MINISTER FOR DEFENCE LAUNCHES “CRUEL CONFLICT”

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, MP today launched Dr Kathryn Spurling’s new book, “Cruel Conflict: The triumph and tragedy of HMAS Perth” on board the current HMAS Perth, the third Australian warship to bear the name.

Dr Spurling, currently a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy, received praise for her portrayal of the story of the men who served in HMAS Perth I between 1939 and 1942.

Mr Fitzgibbon paid tribute to those men who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country on Perth I, which was sunk with 355 souls onboard in the Battle of Sunda Strait. 324 survivors were rescued by the Japanese and held as Prisoners of War. Only 214 servicemen made it home at the conclusion of hostilities.

“Cruel Conflict is a moving account of chance, endurance and the power of the human will. It honours the tradition of the Australian spirit and reminds us all of the hardships endured by the courageous POWs during World War II,” said Mr Fitzgibbon.

Perth I was a Modified Leander Class Light Cruiser purchased from the Royal Navy and commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy on 29 June 1939. She represented Australia at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York and saw distinguished service during the battles of Matapan, the Mediterranean and the Pacific before Sunda Strait.  The Commanding Officer of Perth I when she was lost was Captain Hector Waller who has been honoured with the naming of a Collins Class Submarine after him.

Dr Spurling is a former member of the Royal Australian Navy and has lectured extensively both nationally and overseas in subjects such as women in the military, sexual discrimination and the Royal Australian Navy.

“It is an honour and privilege for me to launch this book here today,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):         02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567

Defence Media Liaison:                                       02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664