Newcastle-based Clement Rankin will tell of his uncle, Cobar-born Lieutenant Commander (Lt-Cdr) Robert William Rankin, who sacrificed his life in the defence of others during World War II.

Lt-Cdr Rankin’s act of gallantry and valour is one of 13 being considered by the Victoria Cross Inquiry of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal to address “unresolved recognition”.

Public hearings across Australia aim to supplement submissions received by the tribunal on the 13 contenders for retrospective awards, among them the Victoria Cross.

A spokesman for the tribunal yesterday revealed that Mr Rankin would be the first to rise to his feet at today’s hearing at the Mercure Hotel in George Street.

Other descendents of Lt-Cdr Rankin to sing his praises include Dubbo businessman Frank Brennan.

Mr Brennan’s mother , Zillah, and the naval officer were first cousins.

Mid-2011 Mr Brennan expressed the family’s continuing respect for the man who in the face of certain death chose to “make the best of it”.

Lt-Cdr Rankin etched his name in the history books in the Indian Ocean, south of Java, on March 4, 1942.

As commanding officer of the sloop HMAS Yarra, he was leading a convoy of merchant ships to safety when chased by three Japanese cruisers.

What transpired has been called “one of the bravest acts in Australian naval history”.

Despite being in a “hopeless” situation, Lt-Cdr Rankin ordered the convoy to make its escape as he and his crew turned the Yarra towards a menacing enemy with superior weaponry.

The married father of a baby girl fought until the end, when a Japanese salvo hit the Yarra’s bridge.

Two other men who fought alongside Lt-Cdr Rankin are on the list of 13 Navy and military personnel being considered for posthumous awards, including Leading Seaman Ronald Taylor who continued firing on the cruisers as the sloop sank.

When announcing the public hearings that began in December, federal Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Senator David Feeney said the tribunal would invite evidence from a range of

people and organisations including historians, authors, former members of the Australian Defence Force and representatives of ex-service associations.

The public hearing in Sydney will run Wednesday February 8, and Thursday February 9.