In memory: Kyabram Salvation Army bugler Lynton Targett in front of the Stahope Montevideo mural on the weekend, during the launch of the memorial. Photo Jacky Targett.
Stanhope’s Montevideo mural launch attracted more than 200 people to the wall opposite McEwen Place in Monash St, Stanhope on Saturday.
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The mural, the concept of the Stanhope RSL Sub-branch, marks the tragedy of the sinking of the Japanese ship, the Montevideo Maru, loaded with 1053 Australian prisoners of war by an American submarine USS Sturgeon. All on-board, including the Japanese crew, drowned.
The ceremony was capably led by president of the Stanhope RSL Phil Chapman.
Secretary George Gemmill gave a summary of the sinking of the ship and named some of the region’s families who were connected with those on board the ship who lost their lives.
Honouring the fallen: John Hanlon. Photo: Lynton Targett
Among those were members of the Brunswick Salvation Army Band.
He also thanked members of the Stanhope and District Development Committee for the assistance given by their members, in particular the great amount of support from Glenda Cowie and Christine Dicketts.
Tim Bowtell, the artist who painted the mural, said he was pleased to paint murals that told a story, so he was very pleased to be given the opportunity to paint this mural.
Members of the Salvation Army also took on roles, with Kyabram Captain Jacky Targett leading the prayer and Lynton Targett playing The Last Post.
The Preston Salvation Army Band played music written by Arthur Gullidge and other hymns.
They were invited because of their close connection with this tragedy. Lindsay Cox, Salvation Army museum manager, was guest speaker for the day.
Mr Cox gave a historic account of the 2-22 Battalion Military Band which consisted of 23 Salvation Army bandsmen under the leadership of Arthur Gullidge, who went down with the ship, the Montevideo Maru after it was torpedoed by the American submarine USS Sturgeon. Many families and RSL branches laid floral tributes in memory.
Campaspe Shire was a major sponsor of the event.
Unveiling: Stanhope and District Development Committee members Christine Dicketts and Glenda Cowie with Stanhope RSL Sub-branch president Phil Chapman. Photo Lynton Targett
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