Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Hi, I’m working on the story Harry James Albion Sutton “my father” as I collect
more information and stories on his years through the navy I’ll share them.

24 March 1940
More information on Operation Hush Hush can be found through google search.

Volunteers from ships of Australia's "Scrap Iron Flotilla", in the Mediterranean, embarked on a mission to block the Danube River at a feature known as the Iron Gates.

Two Australian ships called for volunteers, HMAS STUART and HMAS VOYAGER. Reports from other sources also indicate that HMAS VAMPIRE was involved. Six men from each ship were selected, among them a young Stoker, Harry Albion Sutton.
The operation was planned by DNI from a suggestion made by LCDR M. Minshall, RNVR, who had voyaged down the river on an intelligence mission shortly before the outbreak of hostilities. Coordinator for the operation was LCDR Ian Fleming, creator of the fictional hero James Bond. LCDR Fleming smuggled 14 tons of explosives across Europe on the Orient Express. The operation was discovered by German agents before the RAN-manned barges reached the target. In the withdrawal one barge loaded with explosives was detonated beneath a railway viaduct. All Australian members of the Commando-style mission succeeded in returning to their ships.

Two Australian ships called for volunteers, HMAS STUART and HMAS VOYAGER. Reports from other sources also indicate that HMAS VAMPIRE was involved. Six men from each ship were selected.

The names I have been able to find are:

Collins AB Arthur James may be 21378 Petty Officer (PO) Arthur James Collins, RAN
Dix AB Joe
Lead (or Peal) Stoker F
Mahoney
Milne S/Lt (RANVR)
Owens AB Dominic
Pankhurst AB
Scanlon
Scott Lt Scott (RANR)
Sutton Stoker, Harry Albion, who was in Vendetta in 1960 as Chief Stoker "Curley" Sutton
Van Prooyen Asdic Officer AB Terry (Dutchie)