The Fourth Battle Tour
(80 days in Japan as Australian Occupation Forces - later the B.C.O.F.)

Always on Active Service
At 0945 on 3 June 1945 we steamed out of Sydney Heads heading for Seeadler Harbour. At 1000 we exercised action stations in preparation for our next campaign. The ship's complement were again inoculated for tetanus and cholera and vaccinated for yellow fever by our hard working sick bay team - Surgeon Lieutenant Kerr-Grant, Chief Ralston and Trevor Smart to name a few. Soon after sailing one of our young radar operators fell from the spur on the foremast to the flag deck. He was given aid by Dave Birrell who hastily notified the sick bay. Thankfully he was not seriously injured.

We were reissued with steel helmets and water bottles on the 5th. Just off Milne Bay on the 6th we were closed up to practice 8'' gun firings, enabling our new 'Gun', Lieutenant-Commander W.B.M. Marks, to put his gunnery experience to work. Because of the urgency for the 'Oboe Six' operation up north our working-up period at Jervis Bay had been drastically reduced so every opportunity was taken to practice gunnery as we steamed northwards.


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Shropshire arrived at Seeadler Harbour at 0950 on the 7th, and she went alongside an oiler and then anchored at 1700. At 2000 there was an air raid alert and we closed up for action stations to be told it was a false report received from the shore base. Nevertheless no chances were taken by the captain regarding the safety of his ship.

On the 8th we embarked stores and topped up with ammunition. An oil leak was discovered below the waterline. The missing rivet was replaced by one of our divers with a wooden plug which remained throughout the tour until we next dry docked for this minor fault to be repaired. We proceeded to sea on 9 June 1945 heading for Moratai, arriving on the 12th. During this passage we exercised 4'' guns firing and our Bofors and other CRW practised by firing at driftwood. It was a dull cruise, sighting only one vessel, an LCI. The Captain announced at 1800 that our next targets were to be Borneo. We refuelled from the oiler Bishopdale and then left, arriving at Tawi Tawi at 1530 on the 13th, refuelling and anchoring.

Commodore H.B. Farncomb rehoisted his broad pendant on board Shropshire on 14 June at 0800, soon after Hobart and Arunta arrived. We topped up our stores from Merkur and ammunition from Yunnan and at 1630 on the 15th sailed for the 'Oboe Six' operational area arriving at Brunei Bay on the 17th at 0930. On passage we passed an eastbound convoy as well as challenging what was to be a friendly ship during this passage of two days. The commodore was immediately involved in a conference with Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey and Rear-Admiral F.B. Royal aboard the 'Rocky Mount'. We disembarked some stores for the cruisers Phoenix and Nashville and also carried out radar exercises and A/A firings.

An air raid 'flash' red alert was sounded at 2210, the all clear came at 2225 whilst we were at anchor. AII the flurry in closing up, weighing anchor and getting a greater head of steam up was slowed just as quickly. Commodore Farncomb went ashore on 18 June on Labuan Island to confer with General Wootten, GOC 9 Australian Division AIF in preparation for our bombardment of Labuan Island.


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Labuan Island
We opened fire at 1530 on 18 June 1945 with our 8'' at strongly held enemy targets in a sealed-off area called 'The Pocket' about five miles inland on Labuan Island, ceasing fire at 1620. Reports from our spotter plane indicated an excellent shoot and later the AIF commander reported that some 100 Japanese had been killed. Unfortunately two AIF soldiers were also killed during the bombardment. We opened fire again early on the 19th at selected targets but no individual results were reported.

Two destroyers, USS Hart and Metcalf joined with Arunta on the 19th, with Commodore Farncomb's broad pendant being hoisted in Arunta for this brief period whilst witnessing their bombardments off Lutong. The final report from the AIF HQ was 400 Japanese out of a garrison of 550 were killed.

Shropshire returned to Brunei on the 21st where we again closed up for a 'flash' red alert and after the all clear we refuelled from the oiler Winooski and anchored. During this period we closed up numerous times because of unidentified bogeys but they seemed to be keeping a healthy distance of about twenty miles radius from the battle fleet.

