HMAS SYDNEY II COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, The Hon. Warren Snowdon, today announced that a number of services will be held around the country on
19 November 2008 to commemorate the 67^th anniversary of the loss of HMAS Sydney II and her 645 crew.

Over 280 family members of the crew of Sydney II will embark in HMAS Kanimbla for an at-sea service over the site of Sydney II. Also present during the ceremony will be the guided missile frigate, HMAS Sydney, the fourth Australian ship to carry the Sydney name.

“This is the first year in which commemorative services will be held where the final resting place of HMAS Sydney II is known,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The at-sea service on the 19^th November will be attended only by family, but I am pleased to be able to advise that there will be a number of public services held around Australia to commemorate this anniversary.”

On the 19 November, a service will occur at 11am at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and at the annual sunset ceremony at the Dome of Souls in Geraldton. Smaller but equally significant services will also be held in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Fremantle.

Members of the public are invited to attend any of the shore-based services and further details can be found at the link www.navy.gov.au.

HMAS Sydney II was tragically lost following a fierce engagement with the German raider HSK Kormoran. It was Australia’s greatest maritime loss with the death of 645 men. The wreck of Sydney II was discovered on 16 March this year.

Media contacts:

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

Defence Media Liaison:                             02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

HMAS Sydney II Memorial events

Geraldton Service

Where: HMAS Sydney II Memorial site, Geraldton WA

When: Wednesday, 19 November 2008, commencing at 6.30pm

Reburial of The Unknown Sailor

Where: Queen's Park, Geraldton WA

When: Wednesday, 19 November 2008, commencing at 11.00am

Canberra Service

Where: Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT

When: Wednesday, 19 November 2008, commencing at 11.00am

Melbourne Services

Where: Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne VIC

When: Wednesday, 19 November 2008, commencing at 10.45am

Church Service at HMAS Cerberus

Where: HMAS Cerberus, St Marks Anglican Chapel, Crib Point VIC

When: Sunday, 16 November 2008, commencing at 10.00am

Sydney Services

Where: Sydney Cenotaph, Martin Place, Sydney NSW

When: Wednesday, 19 November 2008, commencing at 11.00am

Brisbane Service

Where: Shrine of Remembrance, Anzac Square, Brisbane QLD

When: Wednesday, 19 November 2008, commencing at 10.30am

Adelaide Service

Naval HQ South Australia

Where: Port Adelaide Association, 35 Quebec St, Port Adelaide, SA

When: Sunday, 16 November 2008, BBQ lunch commencing at 1.30pm, followed by a formal service commencing at 4.30pm

Fremantle Services

Fremantle Ecumenical

Where: Basilica of St Patrick, 47 Adelaide St, Fremantle, WA

When: Tuesday, 11 November 2008, commencing at 1700

Where: Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club, Leighton Beach, North Fremantle, WA

When: Sunday, 16 November 2008, commencing at 0800