Arunta HMAS 1940

[john sefton]

ARUNTA HMAS. Destroyer - Tribal class. Pennant No 130. Built by Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Co. Pty. Ltd .. Launched 30 Nov. 1940. Laid down 15 Nov. 1939 Completed 3 March 1942. Built for Royal Australian Navy L355' 6" x 36' 6" x 9'. 1,927 tons Parsons geared turbines. 44,000 shp. 36kn. Armament eight 4 in DP, 10 smaller guns, four MG, four 21 in 1T Complement 250 men (Sisters WARRAMUNGA and BATAAN) Underwent refit prior to 1953 in which her guns were replaced by different pattern, given new A/S weapons, and the deck house aft extended towards the stern. Reclassified as anti-submarine destroyer. 1956 four 4.7 in, two 4 in, six 40 mm AA, four 2pdr AA, four MG, four 21 in TT, squid in 'Y' position.
In August 1942 destroyed the Japanese submarine R033 near Port Moresby, New Guinea. Participated in the battle of Surigo Strait in October 1944 and supported the landings at Corregidor in February 1945. Foundered on February 12 1969 on passage to Taiwan for breaking up. Stricken before 1978 -
Australia 1993 $1.05 SG1399 (G Pulham. WP May 1997)

[D. v. Nieuwenhuijzen]

ARUNTA, D130