Military History Talk – 1942 Sydney Submarine Attack

In 1942 five Japanese submarines left Truk Lagoon, Micronesia on a mission to attack ships in Sydney Harbour. They had highly secret weapons aboard – midget submarines. Ray Rees CMDR, RAN (Rtd) discusses the planning, attack and aftermath of this brave and audacious attack, which reminded Sydneysiders – ‘Coming, ready or not!’.

Rees spent over thirty years in the Australian Navy rising to Marine Engineer Officer on HMAS Brisbane, retiring as Commander. He volunteers with Sydney Heritage Fleet and serves on the Fleet’s Board of Directors.

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Image caption: Diagram of midget submarine used to attack Sydney Harbour (Courtesy R Rees)