Leading Seaman John Hopkin's first ship during WWII was the flagship of the Australian fleet. The Australia was patrolling near the Arctic Circle when a call came to rescue the crew of the Short Sunderland flying boat.

Conditions were difficult for both rescuers and the stricken airmen. John could swim so he was roped over the side. He had to be careful not to fall into the freezing water.

That wasn't the end of the excitement for John on board HMAS Australia. The ship caught the attention of German planes during the evacuation of Crete.

Narration Sharon Kennedy. Voice of John, Ron Tait.