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HMAS Voyager

A wreath laying to honour the service and sacrifice of those aboard HMAS Voyager.

Event Details

Date:
Saturday, 10 February 2024 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Location:
Sanctuary, Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, VIC 3001
Details:
  • Admission is free.
  • This venue is wheelchair accessible.

This service recognises the ships that have borne the name HMAS Voyager, and those who have served on them.

The first HMAS Voyager served in the Second World War and was an integral part of the Scrap Iron Flotilla. So called because of their age, the Scrap Iron Flotilla was a fleet of five destroyers sent to the Mediterranean at the beginning of the war.

After Japan entered the war, HMAS Voyager was redeployed to the Pacific. On 23 September 1943, she ran aground while disembarking troops at Betano Bay, Timor. After attempts to free her failed, HMAS Voyager was scuttled the next day.

The second HMAS Voyager was a Daring-class destroyer commissioned in 1957. While performing manoeuvres on 10 February 1964, HMAS Voyager collided with the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne. HMAS Voyager was cut in two and sank with the loss of 82 lives. The incident remains the Royal Australian Navy's greatest loss of life during peacetime.

Shrine Representative:

  • Shrine Governor Lieutenant Commander Jan Gallagher.
  • Shrine Governor Commander Terry Makings AM 

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