Arunta entered harbour on the 22nd and came alongside to transfer the commodore and his flag to Shropshire once again. We sailed for Tawi Tawi at 1800 in company with Hobart, Arunta, Hart and Metcalf carrying out exercises before arriving at 0805. On 24 June we took on ammunition from Yunnan, when she came alongside.

The situation was a very active one - minesweepers swept the area of just over 409 mines and destroyed them. Air alerts were constant and bombardments very effective, so our rest was one of constant disturbance as well as some excitement when a Japanese destroyer was sighted close inshore. We were hoping for a ship to ship action but the destroyer was aground, abandoned and a complete wreck.

The ship went alongside an oiler on the 25th and on completion and at anchor we were given permission to trade with the many natives who came out in their canoes and outriggers. The problem of lowering goods down thirty feet and receiving goads in return was always a risky trade arrangement as it was difficult to assess values from thirty feet down or up. It was a matter of mutual trust. We proceeded to sea on 26 June at 0030 at 14 knots in company with Hobart, Arunta, Hart, Metcalf and headed for Balikpapan. As advised by the captain, this was to be our next major bombardment target - the Oboe II attack plan to secure the Port of Balikpapan and its oil fields.

On passage Metcalf investigated a sonar contact and dropped a pattern of depth charges but no results were reported and was later detached to chase up reports of small boats in the vicinity - again no results - but excitement was building up as things were starting to occur, or so we thought. At 1320 we closed up again for an air raid red alert - it was a Catalina flying boat forgetting to switch on its 'IFF' signal. We streamed our paravanes as did all ships as we left Tawi Tawi, passing a fast moving squadron of eight US PT boats. It was a magnificent sight for those who enjoy the roar of throaty engines. We passed through the Makassar Straits at night and arrived at the southern entrance of Balikpapan Bay at 1145 on 27 June. We anchored about five miles offshore in the vicinity of the Montpelier which was wearing the flag of Commander Task Group 74.2.

Balikpapan
The previous good results of sweeping the area clear of 400 mines was ever in the mind of our squadron commander Commodore Farncomb. The minesweeping flotilla was sent in first with our underwater demolition teams to again sweep the landing area clear before we reached our allotted bombardment beach area 'Kate' at Klandasan. We opened fire in company with Hobart at 1507 with our 8'' and ceased fire at 1825 whilst our destroyers patrolled in the vicinity as anti-submarine screen. We assumed cruising disposition at 6-8 knots.

Daily fire on selected targets was laid down while we awaited the arrival of the amphibious force which included Manoora, Westralia and Kanimbla. At 0720 on the 28th, 'Y' turret opened fire on our target area 'Kate' at Klandasan, as well as Balikpapan areas, ceasing at 1050 and allowing 'A' turret to take its turn, ceasing fire at 1145 when another flash red alert closed us up as a bogey approached within ten miles of the fleet. It was chased off by one of our CAP fighters.

At 1305 a mine was exploded harmlessly and after a short period we opened up at 1549 with broadsides at another target area 'Peggy' this time supported by a spotting plane and ceasing fire at 1737. During the day enemy shore batteries harassed our minesweeping programme and one minesweeper was hit and put out of action. We put to sea in an easterly direction to assume night dispositions with both Task Groups 74.2 and 74.1

On the 29th we returned and again opened fire on the 'Peggy' area at 0905 with our 8'', alternating our turrets firing two gun salvoes ceasing fire at 1545, and letting our 4'' have a short spell firing from 1600-1605. We refuelled Arunta (106 tons) late during the first dogwatch to complete the day's hard work and put to sea again. We opened fire with 8" and 4'' at 0743 next morning and ceased fire at 1523. To the crew it felt like it was an all day long bombardment, never ceasing to give the ship's company some respite from the noise and shuddering effect of gunfire.

Liberator bombers attacked the beachhead, jetties and building installations during the day. They were given cover by Lightning fighters. The AIF ashore was given air support from our Kitty Hawk and Spitfire fighters operating from Tarakan airstrips. Sporadic fire from Japanese shore A/A batteries were quickly put out of action and later two heavy naval guns were captured by units of the AIF. Many large fires could be seen ashore partially obscured by the billowing smoke. We put to sea remaining in the 'Braves' area after refuelling from fleet oiler Chepachet taking on 823 tons of oil.

