World War II Database

1. Stephen says:
18 Sep 2009 08:42:33 AM

Photo Details are -John A Collins RAN on the bridge of HMAS Sydney 1940 in the Med around the time of the battle of cape spada.On a personal Note - On board HMAS Sydney at that time was a relation who was one of the Petty Officer Stewards,Donald Ross RAN, who often comented on the fact that No One could ever cook a piece of Bacon that John Collins would eat!Sadly Don and another relation who was the Walrus Seaplane pilot on Board HMAS Sydney from mid 1941 were both killed when she was sunk on or around 19 Novemeber 1941 during the action with the HSK Kormoran.By 1945 of 7 that served 6 were killed from the extended family.4 were RAN and 2 were RAAF.The Sole survivor Joined the RAF in 1938 and returned to Austrlia with the AFC DFC DFM - remaining with the RAF Postwar. The HMAS Sydney Casulties were -Flying Officer Raymond Barker Barrey 407000 RAAF and Petty Officer Steward Donald Ross 16199 RAN.Don enlisted in 1925 after serving in France in 1918-1919 with the Australian Army.He joined HMAS Sydney in 1939 after serving on board HMA Ships Australia and Stuart amongst others. He was married with children and aged 42 when killed.Ray Barrey was also married - only in 1941 - and was aged 25 and had no children when he was killed.