News

Remembrance service to honour Montevideo Maru tragedy

By Bree Lambert

Jun 19, 2026

Kyabram and Stanhope RSL member Clive Toms, Stanhope RSL secretary George Gemmill and Stanhope RSL president Phillip Chapman at last year’s service. Photo by Ryan Bellingham

A remembrance service marking the anniversary of the Montevideo Maru sinking will be held at the Stanhope Community Hall on Wednesday, July 1.

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Organised by the Stanhope RSL sub-branch and the Stanhope and District Development Committee, the service will mark 84 years since the Montevideo Maru sinking, Australia’s deadliest maritime disaster.

In the tragedy, which occurred on July 1, 1942, more than 1000 people lost their lives, including hundreds of Australian prisoners of war and three servicemen from Stanhope when the Montevideo Maru was torpedoed by the United States submarine USS Sturgeon.

The commemorative service will begin at 11am with a welcome and placing of wreaths, followed by traditional proceedings including the Ode of Remembrance, the Last Post, a one-minute silence and Reveille.

The program features guest speakers who will share their connection to the tragedy, along with a presentation by mural artist Tim Bowtell, followed by a presentation explaining how the wreckage of the Montevideo Maru was discovered in April 2023.

Attendees are encouraged to wear medals, and a light luncheon will be served following the service.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available in the hall, before the service begins.

To RSVP contact Stanhope RSL secretary George Gemmill at geogem25@bigpond.com or on 5857 2352. Alternatively, contact Stanhope Business Centre at stanhopebc@gmail.com or on 5857 2866.