primary school when he passed away, but the next door neighbour to my grandparents was called Mr McGlome and he was one of the original ANZACs that landed at Gallipoli. He was ultimately injured and lost his left arm in the battle at Lone Pine. Cones from this lone tree were used to grow trees at memorials around Australia. Unfortunately the tree at the ANZAC memorial in Adelaide died some time ago, but they did manage to grow a new one from one of its cones so the linage continues to this day and hopefully will for many more centuries to come. I also have a WW1 compass that has been in the family for as long as I can remember. I don't know how it came into our possession, but it is complete with its leather case and is marked as being manufactured in 1916. It also has the name A. J. Jones written on the leather case, but to date I haven't been able to ascertain any details of who this person was. However, I was told that only officers were issued with compasses. Unfortunately the name Jones is the second most common surname in England and Australia so it makes ascertaining its history somewhat of chance affair.

[@geoben1810]

As a proud U.S. NAVY veteran I salute those brave sailors and the HMS Armadale. At ease, Well done gentlmen, you have fullfilled your duties. RIP✌🇺🇸

[@wanderer651952]

Thank you for your kind sentiment. As a minor aside, it's "Arm_i_dale" ... a small university town in the Northern Tablelands of the State of New South Wales. (Where I live.) "Arm_a_dale" is a suburb of Perth, the capital of the State of Western Australia.

[@PeteCourtier]

Lest we forget. Outstanding individual.

[@touchofgrayphotos]

As a loyal son of Tasmania, and from a Navy family, we were all in the fight for Teddy to get his medal, and being a young Naval cadet at the age of 13, we all knew the Legend of Teddy Sheean, and the Armidale. I was lucky when I was a cadet to march through Teddy's Home town once, when I was visiting the local Cadet Unit at Ulverstone, TS Leven, and back then we still wore the bills with the 8 creases, and we put on one hell of a show to show our pride of Teddy! To see him finally get the VC, was recognition long overdue, and the crew of Armidale, also have recognition long overdue, as sadly the vast majority of of Australia outside of historians, armature history buffs and Naval families are very much unaware of the story of the Armidale, and her crew's story of survival against all odds.

[@nathanaelellender6495]

Seaman Leonard, you have my salute. Drach, you have my thanks. This was exquisite, and poignant.

[@MadMax-bq6pg]

Drach buddy, ya killin me! Accomodation offer is still open for AWM and we’ll have a chance to teach ya some Strine. The missus & I fell the sofa over “Barth-herst” Sheehan’s bravery was in the social studies syllabus in public schools in the 1960s. Heartfelt thanks for your work👍🇦🇺 Lest we forget

[@philippeterson7503]

I'm glad to have heard of this hero.

[@nicksykes4575]

@Mad Max, the story of Teddy Sheean is not unknown in Britain, I,ve read articles about him on several occasions over the years. unfortunately they left out the ordeal the survivors endured. RIP to Ray Leonard and the rest of his shipmates.

[@StaffordMagnus]

Nar he got it pretty close on the second go, 'Bath' pronounced the same as 'Math'.

[@sixstringedthing]

It might have been dropped from the syllabus when I was at school in the 90's (not that I was particularly focussed on social studies) because it's the first time I've heard of it. I just grit my teeth and dealt with "barth-hurst"! RIP Seamen Sheean & Leonard, and their comrades. Lest we forget.

[@Axel0204]

Thank you Drach, for helping to preserve and spread the knowledge of the heroism of men like Teddy Sheean and Dr. Leonard and other brave men like them.

[@williamswenson5315]

If this interview had been a plot element in a work of fiction, it would have been deemed unbelievable. What a pleasure and a blessing that life is, when it proves to be stranger than fiction.

[@jeebus6263]

We need more rambo movies, only the ccp will be annoyed.

[@williamswenson5315]

@@jeebus6263 Don't count on that. Over-the-top jingoistic movies do little for me or anyone with a sense of what's balanced and what's not. I despise the CCP as anyone should who wishes to remain free of authoritarian rule, but Rambo and Red Dawn are caricatures of reality and have no place in a real-world political discussion. Don't buy from China if you can help it and get politically involved with people and organizations that counter the CCP's narrative and their plans for the world.

