HMAS Perth recently reinforced its long-standing connection with Thailand during a meaningful port visit to Sattahip as part of a regional presence deployment.
The visit included a moving journey to Hellfire Pass and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, where 50 members of Perth’s ship’s company honoured the memory of 18 HMAS Perth I sailors.
These sailors had survived the harrowing Battle of the Sunda Strait but later perished as prisoners of war.
At Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, where the 18 sailors rest, Perth’s crew paid tribute with a solemn ‘roll call’ during a memorial service, commemorating each of the fallen.
Combat Systems Operator Able Seaman Tanner Zadravec said it was a special experience.
“This experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it really struck me when I saw tombstones dating the death of young Australians my age,” Able Seaman Zadravec said.
The following morning, Perth’s ship’s company, alongside dignitaries from the Royal Thai Armed Forces, Canadian Defence Force and Australian Defence Attaché, participated in an intimate dawn service at Hellfire Pass.
Combat Systems Operator Able Seaman Damien Webster served as the bugler, performing the Last Post and Reveille, which echoed through the jungle surrounding Hellfire Pass.
‘In the early gloom, we trekked through the pass under flaming torches, the namesake of the place coming to life before our very eyes. The rock seemed as unrelenting as the willpower of the Australian men who survived Hellfire Pass.’
Perth’s pilot, Lieutenant Max Witicker, said being immersed in the remote jungle of Kanchanaburi at the Hellfire Pass memorial was a humbling experience.
“The dense jungle and oppressive tropical atmosphere made it hard to believe that the Australian prisoners of war could work in those conditions with nothing beyond a few simple tools and manual labour,” he said.
“In the early gloom, we trekked through the pass under flaming torches, the namesake of the place coming to life before our very eyes. The rock seemed as unrelenting as the willpower of the Australian men who survived Hellfire Pass.”
During the dawn service, Perth crew members delivered readings reflecting on significant historical events, including the Battle of the Java Sea, the Battle of Sunda Strait and the Thai-Burma Railway.
A final reading was dedicated to Perth I’s bugler, Allan ‘Elmo’ Gee, highlighting the themes of service, mateship and sacrifice.
Chaplain Brad Galvin captured the emotional weight of the ceremony, saying: “It was easy to understand some of the struggles that the prisoners of war went through as we conducted a commemorative service surrounded by the thick jungle, humidity and tireless terrain. Connecting their story to our story was powerful.
“Today was a unique opportunity to reflect on the service of others and the significance of wearing this uniform. It’s an honour and privilege to serve our nation in spite of the possible costs.”
The visit reinforced the deep historical ties between Australia and Thailand while offering Perth’s crew a unique opportunity to connect with the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
