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The Scrap Iron Flotilla: Five Valiant Destroyers and the Australian War in the Mediterranean
When the Second World War broke out in September 1939, the British asked Australia for help. With some misgivings, the Australian government sent five destroyers to beef up the British Royal Navy in the Mediterranean.
HMAS Vendetta, Vampire, Voyager, Stuart and Waterhen were old ships, small with worn-out engines. Their crews used to joke they were held together by string and chewing gum; when the Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels heard of them, he sneered that they were a load of scrap iron.
Yet by the middle of 1940, these destroyers were valiantly escorting troop and supply convoys, successfully hunting for submarines and indefatigably bombarding enemy coasts. Sometimes the weather could be their worst enemy – from filthy sandstorms blowing off Africa to icy gales from Europe that whipped up mountainous seas and froze the guns. Conditions on board were terrible – no showers or proper washing facilities; cramped and stinking sleeping quarters; unpleasant meals of spam and tinned sausages, often served cold in a howling squall. And always the bombing, the bombing. And the fear of submarines.
When Nazi Germany invaded Greece, the Allied armies – including Australian Divisions – reeled in retreat. The Australian ships were among those who had to rescue thousands of soldiers. Then came the Siege of Tobruk – Australian troops holding out in that small Libyan port city. The Australian destroyers ran ‘the Tobruk Ferry’ – bringing supplies of food, medicine and ammunition into the shattered port by night, and taking off wounded soldiers.
But the four destroyers now left were struggling, suffering from constant engine breakdowns, with crews beleaguered by two years of bombings, wild seas and the endless fear of being sunk. In late 1941 the ships were finally sent home, staggering back to Australia, proudly calling themselves the Scrap Iron Flotilla in defiance of the Goebbels’ sneer. That flotilla is now an immortal part of Australian naval legend, and this is its story.
HMAS Vendetta, Vampire, Voyager, Stuart and Waterhen were old ships, small with worn-out engines. Their crews used to joke they were held together by string and chewing gum; when the Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels heard of them, he sneered that they were a load of scrap iron.
Yet by the middle of 1940, these destroyers were valiantly escorting troop and supply convoys, successfully hunting for submarines and indefatigably bombarding enemy coasts. Sometimes the weather could be their worst enemy – from filthy sandstorms blowing off Africa to icy gales from Europe that whipped up mountainous seas and froze the guns. Conditions on board were terrible – no showers or proper washing facilities; cramped and stinking sleeping quarters; unpleasant meals of spam and tinned sausages, often served cold in a howling squall. And always the bombing, the bombing. And the fear of submarines.
When Nazi Germany invaded Greece, the Allied armies – including Australian Divisions – reeled in retreat. The Australian ships were among those who had to rescue thousands of soldiers. Then came the Siege of Tobruk – Australian troops holding out in that small Libyan port city. The Australian destroyers ran ‘the Tobruk Ferry’ – bringing supplies of food, medicine and ammunition into the shattered port by night, and taking off wounded soldiers.
But the four destroyers now left were struggling, suffering from constant engine breakdowns, with crews beleaguered by two years of bombings, wild seas and the endless fear of being sunk. In late 1941 the ships were finally sent home, staggering back to Australia, proudly calling themselves the Scrap Iron Flotilla in defiance of the Goebbels’ sneer. That flotilla is now an immortal part of Australian naval legend, and this is its story.
616 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2022
29 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Mike Carlton
13 books8 followersMike Carlton is one of Australia's best-known broadcasters and journalists. In a 40-year career, he has been a radio and television news and current affairs reporter, foreign correspondent, radio host and newspaper columnist.
He was an ABC war correspondent in Vietnam in 1967 and 1970, and for three years was the ABC's Bureau Chief in Jakarta. He also reported for the ABC from London, New York and major Asian capitals. In television, he was one of the original reporters on the ABC's groundbreaking This Day Tonight in the 1970s. Mike turned to talk radio in 1980, first at Sydney's 2GB, and then for four years in London at Newstalk 97.3FM, where he won a coveted Sony Radio Academy award in 1993 for Britain's best talk breakfast program.
In television, he reported and hosted Indonesia: A Reporter Returns, a three-part documentary for SBS in 2008. He has recently retired from the Radio 2UE breakfast program in Sydney and has returned to writing a column for the Saturday edition of the Sydney Morning Herald.
