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H.M.A.S. PiriePrint Page 
The plaque commemorates the naval personnel of H.M.A.S. Pirie who were killed in action during a Japanese air attack in New Guinea during World War Two.
HMAS Pirie was one of sixty Australian Minesweepers (commonly known as corvettes) built during World War Two in Australian shipyards as part of the Commonwealth Government's wartime shipbuilding programme. Off Oro Bay (New Guinea) on 11 April 1943, Pirie was escorting the British vessel SS Hanyang as part of operation 'Lilliput', the reinforcement, supply and development of the Buna-Gona area after its capture.
Pirie was subjected to a particularly determined attack by a large force of Japanese fighters and dive bombers. She experienced six very close misses and one direct hit which struck the bullet proof canopy over the bridge, penetrated it, glanced off the helmsman's protective apron, struck and killed instantly the Gunnery Officer and then striking the upper deck, exploded killing six ratings and wounding four others.
Location
| Address: | Memorial Drive , On Navy Memorial, Memorial Park, Port Pirie, 5540 |
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| State: | SA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -33.17995 Long: 138.007031 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
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| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | WW2 |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 11-April-1943 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 11-April-1943 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Monday 26th August, 1985 |
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This plaque is in memory of those Navy personnel of H.M.A.S. "Pirie" killed in action off Oro Bay, New Guinea, 11th April 1943.
[ Names ]
A very valiant and gallant ship
Unveiled by Commander M. J. Stock, H.M.A.S. "Stuart"
26th August 1985
