Following the successful landings in Lingayen Gulf, RAN ships would go on to support the massive naval and aerial bombardment of Corregidor and cleaning-up operations in Palawan, Zamboanga, Negros, Cebu, Malabang, Parang and Cotabato.
The Royal Australian Navy’s participation in history’s largest naval battle at Leyte Gulf, and its role in providing support to nine amphibious landings during the campaign was a valuable contribution to the overall success.
The allied victory in the Philippines turned the tide of the war, and was followed by military advances in the rest of the Pacific. The unconditional surrender of Japanese forces in August 1945 marked the end of the Second World War. HMAS Shropshire was in Philippine waters when the Japanese surrendered and sailed for Tokyo Bay for the surrender ceremony on 2 September 1945.
Image: HMAS Shropshire company, February 1945
