58th annual commemoration at Sydney’s Merchant Navy Memorial

THE 58^th annual commemoration at the Merchant Navy Memorial and Columbarium on the weekend was a time of gratitude for Australia’s seafarers and reflection on their sacrifices in times of war.

More than 100 merchant mariners, their families and supporters gathered at the Rookwood Necropolis on Sunday (16 April) for the ceremony, many bearing wreaths.

Welcoming the guests, Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund chairman David Field said it was the largest turnout at the Rookwood commemoration in 20 years.

Sister Mary Leahy of Stella Maris invited guests to listen to and experience the stories and memories shared that morning.

“Today reminds us of relationships, the many merchant seafarers we remember today who we know and [who] sat here with us year after year, and others who were cut short during war, along with the merchant seafarers we know today from all over the world,” she said.

“Today we honour them all as a people of the sea.”

John Kewa, general manager and chaplain at Mission to Seafarers Port Kembla, led guests in a prayer for those people of the sea: the seafarers, the men and women of the royal and merchant navies, lighthouse keepers, pilots and fishermen.

Mr Field then invited Rear Admiral Christopher Smith AM, CSM, RAN to deliver an address as the guest of honour.

“The reliance on each other in WWI and WWII of our navy and merchant navy is a bond that will never be forgotten,” Mr Field said.

Rear Admiral Smith observed the 58^th annual commemoration coincided with the 80^th anniversary of the sinking of the 2/3 Australian hospital ship Centaur during World War II.

The ship was torpedoed on 14 May 1943. Of the 332 people on board, only 64 survived the attack.

Rear Admiral Smith said many merchant seamen joined the navy during the war, wearing naval uniforms and serving on naval ships under the white ensign while the royal navy experienced a shortage of experienced seamen.

“Merchantmen suffered the greatest percentage of deaths of any service during the second world war, but the number of the Australian merchant mariners killed during conflict is difficult to estimate,” he said.

“Over 70 years of peace, liberty and our material wealth are owed to those gallant merchant navy sailors.

“It is our duty to ensure that their great sacrifice continues to be remembered and honoured. And we will remember them. Lest we forget.”

The Last Post, a minute of silence, the ringing of eight bells and the laying of wreaths concluded the commemoration.