Montevideo Maru 2020.
Eternal Flame, Anzac Square, Brisbane.
Twenty-eight members and friends attended NGVR / PNGVR’s 78th Anniversary Memorial Service to those who were lost when the MV Montevideo Maru was sunk by an US Submarine Sturgeon early morning of 1st July 2942.
The loss of 845 Australian POWs and 208 civilian internees remains the worst Australian maritime disaster.
The families of those lost were not notified of their loss until several months after the end of the Pacific War, over 3 years after the sinking.
Specific mention was made of the 36 NGVR soldiers who perished on the Montevideo Maru and others who died in the aftermath of the Japanese invasion.
We understand the Brisbane’s service, due to the coronavirus situation, was the only service commemorating the men lost on the Montevideo Maru held in Australia today. Social restrictions also prevented having the traditional morning tea following the service.
Instead guests visited the Hall of Memories to view the memorials and interactive display in the refurbished under-croft rooms.
The AWM selected the story of Gunner Hatcher of the Coastal Artillery Unit, Lark Force to tell at its Last Post Ceremony on 30th June.
Today’s short and moving public service was held in and around the Brisbane’s Cenotaph .
After a welcoming address by President Phil Ainsworth , keynote speaker Association Patron, Major General John Pearn spoke of sacrifice, service and the debt owed to those who gave their lives . Prayers were said by Padre Ron MacDonald.
Nine representatives of the Salvation Army were present including the Association’s Padre and his wife, the Padre to 6 RAR, Ms Lawriee Arthur, Bugler Scot and five relatives of Musician Ray Cairns of 2/22 Battalion band, who was on board the Montevideo Maru.
Other attendees were Charles Strunk , Councillor for Forest Lake Ward with his electoral assistant , the President of Australian Commando Association, Qld Branch, Mr Graham Gough, Mick James representing the Battle for Australia Association Queensland and three members of the 31 Battalion Association Tony Wadeson, Doug Angus and Mick James. The PNGAA was represented by Committee member Phil Ainsworth. All representatives and Ms Barbara Hewitt, a relative of Ray Carins laid wreaths.
PNGVR members present were our Patron, President, Padre and his wife, Vice-president Bob Collins, Secretary Colin Gould, Treasurer Kieran Nelson, Museum Curator Paul Brown, committee members Peter Rogers DFC, Mike Griffin and Peter Rogers and members Sir Kevin Shorthouse OAM and his wife , Gil Harvey- Hall and Ian Thompson. Several of our members travelled from the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Stradbroke Island to attend.
Paul Brown and Colin Gould arranged todays service and Kieran assisted in raising awareness and sharing the story through Facebook , thank you.
Phil Ainsworth.
The loss of 845 Australian POWs and 208 civilian internees remains the worst Australian maritime disaster.
The families of those lost were not notified of their loss until several months after the end of the Pacific War, over 3 years after the sinking.
Specific mention was made of the 36 NGVR soldiers who perished on the Montevideo Maru and others who died in the aftermath of the Japanese invasion.
We understand the Brisbane’s service, due to the coronavirus situation, was the only service commemorating the men lost on the Montevideo Maru held in Australia today. Social restrictions also prevented having the traditional morning tea following the service.
Instead guests visited the Hall of Memories to view the memorials and interactive display in the refurbished under-croft rooms.
The AWM selected the story of Gunner Hatcher of the Coastal Artillery Unit, Lark Force to tell at its Last Post Ceremony on 30th June.
Today’s short and moving public service was held in and around the Brisbane’s Cenotaph .
After a welcoming address by President Phil Ainsworth , keynote speaker Association Patron, Major General John Pearn spoke of sacrifice, service and the debt owed to those who gave their lives . Prayers were said by Padre Ron MacDonald.
Nine representatives of the Salvation Army were present including the Association’s Padre and his wife, the Padre to 6 RAR, Ms Lawriee Arthur, Bugler Scot and five relatives of Musician Ray Cairns of 2/22 Battalion band, who was on board the Montevideo Maru.
Other attendees were Charles Strunk , Councillor for Forest Lake Ward with his electoral assistant , the President of Australian Commando Association, Qld Branch, Mr Graham Gough, Mick James representing the Battle for Australia Association Queensland and three members of the 31 Battalion Association Tony Wadeson, Doug Angus and Mick James. The PNGAA was represented by Committee member Phil Ainsworth. All representatives and Ms Barbara Hewitt, a relative of Ray Carins laid wreaths.
PNGVR members present were our Patron, President, Padre and his wife, Vice-president Bob Collins, Secretary Colin Gould, Treasurer Kieran Nelson, Museum Curator Paul Brown, committee members Peter Rogers DFC, Mike Griffin and Peter Rogers and members Sir Kevin Shorthouse OAM and his wife , Gil Harvey- Hall and Ian Thompson. Several of our members travelled from the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Stradbroke Island to attend.
Paul Brown and Colin Gould arranged todays service and Kieran assisted in raising awareness and sharing the story through Facebook , thank you.
Phil Ainsworth.
Phil Ainsworth, Kieran Nelson, Ian Thompson, Colin Gould MBE., Peter Rogers, Paul Brown, Gil Harvey-Hall, Kevin Shorthouse OL., Peter Rogers DFC., Bob Collins, Mike Griffin.
The opening address by Phil Ainsworth.
Maj Gen John Pearn AO. RFD. gives his address.
Maj Gen Pearn and Phil Ainsworth lay a wreath.
Charles Strunk, Councillor for Forest Lake Ward and Graham Gough, President of the Australian Commando Association, Qld Branch, prepare to lay a wreath
President of the Australian Commando Association, Qld Branch, after laying a wreath
Asociation Chaplain Ron MacDonald and wife Cheryl, the family of lost soldier Ray Cairns, and Salvation Army personnel, including Bugler.
The Memorial at Rabaul PNG after the service held there on 22 June.
Above and below. The Service at Rabaul PNG.
A spectacular sunrise for the Rabaul PNG Service.
Susie McGrade and Ellen Voklus ToGorama after the service at Rabaul.
