The only living survivor of HMAS Canberra that sank off the Solomon Islands in 1942 has told of the “luck” he encountered, as the US prepares to honour the sailors who didn’t make it.
Des Jones, 100, was 19 when HMAS Canberra sank, killing 84 sailors, in a fierce allied sea battle during World War II.
Jones said he was always scared of sharks so he swam quickly to safety when the ship was sinking.
“We were certainly grateful those Yanks were around … they did everything possible for our comfort.”
For years there has been speculation the Canberra was hit not by the Japanese but from friendly fire from an American destroyer, the USS Bagley.
“We were definitely torpedoed by the USS Bagley destroyer … it was on our starboard side,” he said.
Read Related Also: Jamie Foxx helps woman in Chicago, ‘feels good’ after mystery illness
It was the Americans who saved 600 crew members.
The US is preparing to honour the Australian sailors by naming one of its own ships the USS Canberra.
Jones will be in attendance at a ceremony at Sydney’s Garden Island in August.
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
