Mr Pierce said the two operations were significant because they were basis for the creation of Australian commando units.

The now Rotary president served for several years as a commando.

He described the trip as a humbling experience.

“Operation Jaywick was a complete success, with seven Japanese ships sunk or damaged, but the Rimau men were captured and executed,” Mr Pierce said.

“It was an honour to stand at the graves of these brave young men, forerunners of the modern commando, and commemorate their deeds so many years ago.

“These men were part of Z Force which included sailing a converted fishing boat called the Krait.

“Jaywick, in particular, is still considered the most successful raid of its type ever conducted. It was the furtherest troops had ever penetrated into enemy territory.

“So surprised were the Japanese that they took out their retributions on the Singaporean population thinking that now external force could have undertaken the raids.”

Mr Pierce said the raids left Australian shores before holing up in some mangroves outside the Singapore harbour. The teams then paddled some five kilometres into the harbour.

Twelve months after Jaywick, another team was assembled to undertake Operation Rimau. Unfortunately all the men on this mission were captured and subsequently executed.

“It was a honour to pay tribute to these very brave men. It was very sobering to stand beside their gravestones and realise that these guys were just aged 23 and 24 years of age,” Mr Pierce said.

Meanwhile Mr Pierce said he was looking forward to Armistice Day services in a few weeks’ time.