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The Naval Association

of Australia

HMAS SYDNEY II - COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE GERALDTON WA - 19 NOVEMBER 2008 AND RE-BURIAL OF THE 'UNKNOWN' SAILOR

The Governor General, Ms Quentin Bryce accompanied by husband Michael; Minister for Defence; Joel Fitzgibbon, Leader of the Opposition - Malcolm Turnbull, Chief of Navy VADM Russ Crane and Michelle Crane, The Mayor of Geraldton Clr Ian Carpenter and many other dignitaries including the families of the crew of HMAS SYDNEY II attended the memorial service along with a host of other dignitaries and some old sailors who had previously served in HMAS SYDNEY II prior to its demise on 19 November 1941.

A re-burial of the remains of the unknown 'serviceman' (because it has not been able to be ascertained whether the body is that of a RAAF member, one of the canteen staff or an RAN member) was re-buried in a moving service at the Geraldton War Cemetery. Following this the main service was held and conducted by the City of Geraldton who did a fine job of remembering the 645 crew who were lost in HMAS SYDNEY on that fateful day 67 years ago.

Family members also proceeded to sea in HMAS MANOORA returning on 20 November. They were welcomed on their return by the Governor General and the Chief of Navy and others.

At a function at the Geraldton City Council Chambers on the evening of 19 November the Naval Association of Australian and the Finding Sydney Foundation announced the commissioning of the HMAS SYDNEY Virtual Memorial.

The memorial may be seen at:- http://www.sydneymemorial.com/

Photos from the days events are below:-

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