CAIRN DEDICATED TO THE UNKNOWN

HMAS SYDNEY II SAILOR ON CHRISTMAS ISLAND

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP today attended a cairn dedication service on Christmas Island to mark the original grave of the unknown sailor believed to have served on HMAS Sydney II.

HMAS Sydney II and her 645 crew were tragically lost in November 1941 following a fierce engagement with the German raider HSK Kormoran. 

In February 1942 the remains of what is believed to be a sailor from the Sydney II was recovered off Christmas Island and buried overlooking Flying Fish Cove.  In October 2006, the unknown sailor was exhumed by a Navy-led archaeological team and was re-interred in the Geraldton War Cemetery on the anniversary of the Sydney II sinking, 19 November 2008.

Today Christmas Island residents and representatives of the Navy, Air Force, Army along with the Island’s ex-service personnel dedicated a memorial cairn on the site where the sailor had laid at rest for so long.

“The sailors who perished with HMAS Sydney II served their country with distinction and their loss is still felt today,” Mr Snowdon said.

“I feel privileged to be here today to mark the original burial site of the unknown sailor, and to acknowledge the place Christmas Island has in the Sydney II’s incredible story of bravery and sacrifice."

Further information on HMAS Sydney II and the discovery of the wreck can be found at the following links:

www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/ships/sydney2.html

www.findingsydney.com/search.asp

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):           02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664