The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of Midshipman Ernest Semple Cunningham, HM Submarine K17, Royal Australian Navy, First World War

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial every day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Robyn Siers, the story for this day was on Midshipman Ernest Semple Cunningham, HM Submarine K17, Royal Australian Navy, First World War.

Midshipman Ernest Semple Cunningham, HM Submarine K17
Drowned 31 January 1918
Photograph: P06972.001

Story delivered 21 August 2013

Today we remember and pay tribute to Midshipman Ernest Cunningham.

Known affectionately as Dick, Cunningham was born in November 1899 in Bega, New South Wales, where his father was head teacher of the District School.

At the age of 13, Cunningham entered the Royal Australian Naval College as part of its first intake of cadets in 1913. The syllabus of the school was similar to that of any other secondary school in Australia except in that it included naval subjects such as engineering, navigation and seamanship. Practical instruction was carried out in steam and motor boats and the college's training cruiser.

Cunningham spent four years at the college and graduated in 1917 with prizes in physics and chemistry. He travelled to England for his sea training with the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Glorious as one of 23 cadet midshipmen to join the Grand Fleet in 1917. That same year, Cunningham won the Grand Fleet boxing championship for his weight.

In early 1918, Cunningham joined the crew of HM Submarine K17. He was aboard K17 the night of 31 January 1918 when it was hit and sunk by the cruiser HMS Fearless as both vessels were en route to battle exercises in the North Sea. Cunningham was drowned, along with 44 other officers and men. The 18-year-old's body was not found.

The Royal Australian Naval College singles tennis trophy is now awarded in his memory. Cunningham's story is also featured in the Memorial's new exhibition Salute: Canberra's military heritage, which has been produced as part of this year's Centenary of Canberra celebrations.

The name of Midshipman Dick Cunningham is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, along with around 60,000 others from the First World War. His photograph is today displayed by the Pool of Reflection.

This is but one of the many stories of courage and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Midshipman Dick Cunningham and all those Australians who have given their lives in the service of our nation.