Media Room: Media Releases

UNKNOWN SAILOR TO BE RE-INTERRED WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS

The reburial of the remains of the likely HMAS Sydney II sailor will occur on 19 November in Geraldton.

Although the remains have not as yet been identified, they are believed to be those of a crew member of HMAS Sydney II, which was sunk off the West Australian Coast on 19 November 1941 following enemy action.  All 645 crew from HMAS Sydney perished. The sailor's remains were exhumed from Christmas Island in October 2006.

However while an official reinterment and memorial is being conducted, the case is by no means closed.

Since 2006, the Royal Australian Navy has overseen a painstakingly thorough and methodical forensic and historical investigation in an attempt to identify the remains.

While the unknown sailor has not been identified, the Royal Australian Navy will be holding a DNA sample so that if any further information comes to light, comparing with relatives can still occur. In the meantime, it is important that he is given the dignified reburial that he deserves.

Due to the capacity of Geraldton War Cemetery, the reinterment will be a very small, intimate affair. However, Sydney II family members and the general public are invited to attend a larger memorial service at Queens Park.  The reinterment at the Cemetery will be broadcast live back to the Queens Park venue.

While the investigation of the sailor’s identity will cease this month, family of HMAS Sydney II crew members who wish to be considered for DNA testing and comparison against the remains are asked to make contact with the Christmas Island Investigation Team by letter to: Director of Navy Ministerials & Coordination, Department of Defence, R1-4-C070, Russell Offices, Canberra, ACT, 2600.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664