At 1800 on the 30th the Commander-in-Chief, South West Pacific, General MacArthur, on board the light cruiser USS Cleveland, arrived at Balikpapan to view the operations. General MacArthur, Rear-Admiral Royal and Major-General Wootten AIF, sent messages of congratulations to the officers and men of the amphibious forces for the success of the Borneo campaigns.

On the morning of 1 July 1945 at 0445, all heads were called. At 0520 the invasion fleet was in position and the battle fleet ready to bombard their assigned beach targets. Our area was again designated 'Peggy'so we closed up at action stations and at 0700 the order to open fire was given - we fired fifty rounds of 8" receiving excellent reports from Montpelier's spotting plane. We ceased fire to watch the awesome sight of the specially fitted rocket-firing LCls going into action. They absolutely blanket the beach areas with their small rocket shells.

At 0800 we fired a further 150 rounds then ceased fire while the first wave of our 'AIF Swaddies' went ashore on the landing beaches. At 0950 we opened fire again and bombarded with a further 100 rounds ceasing fire at 0930. The LCIs loaded with AIF troops moved in at 0900 and on landing moved through the heavy smoke caused by the retreating Japanese who had blown up oil tanks and other installations.

By 1130 the Australians had advanced 1000 yards and held many strong points but not without some heavy enemy resistance. At 1700 a destroyer came alongside to deliver official mail. During the afternoon and that night having relieved USS Denver, we remained anchored a few miles offshore in the 'Kate' area awaiting demands for fire support from the Army but it was a quiet period.
We did not retire eastwards to assume our usual night disposition.

Action stations at 0405 sounded on the 2nd, because of a radar-reported bogey in the vicinity. It closed to about five miles and then departed. We remained closed up in second degree of readiness and weighed anchor to move to our next assigned bombardment area 'Owen'. From 1217 we bombarded several enemy A/A batteries which had shot down one of our Liberator bombers. Ceased fire at 1317 after successfully silencing the battery. Columbia's spotting plane reported several hits on the revetments.

Then started one of the most restless periods the crew had had to endure: On the night of 2 July 1945 at 2000 'X' turret opened fire expending (12) 8'' rounds per hour continuously, and ceased firing at 2348. This harassing fire continued again after a short respite when 'Y' turret opened fire at 0000 firing (6) 8'' rounds per hour continuously, ceasing fire at 0400 on 3 July (I think the crew were the ones being harassed.)

When we thought some relief was expected we were closed up at action stations at 0410 due to two more bogeys appearing on our radar screens. Both Shropshire and Hobart reported to the OTC and one of the two bogeys, a float plane, was shot down by CAP night fighters at 0621. With minimal rest, except for a catnap, 'X' turret crew took over from 'Y' turret and Shropshire was at it again firing (12) 8'' rounds per hour from 0645 and gladly receiving the order to cease fire at 0715.

After our usual rushed breakfast we opened fire at 0930 with broadsides of 8" using full charges to shoot up several Japanese A/A batteries in areas 6166 and 6058 well inland. At 1122 reports received from Phoenix's spotting aircraft indicated that we had successfully destroyed our targets and we ceased bombardment. At 1200 we headed for Tawi Tawi at 20 knots in company with Hobart, Grant, Killen and Arunta. We anchored at 1300 on 4 July after a rough passage coupled with heavy rain. It was American Independence Day so we dressed the ship with masthead flags and flew the US ensign at the main mast.

We had closed USS Wasatch before leaving to embark Commodore R.W. Bates USN (commander PT squadrons, Pacific Fleet) and Captain S.S. Bowling USN (commander PT squadrons, Seventh Fleet) who took passage with us and were later piped over the side as they left Shropshire. The old scrap iron leader HMAS Stuart arrived at 1800 with some personnel, mail and stores for the Task Group. In the meantime we topped up with ammunition from Yunnan while both the US destroyers AW Grant and Killen refuelled from Hobart and Shropshire respectively. (We supplied Killen with 226 tons of fuel.)

