| Place | Asia: South China Sea |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | P01878.017 |
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Film copy negative |
| Conflict |
Period 1960-1969 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Commonwealth of Australia copyright |
South China Sea. 1969-06-03. A memorial service is held on the flight deck of the aircraft ...
Description
South China Sea. 1969-06-03. A memorial service is held on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne for the 74 crew of the American destroyer USS Frank E Evans lost when the two ships collided early in the day. The two chaplains seen on the dais are Father L J Breslan and Chaplain W Batt. The officer standing in the front of the band is Lieutenant W Farrell, the Bandmaster. The Executive Officer of the Australian aircraft carrier, Commander E V Stevens, who was awarded a Naval Board Commendation in recognition of his acts of bravery in rescuing survivors of the American destroyer, is standing on the far left.