NATIONAL MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE CREW OF HMAS SYDNEY II

24 April 2008

A Message
from
His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC (Retd)
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
for
The National Memorial Service for the Crew of HMAS SYDNEY II
Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney
24 April 2008

Today, we honour the 645 gallant sailors of HMAS SYDNEY, now knowing the place where they lie at rest.

The discovery of HMAS SYDNEY II and KORMORAN brings to a close this very sad chapter in the proud naval history of our nation.

The news of the sinking in November 1941 came as a bitter blow to a country with its shoulder to the wheel, fighting for the very survival of all we hold dear.

And for more than 66 years, the families of those who lost their husbands, sons, brothers and lovers have never forgotten. The Royal Australian Navy has never forgotten. As a nation, we have yearned to know the final resting place of the SYDNEY’s crew so that we could honour their memories as they so richly deserve.

The SYDNEY had an outstanding battle record, not least for her role in the Allied fleet’s brilliant victories in fierce engagements in the seas around Italy and Crete in the very dark days of July 1940.

Contemporary photos remind us of the youth of her crew, so eager and full of life, utterly dedicated to their mission and ship.

Their spirit is evident in 'A Sailor’s Prayer' written by one of SYDNEY’s Petty Officers. He wanted to be remembered as one who had fought for freedom, who never let his courage fail, who neither crowed as a victor nor wailed when wounded, but who ‘lived, loved and laughed until the end’.

The discovery of 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 such courage and conviction.

Today, as we remember our own men and those who grieve for them, we extend our sympathies to the families of the German sailors who lie nearby, gallant also unto death and in waters so very far from home.

May they all rest in peace.

Lest we forget.