Shellharbour City Council, in partnership with the 6 Machine Gun Battalion Association, will host a commemorative ceremony this weekend to honour the bravery and sacrifice of four Australian soldiers who lost their lives during a World War II maritime rescue mission off the local coast of Bass Point.
On 16 May 1943, to avoid attack by Japanese submarines, the Cities Service Boston tanker sailed closer to shore. That night, the tanker encountered very rough seas and, due to inaccurate compass readings, the ship ploughed into rocks near Bass Point.
“Soldiers from the 6 Australian Machine Gun Battalion camped at Kembla Grange, were sent to rescue the 62 American crewmen. All American lives were saved thanks to the rescuer’s efforts, but sadly a large wave swept four of the Australian rescue soldiers off the rocks and they were lost,” the Council outlined in a statement.
Council hosts an annual service at Bass Point Reserve to remember and honour the bravery shown by those who lost their lives in a brave rescue mission over 80 years ago.
The service will take place at 11am on Sunday, 18 May at Bass Point Reserve, and will feature a Catafalque Party mounted by Australia’s Federation Guard.
Shellharbour City Mayor, Chris Homer said the emotional service was one that remembered the selfless acts of sacrifice of local community members who rallied to help on that day.
“Council has hosted this service for over 20 years to ensure we honour the memories of those who paid the ultimate price,” Mayor Homer said.
“These soldiers showed courage in the face of adversity and performed a rescue in exceptionally difficult conditions.”
To check out the full history of the Cities Service Boston, watch this video here.
