The ABC’s 7’30 Report of 24th April 2013 featured a story on the HMAS Perth survivors at the Anzac Parade. From the transcript: One dark night off the coast of Java in 1942, two Allied ships were caught off-guard and forced to face the invading Japanese battle fleet alone. The Australian warships HMAS Perth and USS Houston fought gallantly against the odds, but both were torpedoed and sank within 30 minutes of each other. 1,100 Australian and American soldiers were lost at sea. After 71 years, only 10 of the men from HMAS Perth who survived the battle are still
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Alana Schetzer has written an article for The Age newspaper on a reunion of the men of the HMAS Perth. Here’s a snippet: Just 12 members of HMAS Perth remain alive, with five of them living in Victoria. The decision to bring them together alongside the USS Houston banner was the brainchild of author Pattie Wright, who last year released her biography on HMAS Perth seaman and artist Ray Parkin. She says the men deserve the acknowledgement and thanks the march affords them. “It’s sad we haven’t inquired as much about what happened, but that’s what happens in every war,”
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Ray Parkin’s Odyssey has won a Highly Commended award from the Fellowship Of Australian Writers in the 2012 National Literary Awards! From the award details: FAW EXCELLENCE IN NON-FICTION AWARD Advertised as the FAW Sid Harta Literature Award Sponsored by Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) Vic. Inc. In its fortieth year, this is an Award for a non-fiction work, including biography and autobiography, of sustained quality and distinction with an Australian theme. Winner ($1000) Chris Masters “Uncommon Soldier” – NSW, Allen & Unwin Highly Commended Ross McMullin “Farewell Dear People” – VIC, Scribe Publications Pattie Wright “Ray Parkin’s Odyssey” –
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