[@padurarulcriticsicinic4846]

Saw Hacksaw Ridge last week. The final scene wasn't accurate because Mel Gibson believed the audience would have not believed it, even if it actually happened.

[@rogerhwerner6997]

For goodness sake, Sheehan climbed back to his sinking ship and then fired his AA gun after his gun mount sank beneath the water? He should hwve been awarded the VC in 1942. I can't imagine any justification for a 75 year delay. What incredible bravery!

[@afpwebworks]

If my r3collection of the story is right, Teddy SHeehan did what a lot of young men did and lied to the recruiter about his age. I think he was about 18 years old when the events described here happened. I think about myself when I was 18 in 1968 - last year of high school - and whether I’d have been able to give my life for my mates like Teddy Sheehan did. It is very shameful that it’s taken so long to acknowledge the fact bravery and self-sacrifice of Teddy Sheehan VC But I am glad he has finally been recognised as the extraordinary hero he was

[@smokejaguarsix7757]

Whenever you hear someone complain about their life or you start to think your problems are insurmountable, remember, men like this survived far worse situations than you could ever imagine. Keep up the fire!

[@DaveSCameron]

How does he pay his gear debt and get off the tackle?

[@johnfowler4264]

This Gentleman’s unassuming description of such true resilience during the most dire events imaginable is what legends are made from. The obvious difficulty breathing, his passing, and having become a Doctor (presumably after the war), collectively underscore a full life, well-lived. Bravo Sir, Bravo!

[@EzioAuditore]

That interview was amazing, glad he was able to record the whole story before he passed, RIP

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Thank you Drach. My dad was an army vet from WW 2. He passed away 5 years ago age 92. There's not many of them left. Record as much of their stories as you can. Soon they'll all be gone.

[@gilanbarona9814]

Thank you for this priceless history Drach. I volunteer my time here in Oz as a bagpiper for the local RSL during ANZAC Day and other events. I was not able to salute these brave men in the last two ANZAC Days because of COVID. In the next one I will honour this particular sailor and the crew of the Armidale. I will also honour you with my pipes, Drach. What you are doing for history and these brave veterans deserves a medal in its own right. Thank you.

[@rossnelson8433]

I walk my dog some mornings in Mort Bay dockyard which is where the Armidale was built in the suburb of Balmain in Sydney. The main dock is now filled in but the outline and cassion is still there, and a plaque listing all the ships of the class built there and those lost. If you are in Sydney and want to visit its a lovely trip, catch a harbour ferry from Circular Quay (F3 line or sometime F8) to the Balmain stop (not Balmain East). The old yards are immediately to your right when you get off, walk 200m till you get to the old stone outline of the graving dock.

[@Pamudder]

What an extraordinary story of heroism, and of persistence in seeing that Seaman Sheean was finally awarded the VC. I was privileged to know one of the survivors of PQ 17, Charles "Blackie" Blockston, who after his ship was sunk spent three weeks in a lifeboat before reaching German-occupied Norway and spending the rest of the war as a POW. Veering into technical matters, I wasn't aware that Australia built its own class of corvettes. How did these compare to the much better-known Flower-class corvettes built in Britain and Canada and manned by the RN and the Royal Canadian Navy?

[@maddyg3208]

I think they were based on the Flower class, so very similar

[@Pamudder]

@@maddyg3208 If so, the Aussies did something very smart. The early Flower-class corvettes were built with a very short forecastle, which provided very cramped crew quarters and required many trips on the extremely hazardous open side decks. This was recognized as a serious design fault and the early Flower-class ships were modified to provide a much longer enclosed forecastle and the later ones were built with the extended forecastle. The Australian corvettes shown in the video had the long forecastle from the beginning.

[@MrTristanryan]

The RAN is under appreciated in general for its service in ww2 at home and abroad.

