Commodore Harold Farncomb, Lingayen Gulf, late January 1945, HMAS SHROPSHIRE

Images(2)

Commodore Harold Farncomb, Lingayen Gulf, late January 1945, HMAS SHROPSHIRE

DateJanuary 1945

Object number00031291

NamePhotograph

MediumBlack and white photographic print on apper

DimensionsImage: 305 x 230 mm
Sheet: 350 x 255 mm
Overall: 350 x 255 mm, 0.033 kg

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

Historyhttps://www.navy.gov.au/biography/rear-admiral-harold-bruce-farncomb Farncomb flew from the Mediterranean to Manus Island and, on 9 December, assumed command of the Australian Squadron as Commodore First Class. The invasion of Luzon, Philippines, was imminent. HMA Ships AUSTRALIA, SHROPSHIRE, WARRAMUNGA and ARUNTA - under Farncomb in HMAS AUSTRALIA - were to be part of Vice Admiral JB Oldendorf's Bombardment and Fire Support Group of the US Seventh Fleet. Off Luzon and in the Lingayen Gulf, between 5 and 9 January 1945 Australia was successively hit by five kamikaze aircraft. Casualties and damage were severe, but the ship completed its scheduled firings before withdrawing for repairs. Oldendorf described its performance as inspirational. Although Farncomb was wounded, he remained on duty. For his service in the Philippines he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) and also awarded the US Navy Cross. On 22 January he hoisted his broad pendant in SHROPSHIRE and next month witnessed the bombardment and occupation of Corregidor Island. In May, June and July the Australian Squadron supported landings at Wewak, New Guinea, and at Labuan Island and Balikpapan, Borneo. Farncomb was relieved by Collins on 22 July in Manila and flew to Sydney.