Flagship: The Cruiser HMAS Australia II and the Pacific War on Japan

Name: Flagship: The Cruiser HMAS Australia II and the Pacific War on Japan
Price: 16.17 USD
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Rating: 4.4 (94 reviews)

4.4 of 5 Stars: Australia & Oceania - Flagship: The Cruiser HMAS Australia II and the Pacific War on Japan

$16.17

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Book Synopsis: In 1924, when the grand old battle cruiser HMAS Australia I, once the pride of the nation, was sunk off Sydney Heads, there was a day of national mourning. In 1928, the RAN acquired a new ship of the same name, the fast, heavy cruiser HMAS Australia II, and she finally saw action when World War II began, patrolling the North Atlantic on the lookout for German battleships. By March 1942, Australia had returned home, where the ship was stunned by a murder. One night one of her sailors, Stoker Riley, was found stabbed. Before he died, he named his two attackers, and the two men were found guilty and sentenced to death under British Admiralty law. Only weeks later Australia fought in the Battle of the Coral Sea near Papua New Guinea, the first sea battle to stop the Japanese advance in the Pacific. She was heavily attacked and bombed from the air but, with brilliant ship-handling, escaped unscathed. In 1944, she took part in the greatest sea fight of all time, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which returned General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines. She was struck by a kamikaze bomber, killing her captain and 28 other men. The next year, she was hit by four kamikaze planes on four successive days. She was attacked by more kamikaze aircraft than any other Allied ship in the war, and in the end this finished her war. She retired gracefully, laden with battle honors, and was scrapped in 1956—the last of her name, for the navy no longer uses Australia for its ships.

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Experience the riveting story of the legendary HMAS Australia II and its triumphs in the Pacific War on Japan. Immerse yourself in the thrilling narrative of this fast and heavy cruiser as it patrolled the treacherous waters, protecting our shores from German battleships during World War II. Witness her bravery in the Battle of the Coral Sea, where she fearlessly battled against the advancing Japanese forces to halt their Pacific invasion.

But the HMAS Australia II's journey was not without tragedy and sacrifice. Embedded within the pages of this gripping book is a shocking murder mystery that shook the ship to its core. Discover the dramatic events that unfolded when Stoker Riley was brutally stabbed, his dying breath revealing the names of the culprits. Be captivated as justice is served under British Admiralty law, showcasing the unwavering pursuit of truth and honor.

As the war raged on, the HMAS Australia II faced relentless attacks from enemy forces. Witness the sheer brilliance of her crew's ship-handling skills as they expertly navigated through relentless air bombardments unscathed. Feel the adrenaline rush as you relive the ship's pivotal role in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the epic naval clash that turned the tide of the war and brought General Douglas MacArthur back to the Philippines.

No other Allied ship faced as many kamikaze attacks as the HMAS Australia II. Experience the unparalleled resilience of this remarkable vessel as it endured relentless assaults day after day, the scars of battle painting a vivid picture of her indomitable spirit. With a heart heavy with battle honors, the ship gracefully retired, leaving behind an enduring legacy that will forever be etched in our history.

Revel in the untold stories of bravery, honor, and sacrifice. Dive into the pages of "The Cruiser HMAS Australia II and the Pacific War on Japan" and embark on an unforgettable journey through the annals of maritime history. Don't miss out on this extraordinary tale. Order your copy today!

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