RABAUL HISTORICAL SOCIETY DOUBLE COMMEMORATION SERVICE
DOUBLE SERVICE – ANZAC DAY, 25th APRIL 2012
“Commemorating the 70th Anniversaries of War Coming to Rabaul and the Sinking of the Montevideo Maru”.
Next Year, 2012, marks the 70th Anniversary of World War II coming to Rabaul and the tragedy of the sinking of the Montevideo Maru.To this day, the sinking of the MVM remains Australia’s largest maritime loss of lives of over 1, 053 men and boys, Australian POWs and Rabaul civilian internees.
As you are aware, Rabaul Town hosts the MVM Memorial on the waterfront and in 2009 the USA & Philippines Government sponsored a Memorial to the “Hell Ships”, including the Montevideo Maru at Subic bay, Philippines where the MVM was torpedoed by the MV Sturgen.
Recently the “Rabaul and MVM Society” in Australia, were pro-active in seeking recognition for all those who lost their lives and constructed a Memorial in Canberra. Our own Prime Minister Peter O’Neal contributed $100,000-00 towards a work, that will be constructed at the Memorial next year.
The heartbreak of the MVM has become more and more recognised and has taken on a “Gallipoli” style celebrity.
Likewise, the calamity following the January 1942 invasion of the New Guinea Islands has prompted the name RABAUL, to evoke eminent International recognition.
To this end, the Rabaul Historical Society is hosting double Commemoration Services for these anniversaries on ANZAC DAY, 25 April 2012 at the Rabaul Cenotaph, and later at MVM Memorial, Rabaul foreshore, Rabaul Town.
Over fifty people from overseas are expected to visit Rabaul, including relatives of those who died on the hell ship “Montevideo Maru”, 90 year old Coastwatcher Matt Foley, John Holland, son of Frank “El Tigre”, as well as retired Members of the Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles and families of servicemen from 2nd/22nd Battalion and Lark Force – not forgetting the cruise ship, MV Aurora, who will be visiting Rabaul precisely for the double commemoration ANZAC Day Service.
All High Commissions and Embassies are being invited and we believe a representative of each – AUSTRALIA, USA, JAPAN, UK, PHILIPPINES, CHINA and NEW ZEALAND will attend on this day.
The Prime Minister of Australia has also been invited and may attend in lieu of our own Prime Minister Peter O’Neil acting on behalf of PNG and contributing to the Rabaul & MVM Society Memorial in Canberra. It is possible that both Prime Minister’s could be present in Rabaul for the occasion.
To this end, the Rabaul Historical Society is seeking sponsorship in the form of funds, to assist in the staging of this historic commemoration.
As this is a privately sponsored event but carries enormous international meaning, we would be most grateful if you could see your way clear in contributing generously to this occasion. Without sufficient funds, our small voluntary Society is limited in scope to the arrangements.
Rabaul Historical Society endeavours to keep HISTORY ALIVE and historical events such as these, receive the recognition they deserve.
Rest assured, all contributions whether big or small, will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged publicly.
Any funds received in excess required for this event, will go towards the continuing fund-raising effort for the Publication of Neville Threlfall’s “HISTORY OF RABAUL”. A manuscript, monumental in scope!
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Rabaul Historical Society for further information.
Kind regards
Susan McGrade
Secretary
Steve Saunders
President
PS: Donations would be greatly appreciated by Cheque, payable to the NEW GUINEA CLUB Inc.
Please note: The New Guinea Club (Home of the Rabaul Historical Society) is audited by Mr. Michael Mayberry, of DFK Hill Mayberry.
Rabaul Historical Society, PO Box 1, Rabaul
PH: 982 1962 – C/- Rabaul Hotel, Susie McGrade
PLEASE MAKE A NOTE IN YOUR DIARY – ALL WELCOME !
DOUBLE COMMEMORATION EVENTS OF THE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR COMING TO RABAUL AND THE TRAGEDY OF THE MONTEVIDEO MARU
MON 23rd APRIL 16:40 p.m. PNGVR Group, 2nd/22nd & Lark Force, Coast Watcher, Matt Foley, Families of those who lost their loved ones aboard the MVM - Arrive Tokua Airport - Welcome by Dignitaries at Tokua Airport.
18:00 PM Rabaul Hotel, WELCOME RECEPTION sponsored by Mr & Mrs. Gerry (PNGVR) & Joyce McGrade & Family, Rabaul Hotel.
TUES 24th APRIL RABAUL HISTORICAL LAND TOUR
TUES 24th APRIL EVENING 18-20:00 pm RABAUL HISTORICAL SOCIETY Welcome Reception at the New Guinea Club.
ANZAC DAY
WED 25th APRIL 5:10 am DAWN SERVICE at the Rabaul RSL Cenotaph, Rabaul, conducted by the Rabaul RSL and the Rabaul Historical Society
6:00 am Walk (or Shuttle bus) to Montevideo Maru Memorial Rabaul Town waterfront, for Commemoration Service of the 70th Anniversary of the tragedy of the Montevideo Maru. Conducted by the RHS
7:00 am Walk (or Shuttle bus) back to the Rabaul Yacht Club for Gunfire Breakfast. Sponsored BY: PNGVR Group & Rabaul RSL
11:00 am Service at Bitapaka, conducted by Australian High Commission.
12:30 am BUFFET LUNCH at the RALUM CLUB , Kokopo, Home of Queen Emma.
Sponsored by:
16.30 pm Boarding Ship in Rabaul Town, for sundown LAYING OF WREATHS IN SIMPSON HARBOUR, IN HONOUR OF ALL THOSE WHO TRAGICALLY LOST THEIR LIVES ABOARD THE MONTEVIDEO MARU (sponsored by Agmark Shipping)
18.00 pm COMMEMORATION DINNER sponsored by:
THURSDAY FREE DAY
FRIDAY PNGVR GROUP ETC., DEPARTS – Farewell at Tokua Airport.