On 2 March 1942 HMAS Yarra (II) set off for Fremantle escorting a convoy consisting of the tanker Francol, the depot ship Aanking and a Motor Minesweeper, through the Indian Ocean. LCDR Smith was the First Lieutenant during the voyage. Japanese Naval forces controlled a large amount of the Indian Ocean that convoy would have to pass through.
Several survivors found floating in lifeboats from the recently sunk Dutch ship Parigi were rescued on 3 March 1942. Yarra (II) sailed the remainder of the day without seeing another ship. 4 March 1942 marks the final day of HMAS Yarra (II).
At 0630, the convoy was intercepted by a large Japanese force which included the three heavy cruisers Atago, Takao and Maya. The convoy scattered and LCDR Rankin
