COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE FOR HMAS SYDNEY II

16 April 2008

A Message
from
His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC (Retd)
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
for
The Commemorative Service
HMAS SYDNEY II

Today our two nations honour the crews of two ships of war - 645 Australian and 78 German sailors, all brave and valiant men - at the very place where they lie beneath the sea.

It is fitting that this ceremony is being conducted here, directly over the ships in which they served and in which they fought their final battle, and fitting too, that we remember them now, together and at peace in their final resting place.

Each of them served his country with pride and dedication during the dark days of the Second World War. Today we have finally been given the opportunity to honour their courage, sacrifice and memory.

To the families on board, and to all those who could not be present, I join all Australians in sharing your sadness, your pride and your memories of loved ones lost. The heart of the nation is with you all.

The discovery of HMAS Sydney II and Kormoran was achieved through determination, endeavour and perseverance by families, friends and fellow shipmates, and will serve to recognise in perpetuity those gallant seamen who laid down their lives with courage and conviction.

May God bless you all.

Click here for further information on the commemorative service