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Newcastle Merchant Mariners Memorial

Newcastle Merchant Mariners Memorial
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Description / Background

The memorial is in two sections. The northern part is a wall shaped like a wave with an anchor draped over it. It is made of highly polished stone with gold inlay. The inscriptions are on the southern face, along with the Merchant Navy emblem and a cross. The southern part is a square plinth with attached plaque, and a flagpole in front of it. The plinth is covered with pebbles set in concrete. Both sections are located in a commemorative paved area. There are several plaques around the perimeter of this area. 

The memorial is located opposite the Newcastle Railway Station on the southern side of Newcastle harbour.

Note on veteran name: On the memorial K L Kermode may be given as K L Kermodi.

Inscription

North anchor:

In memory of all Merchant Mariners lost in time of war 

"Hark Do You Hear The Sea" Shakespeare

"Lest We Forget"

North east plaque:

This Memorial was unveiled by The Hon. Peter Morris, MP. with the assistance of Mrs. J. Roggers and Captain L. Packman on Friday 17th June, 1994. The anchor used was the spare bow anchor from the Newcastle built dredge E.O.K. Green. The flag was formerly located outside the Administrative Building of the State Dockyard. The plaque, dedicated to the two BHP vessels was located at the BHP Newcastle Steel Works. Captain J. Fair, Secretary.

North west plaque:

Australia Remembers 1939-1945

During World War II the sea was the main transport route, bringing to Newcastle the raw materials needed by its industries and taking away the industries products, as well as Hunter coal. Japanese submariner operated along the east coast of Australia from 16 May to 3 August 1942 and 18 January to 16 June 1943. They sank 18 vessels and attacked another 15, killing 277 merchant mariners and 223 medical personnel, as well as attacking Sydney and Newcastle. In 1940-41 German mines sunk 4 vessels, killing 16, and a German submarine sank a vessel in 1944, killing 2. 14 men from Newcastle were among 23 lost when 'Iron Crown', en route from Whyalla to Port Kembla, was sunk by submarine I-27 on 4 June 1942; earlier it had damaged 'Barwon'. On 22 July 1942 Allara' was damaged by enemy action. It was repaired in Newcastle but 5 fatalities of that action are buried in Sandgate General Cemetery. Submarine I-21 which sunk 'Iron Knight' had previously sunk 'Kalingo' on 18 January 1943.

This Australia Remembers Plaque was sponsored by Newcastle Port Corporation.

South west plaque:

North Coast Steam Navigation Co Ltd

For decades this company operated a fleet of small ships to navigate NSW North Coast river and bay ports but sadly it ceased trading in 1954. Two of its ships that had called regularly at Newcastle for cargoes and bunkers were sunk by enemy action during World War II. This plaque is dedicated to the memory of the officers and crew of those ships who lost their lives. M.V. Nimbin Sunk by a German mine off Norah Head on 5th December 1940 7 lives lost S.S. Wollongbar Torpedoed by a Japanese submarine off Crescent Head 29th April 1943 32 lives lost.

South plaque:

In commemoration of members of Mercantile Marine who lost their lives at sea. S.S. 'Iron Chieftain' 3rd June 1942

[Names] (refer below)

S.S. 'Iron Knight' 8th February 1943 

[Names] (refer below)

1939 World War II 1945

The Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd.

Veterans listed on this memorial

Veterans listed on this memorial

Last held rank Given name Family name Conflict/s Service No. Service Campaign Read more
R F Anderson World War 2 Mercantile Marine view
E Bedford World War 2 Mercantile Marine view
H H Bennett World War 2 Mercantile Marine view
L Brynes World War 2 Mercantile Marine view
J Callinan World War 2 Mercantile Marine view
T Clarke World War 2 Mercantile Marine view
N Cleghorn World War 2 Mercantile Marine view
D Cole World War 2 Mercantile Marine view
A Dives World War 2 Mercantile Marine view
T R Glossop World War 2 Mercantile Marine view

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Address
146 Wharf Road
Newcastle NSW 2300
Local Government Area
Newcastle, City of
Setting
Garden/park
Memorial type
Board/roll/plaque/tablet
Statue/sculpture/artwork
Recorded by
Mr Robert McLardy
Year of construction
1994
Dedication date
17 June 1994
Conflict/s
Second World War, 1939–45