Mike has had a life-long passion for naval history.
He was an ABC war correspondent in Vietnam in 1967 and 1970, and for three years was the ABC's Bureau Chief in Jakarta. He also reported for the ABC from London, New York and major Asian capitals. In television, he was one of the original reporters on the ABC's groundbreaking This Day Tonight in the 1970s. Mike turned to talk radio in 1980, first at Sydney's 2GB, and then for four years in London at Newstalk 97.3FM, where he won a coveted Sony Radio Academy award in 1993 for Britain's best talk breakfast program.
In television, he reported and hosted Indonesia: A Reporter Returns, a three-part documentary for SBS in 2008. He has recently retired from the Radio 2UE breakfast program in Sydney and has returned to writing a column for the Saturday edition of the Sydney Morning Herald.
Mike has had a life-long passion for naval history.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 19, 2022
Since his retirement as a top-rating radio host, Mike Carlton has assumed another identity as a chronicler of the history of the Australian navy, or at least some of their most famous ships. Not that I am objecting as I have read them all and have found them to be extremely good reading, very detailed and descriptive. The latest, which is 'The Scrap Iron Flotilla' is no exception, with the colourful descriptive name coming from the Nazi traitor 'Lord Haw Haw.' It was meant as a demeaning insult but taken onboard by fhe Australian sailors as a complement. It tells a story of great courage under adversity performed by several old ships that were really well past their 'use-by' date but continued to fight against the odds against the Italian and German Navy in the Mediterranean and the increasingly uneven fight against the Luftwaffe and the German submarines. The supply run to keep the besieged Australians in the town of Tobruk supplied was an example of where their role was vital and despite constant attacks, the 'Scrap Iron' Flotilla' kept up the supplies of food and ammunition. This is a great book to read now. but, Mike Carlton has done us a great service for the future as a chronicler of the history of the Australian Navy.
January 10, 2023
I’ve read the 1943 history of these destroyers by John F Moyes, it was interesting to read this more contemporary account.
My father served on the Stuart at the end of the war so it was nice for me to read an account that included that period.
True warhorses!
My father served on the Stuart at the end of the war so it was nice for me to read an account that included that period.
True warhorses!
June 14, 2024
The Scrap Iron Flotilla is the latest book to tell the story of Stuart, Vendetta, Vampire, Waterhen and Voyager, and their crew, and does it very well. It welcomely also tells some of the story of the Italians and Germans the Australians engaged, and the addition of the Italian/German side of the story to some of the elements in the book underlines the serious research the author has gone to.
The author is an accomplished writer and the book reads very well, threading the story with interesting prose. The work is also accessible and naval terms are often explained when used. Happily, the editing and attention-to-detail is of a very high standard – not perfect (very little is), but nothing that would interfere with enjoying the book or understanding the story being told.
As with his other books, one of the great strengths is the lengths the author goes to, to cover the people involved in the various actions. People are described, where possible, as people, and there is an Appendix that provides short biographies of some of the key individuals mentioned in the book. The way people are described shows the author’s humanity, and is a great credit to the work.
The only issues that I saw were when the narrative moves outside of the scope of the story being told. Myths are repeated about both the impact of Matapan on the Regia Marina (the last part of the chapter on the Battle of Matapan includes the sentence “And never again would Mussolini’s navy put to sea in any strength to challenge the British hold on the Mediterranean.” which is very much incorrect) and then there’s the oft-repeated and poorly-understood (and embarrassing at the time for all involved, Australia, the US and UK) late-December “turn to America” speech by Curtin, which has been blown out of all proportion in hindsight but at the time was political theatre for domestic consumption and not much else. These kind of scene-setting slips are not uncommon in other books and no reason to think any less of the core content, which is well-researched and written.
As well as the writing the book also contains three maps of the Mediterranean and two ship profile images (of Stuart and Waterhen), reference and some “further information” notes, a bibliography and an index, as well as an interesting appendix that provides an enjoyable and esoteric contrast between HMAS Stuart I with HMAS Stuart III (an Anzac class frigate that is still serving with the RAN). There is a plates section in the middle of the book with a number of well-chosen images, including some (primarily of people) I expect that have not been previously published.
All up it is an excellent addition to the body of work on Australia’s naval history, and an easy recommendation for anyone interested in the naval war in the Mediterranean during the Second World War, the RAN during the Second World War, or the history of the RAN more generally.
