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Memorial Service for Japanese Midget Submarine M24

Date6 August 2007

Object numberANMS1360[002]

NameInvitation

MediumCardboard

DimensionsOverall: 106 x 145 mm

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mary-Louise Williams

Terms

DescriptionInvitation from the Royal Australian Navy, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Shalders AO, CSC, RAN, to attend a Memorial Service for Japanese Midget Submarine M24, HMAS KUTTABUL Memorial Site, Garden Island, Sydney, 6 August 2007.HistoryThe remains of the Japanese Midget submarine M24 were located by a team of divers in November 2006 off Sydney's northern beaches. The submarine had been involved in the attack on Sydney Harbour during World War II in May 1942. In August 2007, two memorial services were held for the relatives of the submariners who died during the attack. The Japanese ambassador to Australia, HE Mer Hideaki Ueda and the Japanese relatives of the lost crew of the M24 attended the ceremony along with Australian naval representatives, government ministers and other invited guests. One ceremony took place at the HMAS KUTTABUL memorial site at Garden Island in Sydney. The second ceremony was an at-sea commemoration specifically for the Japanese family members. Navy divers collected sand from the site of the wreck, that was presented to the relatives of the Japanese submariners.