Montevideo Maru memorial unveiling

Media are invited to the unveiling of the memorial, designed to commemorate Australians who died in the defence of Rabaul, and those who later died as prisoners in the sinking of the Japanese ship the Montevideo Maru.

The memorial will be unveiled by Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, on 1 July 2012, the 70thanniversary of the sinking of the Montevideo Maru,

There will be a fly-over of three historic aircraft – a Wirraway, a Hudson bomber, and a Catalina flying boat. These planes were closely linked to the battle for the New Guinea islands 70 years ago.

Who: Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

When: Sunday 1 July 2012, 11.30 am

Where: Eastern Precinct, Australian War Memorial

The Montevideo Maru was a Japanese ship transporting Australian soldiers and civilians captured in New Britain when it was sunk by an American submarine off the northern coast of Luzon. Over 1,000 Australian lives were lost in the disaster.

The Rabaul and Montevideo Marumemorial was designed by noted Melbourne sculptor James Parrett. The memorial is fabricated in stainless steel and stands around 3.5 metres high.

Media notes:

We are expecting over 1,000 attendees at this event. Media spaces will be limited, so pooling is encouraged.

Veterans, Mrs Lorna Johnston, Mr Norm Furness and Dr Rowley Richards, will be in attendance and available for interviews following the ceremony.

Image requests: All archival image requests must be made by 2.00 pm Friday.

Parking: Media are to park on the apron of Anzac Hall.