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Attack on Bandar Shapur by HMAS KANIMBLA
Attack on Bandar Shapur by HMAS KANIMBLA

Attack on Bandar Shapur by HMAS KANIMBLA

Date1941
Object numberANMS0303[056]
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionDuring the Allied attack on Iranian port of Bandar Shapur during WWII German and Italian crews attempted to scuttle their ships to prevent them falling into enemy hands. Here the crew of the HMAS KANIMBLA attempts to save the burning Italian tanker BRONTE.HistoryBandar Shapur was a strategically important port in Iran. Though Iran was neutral an Allied force let by HMAS KANIMBLA captured the port in August 1941 to prevent its use by Axis forces and to allow war matériel to be sent to Russia via the trans-Iranian railway. In the attack the Allies seized eight Italian and German merchant ships as well as two Iranian gunboats.