The Minister for
Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, MP has joined families
at the reburial of HMAS Sydney II’s unknown sailor in
Geraldton, Western Australia. Sixty seven years after HMAS
Sydney II’s loss, Mr Fitzgibbon was joined by the Minister
for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon
MP, the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane AM CSM and
hundreds of HMAS Sydney II families for a memorial service.
The reburial took place a short time later at the Geraldton
Cemetery.
“Today we honour those who gave their lives all those
years ago, in order that we may enjoy freedom, liberty and
democracy today. We also honour all those who went before
them and those who came after them, giving their lives for
their country," Mr Fitzgibbon said. “HMAS Sydney
II left behind a proud legacy that is kept alive in the men
and women of the Australian Defence Force, who serve this
nation with courage, dedication and distinction.”
“As the nation united in grief in 1941, it came together
today to remember the courage and sacrifice of the men lost
with HMAS Sydney II,” Mr Snowdon said.
Bereavement pins were distributed at the church service to
the family members of those fallen to help commemorate the
loss of those lives.
HMAS Sydney II was tragically lost in November 1941 off Western
Australia with its entire crew, following a fierce engagement
with the German raider HSK Kormoran. It was Australia’s
greatest maritime loss with the death of 645 men. The remains
of a crew member were located on Christmas Island by a Navy
archeological team in October 2006. On 16 March this year,
the wreck of HMAS Sydney II was found.