[@hughgrection4205]

Not to those of us who know of its magnificent history

[@theconvictedquokka]

Agreed but fuuuck did they punch 3 times above there level hell hmas Stuart sinking a heavy cruiser and damaging a battleship by shooting Italian aa guns between the both so they shot each other

[@kiwihame]

Wow. RIP Ray and all your brave comrades. I've visited HMAS Castlemaine.

[@rodneymccoy8108]

Wow, words can’t truly express how I feel after listening to this. Reminds me of my own father who served in the US Army Air Corps in WW2, who has been gone a long time. God bless all those who served.

[@timgosling6189]

What a fantastic story. Even today with GPS it's pretty hard to find a raft or a whaler in a big ocean. Back then with a sextant and compass there must have been a lot of luck going with Ray and his shipmates. What a bunch they must have been!

[@williammorgan5320]

There is a reason for the title, "The Greatest Generation". I firmly believe they earned it. Thankyou, with all respect.

[@rossnelson8433]

I always remember mum and dad as unflappable and completely accepting of their lot in life. I sort of imagine them sitting on the front verandah in QLD with dad looking up then slowly turning to mum and saying, I think those planes maybe Japanese dear....

[@JohnSmith-jj2yd]

Thankyou for covering this little known or covered aspect of the war. My grandfather and his brother (ages 9 & 11, all on their own) were amongst the civilians evacuated from Timor by the RAN in these ops in 1942. With a few beers under his belt he would tell us stories of how he found a pack of Lucky Strikes on the deck that he used as a pillow, of the ships guns downing a Japanese aircraft, and of an elderly woman being crushed against the side of the ship as they climbed the cargo netting. (His favourite though was in a train from South Africa to Mozambique with he and his brother gleefully streaming toilet paper out the back only to get a walloping from a British Warrant Officer! 😂)

[@kalindren]

Thank you Drach. My grandfather survived the sinking of the SS VIking Star in 1942 but there are no audio/video accounts of the ordeal the survivors faced. Hearing Dr Leonard's account was a moving example of how important such testimony is. May he and his shipmates all rest in peace.

[@jlca320]

Bless all who served in that war in defense of our freedom. Remembering FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE.

[@ablethreefourbravo]

I'm glad Teddy Sheean finally got his Victoria Cross. Just 80 years overdue. And it's so many levels of awesome that you were able to get this video of the last survivor.

[@andreww9252]

No words are sufficient ... old men were young once ... heroes are of all ...

[@thatsme9875]

Drach, as someone who was born in Bathurst NSW, Australia, I can confirm that the "a" in Bathurst is pronounced as in bat, not as in barber. I lived in Armidale NSW in my youth, so have two somewhat indirect links to this amazing tale. please keep up the good work, your are a historian par excellence !

[@stephenandersen4625]

My dad served on frigates doing convoy duty in WW2. He died last November, this reminded me of him. Thanks for paying attention to the small ships.

[@RobertLewis-el9ub]

Wonderful tribute to the fallen and stoic survivors of this tragic event. Ray was extremely articulate in the retelling of his ordeal and gave a telling account of courage and mateship that captures the ANZAC spirit beautifully. Lest we forget.

[@readhistory2023]

Teddy Sheean needs a class of ships names after him. The courage and selflessness he showed is the very best of humanity and Australia should be very proud to call Teddy one of their own.

[@the13inquisitor59]

The tragic thing is, very few people in this country care for such history, unless it's local.

[@sawyerawr5783]

I say the new frigates/DDGs would be an appropriate memorial.

[@77thTrombone]

@@the13inquisitor59 speaking from an alternative hemisphere, I'd suggest keeping the ANZAC day thing going, even if it means adapting the activities. So many people are more connected with activities on some distant web server than they are in their own neighborhood. Keep them engaged in the neighborhood. Keep them aware. Best!

[@the13inquisitor59]

@@77thTrombone Oh, there's no worry of that becoming an issue where I live. There's a service and a march through the middle of town out where I live.

[@solthegamer3769]

There is already a submarine named after him.

[@johngreen-sk4yk]

KZbin has become the real history channel thanks to the likes of Drach , Mark felton, Ed Nash Ian macullum & many others , An excellent & very moving presentation, it will be a sad day when the last ww2 veteran dies.

