1st July 2023
The Anniversary of the Montevideo Maru tragedy marks one of the most devastating World War Two events in Australia and Papua New Guinea’s history.
When Rabaul was lost to the WWII Japanese Axis Powers, the SS Montevideo Maru set sail for Hainan Island with over a thousand passengers on board. When it was torpedoed by an American submarine, 1,142 lives were lost: 1,054 Australian prisoners of war (178 non-commissioned officers, 667 soldiers and 209 civilians), as well as 88 Japanese crewmen.
Families of the Australian WWII POW’s who were on the Montevideo Maru will join residents in the township of Rabaul for a special commemoration service at the Montevideo Memorial Park.
Special memorial tours are also available from Rabaul Hotel.
For more information visit: www.facebook.com/RabaulAndMontevideoMaruSociety
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