Commemoration of the WW2 sinking of HMAS Canberra at the Battle of Savo Island
Channel: Royal Australian Navy
Date: 2021-08-17

On the 9th of August, 1942 the first Royal Australian Navy ship to bear the name HMAS Canberra fought side by side with our American Allies as part of a critical campaign centred on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

The Battle of Savo Island resulted in the sinking of the Canberra and the loss of 84 sailors, with 109 wounded.

The 9th of August has a deep resonance for the ship’s company of the current HMAS Canberra, with HMAS Ballarat also taking station off Canberra's port beam for this year's commemoration.