In mid 2018, CMDR Jim O’Neill A.N.C. Rtd, initiated contact with a number of individuals and organised an evening where a series of presentations were provided to raise interest in the formation of a committee to raise funds for a HMAS Perth (I) Memorial. Following the evening, a number of individuals indicated their interest in being engaged and involved in the committee.
Whilst awaiting the formalities of working within WA State Legislation to become incorporated, a committee was formed to progress initial activities in support of actions. The Certificate of Incorporation was received on 4th April 2019, formally approving the HMAS Perth (I) Memorial Foundation Incorporated.
This was a significant milestone as the Committee could now progress activities to commemorate the life and loss of HMAS Perth (I).
The HMAS Perth (I) Memorial will be dedicated to the members of the ship’s company who:
- Perished in the Battle of Sunda Strait,
- Survived the battle and attempted to avoid capture,
- Were captured, imprisoned and enslaved,
- Died as prisoners of war,
- Finally returned to Australia or the United Kingdom
Mr Wes Olsen is a member of the Committee and is the official historian for the Foundation. Wes has authored the HMAS PERTH (I) MEMORIAL Commemorative Booklet, providing an outline of the history of the ship’s World War II actions and her demise. A full list of the crew, their rank or position and fate is included in the booklet.
The Governor of Western Australia, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, has accepted the position of Patron of the Foundation.
The Foundation is working with Smith Sculptors, the architects of the HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton, to progress details of the proposed memorial.
The proposed memorial is intended to be integrated with the HMAS Perth Memorial Facility on Riverside Drive, East Fremantle, Western Australia. The Foundation has engaged with the Town of East Fremantle Council, who is very supportive of the Foundation and the proposed memorial.
The Committee is aiming to undertake a formal launch in conjunction with the 60th HMAS Perth Memorial Regatta, at the Nedlands Yacht Club, on 16th February 2020. This will signify the public commencement of fundraising activities.
As a Committee, we are committed to this project to ensure that the fate of the ship’s company of HMAS Perth (I) is remembered and that their families and the public have a place to visit and remember.