Philip Sullivan's commission date and experience often made Castlemaine the senior ship when several vessels operated together. In November 1942, Commodore Pope organized an operation from Darwin to deliver supplies and evacuate troops, with Sullivan commanding the force at sea. Castlemaine sailed with Armidale and the patrol transport Kuru. Difficulties led the vessels to divide, a decision judged reasonable in the account. Castlemaine returned, but Armidale did not.
Notable Point · 47:30-49:58
Castlemaine survived the operation that lost Armidale
A November 1942 supply-and-evacuation mission forced Castlemaine, Armidale, and the transport Kuru to divide, after which Armidale failed to return.