This commemorative plaque honours 1,053 Australian servicemen and civilian internees who died on the Montevideo Maru.
852 of the victims were part of Lark Force, sent to defend Rabaul. They included men from the 2 /22 Infantry Battalion AIF, 2/1 Independent Company AIF, the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles, a Royal Australian Heavy Artillery Battery, an Anti-aircraft Battery, the 17 Anti Tank, the 34 Fortress Engineers, a supply column from the 9th Division, the 2/10 Field Ambulance, the 18 and 19 Special Dental Units, the Canteen Service, Headquarters staff and one each from the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy.
It is wonderful to see representatives of the Salvation Army here today. The Brunswick Salvation Army Band enlisted en-mass in the 2/22 Battalion to serve as ambulance bearers, and all but one died in the Montevideo Maru.
The 201 civilian internees included people from the Civil Administration including the Deputy Administrator, Missionaries, Merchant Seamen,
Plantation Managers, Traders and from other walks of life, men who stayed behind to prevent the breakdown of law and order in the event of an invasion.
Not all the men were Australian. About 31 were Norwegian nationals captured after their ship, Herstin, was destroyed in Rabaul Harbour. Some of the missionaries were from other countries. We may never know the full compliment of victims. If there is anyone I have missed, it is not intentional.
The idea of this plaque’s erection and dedication was formed during a conversation between Randy Anderson, a former US Naval commander, who is here today and Clive Troy, a former member of the Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles and Philippines businessman.
Many relatives and friends of the victims were unable to attend today due to illness, general frailty or insufficient means. We, here today, represent these people.
Several days ago, two friends and I were at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, the last landfall for the Montevideo Maru. In the stillness of the dusk and amidst a glorious sunset, we experienced a rare moment of reflection and beauty as the sun sunk behind the clouds above the last known location of this tragic ship.
Please stand for the prayer of dedication.
God of creation, as we look upon this Memorial, may we remember with thanksgiving those who have served and those who still serve in the Australian Defence Force. We give thanks for those who contribute to the wonder of this place and the wonder of your name. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the name of God, I dedicate this plaque to His glory as a Memorial to those who perished in the ship Montevideo Maru. May we look at this plaque and be constantly reminded of the sacrifice of others for the peace of the world and the love of God which forms all our understanding. Amen.
Please be seated.
Thank you for participating in this solemn ceremony. I thank the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines for attending this significant event.
Ian Bates and John Shindler are photographing today’s event for inclusion in their documentary about the Montevideo Maru. This 104 minute documentary will go to air in November 2009.
May you return home safe and well.