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Tasmanian Seafarers' Memorial
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AB Albert Purdon RAN (1958)
The plaque reads ...
A.B. Albert
Purdon
H1171
01.03.1912 ~ 19.02.1942
Son of Albert & Ethel Purdon
New Norfolk
40th Btn 1930-33, RAN 1940
Killed in action on HMAS 'Swan' (II) when
under attack during air raid on Darwin.
On 19 February 1942 HMAS Swan was at Darwin when the port was attacked by a large force of aircraft flown from the Japanese aircraft carriers Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu, operating in the Timor Sea under the command of Vice Admiral Nagumo. This was the first and most severe air raid on Australian soil. Fortunately Swan was able to get under way without being hit but she experienced seven attacks and several near misses damaged her, killed three of her complement and wounded nineteen others. The following day she proceeded to Brisbane for repairs and a general refit.