HMAS Canberra On 9 August 1942, HMAS Canberra was sunk in the Battle of Savo Island, one of the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Despite the loss of this battle, the allies went on to win the Battle for Guadalcanal. HMAS Canberra was one of two 10,000 ton County Class Heavy Cruisers ordered by the Australian Government … Continue reading On This Day In Australia: In 1942, HMAS Canberra was sunk in the Battle of Savo Island