The author is an accomplished writer and the book reads very well, threading the story with interesting prose. The work is also accessible and naval terms are often explained when used. Happily, the editing and attention-to-detail is of a very high standard – not perfect (very little is), but nothing that would interfere with enjoying the book or understanding the story being told.
As with his other books, one of the great strengths is the lengths the author goes to, to cover the people involved in the various actions. People are described, where possible, as people, and there is an Appendix that provides short biographies of some of the key individuals mentioned in the book. The way people are described shows the author’s humanity, and is a great credit to the work.
The only issues that I saw were when the narrative moves outside of the scope of the story being told. Myths are repeated about both the impact of Matapan on the Regia Marina (the last part of the chapter on the Battle of Matapan includes the sentence “And never again would Mussolini’s navy put to sea in any strength to challenge the British hold on the Mediterranean.” which is very much incorrect) and then there’s the oft-repeated and poorly-understood (and embarrassing at the time for all involved, Australia, the US and UK) late-December “turn to America” speech by Curtin, which has been blown out of all proportion in hindsight but at the time was political theatre for domestic consumption and not much else. These kind of scene-setting slips are not uncommon in other books and no reason to think any less of the core content, which is well-researched and written.
As well as the writing the book also contains three maps of the Mediterranean and two ship profile images (of Stuart and Waterhen), reference and some “further information” notes, a bibliography and an index, as well as an interesting appendix that provides an enjoyable and esoteric contrast between HMAS Stuart I with HMAS Stuart III (an Anzac class frigate that is still serving with the RAN). There is a plates section in the middle of the book with a number of well-chosen images, including some (primarily of people) I expect that have not been previously published.
All up it is an excellent addition to the body of work on Australia’s naval history, and an easy recommendation for anyone interested in the naval war in the Mediterranean during the Second World War, the RAN during the Second World War, or the history of the RAN more generally.
June 26, 2023
Very detailed and obviously very well researched account of participation of part of the Australian Navy in the Mediterranean in WW2. But this is not just a straightforward account of navy battles with dates, times, lists of lives lost and damages to fleet ships - it is brought to life with the inclusion of letters, diaries and recollections of Captains and crews of the ships involved. It also includes how bad decision making by people far away from the scene, impacted those at the front.
It presents the horror and futility of war for civilians as well as those fighting.
I felt a small connection as my father served in the RAN, some of the time on destroyers and some of the time supplying Malta (but none of the Scrap Iron Flotilla)
A great read.
When the Second World War broke out in September 1939, the British asked Australia for help. With some misgivings, the Australian government sent five destroyers to beef up the British Royal Navy in the Mediterranean.
HMAS Vendetta , Vampire , Voyager, Stuart and Waterhen were old ships, small with worn-out engines. Their crews used to joke they were held together by string and chewing gum; when the Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels heard of them, he sneered that they were a load of scrap iron.
Yet by the middle of 1940, these destroyers were valiantly escorting troop and supply convoys, successfully hunting for submarines and indefatigably bombarding enemy coasts. Sometimes the weather could be their worst enemy – from filthy sandstorms blowing off Africa to icy gales from Europe that whipped up mountainous seas and froze the guns. Conditions on board were terrible – no showers or proper washing facilities; cramped and stinking sleeping quarters; unpleasant meals of spam and tinned sausages, often served cold in a howling squall. And always the bombing, the bombing. And the fear of submarines.
When Nazi Germany invaded Greece, the Allied armies – including Australian Divisions – reeled in retreat. The Australian ships were among those who had to rescue thousands of soldiers. Then came the Siege of Tobruk – Australian troops holding out in that small Libyan port city. The Australian destroyers ran ‘the Tobruk Ferry’ – bringing supplies of food, medicine and ammunition into the shattered port by night, and taking off wounded soldiers.
But the four destroyers now left were struggling, suffering from constant engine breakdowns, with crews beleaguered by two years of bombings, wild seas and the endless fear of being sunk. In late 1941 the ships were finally sent home, staggering back to Australia, proudly calling themselves the Scrap Iron Flotilla in defiance of the Goebbels’ sneer. That flotilla is now an immortal part of Australian naval legend, and this is its story.
It presents the horror and futility of war for civilians as well as those fighting.
I felt a small connection as my father served in the RAN, some of the time on destroyers and some of the time supplying Malta (but none of the Scrap Iron Flotilla)
A great read.