On 5 July after embarking ammunition and stores we sailed with the escorting destroyers Grant and Killen for Balikpapan. Hobart and Arunta remained at the anchorage to await replenishment of their depleted stocks of ammunition - Yunnan was not carrying their requirements of 6'' and 4.7'' shells. We proceeded at 12.5 knots and the next day had close range weapons (CRW) practice firing at our own rocket-fired targets, coupled with tracking and radar exercises. We had fitted to 'A' turret a set of twelve projectors Rocket 2'' UP whilst in Sydney and tested off Jervis Bay on 28 May 1945. After a few fuse failures the problems were overcome and it was considered to be a very effective deterrent to future suicide plane attacks. This however, never eventuated and the other set was not fitted to 'Y' turret as proposed.

Shropshire was just south of the equator at 2130 when we heard the sad news that Prime Minister John Curtin had died. Flags were flown at half mast as a mark of respect. However, the war continued and we closed up shortly afterwards at 2247 at the report of a 'skunk' in the area. The 'skunk' turned out to be the Dutch light cruiser HMNS Tromp and at 2303 we returned to third degree of readiness. Kanimbla, Westralia and Manoora arrived on 7 July with reinforcements and we refuelled at sea from the fleet oiler Chepachet.

After conferring with the Commander Task Force, Rear-Admiral R.S. Berkey, USN, aboard Nashville, bothNashville and Phoenix left harbour. Four (4) support ships, namely Shropshire, Charette, AW Grant and Killen as well as a screening force to the south of Balikpapan landing beaches, remained as the fire support group.

Early that evening (at 1918 ) our demolition forces caused a mine to explode which put everyone at the alert until advised what the explosion was all about. The next day the 8th, the crew was allowed to get 'some' extra sleep but still worked part of the ship for some of the forenoon. We weighed anchor at 1305 and moved closer inshore and anchored again in our bombardment position 'Peggy' close to the town of Balikpapan. At 1534 'Y' turret opened fire with our 8'' using an Army bombardment liaison officer aboard a spotting aircraft to report results, as we were firing at targets well inland. We checked firing at 1609 to allow the aircraft to refuel and then resumed at 1657 finally ceasing fire at 1825.

During this day Commodore Farncomb accompanied by Staff Officer Operations (SOO) landed at Red Beach to confer with GOC 7th AIF division (General Milford) and C.R.A (Brigadier O'Brien) and be shown the effect of our bombardments. They were driven in a jeep to view the damaged oil tanks and other installations, as well as inspecting the devastated beach areas. Commodore Farncomb was pleased to report that our constant day and night bombardment efforts to harass the enemy and to destroy his equipment and installations was most effective and congratulated the captain on the crew's forbearance under trying circumstances.

One member of the AIF was more than pleased to relate an incident which served to save Australian lives and help the fallen. As told by Jack Olson when disembarked from Westralia accompanied by one of his team C.C. Cummins: 'we were part of the 2/6th Australian Field Ambulance, 7th Division AIF, moving to the forward lines to assist the wounded and to take them behind our lines when Japanese 75mm guns commenced shelling the Australian positions and pinning us down. Naval salvoes were called in because the Jap gun emplacement was out of sight to the advancing troops. Three 8'' shells from Shropshire were right on target, the first and second hitting the Jap gun mountings and the third half burying the gun emplacement and tracks, enabling the Australian troops to advance'. Jack Olson was ecstatic about our naval gunnery and its accuracy having never been under a naval bombardment before and to witness the effectiveness when called to destroy a specific target.

Ninth July was a quiet forenoon but a very busy afternoon and first dogwatch at 1258 both 'X' and 'Y' turrets opened fire while we were at anchor but ceased at 1306 so the ship could be pointed using a 5.1/2" wire spring on the cable to allow both 'A' and 'B' turrets to bear on targets. This exercise took about two hours and we resumed firing at 1520 for forty minutes, again ceasing whilst our spotting plane refuelled, resumed at 1730 and finally ceasing at 1800.

