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| Aboard
HMAS Darwin comrades pause to reflect and remember. |
By
CHA Barrie Yesberg
May
4 was the first anniversary of the loss at sea, off Christmas
Island, of LSET Cameron Gurr. As HMAS Darwin steamed slowly east,
Officers and sailors paused and reflected, as they watched a wreath
laid in remembrance of LSET Gurr, disappear into the setting sun’s
reflection on the water.
The ship held two memorial services, one at dawn in Seychelles
harbour and one at sunset as the ship steamed on the journey home
from distinguished service in Operations Slipper and Falconer.
At dawn some ten personnel gathered for a silent informal tribute
to LSET Gurr. These were some of his closest friends who are still
onboard and were part of the search for him last year.
As the sun rose, its brilliant red colouring the islands, music
was played, a wreath was laid and personnel stood in silent personnel
reflection until they were ready to move off into their daily
duties, remembering a time that they wished they did not have
to experience.
At sunset about 50 personnel attended a formal memorial service
to remember a shipmate and to pray for his family and friends.
Symbols of his life were placed around a wreath as a focal point
for this service and stories were told by his shipmates of their
experiences together. Prayers were offered and a personal history
was read. A letter was read from Mrs Gurr reflecting on the past
year.
In the sun’s dying rays many stood on the flight deck and
reminisced about Cameron and the speed in which this last year
has past. The ship has had a very busy year, but the events of
12 months ago have not been forgotten.