[@craigduncan4826]

Absolutely incredible. What an inspirational man. Rest in peace

[@rodneywilliams3532]

I hung on his every word and felt his pain, as he recounted the loss of his shipmates. So glad you had this interview recorded. Respect from the United States .

[@smokincrater]

HI Drachinifel, perhaps you viewers would like to know the story of the stand of HMAS Yarra? Overwhelmed by a superior Japanese force, Yarra nonetheless pressed her attack against the Japanese to protect her convoy charges.

[@Halinspark]

Between that, the ships of Taffy-3, and no doubt other ships I've not yet heard of, Japan must have felt pretty stupid after the war for saying we didn't have any warrior's spirit.

[@simperous4308]

Castlemaine still exists as a museum ship. It’s pronounced more like casselmaine. When you visit and see the wwii armament (actually, the lack of it) you realise the balls the sailors must have had to serve in that class. HMS Victory (subject to the wind), had a heavier displacement, more firepower, and could sail faster…

[@KoalaG888]

Only Victorians call it "Casselmaine" - I'm guessing you’re a Vic? Fair enough Castlemaine is in Victoria. Well, as long as you don't call Newcastle, Newcassel youre forgiven :P 2:10 arghh! - but did you hear how Drach pronounced Bathurst? - he's definitely not forgiven

[@simperous4308]

@@KoalaG888 not from vic, thank god. Spent a lot of time in Bathurst. The locals would not be amused… : )

[@timgosling6189]

@@KoalaG888 Newcastle is pronounced 'Nyuhcassel.

[@adambrooker5649]

@@timgosling6189 I think youll find in Australia its pronounced Newie!

[@craighagenbruch3800]

Went to vic earlier this year and wanted to see castlemaine but missed out.

[@shawnmoore9980]

It is always amazing to me the length that people will go to protect others in extreme stitutions.

[@23draft7]

Me to. But it's a fact, they will.

[@fordman38]

To here of this bravery and grit of these Aussie servicemen, makes me so very proud to be an Aussie. Thank you for your service fella's and RIP.

[@chrisb7198]

Oh my god. What men. The distinction "The Greatest Generation" is well deserved. Fully bought and paid for.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

I cheered when he said the PBY dropped the men on the raft the supplies. I lost it when they couldn't find it again. RIP to all those men.

[@sreif78]

Drach, To you and the Viewer, Mr. Leonard's kin, is extended my deepest gratitude for preserving and making available this first hand account of this incident and these moments in history.

[@gooraway1]

Congratulations on a very fitting tribute to those fine ships and men if the RAN

[@av33jenx]

A touching video. My grandfather R.J. Davies was one of the lucky survivors that made it back home from the sinking of the HMAS Armadale. This video mimics and bolsters the same events that I was told occurred during and post sinking. RIP these heroes.

[@the13inquisitor59]

"I saw Teddy Sheean, he was wounded and bleeding, strapped to his Oerliken gun. And he kept on firing as he was dragged under, so noble for someone so young. Forever Eighteen. We'll never forget Teddy Sheean." EDIT: Yes, our government are that big a pack of flogs to resist that award.

[@sawyerawr5783]

I have to ask: why did they resist it?

[@the13inquisitor59]

@@sawyerawr5783 Mostly because they're indifferent assholes. It was actually the independants and Labor that eventually backed it. The Liberals just backed the recalcitrants in the military.

[@michaelmcintyre3306]

As I understand it, the RAN, with Scotty from marketing supporting them, wouldn’t recommend Teddy Sheean for the VC because his act of bravery hadn’t been witnessed by an officer, only naval ratings. The breakthrough apparently came when the supporters for the award of the VC found the account in Japanese records of the action. This confirmed that the firing had continued until the Armidale went under the waves, and that a bomber had been shot down and other Japanese planes damaged. The account I read, which if I remember correctly was by Teddy’s nephew, was that the Japanese account HAD been reported by a [Japanese] officer. I’m not sure if this was the killer app, but there is precedent for the British military accepting an enemy officer’s account of ‘British’ bravery (eg the HMS Campbelltown mission).