We weighed anchor at 1906 and proceeded in company with the US destroyers Charette, AW Grant and Killen at a speed of 12.7 knots to Tawi Tawi en route for Subic Bay. Our bombardment participation in the Balikpapan operation was completed. It was to be our last gunnery action against the Japanese. Our last angry shot and a date to remember, 9 July 1945. It will be of interest to the crew that the naval bombardments in the Balikpapan operation used up 23 000 shells fired from the two Australian cruisers, Shropshire and Hobart, four US cruisers and thirteen destroyers including Arunta. In addition, the LCIs fired in the vicinity of a further 8000 rockets prior to the landings. The AIF fired approximately 42 000 rounds from their twenty-five pounders, 17 000 AIF swaddies, were disembarked as well as 1000 vehicles and 2000 tons of equipment. Included in these statistics were the last shots fired by a naval vessel. These were fired by Gascoyne at enemy targets at Balikpapan as she steamed up the Balikpapan River to shoot 168 (4'') rounds on the 26th and later some Bofor rounds on 29 July. This completed her last gunnery action against the Japanese.

On the 10th a buoy was spotted (initially thought to be a mine) and two of our escorts - Charette and Killen were despatched to check it out - they quickly sank the buoy. During the afternoon watch some underway exercises were carried out to keep us busy. Later, at 2120, we closed up again at action stations having just stood down from dusk action stations or so it seemed, to be prepared for another radar reported bogey but it was friendly and we quickly resumed third degree of readiness. Arriving at Tawi Tawi on the 11th, at 0900 we ammunitioned from Yunnan and refuelled two of our escorts
AW Grant and Killen. Hobart was ordered to Manus and Arunta ordered to Sydney for a refit.

Shropshire sailed at 0900 on the 12th passing Mindoro Island, and seeing many lights on shore, we eventually arrived at Subic Bay about twenty miles north of Manila at 0900 on the 14th. We refuelled alongside a fleet oiler then anchored on completion. Many ships were arriving and departing the Harbour. Rear-Admiral R.F. Good USN assumed command of Task Force 74 when he arrived on board San Francisco accompanied by Tuscaloosa, New Orleans and their destroyer screen. A British hospital ship, Oxfordshire, entered harbour with four US destroyers Teton, Spencer, Gunson and Broadwater.

We heard that Commodore Collins' burns were now healed and he was on his way back to the squadron. He left Sydney on board Warramunga on 9 July for Manus in company with our new Tribal class destroyer HMAS Bataan and light cruiser Hobart. Shropshire sailed for Manila on the 19th, and en route A/A firing coupled with fighter direction exercises were carried out as we passed the rock fortress of Corregidor, one of our earlier bombardment targets.

On arrival at Manila on 20 July, Captain C.A.G. Nichols DSO, MVO, RN representing the Australian Squadron, called on the US 7th Fleet Commander, Admiral T.C. Kinkaid USN at Fleet Headquarters. During this visit three (3) United States officers joined Shropshire as liaison officers mainly involved in the decoding and coding of messages. They were Ensigns M.C. Clark, F.A.B. Beck and J.F. Bell.

While in harbour we commenced painting the superstructure, however, heavy rain caused the cessation of this activity for a couple of days making work on the upper deck virtually impossible. Stores had to be taken on board, rain or no rain. Meanwhile some leave was given for four hours but heavy rain and thunderstorms did not encourage many to take advantage of the time ashore.
Some of us took advantage of the weather and went sailing and tried unsuccessfuly to get some souvenirs from the hundreds of sunken ships in Manila Bay.

On 22 July Warramunga entered Manila Bay to transfer Commodore Collins who hoisted his broad pendant on board Shropshire as Commodore Farncomb struck his broad pendant, at sunset. Both commodores called on General Douglas MacArthur, Allied Commander of the South West Pacific Area and Commanding General of the US Army forces in the Pacific at 1730. The next day, the 23rd, Commodore Collins called on Admiral T.C. Kinkaid, Commander of the 7th Fleet and the British Consul-General, Mr McDermott, whilst Commodore H.B. Farncomb departed by air for Sydney after a farewell by the crew at the ship's side

