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Image Not Available for KRAIT reunion
KRAIT reunion
Image Not Available for KRAIT reunion

KRAIT reunion

Dateafter 25 April 1964
Object numberANMS0147[037]
NamePhotograph
MediumPaper
Dimensions254 x 180 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Louis D'Alpuget
DescriptionA photograph of an elderly gentleman, likely a veteran of Operation Jaywick, standing in the wheelhouse of KRAIT during celebration on the vessel's return to Australia. Beneath him can be seen the plaque dedicating the KRAIT as a War Memorial. The image was possibly taken in the Pittwater area, near Refuge Bay where Z Special Unit had a secret training camp in preparation for Operation Jaywick.HistoryThe little fishing boat was known originally as KOFUKU MARU, and by the time it came into the possession of the Australian military, it already boasted an adventurous history, having assisted in the evacuation of civilians from Singapore in 1942 (a story for another blog perhaps). In 1943 a plan was devised to infiltrate Singapore Harbour in a clandestine attack on Japanese shipping. The operation was codenamed Operation Jaywick and required Allied commandoes to sail to Singapore disguised as a Japanese fishing crew, enter the harbour and use delayed action explosives to destroy enemy cargo ships.KOFUKU MARU was to be used to maintain this disguise and so the vessel was refitted and renamed KRAIT, after the deadly Indian snake. The 14-man crew was led by an Englishman, Major Ivan Lyon and comprised a mix of British and Australian Navy and Army personnel. On the night of 26 September 1943, after sailing the vessel from Australia, six operatives set forth from KRAIT in folboats and paddled into Singapore Harbour. Under the cover of darkness the men attached limpet mines to Japanese ships before returning to Krait. The mines detonated at 5 am on 27 September, damaging and destroying some 39,000 tons of Japanese shipping including the 10,000-ton tanker SINKOKU MARU. For a brief and tense moment on the journey back to Australia KRAIT was trailed by a Japanese ship, but they were not challenged and returned safely to Australia. The operation was an Allied success, and most members of the party were decorated with military honours. SignificanceOf all the work done by the Z Special forces during the war, Operation Jaywick is the most successful, well-known and well-documented operation of this unit. Accordingly KRAIT has become the unit’s most enduring and recognisable symbol. In 1964 the vessel became a dedicated memorial to the members of Z Special and continues to fulfill this role as an integral and active part of remembrance activities at the National Maritime Museum. Here at the museum KRAIT is at the heart of Z Special commemorative events as well as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.