Action of 13 December 1964 explained

Conflict:Action of 13 December 1964
Partof:Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation
Date:13 December 1964
Place:1 mile off Raffles Lighthouse, Singapore Strait
Result:Australian victory
Combatant1: Australia
Combatant2: Indonesia
Commander1: Keith Murray
Commander2: Unknown
Strength1:1 minesweeper
Strength2:2 sampans
Casualties1:1 wounded
Casualties2:3 killed
4 captured
1 sampan captured
Coordinates:1.1601°N 103.7409°W

The action of 13 December 1964 was a minor naval action between the Australian minesweeper and two Indonesian vessels on 13 December 1964 during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. HMAS Teal was engaged by Indonesian vessels in the Singapore Strait. Return fire from the Australian ship killed three, whilst four other Indonesians were subsequently captured.[1]

Action

HMAS Teal whilst conducting patrols of the Singapore Strait intercepted two Indonesian sampans 1 mile from Raffles Lighthouse.[2] Upon interception of the unlit sampans, Teal was fired upon with automatic weapons from the sampans. The sampans turned towards Indonesian waters, however one sampan was overpowered by Teal following further small arms engagements that killed three of the seven Indonesian crew members. The remaining crew, including an officer of the Indonesian Marines, surrendered.[3] On board the sampan, a quantity of explosives, weapons and military equipment was found.

Aftermath

Lieutenant Keith Murray was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, for his coolness and judgement during the action. The Distinguished Service Cross was the only award for gallant or distinguished service made to the Royal Australian Navy during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation.

See also

References


Notes and References

  1. Coulthard-Clark (2001), p. 274.
  2. Web site: HMAS Teal. www.navy.gov.au. en. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20121104182911/http://www.navy.gov.au:80/hmas-teal . 4 November 2012 . 2020-03-21.
  3. Web site: Confrontation-The Campaign Widens RAN Participation 1964-66. 2003-12-17. Naval Historical Society of Australia. en-AU. 2020-03-21.