HONOURING HMAS SYDNEY II

Work has begun on commemoration ceremonies for HMAS Sydney II, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, announced today.

“The national response to the discovery of the final resting place of HMAS Sydney has been overwhelming, and incredibly moving,” said Mr Snowdon.

“The discovery and the tragic loss of life need to be marked in a manner befitting their significance to this nation.

“Navy is planning its own, private, ceremony in the near future.  It will include the laying of a plaque and wreath over the site of HMAS Sydney II,” he said.

Planning has also begun for a national memorial service in Sydney on 24 April.

“This will provide an opportunity for families and other members of the public to commemorate the tragic loss of HMAS Sydney II and its crew members,” said Mr Snowdon.

“We will be releasing further details about a venue and timings shortly.”

A national commemoration will be held on the 19 November, the 67^th anniversary of the loss of HMAS Sydney II.

“Options being considered include a memorial service at the HMAS Sydney II memorial site in Geraldton, WA, and a commemoration onboard the current HMAS Sydney over the wreck site,” Mr Snowdon said.

“Family members of the crew will be invited.

“Simultaneously we are planning a ceremonial service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra,” he said.

The Australian Government is also liaising with the German government regarding appropriate recognition of the loss of their sailors and the HSK Kormoran site.

Media contacts:

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

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664