[@cameronnewton7053]

I have that album on a CD every ANZAC day i try to listen to it, It's such a good album, and a fitting tribute to the bravery of ANZAC troops no matter where OR when they served.

[@TheCaptainbeefylog]

@@sawyerawr5783 traditionally all major decorations needed to be witnessed by a commissioned officer to be considered for acceptance. Especially ones like the VC. There are many, many instances from WW1 and WW2 where the actions of various men went completely unrecognised by officials due to the lack of a surviving commissioned witness. Often an act that would have attracted the awarding of a VC, MG, or even DSC was simply 'Mentioned In Despatches' then given a bump in rank (to Corporal/Sergeant etc) for the fact that no officer was present when it happened.

[@gregwilliamson3001]

Thank you very much Drach, for showing such respect by allowing Abel Seaman Leonard to tell his story. Quite often, the stories of the smaller battles in war are glossed over, in favour of the larger battles and larger ships. It is sobering to hear, that life or death can sometimes hinge on whether you are chosen to board a refloated whaler or remain behind on a makeshift raft?

[@notbobrosss3670]

Rip Dr. Ray Lenard. Thank you for one final service to use all, in doing this interview.

[@lilkush7147]

I’m glad to see more about the Australians

[@JosephKano]

Those lovely little brave ships and their crews.

[@AmbianEagleheart]

Senator Jacqui Lambie's speech for Sheean's nomination is priceless.

[@duwop544]

Totally appreciate your not using his interview as clickbait, at the same time think it should be more widely shared. Imagine Australia has some repository?

[@daveg2104]

The Australian War Memorial (awm.gov.au) and the National Film and Sound Archive (nfsa.gov.au).

[@kryts27]

Japanese ground forces directly invaded Australian mandated territory in both January 1942 (invasion of New Britain) and July 1942 (invasion of Papua New Guinea), leading to some very bitter land battles in the second case and a massacre (by bayonet and sword beheading) in the first place. These ground forces, mainly Japanese marines, were offloaded onto land by the IJN since all these territories were islands not connected to the mainland of Asia.

[@durhamdavesbg4948]

The IJA was involved in the New Guinea campaign, the IJN special landing forces weren't numerous enough for that. For that matter, the US island hopping campaign used both Army and Marine units.

[@ditzydoo4378]

Rest well brave souls, one and all who served aboard HMAS Armidale. Rest well Ray, your journey is done, you are home at port...

[@Massive_Lobster]

I’m shipping off to basic training today, I’m downloading the video to watch on my flight. Thanks for the good content Drach!

[@JarrisGames]

Best of luck!

[@juancarlonavarra8397]

Good luck, friend.

[@OlOleander]

Best of luck, shipmate! Remember: basic's only a couple weeks, and study hard in A school. Don't slack off at your first duty station; that's the time to prove yourself. I can't welcome you out into the fleet anymore, but fair winds and following sea.

[@korbell1089]

take care and be safe friend. Listen to your sergeants and do your job. And if the s*&t hits the fan, don't try and be a hero, come home safe and in one piece!

[@Pusserdoc]

To quote the TV ad when I joined the RAN in the 1980s: "you'll be wet, you'll be homesick and frightened, but the pride of the Fleet will be you". Remember those who have gone before you and don't let 'em down (Be Professional and you'll be fine)... but also don't underestimate the power that comes from having the maximum fun doing so. Look after your mates and they'll look after you. Very best wishes.

[@leobezard5998]

If you want to recount the sabordage of Toulon, my great grand father was there as a French Navy man (he's still alive btw), keep up the great work man and rest in peace Ray Leonard

[@SuperchargedSupercharged]

Drachinifel, bless you for bringing this to us. Thank you so very much.

[@Zeppflyer]

Telling that story was an heroic effort from Dr. Leonard! God be with him.

[@sarjim4381]

Ray must have been one tough guy to make it to 98 with an obviously severe case of COPD and shortness of breath. I'm 75 and oxygen dependent due to COPD. While my shortness of breath isn't as bad as Ray's was, it is progressive, and I have little doubt I won't be around in another 23 years. As Ray said, sometimes it comes down to good old fashioned luck, and I'm happy he had a an overload of that. RIP, Brother, There are few who will step forward to take your place.

