MONTEVIDEO MARU SERVICE - BRISBANE
A total of 16 people were in attendance at the annual Montevideo Maru Service in the Hall of Memories, ANZAC Square.
Unfortunately President, Phil Ainsworth, came down with a bout of flu and was unable to attend the service. Another regular attendee, Kevin Shorthouse is now unable to make the service but his wife Gail and son attended.
Paul Brown as usual was MC for the ceremony and introduced Bob Collins, Vice President to give the opening address that Phil had intended to give, Maj Gen Professor John Pearn for his tribute, Ron MacDonald for prayers, Mike Griffin for the Ode, bugler Marshall Strong for the Last Post and Reveille, and Ron again for closing prayers, after the gathering singing the National Anthem.
The speakers had a viewing on the background wall, as they spoke, of the various photos of the wreck of the Montevideo Maru which was discovered in April 2025, almost 81 years after its sinking.
Morning tea followed the service and the wreath and poppies were placed in another section of the Hall of Memories under the plaque dedicated to the 1,053 allied lives lost when the Montevideo Maru went down.
Once again thank you Paul brown for organising the function and the Salvation Army who have attended the function and provided bugler, Marshall Strong for many years.
Above. Those present for the ceremony. Missing is Peter Rogers (the Younger) who took the photo.
Below. Paul Brown - MC for the occasion, opening he ceremony
Below. Paul Brown - MC for the occasion, opening he ceremony
Above. Association Vice President, Bob Collins, delivering welcoming address on behalf of Association President, Phil Ainsworth, who was absent with the flu.
Below. Association Patron, Maj Gen Professor John Pearn AO RFD delivering his Remembrance and Legacy address.
Below. Association Patron, Maj Gen Professor John Pearn AO RFD delivering his Remembrance and Legacy address.
Above. Ron MacDonald, Salvation Army, after leading group for prayers.
Below. Maj Gen Pearn AO RFD and Bob Collins after laying wreath.
Below. Maj Gen Pearn AO RFD and Bob Collins after laying wreath.
Above. Salvation Army Bugler Marshall Strong playing The Last Post. Marshall has been the bugler at our MM services for the past 6 years.
Below. Paul Brown and Mike Griffin during The Last Post.
Below. Paul Brown and Mike Griffin during The Last Post.
