The third HMAS WESTRALIA Memorial Ride was recently conducted in Western Australia to commemorate the four naval personnel tragically lost on May 5, 1998.

Two-hundred people on some 160 motorbikes kicked off the ride from the Raffles Hotel at Applecross and threaded their way through a course of 200 kilometres with the finish at the Junior Sailors Club, Tammar Tavern, Fleet Base West.

The Tammar Tavern was the scene for a sausage sizzle, entertainment and raffles. The day's activities raised $1200 for Legacy and $300 for the Josh Carroll fund.

CMDR Vince Di Pietro, commanding officer HMAS STIRLING, who went along as a pillion passenger reported that, "The ride was a hoot. Great fun with generous people and wonderful machinery. Their cool is eclipsed only by the tough looks but their big hearts would be hard to match".

The ride was a great success and reflected well on the organisational skills of the WA division of the Patriots Motorcycle Club.

By Gary Booth