May 14 marked the 69th anniversary of the sinking of the Australian Hospital Ship ‘Centaur’ off the Queensland Coast.
More than 258 men and women lost their lives on that day, with just 64 survivors making it to shore but, while the event in May 1943 is now part of the history books, it is certainly not forgotten – particularly not here on the Tweed.
Every year on May 14, the students of Centaur Primary School – named for the ship – gather with survivors, descendents of those lost and parents and community members to remember.
After the sinking of the Hospital ship by a Japanese submarine, the final resting place had been a mystery until it was discovered off Moreton Bay in December, 2010.
A large crowd gathered at the Point Danger Memorial on Monday to remember. Centaur principal Darren Scott, along with three music students, opened the school’s annual service with the calming sound of the trumpets’ horn blown in reverent tune.
School Captain, Lynden Cunning, then announced the beginning of the service proper.
“Our gathering is an ode to the history of the ‘AHS Centaur’, to those who were aboard,” he said.
“ We are here to keep this tradition continuing as part of our school culture.”
Students who have shown courage were presented with the Hindmarsh medal by Mrs Jan Thomas, President of the 2/3 AHS Centaur Association.
Mrs Thomas spoke as a representative of the many family members who honour the lost and support those who have lost, thanking the Gold Coast City Council and the Marine Rescue who are the new volunteers to keep up the maintenance of the memorial.
“We, the next of kin, are getting older,” Mrs Thomas said.
“When we return to our homes we can be confident and comforted knowing that the memorial and the continuation of the ‘Centaur’ are in good hands”.
Mrs Thomas also took a moment to congratulate Centaur Primary’s commitment and the students who are great ambassadors for the school.
“With united commitment we can all come together to share memories of this experience,” she said.
Wreaths were laid in respect and a few tears shed as the school choir performed.
As students boarded their buses in return, guests and family descendants gathered to share a quiet morning tea, to look out to sea and remember.