We left Manila Bay to rendezvous with CTF 74 - Rear-Admiral Good USN in his flagship San Francisco which included Hobart and Bataan, carried out exercises and finally entered Subic Bay on the 26th, when calls were exchanged with Admiral Good who was Commander Cruiser Division 6 and Commander 7th Fleet Cruisers. Rear-Admiral Good kept the fleet on its toes. We weighed anchor and left for an emergency sortie at 0300 on 29 July in company with five cruisers (8'' and 6") and five destroyers rendezvousing at 0600 with three US warships but shortly afterwards the Seventh Fleet Commander ordered us to return to Subic. It was rumoured that a Japanese fleet was headed our way out of Singapore. Next day steam was raised and kept at half-hour notice pending the arrival of a typhoon which fortunately did not eventuate.

A further statistic of interest: since commissioning on 17/4/1943 Shropshire had covered a distance of 89 101.45 miles at an average speed of 14.3 knots, averaging 2.15 miles per ton of fuel. As a comparison of average with other RAN warships, the distance per ton of fuel Hobart covered was 205, Bataan 6.4, Warramunga 45 and Arunta 4.34 miles, whilst the average speeds were, Hobart 16.8, Bataan 15.66, Warramunga 18.9 and Arunta 14.82 knots. Warramunga spent two consecutive days In harbour hurriedly replacing pads due to overheated bearings on the port plummet block, but did not require our offer of help.

For several days we exercised close range weapons (CRW), undertook fleet tactics in company with US heavy cruiser New Orleans and four destroyers and later joined the heavy cruiser Tuscaloosa enroute from Manila to Subic. Lastly, we exercised 8'' and 4" throw off firings at a destroyer whilst cruising in line ahead. On 4 August we dressed the ship with masthead flags to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the King. Commodore Collins visited Tuscaloosa at the invitation of Captain J.G. Atkins USN and inspected the heavy cruiser on their normal Friday's rounds. He later visited Hobart on the 5th to inspect the ship's company at divisions. Another damage control exercise was executed with a minimum of bother although not welcomed with open arms by other members of the crew.

At night on the 11th we practised fending off a series of simulated suicide boat attacks using the fleets fastest motor boats - a very exciting spectacle for those not too sleepy to watch. Rear-Admiral Good visited Shropshire on the 12th and walked around during divisions. Later we saw (2) midget submarines from HMS Maidstone as they demonstrated their skills during the forenoon. During the day we carried out anti-submarine exercises with two destroyers and the US submarine Blueback.

Early in the evening of 13 August 1945 we were advised of Japanese peace overtures, but we had to wait until the 15 before it was declared officially by Captain Nichols who then congratulated the ship's company on a job well done. Details of the atomic bombs being dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were very sketchy although we all agreed on one thing - it was over because of the 'Bomb'. Shropshire dressed ship when the official announcement of the Japanese surrender was made on 16 August 1945. Thanksgiving services were held and the commodore gave a short address to the crews of all ships of the Australian Squadron.

Commodore Collins also sent an official message to the squadron.
It read

TO: Shropshire, Hobart, Bataan, Warramunga, Arunta
FROM: CCAS
I wish to congratulate every officer and man of His Majesty's Australian Squadron on his share in our final victory announced by the Prime Minister of Great Britain this morning. I rejoice with you that the Japanese have been forced to surrender. We have every reason to be proud of the part played by the Royal Australian Navy during six years of war across the seas of the world and I say again to all hands 'well done'. Let us always remember with sad pride our lost ships and their companies and thank God that their sacrifice was not in vain.
142337z August.

Rear-Admiral R.F. Good USN Commander Task Force 74, when leaving on board the TF 74 flagship San Francisco on 19 August also sent the Australian Squadron ships a message.
It read:

TO: TASK FORCE 74

FROM: CTF 74
I leave this force with profound regret. Every ship both US and Australian has earned its place in history. Every officer and man has done his duty and will, I know, continue to do it until the peace is secured full due. It has been a pleasure to serve with you. Good-bye and good luck.

GOOD
190659z August.

A Squadron 'At Home' was held in Shropshire with 400 officers from TF 74 enjoying congratulations and conviviality for a few hours. The supply ship Merkur arrived at exactly the right time to make sure our celebrations were a success. Fresh supplies of liquor including beer, plus food, were most welcome.

