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81st Anniversary Defence of Sydney Service

Published on: June 2023

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-132274

81st Anniversary Defence of Sydney Service

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)

—The early hours of June 1 1942 are often referred to as 'the night war came to Sydney' when three midget Japanese submarines entered Sydney Harbour to launch an attack on the US navy cruiser Chicago stationed at Garden Island. Instead one of the Japanese torpedoes exploded against a sea wall next to HMAS Kuttabul, ultimately sinking the ship and claiming twenty-one lives. Each year we gather together at the Defence of Sydney Monument at North Head to pay our respects to the lives lost, and the efforts of the Royal Australian and US Navy's in defending Sydney Harbour from the Japanese submarines. I would like to recognise James Griffin MP and the Australia Remembers Northern Beaches & North Shore Committee for all their efforts in organising this year's 81st anniversary service. I would also like to recognise students from my locals schools who attended, Mosman High and Mosman Preparatory School. In particular Rafferty from Mosman High who delivered the fantastic Paul Fenn Oration which was truly amazing and incredibly performed. Lest we forget.