When the Second World War broke out in September 1939, the British asked Australia for help. With some misgivings, the Australian government sent five destroyers to beef up the British Royal Navy in the Mediterranean.
HMAS Vendetta , Vampire , Voyager, Stuart and Waterhen were old ships, small with worn-out engines. Their crews used to joke they were held together by string and chewing gum; when the Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels heard of them, he sneered that they were a load of scrap iron.
Yet by the middle of 1940, these destroyers were valiantly escorting troop and supply convoys, successfully hunting for submarines and indefatigably bombarding enemy coasts. Sometimes the weather could be their worst enemy – from filthy sandstorms blowing off Africa to icy gales from Europe that whipped up mountainous seas and froze the guns. Conditions on board were terrible – no showers or proper washing facilities; cramped and stinking sleeping quarters; unpleasant meals of spam and tinned sausages, often served cold in a howling squall. And always the bombing, the bombing. And the fear of submarines.
When Nazi Germany invaded Greece, the Allied armies – including Australian Divisions – reeled in retreat. The Australian ships were among those who had to rescue thousands of soldiers. Then came the Siege of Tobruk – Australian troops holding out in that small Libyan port city. The Australian destroyers ran ‘the Tobruk Ferry’ – bringing supplies of food, medicine and ammunition into the shattered port by night, and taking off wounded soldiers.
But the four destroyers now left were struggling, suffering from constant engine breakdowns, with crews beleaguered by two years of bombings, wild seas and the endless fear of being sunk. In late 1941 the ships were finally sent home, staggering back to Australia, proudly calling themselves the Scrap Iron Flotilla in defiance of the Goebbels’ sneer. That flotilla is now an immortal part of Australian naval legend, and this is its story.
September 15, 2023
As a WWII naval history buff, I was attracted to Carlton's book because, though having some grasp of naval warfare in the Mediterranean during the conflict, I knew almost nothing about Australia's role in it.
Now I know a lot more, thanks to Carlton's excellent research. His use of primary sources is particularly commendable.
While the book does focus on five Australian DDs, it has a much wider scope that makes it all the more interesting. Carlton's effort to include vignettes from the Italian side are particularly informative. Who knew that some of the most effective Stuka pilots were Italians?!!
Carlton has not written a panegyric. Though the book extols the achievements of the RAN, it also points out incidents illustrative of the seamier side of life. This balanced reporting is commendable.
"The Scrap Iron Flotilla" is in the mould of Roscoe's "Tin Cans", Hara's "Japanese Destroyer Captain" and Hornfischer's "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors". If you've enjoyed any or all of them, you'll find Carlton's book belongs in their company.
Now I know a lot more, thanks to Carlton's excellent research. His use of primary sources is particularly commendable.
While the book does focus on five Australian DDs, it has a much wider scope that makes it all the more interesting. Carlton's effort to include vignettes from the Italian side are particularly informative. Who knew that some of the most effective Stuka pilots were Italians?!!
Carlton has not written a panegyric. Though the book extols the achievements of the RAN, it also points out incidents illustrative of the seamier side of life. This balanced reporting is commendable.
"The Scrap Iron Flotilla" is in the mould of Roscoe's "Tin Cans", Hara's "Japanese Destroyer Captain" and Hornfischer's "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors". If you've enjoyed any or all of them, you'll find Carlton's book belongs in their company.
July 30, 2023
Undeniably well researched the style of the book was not really to my taste. This was mainly because it the flow of the narrative was broken by largely irrelevant details of bystanders and the non involved. I found myself skipping and speed reading a good deal of the time. There was also little critique of the main players and instead a somewhat sycophantic undertow to the book. Max Hastings writes similar styles of books but seems able to maintain the flow of the essentials including witness comments without loosing momentum and adding critique where required. At the end of the day the book covers the essentials of the flotilla and is a 'read'.
August 14, 2023
I got this as an audio book rerad by Carlton himself. I don't know if that added to the story but throughout the book it felt like Carlton had made this account personal; there was passion in the telling. As an ex-Navy man I can honestly say that I was truly immersed in the story and enjoyed every minute. That said, anyone can enjoy this book as it is not full of technical terms and anything said that would be confusing to a non-sailor is explained in detail but without belabouring the definition.
