Ian McPhedran Knihy

The little boat with a big past: the fight to save one of the most important artefacts of Australian military history. Down at the wharves of Sydney's Darling Harbour, an unassuming black timber fishing boat bobs in the water outside the Australian National Maritime Museum. But appearances can be deceiving. MV Krait, as the old trawler is known, played a key role in one of World War II's most audacious and successful commando raids. The Krait is the most successful Australian 'warship' of WWII. In September 1943, thirteen young Z special operatives sailed the small fishing boat from Australia to Japanese-occupied Singapore to make a daring raid that destroyed 40,000 tonnes of enemy shipping. Operation Jaywick rates as one of the greatest Special Forces operations of all time. The Mighty Krait will weave together the story of Operation Jaywick with the new story of the efforts being made to save the vulnerable little vessel and display it as a permanent memorial to Australian Special Forces. The aim would be to publish to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Operation Jaywick raid by 'Z' Special Unit on Singapore Harbour, in September 2018.

The narrative explores the unbreakable bonds formed among SAS soldiers, highlighting their shared experiences and camaraderie in the face of adversity. It delves into the intense training, harrowing missions, and the psychological toll of warfare, showcasing how these relationships endure beyond the battlefield. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience are central, illustrating the deep connections forged in the crucible of conflict and the lasting impact on their lives.