Java Sea’s 61st marked
“Stay safe. Look after each other.”... NSW Governor Marie Bashir

Deputy Maritime Commander CDRE Nigel Perry promotes Yarra’s Buffer, Joe Glavas from PO to CPO. HMAS Yarra commissioned the next day and the Sunday following hosted a special lunch for the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence and Minister for Veterans Affairs, Mrs Danna Vale, who made a special presentation to the ship. Photo ABPH Cristine Mercer

These poignant words of advice came from Professor Marie Bashir and were directed to the Ship’s company of Yarra the day before the 40 members, led by CMDR Alex Hawes, began their operational workup.

The occasion was the 61st service remembering the ships and lives lost during the Battle of the Java Sea in 1942.
In the battle hundreds of Australian sailors died when the Perth and Yarra and HMS Anking went to the bottom of the Sunda Strait. Hundreds of Dutch, British and US service personnel also perished.

Over 300 people attended the service in Martin Place. The ship’s company attended with some providing the catafalque and flag parties.

Navy chaplain Chris Aulich reminded the congregation of those in the past who had laid down their lives in the name of freedom. He then asked Christ to look after those now committed to “harm’s way.”

“Look after them and return them to us,” he appealed.

The haunting Sailors’ Ode:

Let this be an ode to the men who will never sail again.
The men in the glory of their proud spirits and the unselfish madness of their heroism.
Have reached their harbour on the other side.
May peace and tranquillity be theirs, always.

Yarra’s officers and sailors took a moments rest while CDRE Nigel Perry promoted her member, Buffer, Joe Glavas.

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