- Author
- Pollock, M.P.
- Subjects
- WWII operations, History - WW2
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- March 1974 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
THREE HUNDRED MEMBERS and guests witnessed the unveiling of the British Pacific Fleet Memorial at Naval Headquarters, Potts Point, Sydney, on Sunday 2nd December 1973. Rear Admiral G.D. Moore, CBE, who commanded the base when the BPF arrived in February 1945, officiated.
Diplomatic representatives of Britain, New Zealand and India, Federal and State politicians, representatives of municipal bodies, historical, nautical and ex-service groups were present in the guest list.
The Royal Australian Navy was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding East Australia Area, Rear Admiral W. Dovers, CBE, DSC, and his staff, Vice Admiral Sir John Collins, KBE, CB, Rear Admiral J.S. Mesley, CBE, MVO, DSC, Rear Admiral O.H. Becher, CBE, DSO, DSC and Bar, and officers of the Fleet.
Captain V.C. Merry, DSC, RN, British Defence Liaison Officer, represented the Royal Navy and delivered the messages printed below:
From Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fraser of North Cape.
It is very fitting that this memorial should be unveiled by Admiral Moore, who was in naval command at Sydney, and whose constant co-operation with that of many other Australians, especially the Lord Mayor of Sydney, was of such value to us. No home was too small to entertain the British sailor and no request for help to Government was ever refused. A striking example of the kindness shown and the trouble taken was the establishment of the British Centre in the middle of Hyde Park. It was a great pleasure to us that we were able in small measure to repay this kindness by using all our aircraft carriers for the repatriation of prisoners of war. Happy memories, grateful thanks and best wishes to you all.
Fraser of North Cape.’
091700 Z No. 73
Message from the First Sea Lord.
‘On the occasion of the unveiling of the memorial to the British Pacific Fleet I would like to congratulate all concerned in this act of recognition of the close links which bound the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Navy in wartime and continue to bind us in peace.
On behalf of the officers and men in the Royal Navy I send my best wishes to you all.’