[@tonyswan6834]

I want to say a Sincere THANK YOU, for this sombre video, Teddy Sheean should have got the VC years ago, and how sobering to hear Ray narrate those harrowing details of the journey back, brought many tears.

[@David-il9xw]

A man among men, at the time, each one as concerned for his fellow as least as much as for himself. One wonders how the men of today, myself included, would measure up.

[@brucie-of-bangor528]

Thanks for this wonderful first hand account, Drach. What a fabulous story of courage and survival from Dr. Victor 'Ray' Leonard, himself a modest hero in the Australian - New Zealand tradition of no BS and getting on with the job. I was well aware of the campaign for Teddy Sheean to be awarded the VC he so richly deserved and the political opposition from certain people mainly in higher echelons of the RAN today, including then PM Turnbull. But thanks in part to Ray Leonard, politics were overcome and Sheean received the award he so richly deserved. Australia

[@carlosgutierrezjimenez200]

My gosh what a good video- that man is as sharp as a tack and remembers every detail of what happened accurately. It was incredible that I got to watch something so special

[@darthvendar6841]

I started crying the instant I heard him speak. Oh god we are losing the living connection to this legendary age so far gone.

[@CSmart-ln1qm]

Drach, this was an awesome presentation. I'm very thankful I got to hear Ray Leonard before he passed. The men who joined their respective Allied navies in the first part of WW II showed incredible courage. At the time they signed up, the Japanese Navy had beaten all comers. My hat is off to them.

[@thomlinford]

Less we forget. Western Australian here - really can't tell you what it means to hear local stories like this. I had heard of Teddy Sheehan, but this provides so much more context than I previously knew. Sincere thanks fis video.

[@richardcleveland8549]

An amazing story of bravery and self-sacrifice by ABS Sheehan, coupled with the heart-felt and emotional re-telling of the story by the last survivor . . . a one-two knock-out punch to the gut. Everything else has been said below; all I can add is, thank you, Drach.

[@scottgiles7546]

Of course it was a Catalina that spotted them and dropped the note. Seems every survivor at sea was spotted by a Catalina. Might be worth a guide since it is a (flying) boat.

[@patttrick]

I met a ww2 cat/sunderland navigator. I asked which 1 he liked best" Sunderland 4 engines"

[@abrahamdozer6273]

My Dad was a Catalina, then a Sunderland pilot North of there patrolling in the Indian Ocean out of Ceylon. They rescued the last two merchant seamen off a raft that had been there for 40 days.

[@VosperCDN]

Amazing story, so glad he was able to tell his story on video. Too common to hear the stories revolving around actions in combat, when there are just as dramatic and moving stories about what happens afterwards.

[@purplexs2506]

I thought I knew what there was to know about HMAS Armidale. This video was an enormous surprise. Great work Drach. You do credit to the teller of the tale, and his crewmates.

[@lachlanlandreth9069]

This is wonderful. Thank you for capturing such an amazing part of Australian History.

[@Foxxo_42]

Mr. Sheean, if ever there was an example of the calibre of man to earn a VC, you're it. God rest ye well, you absolute madlad, ya done Australia proud. -A humbled Canadian.

[@glynwelshkarelian3489]

This is the best thing you've done so far mate. Your commitment to primary sources and human dignity is always exemplary, but this must be one of the most important new sources for WWII Navel history KZbin will ever have.

[@GriffinParke]

Incredible story and a great interview. Can't believe the man only received a MiD. Glad the situation was remedied, if very late.

[@9hamish9]

As an Australian, I was not very happy about awarding Sheehan the VC. Not because he wasn’t worthy of it but you open up a can of worms for all the others that performed acts of valour worthy of the award. For every VC awarded there are twenty acts unrecognised. But thank you Drach for the wonderful oral history. I had never thought about the survivors before other than they survived. I hope you have provided the AWM and IWM with a copy. I thank you again Drach for sharing.

[@rntankie4922]

Lost for words...God bless them all