Summary

Diary kept by Ralph Goodwin, RAN, 1941-1942 on HMAS Perth and HMAS Hobart. Covers actions in the Mediterranean during World War II, in Crete, Malta and Syria.

David Ralph Goodwin was born on 14 November 1921 in Mordialloc. He enlisted 11 May 1938 in Melbourne, service number 22112, and became an Able Seaman. During World War II he served on HMA Ships Perth (19 May 1939 - 28 August 1941) and Hobart (29 August 1941 - 4 September 1942) before being transferred to HMAS Cerberus (5 September 1942 - 21 July 1943), the Royal Australian Navy's Western Port training facility. He remained at HMAS Cerberus until June 1943; he was discharged on 21 July 1943 due to illness. He formed the ex-HMAS Perth Association in 1966, and passed away on the 4 June 2011.

The diary details Goodwin's tour of duty throughout World War II, including the evacuation of Greece, the Battle of Cape Matapan and the Battle of Crete. It also includes some of Goodwin's personal experiences during the war, such as his time spent in a Jerusalem prison for 90 days as a punishment for being absent without leave in Alexandria. At the back of the diary is a list of ships, along with brief notations, that Goodwin encountered during his time in the Royal Australian Navy.

Physical Description

Lined notebook with a navy blue patterned cover, contrasting turquoise corners and spine.

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