USS Peary (DD-226)-- Part 2

TO DARWIN

January 1, 1942, found the Peary in Darwin, Australia. By any measure, this ship's first three weeks at war were very eventful.

In Darwin, the ship operated primarily on anti-submarine patrols.

February 15-16th the Peary was transporting reinforcements to Dutch Timor, but a huge Japanese air attack made them return to Darwin.


Then came that day in Darwin Harbor, February 19, 1942.

At 1045, the Peary was attcked by Japanese dive bombers and struck five times:

First exploded on the fantail

Second, an incendiary, exploded on the galley deck house

Third did not explode

Fourth hit forward and set off forward ammunition magazines

Fifth was an incendiary as well and exploded in the after engine room.

Even as the ship burned and was sinking, two machine guns continued firing as the bombers were leaving.

Of the crew, 88 died and 13 were wounded (out of 101 officers and men). The ship sank, stern first at 1300 and was struck from the US Navy List 8 May 1942.

A Gallant Ship and Crew. --GreGen