Escape from Timor (continued)

'That night, the submarine surfaced and slipped back to the prearranged meeting place. As they drew near, those on the top-side saw a fire burning on the beach, and through the glasses they could make out figures gathered around. They broke out the wherry from which the engine had been removed, and put it overboard. It bobbed alongside the sub, while recognition signals were flashed towards the shore, but while this was going on, a ship was sighted standing out of the harbour and heading towards them.'

'The submarine was in a precarious position. The wherry was over the side and the deck was covered in men and gear. She was in no condition to make a hurried dive. Fortunately, Cassedy's ship was lying in a small bay. Everything was secured as rapidly as possible, and the sub turned a shooting end towards the oncoming vessel, just in case she discovered them. There was a long wait as the Jap craft loomed closer, and then the enemy passed by to seaward without spotting them, and faded into the darkness down the coast.'

'Quickly the men in the sub rigged up again, and Cook, with the same two petty officers, climbed into the engineless wherry and paddled towards the surf. This time, they dropped anchor outside. Although they could see the fire and distinguish the figures easily, repeated signals still brought no reply.'

'There was a hurried conference in the wherry. Cook announced that he was going to swim in, and contemptuous of the sharks, he slipped into the water. Battling the surf and current, he finally managed to crawl up on the beach, although he had been swept some distance from the fire. Flashlight in one hand, pistol in the other, he started towards it. He turned the dim flashlight on his face so that those about the fire would recognise him as a white man. Confident they were the Aussies he sought, he pushed toward them, shouting loudly, and larding his shouts with good round Navy profanity when he got no answer.'

Bureau of Meteorology