Our minds were quickly attuned to a possible roast turkey dinner. My own partying, however, resulted in a very sick boy the next day. An old family friend, Lieutenant (E) John Shearing, had swapped my warm bottles of beer for cold and not having had an alcoholic drink for ten weeks the consumption of six bottles I had carefully saved from previous issues caused havoc with my digestive processes. My boss, Lieutenant Boylan, our meteorologist, was not amused. Although sympathetic to a degree, he still said the water tank of the wet bulb thermometer at the top of the foremast had to be filled - I remember making it, not daring to look down. There were many sailors feeling poorly on the 17th because the Merkur also delivered some parcels from the Naval Friendly Union and Comfort Funds which 'unfortunately' contained almond kernels, raisins, sultanas, etc, while delicious at the time of consumption were possibly dangerous when taken with beer.

The future role of Shropshire and the remainder of the Australian Squadron was obscure so the commodore decided to visit and speak with Admiral Kinkaid Commander 7th Fleet based in Manila. Contrary to the United States Navy procedure, Commodore Collins asked to call on the admiral and was well received. He had arrived in Manila Bay on board Bataan at 1630 on 17 August.

What was unknown by the crew was that discussions had been ongoing regarding the next phase of the war in the Pacific. The surrender changed the situation but a final assault on Japan called 'Operation Olympic' had been planned and rumours were widespread.

A large group of cruisers and destroyers in Subic Bay were to move up the China coast, hit Formosa, finally to bombard the Japanese mainland before the landings were to take place? We were to join the British Pacific Fleet, under the Command of Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser? The Australian Squadron was to remain as a security force still attached to the 7th Fleet in the Philippines? We were going south?

They were all wrong except for the 'Operation Olympic' - we were obviously to be in the thick of it once again and our bombardment areas were already decided. We were to be stationed one mile off the landing beaches at Kyushu, and knowing what a large target we made, we knew we would make a good target for the Japanese suicide planes, let alone the possibility of suicide boats and swimmers.

The commodore had many chores to complete, making several visits before leaving Subic Bay for Tokyo Bay. He visited the huge battleship New Jersey after she had entered harbour on the 21st with Admiral Spruance Commander 5th Fleet on board. Then visited General Sir Thomas Blamey to organise official photographs and later called on Admiral Kinkaid to pay a farewell to the 7th Fleet. He saw many others: Vice-Admiral C Moody CB; Major General W.R.C. Penney; Rear-Admiral G.D. Moore CBE; General Gairdner; General Willoughby US Army, Air Commodore W. Brownell and was accompanied by Captain R.R. Dowling ADC, RAN on several of these occasions.

On this day we received a quick visit from Stuart with stores, personnel and some mail, mainly parcels. The following day we painted the ship's sides completely before a heavy downpour during the night. We topped up with fuel and departed Subic Bay at 1745 on 25 August 1945 wearing the commodore's broad pendant in company with Hobart, Bataan and Warramunga enroute for Buckner Bay, Okinawa. Captain Nichols spoke to the ship's company to advise our movements and to say we were lucky to be going to Japan for the signing of the peace. We were to join the US 3rd Fleet under the command of Admiral Halsey, although he was not aware of this fact.

We had three passengers aboard, Mr D.F. McDermot, British Consul-General, Manila, destined to be based in Tokyo, Major H.F.B. Barber and Air Commodore W. Brownell RAAF. We refuelled at Okinawa on the 28th and Commodore Collins took the opportunity to call on Vice-Admiral Oldendorf (of Surigao Straits naval battle fame) who was on board his flagship the battleship Tennessee. Admiral Oldendorf later returned the call in Shropshire and stayed for one hour.

In harbour at Okinawa was a huge and impressive fleet. Eight battleships, fourteen cruisers, four aircraft carriers, dozens of destroyers and hundreds of other vessels - a great sight. We sailed from Okinawa on the 29th passing six allied warships. Several mines were sighted floating and Bataan exploded one with accurate gunfire. Two aircraft carriers escorted by destroyers were on patrol outside and obviously missed out on a Tokyo visit. However, even though the war was 'officially' over, vigilance was still very necessary. No one really trusted the Japanese nor the problems which could flare if a few hot-heads decided to carry on.

