Image Gallery: October 2006
Remains found in unmarked grave on Christmas Island
03 October 2006
Following an expedition to Christmas Island conducted by a Navy-led team of experts, remains are being unearthed that may be those of a sailor from HMAS Sydney (II) that sank with 645 men aboard on 19 November 1941, said the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson.
The Navy expedition team composed of a senior Naval officer, an archaeologist, a forensic anthropologist and two forensic odontologists, located the remains very close to the position identified by witnesses to the original burial and also from a photograph taken in 1950 by Mr O’Shannassy.
“We are excavating remains in an unmarked grave in the Old European Cemetery that we believe may be those of the unknown sailor from HMAS Sydney II. However, further work will need to be done to establish the characteristics of the skeleton, before we can be fully confident,” the team leader, Captain Jim Parsons said.
“The process is long and painstaking, as the complete skeleton has to be exposed and recorded, and all dirt removed before any bones are removed. Even then, each bone must be carefully lifted to avoid breakages,” Captain Parsons said.
The Royal Australian Navy’s cruiser HMAS Sydney was lost, with its crew of 645 men aboard, following an action with the German raider Kormoran. Early in February 1942 a carley float life-raft containing a body was recovered close inshore at Christmas Island. There were no personal effects or identifying items on the body although the clothing was consistent with that worn by Naval sailors. The body was examined by a medical practitioner and formally buried with military honours, in the old European Cemetery on Christmas Island.
Read Release: ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE NAVY EXPEDITION'S FIND
| 2006-S1992_0049 Mr Brian O'Shannassy (left) with Commander Matt Blenken, RAN on site. Mr O'Shannassy's 1950 photograph provided vital clues in identifying the general location of the grave. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Credited to the Christmas Island Tourism Association Low-res | High-res |
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| 2006-S1992_0057 Team members excavating Old European Cemetery Christmas Island. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Credited to the Christmas Island Tourism Association Low-res | High-res |
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| 2006-S1992_0084 A thorough analysis of soil was conducted in order to locate evidence of a grave cut. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Credited to the Christmas Island Tourism Association Low-res | High-res |
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| 2006-S1992_0093 Soon more nails were unearthed raising hopes that the grave had been located. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Credited to the Christmas Island Tourism Association Low-res | High-res |
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| 2006-S1992_0099 A break-through occurred when evidence of rotting timber and nails was discovered. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Credited to the Christmas Island Tourism Association Low-res | High-res |
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| 2006-S2003_001 The Stewart and Ystenes graves in the Old European Cemetery on Christmas Island. In the soil between these two graves were found the remains of the sailor thought to be from HMAS Sydney. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Photo taken by Lieutenant Commander David McDonald Low-res | High-res |
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| 2006-S2003_002 Team leader, Captain Jim Parsons at work in the excavated grave site. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Credited to the Christmas Island Tourism Association Low-res | High-res |
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| 2006-S2003_003 (Squadron Leader) Dr Denise Donlon, the team's anthropologist, sifts through soil removed from the grave cut. Every precaution is being taken to ensure that no items of significance are overlooked. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Credited to the Christmas Island Tourism Association Low-res | High-res |
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| 2006-S2003_004 Forensic dentist Russell Lain at the Old European Cemetery, Christmas Island. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Credited to the Christmas Island Tourism Association Low-res | High-res |
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| 2006-S2003_005 The team's archaeologist Tony Lowe engaged in the painstakingly slow process of uncovering the remains. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Credited to the Christmas Island Tourism Association Low-res | High-res |
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| 2006-S2003_006 Members of the Defence team and Mr Brian O'Shannassy beside the grave cut. (Date taken: 02 October 2006) Credited to the Christmas Island Tourism Association Low-res | High-res |
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