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H.M.A.S. Perth - St Marks ChapelPrint Page
The rose window overlooking the altar, was erected in memory of those who gave their lives, while serving on H.M.A.S. Perth during World War Two.
HMAS Perth, formerly the RN Amphion, was commissioned at Portsmouth on 29 June 1939. Commitments in the northern hemishere delayed her arrival in Sydney unril 31 March 1940. After escorting Queen Mary to Egypt and some Australian-based operations HMAS Perth largely assisted operations in the Mediterranean before returning to Sydney on 12 August 1941. In February the following year she headed for Java and was immediately under fire from the time of her arrival, with heavy enemy engagement continuing until the end of February and HMAS Perth, with USS Houston, 'lucky to survive'. Fuel and ammunition shortages not withstanding, she sailed for Sunda Strait amid further enemy attack. On 1 March 1942 HMAS Perth was hit by a torpedo on the starboard side and Captain HML Waller gave orders to prepare to abandon ship, just as another torpedo found its mark. Two more followed and the ship was ultimately sunk. 350 Naval personnel were lost, including Captain Waller, and three civilians. Of the survivors, 106 died as prisoners of war. Able Seaman William James Robertson, born in 1901, was one of the men who died at sea on 1 March 1942 after a career in the Navy.
Mr. Totterdell promised £10 and Cr. J. Murray £5. Mr. Totterdell thought that relatives of deceased members of H.M.A.S. Perth in this State might wish to contribute. His council could not make a donation outside the city.
West Australian (Perth), 22 October 1952.
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HMAS Perth, formerly the RN Amphion, was commissioned at Portsmouth on 29 June 1939. Commitments in the northern hemishere delayed her arrival in Sydney unril 31 March 1940. After escorting Queen Mary to Egypt and some Australian-based operations HMAS Perth largely assisted operations in the Mediterranean before returning to Sydney on 12 August 1941. In February the following year she headed for Java and was immediately under fire from the time of her arrival, with heavy enemy engagement continuing until the end of February and HMAS Perth, with USS Houston, 'lucky to survive'. Fuel and ammunition shortages not withstanding, she sailed for Sunda Strait amid further enemy attack. On 1 March 1942 HMAS Perth was hit by a torpedo on the starboard side and Captain HML Waller gave orders to prepare to abandon ship, just as another torpedo found its mark. Two more followed and the ship was ultimately sunk. 350 Naval personnel were lost, including Captain Waller, and three civilians. Of the survivors, 106 died as prisoners of war. Able Seaman William James Robertson, born in 1901, was one of the men who died at sea on 1 March 1942 after a career in the Navy.
A promise that he would raise the further £100 needed for the H.M.A.S. Perth memorial window in the new chapel at Flinders Naval Depot was made by the Lord Mayor of Perth (Mr. J. Totterdell, M.L.A.) yesterday. Mr. Totterdell was giving a
welcome to the Flag Officer Commanding the Australian Fleet (Rear-Admiral J. W. M. Eaton), the commanding officer of H.M.A.S. Sydney (Capt. H. J. Buchanan), Commanders J. S. Mesley and R. F. Lowe and Lieut. Commander A. D. Black. Already £230 had been collected for the window, which would be situated in the chapel sanctuary above the altar, said Capt. Buchanan. The chapel was being built as a memorial to naval men killed in both wars and it was intended that each window would be a memorial to ships or groups of men killed in particular actions. The chapel would be completed by the end of 1953 and it was hoped that the consecration and dedication would be held during the Royal visit early in 1954.
Mr. Totterdell promised £10 and Cr. J. Murray £5. Mr. Totterdell thought that relatives of deceased members of H.M.A.S. Perth in this State might wish to contribute. His council could not make a donation outside the city.
West Australian (Perth), 22 October 1952.
Location
Address: | Nelson Street, St Mark`s Chapel, HMAS Cerberus, 3920 |
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State: | VIC |
Area: | AUS |
GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -38.365678 Long: 145.190872 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
Monument Type: | Window |
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Monument Theme: | Conflict |
Sub-Theme: | WW2 |
Designer: | David Taylor Kellock |
Artist: | David Taylor Kellock |
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au