Our Task Group, consisting of Shropshire (flag), Hobart, Warramunga and Bataan was changed from 70.2 to 70.9 as we cruised northwards. We arrived at 0800 off O'Shima in the entrance of Sagami Wan on 31 August. Our assigned berth in Tokyo Bay was to anchor five miles offshore. Close by were the battleships, King George V (Vice-Admiral Rawlings on board) and the Duke of York (with the Commander-in-Chief, British Pacific Fleet, Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, on board). We still remained attached to the US 3rd Fleet and reported for duty to Admiral Halsey.

It was recorded by our commodore that it was unfortunate one of our destroyers Arunta, after her long and effective war service, was not able to be with us for the signing of the peace. She was being refitted in Sydney. I refer now to the decision to drop atomic bombs on Japanese targets. This decision was to save our lives. While some people talk about the horror of the atomic bomb I didn't hear any one of the 1280 who served in Shropshire make such comments and it is why most of Shropshire's crew are alive today. The Japs started the war in the Pacific so most of us would have been more than pleased to hear of a few cities being razed to the ground to end the conflict.

There was unanimous agreement by the allies to use the bomb and President Truman decided no warnings to be given and a surprise attack was ordered. Colonel Tibbetts in his B29, called Enola Gay, took off early on 6 August to fly the 1500 miles to Hiroshima. At 0815 at a height of 32 000 feet the Little Boy atomic bomb was dropped, taking fifty-three seconds before it exploded over the Hiroshima target at a height of 1800 feet killing 70 000 and vaporising most of the city.

President Truman demanding 'Unconditional Surrender from the Japanese', wasted no time in ordering a second city hit. The Fatman plutonium bomb was dropped in a similar manner to the first atomic bomb from another B29 Super Fortress piloted by Major C.W. Sweeney, and exploded over Nagasaki on
9 August killing 35 000 and vaporising the city. For the first time ever Emperor Hirohito spoke to his people: 'I cannot let my innocent people suffer any longer'. It must be noted that Emperor Hirohito in saving face never used the word surrender and it was reported that several flights of kamikazes deliberately crashed into the sea to avoid the disgrace of being captured. Russia at last also decided to declare war on the Japanese obviously to have their say in the conditions of the peace treaty now that the two atomic bombs had sealed the end of the war.

Well, this did not stop the bombardment of the Japanese mainland and we aboard Shropshire who had fought with other ships of the Australian Squadron throughout the closing years of World War II in the Pacific were a little peeved not to have the opportunity to help in attacking the Japanese on their home front but had to be content in hearing the news whilst in Philippines waters at anchor in Subic Bay. The British Pacific Fleet, late arrivals to the Pacific, did it for us whilst attached to the American Fleet.

The Royal Australian Navy's representatives in Tokyo Bay - Commodore J.A. Collins and Captain Dowling, left early on the morning of 2 September 1945 aboard a duty destroyer which was used as a harbour ferry to go on board the United States Battleship Missouri for the official witnessing of the cessation of hostilities when the 'Instrument of Surrender' was signed by all parties of the Japanese Government at 0904 and accepted by all parties of the Allies at 0908.

During the ceremony there were 258 Allied ships surrounding Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Aircraft carriers screened by destroyers stayed outside to launch their aircraft for the fly past - a magnificent sight on this rather dull day which changed quickly to bright sunshine as if by order of the C-in-C when the signing was completed.

General Sir Thomas Blamey signed on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia after the Australian Prime Minister and his Cabinet rejected the proposal that the British representative, Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, would sign on behalf of all the British and Commonwealth forces. This decision to have an Australian sign was welcomed by the crew members I associated with as a wise and sensible proposal, although unaware at the time of the original proposal, to include us as part of the British forces and not as Australians.

Which Australian ships arrived in Tokyo Bay first: Two destroyers, Napier and Nizam entered Tokyo Bay on 27 August 1945 and four Corvettes, Ballarat, Ipswich, Cessnock and Pirie arrived on the 30th and were in position when the Australian Squadron arrived.