HMAS Perth Memorial - Survivors honour the memory of their shipmates

by Yachting Western Australia on 22 Feb 2011 HMAS Perth Memorial Regatta - 'The noise of battle raged around us but it was an eerie feeling being helpless on a dying ship' Survivor Fred Skeels OAM wrote in his book Java Rabble – his memories dedicated amongst other to his shipmates lost with the sinking of HMAS Perth in the Battle of the Sunda Straits 1st March 1942.

Last Sunday over 190 people joined the four West Australian survivors Arthur Bancroft, Norm Fuller, Robby Roberts and Fred Skeels OAM and their families at Nedlands Yacht Club for the annual HMAS Perth Memorial Regatta. Held annually in February this prestigious regattaassists these survivors honour the memory of their ship and shipmates including Captain Hector Waller.

Club Patron The Hon. Richard Court AC paid homage to the survivors and the families representing survivors including the great grand daughter of Captain Waller, Simone Waller.

Captain and Mrs Malcolm Wise OAM RAN, Commanding Officer HMAS Perth III, Member for Nedlands Mr Bill Marmion MLA, City of Nedlands Mayor Sheryl Froese along with distinguished guests representing the naval and military associations joined with sailors for the ceremony. Commodore Juliann Lloyd-Smith accompanied by Captain Malcolm Wise OAM RAN inspected the Guard of Honour provided by the Naval Cadets and Band, the Pipes and Drums of the Fremantle Sailing Club.

When she was sunk in the Battle of Sunda Strait on 1st March 1942, HMAS Perth had a total complement of 682 officers and men.

Three hundred and fifty three were killed during the action. Some of the 329 were picked from the sea by Japanese ships, some made the shores of Java or Sumatra on rafts of lifeboats – but eventually all were made prisoners by the Japanese, many serving time as slave labour on the notorious Burma-Thailand Railway. One hundred died whilst in captivity. Two hundred and twenty nine survived to return to Australia. Four of the survivors are living in Western Australia.

This unique invitation regatta provides a chance for all who enjoy the freedom of sailing for pleasure on the Swan River today, the opportunity to contribute to a memorable day for these WA Survivors and show our respect and appreciation for services and sacrifices they made as young sailors.

Sailors from all Clubs and Class Associations are invited to attend this regatta – please include next year’s event in your racing calendar – Sunday 19th February 2012.

www.wa.yachting.org.au