Australian Commandos: Terror Behind Japanese Lines – WW2
In a remarkable display of wartime bravery, a small team of Australian commandos embarked on a daring mission as part of the z special unit into Japanese-occupied Singapore. Operating with exceptional military intelligence, these operatives navigated through enemy waters under cover of darkness, showcasing extraordinary historical courage as they prepared to strike at the heart of Japanese naval power in the pacific theatre operations.
In today’s video we examine this extraordinary covert operation that would leave an indelible mark on military history. We will also dive into the involvement of Australia’s first commandos as they cause terror behind Japanese lines during World War 2.
Hi all. It may be of interest to you that the Krait was in Broken Bay north of Sydney in the 1970’s. I was an ex mobi posted to HMAS Nirimba as a CPO instructor of ETW ‘s (0A’s in the old vernacular), when I was approached by one of the Krait’s operators who asked if we could do some repair on it for them. Two of us went there and removed the donkey steam engine that ran the generator and the generator, both of which were in need of repair. I overhauled the generator and my mate, whose name I forget, did the same to the steam engine. We took them back and re-installed them and who knows, perhaps both are still in good nick today.
It is fascinating to read of the heroes who sailed in her and Peter Hibbert’s maintenance in the 1970’s. Iain Bevan-Davies and his brother Scot are close personal friends and have been closely linked with the Krait since her Australian refit before embarking on Operation Jaywick. During her refit it was found that the main engine was in deplorable condition and it was subsequently replaced. During the wartime marine engines were impossible to obtain and until Sir Essington Lewis, Australian Director General of Munitions contacted Bert Bevan-Davies [father of Iain and Scot] and Gardener Deisal Engines Australian Agent; to urgently ‘find him an engine’.
Bert found an engine in Tasmania which was despatched to Melbourne. For security purposes, Bert dismantled the engine and totally removed any names, part numbers/ interior/exterior engine identification. He then assembled, tuned, and installed the engine in the Krait. His next duty was to supervise the sea trials and train the crew in engine operation, plus maintenance and repair.
The Gardener engine is in situ in the MV Krait.