On
the 69th anniversary of Australia’s greatest wartime naval
tragedy,
the Australian Government has announced funding to complete the HMAS Sydney
II Memorial in Geraldton, Western Australia.
The
HMAS Sydney II
tragedy resulted in the loss of 645 Australians. The wreck was located in
2008 off the West Australian coast, more than 60 years after it sank.
The
HMAS Sydney II Memorial was
originally dedicated
in 2001, and declared a military
memorial of national significance in 2009.
Minister
for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said the extra funds will be provided
to go towards the construction of the final element of the Memorial—a pool
of remembrance.
“The
HMAS Sydney II Memorial has become
an important place of reflection for the loved ones of those lost in the
tragedy and the Australian Government is committed to ensuring its completion.
“The
pool will feature 645 seagulls symbolising the number of Australians lost in
the tragedy. The 645th seagull’s wing will touch a granite map
marking the final resting place of HMAS Sydney
II,” he said.
“This
Memorial has become a national and international place of pilgrimage for the
families and friends of those lost in the tragedy, and on behalf of the
Australian Government I want to thank all those involved in the project for
making it a reality.
“This
has been a tremendous journey for all those involved and I hope the impending
completion of the memorial will bring some closure to the families and friends
of those lost,” Mr Snowdon said.
Overall,
the Australian Government will have provided more than $290,000 to help
construct the memorial which is due for completion in 2011. The remaining
funds were raised by the Rotary Club of Geraldton.
Background
on sinking of HMAS Sydney II
On
19 November 1941, HMAS Sydney II
was engaged by the German ship Kormoran
130 miles off the West Australian coastline. It is believed the Kormoran,
posing as an unarmed Dutch merchantman, avoided replying to requests for
identification from HMAS Sydney II before
opening fire.
The
Sydney II
was severely damaged. Returning
fire, Sydney II
damaged the Kormoran forcing its
crew to abandon ship. Survivors of the Kormoran
reported the Australian ship was last seen heavily on fire.
For
more information on HMAS Sydney II
visit the AWM
website.
For
more information on the memorial visit www.hmassydneymemorial.com.au.
Media
inquiries:
Minister
Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999
Dept of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
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