A Brief History of HMAS Shropshire sent in by Mackenzie Gregory

HMAS Shropshire' ships company

A gift to the Royal Australian Navy at the behest of Winston Churchill to replace HMAS Canberra sunk at the

Battle of Savo Island on the 9th of August 1942. At that time, I was the Officer of the Watch as a Sub Lieutenant.

I went on to join Shropshire as a Lieutenant in 1944, and was present in her, at the Japanese Surrender in Tokyo Bay on the 2nd of September 1945.

Shropshire, was a heavy cruiser built by William Beardmore and Company Limited at Dalmuir Scotland, she carried 8 by 8 inch guns, and 8 by 4 inch anti- aircraft guns, 2 by 8 barrel Pom Pom mountings, and a number of single 40 mm Bofor mountings, we scrounged from the Americans and fitted ourselves all over the upper deck and on top of the 8 inch gun turrets. This initiative saved us, when we were subjected to numerous and fierce Kamikaze attacks. Our sister ship HMAS Australia, stationed but 600 yards from us, suffered in all, 6 Kamikaze hits, causing many deaths, casualties, and her eventual withdrawal from the Lingayen landings. 

During her service in the RAN in the South Pacific, the ship was involved in 15 operations or battles, and bombarded 56 targets during operational landings. She shot down eleven enemy aircraft, and was involved in the Battle of Surigao Straits, the last great surface action of all time, and helped sink the Japanese Battleship Yamashiro.

Shropshire did not lose one man to enemy action in her four battle tours. Her magnificent crew numbered 1280 Australian sailors, led by Captain Godfrey Nichols DSO, Royal Navy, and I was proud to be one of her number in WW2.

HMAS Shropshire was a real Fighting Lady, and indeed a Lucky Ship.

HMAS Shropshire 

Mackenzie Gregory has kindly supplied us with the following text: 

A gift to the Royal Australian Navy at the behest of Winston Churchill to replace HMAS Canberra sunk at the Battle of Savo Island on the 9th of August 1942. At that time, I was the Officer of the Watch as a Sub Lieutenant. I went on to join Shropshire as a Lieutenant in 1944, and was present in her, at the Japanese Surrender in Tokyo Bay on the 2nd of September 1945.

Shropshire, was a heavy cruiser built by William Beardmore and Company Limited at Dalmuir Scotland, she carried 8 by 8 inch guns, and 8 by 4 inch anti- aircraft guns, 2 by 8 barrel Pom Pom mountings, and a number of single 40 mm Bofor mountings, we scrounged from the Americans and fitted ourselves all over the upper deck and on top of the 8 inch gun turrets. This initiative saved us, when we were subjected to numerous and fierce Kamikaze attacks. Our sister ship HMAS Australia, stationed but 600 yards from us, suffered in all, 6 Kamikaze hits, causing many deaths, casualties, and her eventual withdrawal from the Lingayen landings. 

During her service in the RAN in the South Pacific, the ship was involved in 15 operations or battles, and bombarded 56 targets during operational landings. She shot down eleven enemy aircraft, and was involved in the Battle of Surigao Straits, the last great surface action of all time, and helped sink the Japanese Battleship Yamashiro.

HMS Shropshire, July 1935.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1273

HMS Shropshire, May 1937.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1274

HMS Shropshire.

HMS Shropshire, May 1937.

A large image size 10" x 7" approx, is available.  Reproduced from the original negative / photo under license from MPL, the copyright holder.  A signed numbered certificate is supplied. Price £25.   Order photograph here   Order Code  XMP1275

HMAS Shropshire firing a full broadside at Lingayen Gulf landings on January the 6th. 1945. © Mackenzie Gregory

HMS Shropshire pictured in July 1935  

HMS Shropshire, operating anti Mine equipment. 1931

HMS Shropshire

HMS Shrpshire, January 13th, 1931.

HMS Shropshire, 1931.

HMS Shropshire, 13th January 1931.

HMS Shropshire, 13th January 1931.

HMS Shropshire, 13th January 1931.

HMS Shropshire, 1931.

"Naval Boys Dressed Up, from HMS Shropshire".

1931.

On HMS Shropshire, 1931.

Naval Boys Dressed up at Christmas, 1931, on HMS Shropshire.

Crew member of HMS Shropshire dressed up at Christmas, 1932.

Crew members of HMS Shropshire dressed up for Christmas, 1931.

Naval Historians, Crew & Family Noticeboard

Australian Cruiser  HMAS Shropshire Notice Board for naval enthusiasts and ex Crew families of HMAS Shropshire. This website is not part of any governmental body or official websites of HMAS Shropshire.

Photographs and information on historical events about Australian cruisers requested for this new website. If you have any information you would like to send us including photographs of crew members serving on HMAS Shropshire and also photographs of the ship please e-mail them to us at: cranston@onetel.net 

MESSAGES

COMMODORE JAMES CIARNS MORROW    A Biography is being prepared on the late Commodore, James Cairns Morrow (known as Copper or Ginger) who served on the Shropshire from May 1945 - December 1946. To supplement the formal information, dits, photo's and memories are sought from past crew mates from any period during his service (1919 - 1960) If you feel you can help, please contact melanie_comito@wn.com.au or mail Training Ship Morrow PO Box 954 Geraldton, Western Australia 6531

ALAN FREDERICK COLE.. My father was sick berth attendant on HMAS Gascoyne and was transferring injured crew to Shropshire when she was sent to Surigao Strait action. He remained on Shropshire for the battle and became one of only a few Australians to receive the Philippines Medal with 3 stars. He is now 93, does anyone remember him? Contact me at rcole@vtown.com.au 

RAYMOND LESLIE SHUGG.. I am attempting to confirm that my late father was a member of HMAS Shropshire's crew at the time of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay in 1945. My father deserted after the surrender and his service records were destroyed. I would like to obtain a copy of the crew list for that specific date as this should include my father and hopefully his service number. My father was an officers' cook. Contact me at mshugg@bigpond.com 

My Father was a navel gunfire spotter on Luzon Island, Philippines during the war for HMAS Shropshire. He was a forward observer with the 99th Field artillery Battalion, HMAS Shropshire was could in to help in June 1945 in support of Us Forces. If anyone has further information please contact  me at cvddoc@aol.com