There is no doubt that this is Carlton's best Navy work since Cruiser and may even eclipse that great read.
There is no doubt that this is Carlton's best Navy work since Cruiser and may even eclipse that great read.
January 5, 2023
Carlton, as usual, has a gross excess of material to work with, and is mostly successful in whittling the material down to a cohesive and very readable whole. But despite the best efforts of all concerned the odd side track has snuck through, leaving the reader to wonder, however interesting, but why have we strayed off the track again?
A very good well presented read, and Carlton is not afraid to lavish praise where praise is due, and to award brickbats to those whose inflated egos got in the way of informed decision-making. Thinking of Churchill in particular here.
A very good well presented read, and Carlton is not afraid to lavish praise where praise is due, and to award brickbats to those whose inflated egos got in the way of informed decision-making. Thinking of Churchill in particular here.
May 21, 2023
This is a brilliant recounting of the sacrifice and dedication to duty of men of the Australian Navy in the Mediterranean in the first years of WWII. Their courage and spirit in the face of immeasurable challenges, and at the peril of their lives, is told in an accessible manner giving us great insight to their experiences despite the distance of time. We feel the tension, suffering, and agony of those in service and the loss and despair of those left behind. Thanks to the work of Carlton the memories of these great men will live on.
April 8, 2023
Full of human stories.. of individuals working collectively in unimaginably extreme and dangerous situations and achieving greatness at every turn.
There is much detail in this book .. some I took in some I didn’t but it is still an excellent read and I learnt lots from reading this slice of history .. and gained a new found understanding and respect for those who willingly took to the oceans in their ‘scrap iron flotilla’ .. utterly courageous and slightly other worldly.
There is much detail in this book .. some I took in some I didn’t but it is still an excellent read and I learnt lots from reading this slice of history .. and gained a new found understanding and respect for those who willingly took to the oceans in their ‘scrap iron flotilla’ .. utterly courageous and slightly other worldly.
January 17, 2023
Exceptional
Thoroughly researched, documented and well written account of when, in the first years of WWII and prior to the War in the Pacific, the Australian Navy played a crucial role for the British in the Mediterranean.
Thoroughly researched, documented and well written account of when, in the first years of WWII and prior to the War in the Pacific, the Australian Navy played a crucial role for the British in the Mediterranean.
July 26, 2024
A good story, well told. Covers more than just the five ships themselves by discussing the broader Mediterranean and North African campaigns and Australia’s part in them. Recommended for those with an interest in RAN history.
December 3, 2022
A very readable history of a part of Australia's contribution to World War 2 which has been largely forgotten. It is aimed at the general reader. All military terms and practices are explained.
December 8, 2022
Much like the ships it concerns, this book takes a while to get moving. Once it does, though, it's a cracking good read.
January 1, 2023
Interesting not great though.
May 23, 2024
A riveting and wonderfully written account of Australians woefully unprepared for conflict facing adversity with courage and forebearance.
December 30, 2024
Really enjoyable recounting of Australian naval history, first time I have read any!
November 20, 2022
Another rollicking tale from a man whose love of warships drips onto every page. In doing so, the honour he bestows is a worthy addition to Australian military history. The story of Australia's gallant naval role in the Mediterranean during WWII is little known. Mr Carlton uses a cavalcade of sources to paint his word pictures in recreating the harrowing circumstances. Of particular note are the diaries of participants, regardless of their rank and this gives his tales great authenticity. I especially loved the final two chapters where he tracks the men after their war ended in the "Med" and culminating in the imaginary visit by one of the stand out characters from the book, Hec Waller, to the modern equivalent of his valiant HMAS Sturt. Its a clever means of highlighting differences - yes - but also the traditions that remain. The honour and grit that has not changed. An excellent read.
February 5, 2025
I enjoyed this well written and interesting book that balances scope, story telling, technical information and humanity. The author does a great job providing context for events including politics without it becoming cumbersome. He has a passion for the subject and affection for the sailors. The comparison of current day navy and ships was clever and emotional. My soldier (2/9th battalion 2nd AIF) grandfather was evacuated injured from Tobruk by HMAS Vampire in May 1941 so I especially appreciated the story of that ship and crew.
January 30, 2023
A.n amazing read! Well researched as the author has a lot of naval knowledge without having served, his insight into the mechanics of the junior sailors mess decks is incredible. I will pick up another of his books in the near future.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews