The Ambush of the HMAS Perth

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Attention all hands! I now have merch! My channel artist has made up some merch on her teepublic. All funds go to paying her for the wonderful work she does. So if you want to show your support for the channel and the great art she does, pick something up! www.teepublic.com/user/dragonrise_studio/albums/146205-maritime-horrors

[@Smart-Skippy]

tHANK YOU FOR THIS DOCO. i NLIVE IN pERTH wESTERN aUSTRALIA

[@tylermckillop408]

Some tough tough guys man what a life i am glad to be born in the 80’s after the those hard times. I like living in canada and i hope that there is no war for my son and his kids to fight.

[@gregorybathurst4326]

The Brave men abandoning ship "under order" after being torpedoed by the Japanese twice, made a probable rushed disorganized departure of the fast sinking ship , they didn't clamber off like rats . I can assure you that . Perhaps you can find better ways to describe an allied crew abandoning ship without the rat association .

[@marhawkman303]

hmmm have you considered doing one on her sister ship Sydney? On the one hand, I must salute Kapitan Detmers for his skilled seamanship. His skill as an officer is to be commended. The book he wrote about Kormoran is pretty great too. It's not very long and is rather dry. but, to see the war from that perspective... hearing about how happy his crew was to rendezvous with the Pinguin on the high seas? Then the sad ominous tones when Detmers talks about the sinking of Pinguin and how he was trying to avoid the ship who sunk Pinguin when he ran into Sydney... It's a perspective you can't get any other way. On the other hand though, I have to shudder as I try to imagine the horror his enemies felt when their ship got riddled with holes with carefully drilled military efficiency. They were in Australian waters and thought themselves outside the combat area of the war. Worse... who would expect to see a GERMAN ship on that side of the PLANET? Yet, that was their fate. War is hell, and the only certainty is that good men will die no matter who wins or loses. :/ To the crew of the HMAS Sydney, I salute you.

[@jacobnugent8159]

You should cover taffy 3 and the USS Johnston

[@tipofthespear7182]

My Uncle Chas was on the HMAS Perth and survived the sinking and the horrors of the Thai Burma railway prisoner of war camps . A lovely bloke who to me never showed his pain of the loss of his shipmates and comrades of the camps. When later told of his exploits I remember thinking of him as a great war hero not knowing anything really of the horrors he faced in the waters after the sinking or the prisoner of war camps. Like most of his era they never really spoke of any of it. Too painful. I salute them all . 🇦🇺🇺🇲

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Your uncle sounds like a very brave man.

[@tipofthespear7182]

@@MaritimeHorrors They all were . Very young men most of them just out of their teens. We owe them a lot. 🇦🇺🇺🇲🇬🇧🇾🇪

[@montys420-]

@cas curse even the hardest stories should and need to be told and remembered!

[@montys420-]

@@tipofthespear7182 that's a German flag not Dutch that you've used there.

[@tipofthespear7182]

@@montys420- German flag is Black Red and Orange. Dutch flag is Red White and Navy Blue as depicted. The old Dutch flag changed after 1600,s

[@dernwine]

I believe Mogami's Torpedo spread was the single most effective torpedo attack in WW2, launching 5 torpedoes and scoring hits with all 5 of them. Unfortunately for her, all hits where on friendly ships.

[@michaelpettersson4919]

After accomplishing that, what to write in the log?

[@Zildawolf]

@@michaelpettersson4919 “oops”

[@historyhunting_usa4665]

@@Zildawolf I died reading this

[@stoybenxi7395]

@@Zildawolf underneath was an IJN admiralty note, “あなたは私たちのボートを殺しました!”

[@Arterexius]

@@stoybenxi7395 According to Google translate, that sentence is literally "You killed our boat!"

[@chrisrabbitt]

The reason that HMAS Perth took command over USS Houston was that Hec Waller was more senior to Albert Rooks in time in service as they were both of equal rank. The story of the Perth and Houston is symbolic of the relationship between America and Australia in that we will fight to the end together for what is right if that's what is required, as we have time and again for over 100 years.

[@andredeketeleastutecomplex]

BS. The emus won!

[@charliekezza]

Nah it's cause us Aussie's are just better

[@josephayers7395]

@@charliekezza Don't be an ass

[@jaredthehawk3870]

Both ships went down like true warriors as did their captains, not giving it up until all ammunition was spent.

[@donlove3741]

@@charliekezza better what ?

[@simoncampbell-smith6745]

The HMAS Perth and USS Houston deserve to be remembered for this action. They could have tried to run, it would not have been seen as cowardly as they were obeying orders. However, they saw the enemy and attacked. They caused chaos and havoc and went down fighting. The Royal Australian Navy although small is and has always has been a professional and tough fighting force. The laurels of the US Navy are well known but that should not detract from Houston's actions that night. May the crews of both ships killed rest in peace. For those that survived the war, they could hold their heads high.

[@Venezolano410]

The HMAS Perth yes, the Houston no.

[@Agnus_Mason]

they ran in the first engagment and abandoned their fleet and commander? what are you talking about

[@bkjeong4302]

@@Agnus_Mason They were ordered to leave: they didn’t choose to run.

[@justv7536]

Absolutely, but I do believe they didn't realistically have a chance of running. Sure they could have turned but, those old steamers didn't have fantastic turning circles, and going full broadside to the enemy, that probably would have gotten them sunk much faster. Of course, none of us were there, we can only commend what they did, and wish them the best in the afterlife

[@justv7536]

@@Venezolano410 L opinion

[@HMASJervisBay]

In 1978 I served on HMAS Supply as an ABUC and was returning to Australia via the Sunda Strait when the crew was piped to muster on the RAS deck one Sunday morning early. We assembled, not knowing why, as Sundays were a bludge day unless on watch. We were called to attention, and our CO, Captain David Martin, came down and had a few words with us about why we had stopped. Captain Martin recounted the battle of Sunda Strait, the sailors' actions, and the heavy loss suffered. At the end of his talk, he said, "I am today here to pay respects to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and visit the grave of my father who lays beneath our ship." His father was the XO of Perth. He then read the Naval Prayer, and I recall there were plenty of tears and even greater respect for our CO. I can tell you having fronted his captain's table once or twice. He was the most fair-minded and superb officer who would come when you were lookout on the Bridge Wing and talk to you about anything. Having known Capt Martin, I was encouraged to have confidence in myself, and from this, I have had the most wonderful life and a 20yr Naval career. Not an old sailor I know did not feel the loss of Captain Martin when he passed away so tragically. My Grandfather was killed on the Burma Railway.

[@belindaf8821]

I teared up reading this. It's such a sad and beautiful story. My great grandfather's brother died on the Montevideo Maru, so I've been really interested in these sorts of stories for a while now.

[@desertfox7846]

As an Aussie, I truly appreciate you touching on the RAN. The Aussie defence force doesn't get a lot of notice, so it's good the Perth's crew gets some recognition overseas

[@jaredthehawk3870]

To this day USS Houston and HMAS Perth are the only foreign warships honored in memorials in both nations. Houston and Perth are also sister cities. The wrecks are the only two relatively intact ones of the ABDA fleet. The others are either heavily damaged or completely destroyed by illegal salvage operations.

[@JohnSmith-oh9ux]

Tf you on about? Perth wreck is 75% gone due to ninja salvaging...

[@jaredthehawk3870]

@@JohnSmith-oh9ux I said relatively intact. That's still more than can be said for ships like Java, DeRuyter, and Exeter as well as pretty much all of the destroyers. And it's more like 60% actually.

[@ProphTruth100]

Houston and Perth are sister cities?!

[@jaredthehawk3870]

@@ProphTruth100 since 84

[@ProphTruth100]

@@jaredthehawk3870 neat didn't know

[@filipinorutherford7818]

I have HMAS Perth in World of Warships. It cost money to buy but I wanted a RAN ship. The painting at 20:46 I have actually seen in person. I used to be a security guard at the Australian War Memorial and I would regularly patrol past it. It is a massive painting. When you look at it more and more detail comes out as you look at it. He is a really good painter 🎨

[@HighlanderNorth1]

Yeah, I play WOWS Blitz, and I got the Perth as one of the perks in a "premium blitz pass" for $9.99. Its identical to the tier 6 British Leander, except that the British tech tree cruisers ONLY have armor piercing shells, while Perth has high explosive AND armor piercing, which is great IMO, especially considering that 60% of your AP shells bounce off battleships, doing -0- damage, while HE rounds always do at least minimal damage, AND each has a 6% chance of starting a fire, which continuously causes roughly 600 additional passive damage every 2secs or so. You can start as many as 3 separate fires on a single ship too. The only other premium blitz pass I bought included the HMS London, which sucked. I missed out on the blitz pass with the German tier 6 "Prinz Eitel Frederich", which apparently turned out to be a really good premium battleship.

[@perpetualgrin5804]

I like that while working at the Australian War Memorial you were on ' patrol '.

[@ShiolaValntn]

I live in Houston. There's a memorial to the USS Houston downtown with the bell from the ship atop it. It is in the place where a large city rally was held to raise money to replace the ship. More money was raised than needed so the USS San Jacinto was built too with enough volunteers to man both ships.

[@charlottescat3794]

Thank you so much for this video. It means a lot to me :) My father served on the HMAS Perth (III) in the 1970s and 1980s. This story is just incredible. Imagine being sunk and then having to endure further punishment in a Japanese POW camp. Your kind words about the Australian Navy brought a little tear as well, as I have a real passion for our naval history, even though we are a small blip on the radar world wide. I have the book Cruiser as well.

[@tipofthespear7182]

Thanking your dad for his service to our country. My Uncle Chas survived the sinking of the HMAS PERTH and the Thai Burma Railway POW camps. Must have been horrific. 🇦🇺

[@MandyDewhurst]

My grandfather, stoker Christopher R Anderson, also survived the attack and unfortunately passed in a pow camp on the railway in Berma. Wish I knew more about him and his time on the perth. May he and all the other sailors rest in peace. I cherish the mementos I have.

[@adriaandeleeuw8339]

@@tipofthespear7182 My Childhood Neighbor was a Chief Petty officer on the Perth when it was sunk his name was William Clark, he survived although I do not know where he was held prisoner, I do know he had a severely injured leg and even in the 1970s he was still going to Repat Hospital for operations relating to his war time injuries!

[@tipofthespear7182]

@@adriaandeleeuw8339 God bless him. They suffered unthinkable horrors and kept it to themselves. A different generation of true heroes.

[@andrewstackpool4911]

Served on or in HMAS Perth; there is no 'the'.

[@robinae3841]

Close friend of my family perished on the USS Houston. God rest your soul, Bud.

[@aussiedrifter]

I served in the Royal Australian Navy for 6 years from 1975 to 1981 as a Weapons Mechanic & would like to thank you for this documentary & your kind words concerning the lack of recognition the Australian armed services receive in the majority of armed conflicts we have participated in over time. Just a small side note is that my branch in the RAN as a Weapons Mechanic was being phased out of the Navy towards the end of 1980 & I believe that I was the last serving Weapons Mechanic to pay off in 1981, the Navy changed all serving Weapons Mechanics to the branch of QMG or Quarter Master Gunner, not an important point but a proud one.

[@arthurmosel808]

Japanese 25" torpedoes had roughly the range of the 8" guns. During many early battles, especially Savo Sound. The long Lance was the most effective torpedoes at this time and remained potent torpedoes during the war.

[@stevelindstedt8858]

James Hornfischer's "Ship Of Ghosts" . . . is wonderful book about the USS Houston, and the details of that battle that sank the HMAS Perth and the USS Houston, and the fate of the survivors. (The Battle of Sunda Strait.)

[@jaysonlima9271]

I was going to make the same recommendation a great read, and an incredible story

[@jonathanstrong4812]

I have it!

[@michaelotway3738]

Well done! Nice to hear the story rather than just the technical details of the ships. The Perth and Houston caused significant damage to the Japanese invasion fleet at a stage of the war where the allies were mostly being easily dismissed.

[@generalwilhelm6508]

It’s kinda funny at the start of the war the allies dismissed the axis forces the same way but where then proved how wrong they had been, in the same breath the axis then did the same and the allies paid it back 10 fold

[@namor3607]

I'm so glad I found this channel, it's just excellent in every way.

[@CharlesSchembri-w9q]

Omg that talk on the envirmental impact of trees and your part is why i love your show. I live in rural area Australia. Im retired a nurse that im my life worked many jobs like what we viewed on your vlog. Its obvious to me that in my life iv always had a disire to achieve your greatness. My parents were uneducated and lived in the hard times. What one thing did for us as a child purchaced a very small bush proporty. And he taught us things like you see on you vlog. I live with a 20 year disability from road trauma not my fault. My home is testement to my passion like yours. I dont like to compromise on workmanship. My big trees at home are trummed with your works in mind anyway. So thank you for your clips and you have pulled one of my heart strings. From a retired disabled person that works tireless for our community with what i can. Thank you, i wish i could donate to your cause but i clearly cant. Your the best.

[@sammycampbell1654]

The thought of 2 ships sailing along alone in the vast openness of the ocean, only to fund themselves surrounded is chilling

[@tipofthespear7182]

I had just watched a Drachnifel video on the CV12 Aircraft carriers and decided to see if there were any on HMAS PERTH. To my good fortune I found you. It meant a lot to me as My Uncle Chas on my Mums side survived the sinking and the POW camps to return home. It was good to have the whole story after all these years. Great work !

[@alt7488]

i keep asking that buffon to do a video on the perth, he has done one on the lendener class but

[@apoplecticwrenchmonkey]

@@alt7488 Buffoon? The guy is one of the most comprehensive and thorough channels when it comes to covering naval history and information. Is he a buffoon to you because he hasn't done a video on a ship you want? Seems a little shallow-minded.

[@markbrayshaw9683]

I’ve been fascinated by HMAS Perth and her story since I was 12 years old and I am now 63. The fascination began when I read “The Bells of the Sunda Strait” by the man who first found and dived on her wreck in 1969. Her captain, Hec Waller was a remarkable man and his loss was lamented by Admiral A. B. Cunningham.

[@tankengine8889]

Last HMAS Perth survivor died yesterday; The survivor, Frank McGovern died aged 103

[@hardanheavy]

My great-uncle was on one of the Dutch ships involved in the Battle of the Java Sea. He returned to being a merchant sailor after the war, with a chest full of medals. He never disclosed what they were for.

[@z_actual]

HMAS Waller and HMAS Farncomb are both existing Collins Class submarines, commemorating both HMAS Perth Captains

[@kevinwaller6572]

Waller block is also one of the training school dormitories at Cerberus.

[@TheAschwittek]

Wow I've never heard of the Perth. What an amazing life she had and her crew with her. She was indeed a workhorse! What an epic last stand. RIP to all of her crew and POWs...

[@NathanChisholm041]

Greetings from Perth Australia

[@jawa3680]

I got to know the last of the Perth's surviving crew through my father's work, when the final one passed he left me a book of poems. They were written by a crewman from the Houston and distributed among both crews. They cover the sinking of the two ships and the experiences of the crew during the war, as well as their experiences in the POW camps, and their life immediately after the war. They're some of the most impactful poems I own and I treasure them greatly. The sacrifice of these men deserves more recognition, and I always appreciate seeing their story told.

[@chrisbrent7487]

Unfortunately the HMAS Perth and many others in the area including the Houston and Dutch ships have been blown to bits and pulled up for the scrap. Iron and steel that was smelted prior to the nuclear age fetches very high prices. Especially from steel and iron under water that was protected from isotopes due to nuclear detonations. It is highly valued for manufacturing certain instruments. The same has happened to HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse.

[@jonathanstrong4812]

DAMN' GHOULS!

[@oceanhome2023]

Awesome painting at 0:27 stratelled by large caliber shells and displaying super realistic large shell holes on her starboard side , probably the last view of her intact ! An absolutely great rendition by this most talented artist !

[@gunther_hermann]

It is a good painting, but the painting is that of USS Houston. Same with the picture shown at 8:36, and several of the pictures at different times in the video. It seems to switch back and forth several times between the Northampton-class Houston, and the Leander-class Perth.

[@housetoocrowded7825]

Compliments from Australia. This is a fine narration of the events pertaining to HMAS Perth. Our military history is indeed understated globally except perhaps in France where we are held in high regard at the Menin Gate. Cheers

[@scottyfox6376]

Yes a small nation but with a fighting spirit that our enemies of the time will remember.

[@martinjenkins6467]

We might be a small armed forces But we will always be at your side If you need help in a war.

[@mikmik9034]

Lost two Uncles (mothers brothers) at Java sea. Onc (the U.S. Admirals Chauffer) a quartermaster transferred to a Destroyer as a striker for Chief Petty Officer, needing more sea experience.

[@nobolony690]

Thank you. Finally some recognition towards the ADF.

[@KaiShanIV]

Australia was not a 'possession' of the UK, and the UK's declaration of war on Germany did not cover Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, those countries independently declared war.

[@andrewstackpool4911]

They followed the UK as members of the Empire; be careful

[@dovetonsturdee7033]

@@andrewstackpool4911 But they were not 'possessions.' They were independent 'Dominions' who acknowledged the Monarch as Head of State, but had their own governments which could make their own decisions.

[@tmlm9782]

@@dovetonsturdee7033 At the time of the British declaration of war against Germany the Statute of Westminster from 1931 was not yet ratified by the Australian and New Zealand governments (which would treat them as practically independent states), so the declaration of war also applied to them. Australia only adpoted the statute in 1942 but backdated it to 1939 to clarify validity of legislation during the war.

[@Jetchisel]

@@tmlm9782 Australia and New Zealand declined to sign the Statute of Westminster (which was a Canadian initiative) as we believed that it's ratification would erode Britain's imperial obligation to protect us in time of war.

[@nedkelly9688]

@@Jetchisel Australia threw that belief out the window in 1942 and declared for independence and made sovereign foreign policy because Britain gave up on defending Australia and even stole their troops. Rats of Tobruk were stolen enroute to Australia by Churchill and re routed to Burma as UK thought India was strategically more important as more manpower and resources. Many arguments happened between Australia and British PM'S. Well known fact. PM Curtain even made press release that Britain had betrayed Australia and we were making alliance with USA...

[@davemcmahon8140]

As an Australian my late family members had served throughout Indonesia in various services. I'm so thankful of their sacrifice even during these hard times we all are sharing now!

[@AkatsukiNorway]

The past few weeks, this is more and more becoming the highlight of the week, love the channel! Keep up the amazing work!

[@MaritimeHorrors]

It warms my heart to hear that. Thank you, shipmate.

[@HarborLockRoad]

Its Supermarine Walrus, same company as built the Spitfire. One final note, most of these wrecks- and more- are now the unfortunate victims of illegal asian scrapping/ salvage activities that their governments dont care to stop. Human remains unceremoniously dumped back into the sea. Some wrecks are completely gone.

[@scottyfox6376]

Poverty & greed I sadly guess.

[@351xb1973]

ScottyFox the Chinese with their governments approval unfortunately. They’ve been decimating the ship war graves for years now.

[@gregsmall5939]

Steel made before the Trinity Bomb was detonated is worth it's weight in gold for medical equipment, since everything made afterwards is contaminated with low level radiation.

[@Sumo-san]

@@gregsmall5939 why would *all* steel be radioactive from one nuclear test?

[@TrickiVicBB71]

@@scottyfox6376 Histograph does a video on it on his KZbin channel. Major East Asian companies have been salvaging all these World War Two wrecks. Bones dumped into garbage landfills. All Java Sea wrecks gone, numerous Japanese ships along the Chine coast broken apart, Force Z (HMS Prince of Wales & Repulse) has been blow to bits with parts missing.

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

Thanks for covering the RAN, love all your content but it's great to see some RAN ships getting acknowledged!

[@lordmeep5803]

This story is so painful and so avoidable, such an uncoordinated force, I’m surprised this event isn’t talked about more. It’s not every day 14 multi million dollar ships get sunk

[@Beekman2684]

Stories like these...as a military man, make ya tear up, but thump your chest. I worked with the Australian's during the Iraq War. Excelent people.

[@donwarra]

My Great grandfather was a able seaman on the Perth, and was taken prisoner and was forced to build along with other Australian sailors the Thai Burma railway but survived the horrors of war and lived and is buried he was made it to his 20s, rest in peace Jack Manttan. May you rest in peace and i hope your great legacy can continue.

[@annohalloran6020]

This one brought tears to my eyes. These cheeky Aussie seamen were so very brave.

[@jonathanstrong4812]

GOD BLESS THEM A-L-L!

[@cliftonnorton3585]

There is a book about Perth's hip's cat, "Red Lead", which went into captivity with them and survived the war! Thank you for this video 🙂

[@stephencox4224]

Red Lead must have known what was coming as the Cat tried to abandon ship in port in Batavia some three times unsucessfully

[@JerryStolar-s5q]

Red lead jumped ship in tjilatjap.

[@cliftonnorton3585]

@@JerryStolar-s5q Smart cat! 🙂

[@nedkelly9688]

@@stephencox4224 Lol so did HMAS Sydney cat that jumped off before her final departure, known as the only survivor because of this....

[@Thumper-dx3yn]

Wow, how incredible. Those sailors gave every ounce of fight they had in them. They didn't give up even in the face of utter defeat. Give em' hell boys. Semper Fidelis.

[@jessbellis9510]

Striking against meaningless strict rules by authority because you want to just chill is the most Aussie thing ever.

[@masturcheef105]

I was pretty surprised to see this channel's still coming up. Great attention to detail, man. I can see 100k subs in a years time easy. Keep up the great work!

[@billfoster6479]

Hello 👋 from Perth. My great uncle Jim was a crew member on Perth. Luckily for him he was transferred off Perth before she went to Indonesia, on her last cruise.

[@LWolf12]

Would love to hear more about the Australian ships of WW2, I know Drachinifel talks about them in a broad sense, but a more Indepth look would be amazing.

[@leestaggers2583]

"...unleashing hot hate at any target foolish enough to present itself." That is one of the most badass sounding choice of words one could use to describe such an action. I'm stealing this phrase.

[@1AmSpeedy]

As an Australian I thank you for covering a topic not well known

[@kendo_otter]

Another well researched and informative video! Keep up the quality work!

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Very much appreciated, shipmate.

[@wildcolonialman]

Fine telling and thank you. To think the Exeter had already successfully chased and damaged the Graff Spree into Paraguay. Exeter was badly damaged. Achilles the NZ flagged cruiser was damaged also-they were all damaged. Tough days clearly lay ahead for the Exeter. The loss of Life just in this battle you describe is heart breaking....

[@Patrick-tw2fr]

Thank you for making this video. Keep up the good work. My great-great Uncle was Chief Petty Officer R. R. Hubbard of the HMAS Perth. He is assumed to have gone down with the ship.

[@0Zolrender0]

Never give an airman command of a fleet and never have the fleet of so many nationalities that communication is slow.

[@richardconibear2612]

My father served as the torpedo officer in HMS Encounter, one of the British destroyers in this action. "Encounter" was totally disabled by gunfire from the Japanese, and hence abandoned. The ship's doctor took enough morphine with him "to kill the lot of us" if need be, to prevent suffering a slow death at sea. BUT ... some 15 hours later a Japanese destroyer found them, hove to, and picked up all of "Encounter's" survivors. They were fed, clothed, and generally cared for by the Japanese crew before being dropped off somewhere on the Indonesian coast into the hands of the Japanese army. That is when life started to become very uncomfortable. This is all described in one of the crew's memoirs ... "My Luck Life" by Sir Sam Falle.

[@Shadow6LegoTimelapse]

Thankyou for this video! Im a local Perth resident, I also know the story of HMAS Perth. This video added to that. Again thankyou for these videos on the Australian Navy, Would be great to see more of them.. I would definetly like to see more on WW2 in general :)

[@eckomob6898]

Man your content is addictive. I'm like a kid doing something wrong my Army friends can never know 😅😅. There is a somewhat valid observation regarding the attention span of most social media or media websites. The short attention span is down to just about 15 seconds with most children. I digress. I have to force myself to watch longer content, so I don't wear a short attention span groove in my already smooth brain. If you could just release a series into one vod after your done with the subject. I'm not sure how much work that is. I understand that editing is a lot but pasting a series together idk honestly have no idea. Either way, love your channel. Very well done.

[@Arsenic71]

What a totally underrated channel. Absolutely fantastic videos and great background information. Extremely interesting and very entertaining, too. Thank you for preserving knowledge!

[@AverageRSN]

You know, i hope you see this. I have never in my life had a fascination with maritime history, minus the maritime club i partook in, in highschool. But i LOVE the narration and editing of this channel. Well done, sir.

[@wazza33racer]

Perth,Australia is the worlds most isolated city........no other city is as far from another city as Perth. Today, it is the Capitol city of the hermit kingdom of a feudal and distant nation state of Western Australia. Nobody dare cross its borders, its parent nation "Australia" is but a distant and foreign land,hidden behind a hard border patrolled by the commissars of the glorious leader know as Premier McGOWAN!! Thank you for bringing to life this piece of Australia's maritime history in these strange and uncertain time. I am an Aussie......but I dare not ask, if I can ever visit the forbidden city.........of Perth.

[@Arutima]

In Memory of the crews of U.S.S Houston (CA 30) and H.A.M.S Perth. "Still standing watch in Sunda Straits"

[@michaelwood368]

Speaking of Perth, I can't believe you haven't done the wreck of the Batavia yet! One of the most horrific mutinies/shipwrecks in history and involved the first Europeans ever to be executed in Australia. I have to imagine you've heard of it and it's perfect for this channel, get on it!

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

@Maritime Horrors 100%! I listened to the Casefile podcast. Truly horrific. As a kid I saw some stuff they had recovered at the Fremantle Museum (probably 20 years ago) but it didn't really register what happened at the time.

[@michaelwood368]

@@goodshipkaraboudjan G'day Russell, how are your adventures? And yeah I get you completely, it's one of those things you learn about in primary school history, but it's sanitised to fit the age group and you don't really "get" the significance of it at that age. Reading those stories as an adult is absolutely chilling. Kinda gives you a weird sense of pride that something so utterly fucked happened in your back yard.

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

@@michaelwood368 100% agree, I'm amazed it isn't given greater significance in our history just given how surreal and fucked up the whole thing was.

[@michaelwood368]

@@goodshipkaraboudjan Guess it's just too dutch to acknowledge!

[@aidanwitbeck4496]

This reminds me kinda of the battle off Samar especially with firing star shells

[@jstoned88]

Desperate times call for desperate measures

[@Dominion69420]

Sydney: Point blank battle with the Komorant which sunk both ships Perth: Valiant last stand in defiance of overwhelming odds Hobart: Helped in many crucial landings and almost miraculously survived the war

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

Hobart had her bow blown off at some point I think?

[@gregwilliamson3001]

Great documentary on HMAS Perth. Many thanks for your appreciation of the contribution made by one of the smaller navies in WW2 This disaster for Australia, came only a few months after the loss of Perth's sister ship, HMAS Sydney with all hands. This would also make an interesting video. I have found that the smaller actions, whether it be on land, sea or in the air, are often the most interesting. Looking forward to more of your videos 🇦🇺👍🏻

[@Mike-ub5pk]

Excellent video and narrative! Thank you

[@1JamesMayToGoPlease]

I've not yet reached the end, but I want to say: I just love these videos of yours with the soothing waves as background - it's like visual Xanax! Okay, shutting up now... :)

[@myke49]

I am reading Mike Carlton's book about the Scrap Iron Flotilla's time in the Med during the early part of WWII. He mentions the HMAS Perth but I have not reached the point where she was sent to work with the USS Houston. This video of yours fills in what happened to her and her crew after she left the Med. Thanks for a great video. Mike in Oz

[@GoredonTheDestroyer]

As a quick aside - the Ju-88 was not a dive bomber. Optimally, it was what would be considered today a multirole aircraft, though was more specifically used as a medium bomber, night fighter and heavy fighter. The largely unrelated Ju-87 _Stuka_ was the Luftwaffe's main dive bomber throughout World War II.

[@wag0NE]

This looks like a good formula for success, keep up the good work, I'm sure you will grow - stay original.

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Much obliged, shipmate. I'm very much enjoying making the content and don't really plan on breaking this formula. People seem to like it and I'm glad.

[@Andrew-df1dr]

Well done for such a great video. Could you please do a video on the corvette HMAS Armidale? It It was attacked and sunk on the 31st of May 1942 and it is unique in Australian history. This is because of the heroism of Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean, the only RAN member to receive the VC.

[@trentoskivich4211]

This channel is great, I only just discovered it today and its awoken a new interest in me. You should cover the story of the HMAS Sydney, it's fascinating and it occurred off the coast quite near to my home town of Geraldton and I am even slightly acquainted with the men who found the wreck relatively recently.

[@Jetchisel]

I agree. The horrific loss of HMAS SYDNEY was the worst disaster for the Royal Australian Navy in WW2 !

[@stevelindstedt8858]

It's SUPERMARINE Walrus float plane. (Same company that made the famous Spitfire fighter.)

[@MaritimeHorrors]

Yes, I've had people correct this. I was never an airdale, so my knowledge of all things flying is fairly slim. Appreciate the input.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Thanks for treating naval warfare with the horror and gravitas it deserves, instead of some bullshit bombastic enthusiasm or bravado.

[@Del-Canada]

You should do the Halifax Explosion(SS Imo and SS Mont Blanc. Largest conventional explosion in the history of mankind.) sometime. I live near ground zero. I can also see the famous "J Dawson" headstone from my living room window. (Of Titanic fame). Another you may enjoy is the SS Atlantic, or MV Wilhem Gustloff(9500 lives lost). I have some Titanic vids I recorded of the cemeteries on my channel if interested. Great content. Going to subscribulate.

[@mflashhist500]

Thankyou for a great episode full of interesting details and a fitting tribute to HMAS Perth and USS Houston now sister ships in their watery grave. Also many thanks for highlighting the Royal Australian Navy contribution to WW2, we have always believed that we punched well above our weight ! G’day Mate 🇦🇺

[@peasantlevelcrafting]

I knew very little of this part of WW2 history. Great presentation, you made complex situations very clear to a layman. Your passion for the subject and compassion for those brave souls who fought is clear in every video. Great series, great channel, and great production and writing. I binged your channel in one day and am looking forward to your next video. You are going to blow up soon, I see a million subs in your future!

[@stevep2430]

Two ships named after two cities in two biggest states in two different countries, how creepy is that. All heroes that served on those ships, Lest we forget.

[@montys420-]

Thanks for telling the story of these 2 warriors ships from 2 brother nations!

[@abbraxxis5998]

Excellent vid. I can't believe I never heard this before despite living in Perth my whole life.

[@ajax3310]

"UNLEASH HOT HELL FROM THE 8-INCH!!" moaned the Admiral

[@twentyrothmans7308]

Thank you very much for this research. I still have the photographs that my grandfather took in New York. Hello to all the other relatives of a sailor on the Perth or Houston.

