Melbourne function in July

by Roy · August 7, 2023

There was a fantastic turn out of around 80 people at the Melbourne PNGAA lunch on Saturday 22^nd July at East Malvern RSL. Including 3 evacuees from Rabaul at the time of the Japanese invasion, who all had relatives on board the Montevideo Maru.

Our guest speaker for the day was Andrea Williams who was part of the delegation on board the Fugro Equator ship searching for the Montevideo Maru wreck, hosted by the Silentworld Foundation. Michael Gooding, a representative from Silentworld was also a guest at the lunch. The humanitarian expedition aimed to find the final resting place of approximately 1080 military personnel and civilians from 14 nations, most of whom were Australian soldiers. The sinking of the ship 80 years ago resulted in one of the most tragic losses of life in Australian maritime history.

Andrea’s detailed presentation gave a great insight into the search and ultimate discovery of the Montevideo Maru shipwreck remains. Also, how sensitively the search was handled and the consideration given to the lives lost.

Thanks and appreciation must go to Peter Ryan for organising this event and the raffle prizes, and to all those who helped out on the day.