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The Sea war in Bass Strait

Jack Loney

The chief purpose of this book is to tell clearly and concisely the story of German and Japanese incursions into Bass Strait during two World Wars. In no sense is it intended as a comprehensive or exhaustive history, but it aims to present a graphic picture of events in those dark years and whet public appetite for a better knowledge and understanding of events known

German armed merchant raiders prowled the oceans of the world during both global conflicts sinking hundreds of Allied and neutral merchant vessels. In 1917 the WOLF briefly penetrated the eastern approaches to Bass Strait, to lay mines, one of which destroyed the steamer CUMBERLAND.

Twenty three years later, in October 1940, during a second World War, the captured Norwegian tanker, STORSTAD, renamed PASSAT, mined Bass Strait in several locations and was responsible for the loss of the freighters CITY OF RAYVILLE and CAMBRIDGE. Tightened security allowed the alerted Australian forces to regain control of the strait until the entry of Japan into the war in December 1941 threw it open to enemy forces once again. During this period, first Japanese, then later, German submarines were detected in Bass Strait but the vigilance of the R.A.A.F. and R.A.N. ensured the sea lanes remained open. We should also be grateful to the men of our Merchant Navy who risked their lives to protect Australia and support the Allied forces. While technically accurate, the "SEA WAR IN BASS STRAIT" successfully combines sea lore and layman understanding without losing the best qualities of either.