Looking For Families Of HMAS Perth Sailors

Jan. 20, 2010 - PRLog -- LOOKING FOR FAMILIES OF HMAS PERTH SAILORS
Nedlands Yacht Club (NYC) is looking for the families of HMAS Perth and USS Houston sailors and crew.

On Sunday 21 February at 13:00 hours, NYC is hosting an annual memorial ceremony and regatta. The event is held in association with the HMAS Perth Survivors Association and the Naval Association of Australia (Fremantle sub-section) on the Swan River foreshore. Spouses, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of survivors or those who perished in battle are asked to contact NYC and to join in a celebration of the courage and sacrifice made by their family members.

This year is the 50th annual memorial that honors the many lives lost on the HMAS Perth and USS Houston during the battle. The fatal battle was fought in the Sundra Strait near Java on 1 March 1942. As part of the memorial ceremony, there will be a tribute to Captain Hector Waller, DSO, RAN, and the crew of HMAS Perth. Captain Waller's family will be represented by his son - John from the USA, his grandsons - David and Robert, and his great-granddaughter. Four of the living survivors from the HMAS Perth and USS Houston crew will also be in attendance.

68 years have passed since the battle and each year over 200 family members, dignitaries and local yacht club officers gather at Nedlands Yacht Club to recognize these military heroes. This year's presentation will include a parade by the Fremantle Sailing Club's Pipes & Drums and Guard of Honour by the Australian Navy Cadets. Nedlands Yacht Club will be providing an afternoon tea to the families and special guests following the opening of the Regatta by Captain Dowsing, Commander of HMAS Stirling.

NYC welcomes the public to share in the presentation and watch the regatta that follows the ceremony. General public attendees may bring picnic lunches or may purchase lunch from the NYC galley. Parking at this event is free and there is a family playground within walking distance for children. No reservation is required for public attendees and please note that NYC is fully licensed and no outside alcohol is permitted at the venue.

Members of all Yachting Australia clubs are invited to participate in the regatta that follows the ceremony at approximately 14:00 hours. 90 to 100 boats participate in the regatta each year with the cruising sailboats and catamarans representing the two biggest competing classes. Notice of Race and Entry is available at nyc.org.au or by request.

ABOUT The 50th HMAS Perth Memorial Regatta
The 50th HMAS Perth Memorial Regatta will commence at 13:00 hours on Sunday 21 Feburary 2010 at Nedlands Yacht Club on the Swan River foreshore. The annual ceremony and regatta is held in association with the HMAS Perth Survivors Association and the Naval Association of Australia (Fremantle sub-section) to remember the survivors and sailors lost on the HMAS Perth and USS Houston on 1 March 1942.

CONTACT
Family members who wish to attend the presentation and afternoon tea can contact

Julia or Chris through
Nedlands Yacht Club
info@nyc.org.au
(08) 9386 5496

All other questions can be directed to

Shauna McGee Kinney, News and Promotions
Nedlands Yacht Club
http://www.nyc.org.au/
needcrew@gmail.com
SKYPE ShaunaMcGee2000
(AUS) +61 8 9467-2663 (USA) +1 760 208-4663

Photos available upon request.

# # #

Nedlands Yacht Club is a family oriented sailing club located along the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. We teach Yachting Australia accredited sailing courses. Our club caters to all ages in dinghies, catamarans, keelboats and cruisers.