On Tuesday, July 2, over 70 Stanhope residents and visitors gathered in the Community Hall for the Commemorative Service of the Montevideo Maru sinking.
The Commemorative Service backdrops the mural situated along Monash St opposite the Stanhope Memorial Park.
The mural was painted by Tim Bowtell and was unveiled in an opening ceremony on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
On July 1 82 years ago, the Japanese merchant ship the Montevideo Maru carrying 853 Australian Prisoners of War (POW) and 200 civilian POW’s was torpedoed and sunk by the American submarine the USS Sturgeon.
Among those 853 Australia POW’s were three servicemen who voluntarily enlisted from Stanhope in 1940 a part of the 2/22 Battalion of the Australian Army, known as Lark Force: Percy Clarence Crombie, Alfred Coutts Meldrum, and William Avenel McLennan.
In April 2023, the shipwreck of the Montevideo Maru was discovered, declared a war grave, and brought comfort and finality to the family’s of those lost soldiers.
Stanhope RSL president Phillip Chapman led the ceremony that commemorates the soldiers lost in 1942 on the Montevideo Maru.
“Tim Bowtell’s magnificent mural invites us to remember the sacrifice of all who perished on the bottom of the Montevideo Maru ... to link the many tragic events leading up to its sinking to the survivors of the 2/22 treaty known as Lark Force, and the effects to family and friends at home who suffered and whose suffering did not cease and continues to this day,” Mr Chapman said.
Kyabram Salvos captain Jacky Targett lead the service through a prayer and welcomed guests to the ceremony.
“Today, we as the host, exalt those men who were not distinguished at their time – they did not set off to be given titles or accolades - they went as young men… frightened or at least apprehensive of what was to come,” Mrs Targett said
“But as the host of heaven, we choose to give them a real place of honour: a place that will see their names live on – live on eternally.
“As the lord of heaven has already done, we give them the seat of honour this day and make them distinguished guests.”
Mr Chapman laid a wreath on behalf of the Stanhope community and asked others to come forward and lay wreaths for their loved ones.
George Gemmill read The Ode before The Last Post was played by bugler Lynton Targett.
Multiple guest speakers spoke throughout the service, including Stanhope RSL secretary George Gemmill, Lois Newman, Jennie Penrose, Clive Toms, and Syd Sprague.
All speakers spoke about their personal connection to the soldiers lost on the Montevideo Maru, reminding the audience of over 70 Stanhope residents and visitors that although the tragedy was over 80 years ago, the emotions are as raw as ever.