[@DevilSurvivor69]

I just watch a video on the HMAS Sydney on the Ocean liner Designs channel, and it's sort of a companion story to this one because they were sister ships and a similar situation at least in the ambush context, anyway.

[@medmond6]

This is an excellent presentation. Well done guys.

[@0Zolrender0]

Australians do not go quietly into the night. Rather we go down all guns blazing, the Captain on the bridge still in command till the end.

[@caseyjones0113]

"Up to snuff" 😂 I haven't heard that term for a long, long time. Excellent presentation, brother. Well researched and entertaining told 😁 Keep up the good work 🙏❤️

[@kurtpena5462]

Dirty Little Secret: Enlisted sailors are always painting their ship. You don't stop doing hull maintenance just because you are underway or on station.

[@PrimevalDemon]

The ambience definitely has parts present in Devil May Cry 1's Ancient Castle theme as well as Metal Gear Solid 2 Sons of Liberty menu theme so I think it's probably a decently aged track mid 90's maybe ?

[@skipper4126]

Hello from Perth, Western Australia.

[@nikevisor54]

Gotta comment to boost this man in the algorithm. Great work :)

[@MaritimeHorrors]

It's very much appreciated, shipmate.

[@nikevisor54]

@cas curse What makes you think you can just reply to comments without asking permission!? What sort of fiend do you take yourself for?

[@mattwilliams3456]

@@nikevisor54 @cas curse Avast ye pair of quarrelsome rogues!

[@trivialtrav]

Nearly every story of Japanese victories in WW2 is accompanied with horrific treatment of the enemy. Machine gunning sailors in the water and then the obvious horrific treatment of POWs is ridiculous. I often wonder what went through the minds of the sailors who were ordered to open fire on people already struggling to survive in the water. They had already won and the men in the water were in no way a threat. Did the gunners even care? Or was the insane Japanese dogma too far drilled into their minds to view the people as humans. Even the NAZIs treated enemy combatants better then the Japanese did.

[@filipinorutherford7818]

Soon as the war progressed the Allies took no prisoners as well. In the long run it is better to treat prisoners well otherwise the hatred will come back to your soldiers that captured. I have a theory that part of the reason why the nuclear bombs were dropped on Japan was because the Japanese had earnt the honour of receiving them due to the atrocities they had unleashed on other up to that point. Hopefully Japan have learnt there lesson and will treat prisoners of war better in the future?

[@groggysword33]

My brother in-law lived in Japan for 2 years. He met with many individuals that were alive during WW2. They still think they’re above everyone else. Anyone not Japanese is a dog. Their dogma is insane. They felt nothing for other humans. I fully believe in the U.S. soldier’s minds at the time, bombs were justified, due to the fact that the Japanese caused so much suffering.

[@tomhenry897]

Thought they were superior

[@tomhenry897]

See public schools teaching lies

[@adrianfaithfull6491]

Thank you for acknowledging the Australian & New Zealand forcea and their contribution to the war.

[@robinrodriguez480]

WOW. !! that was a crazy battle i can only imagine how those seamen must of felt !!! EXCELLENT VIDEO 👍

[@griffins5655]

God damn it that’s sad... Heroic but sad... Also Jesus Christ Waller was a badass! (Not to say the others weren’t as well)

[@trainknut]

That fleet is so ragtag and mismatched it sounds like a World of Warships team.

[@jdm19791]

Love our brothers from the land down under. Awesome fighters and very loyal. Our true ally who we can count on and vice-versa.

[@obbayazit]

Thank you for the video.. a small note. Turkey was neutral for most of the WW2, and had a symbolic declaration of the war against the Axis states a few months before the surrender of Germany to join United Nations. So it would be hard to have Perth do a landing in Turkey, unless they participated in an exercise which I highly doubt would happen during a war.

[@yhwhsozo3680]

Another awesome video Captain!!! Keep engines full steal ahead mate.

[@arrowtt3364]

I knew one of the survivors of the Perth. Really nice man and I remember he came to my primary school for an ANZAC Day assembly and talked about the sinking of the Perth.

[@Pablo668]

A good account of this battle is in the book 'Ray Parkins Odyssey by Pattie Wright. It's a good read and also covers his experiences as a POW after the sinking of the Perth.

[@alfbosworth7913]

thanks for the upload mate I appreciate you took the time to learn how to pronounce foriegn names and words (a rare thing on the internet these days) well done keep it up

[@darksnakenerdmaster]

More credit needs to be given to RAN. My dad served on her sucessor the Perth II in her later years.