HMIS Indus 6/4/42

[Darius]

Hi,

https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/...IN/RIN-6.html:

On 5 and 6 April 1942 Akyab was heavily bombed." H.M.I.S. Indus (Commander J. E. N. Coope, R.I.N.) was in Akyab harbour. Four Indian officers against an officer complement of twelve were borne in this ship. She was lying at anchor when three formations of Japanese aircraft coming from different directions attacked her. The first formation dropped a stick of bombs so close to her that it was once thought she had been hit. When, however, the second and the third formations came on and attacked together, the ship did not have much of a chance. She received at least two direct hits, one of them on the engine room, causing severe damage. Another hit caused the ship to settle by the stern. Distress signals were made to H.M.I.S. St. Anthony which was nearby but before any help could reach the Indus had capsized. She had put up a very gallant fight against immense odds and went down fighting. By a miracle no lives were lost. An eye witness rightly said that in the face of an attack by 27 bombers and 18 fighters, "we considered we were lucky to have lost only one ship." There was no way of saving the ship and she sank very soon. Officers and crew were taken on board H.M.I.S. St. Anthony (Lieutenant T.R.V.Bird, R.I.N.R.). On 7 April St. Anthony ran aground on the rocks at the entrance to Akyab harbour. She was refloated and subsequently left Akyab for Calcutta on 18 April 1942.

We`ve got the date, but still missing the time.

And of course: If you have more specific data on the attackers, please be kind and put more light on this incident.

Regards

Darius