Image Gallery: April 2008
HMAS SYDNEY II national service of thanksgiving and remembrance
24 April 2008
HMAS SYDNEY II national service of thanksgiving and remembrance for those lost in HMAS Sydney II on the 19th of November 1941.
At Saint Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney Square, on the 24th of April 2008, the national service of thanksgiving and remembrance was held for those lost on HMAS Sydney II. All family members who registered with the Sea Power Centre were formally invited to attend this service.
Prior to the service commencement, the Cathedral Bells were rung 645 times, once for each man lost onboard HMAS Sydney II.
During the service, wreaths were laid by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO, Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders AO, CSC, Mr Bob Redman, Secretary of 9 Squadron Association and a family representative of the crew of Sydney II Patrick Ayton, grandson of Leslie George Ayton. Hymns were sung, prayers read and The Last Post and Reveille was sounded with a minute silence observed in honour of the 645 crew.
Following the service, three Royal Australian Air Force Hawk aircraft performed a fly-past over St Andrew’s Cathedral. Family representatives of the crew of HMAS Sydney II and guests were ushered into the marquee erected in Sydney Square, where lunch was served and HMAS Sydney II memorabilia was on display.
The Finding Sydney Foundation found the wreck of the HMAS Sydney II on 16th March 2008, at a depth of 2,468 metres. The wreck of the HSK Kormoran was found by the Finding Sydney Foundation on 12th March 2008, approximately 22km (12 nm) from the Sydney II, at a depth of 2,560 metres.
| 20080424ran8099889_041 Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders AO, CSC, RAN, Her Excellency Professor, Marie Bashir AC, CVO and the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Kevin Rudd. (Date taken: 24 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080424ran8099889_160 The Colour Party prepare to march out at the end of the Ceremony. (Date taken: 24 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080424ran8114832_062 Most reverend Dr Peter Jensen, Archbishop of Sydney, welcomes all to the National Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for those lost in HMAS Sydney II at St Andrew's Cathedral Sydney. (Date taken: 24 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080424ran8114832_076 Nephew of Stoker Second Class Robert John Kennedy, Les Kennedy and daughter Isabella holding a photo of her great uncle, attend the HMAS Sydney II National Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance, for those lost on HMAS Sydney II. (Date taken: 24 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080424ran8114832_101 Principal Chaplain Eric Burton CSC, RAN opens the National Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for those lost in HMAS Sydney II, with a prayer at St Andrews Cathedral Sydney. (Date taken: 24 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080424ran8114832_124 Mrs June Bickle shows a photo of her brother Ordinary Seaman Second Class, Charles William Patrick, to Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Kevin Rudd and The Honourable Greg Combet MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement. The Prime Minister and Mrs June Bickle grew up on farms next door to each other in Nambour Queensland. (Date taken: 24 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080424ran8114832_133 Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Kevin Rudd with Mrs June Bickle, sister of Ordinary Seaman Second Class Charles William Patrick, at the National Service for those lost on HMAS Sydney II. The Prime Minister and Mrs June Bickle grew up on farms next door to each other in Nambour Queensland. (Date taken: 24 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080424ran8114832_136 Mr Harold Adams and Leading Seaman Naval Cadet William Westbrook from Training Ship Sydney, meet after the National Service of Remembrance for those lost on HMAS Sydney II. Harold, who is 90 years old, was posted off HMAS Sydney II just hours before she sailed on her fateful voyage. A medical condition prevented Harold from sailing. (Date taken: 24 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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