Gallery 13
Wreath Laying Ceremony - Java Sea - 1974
Pictures supplied by Cdr. J P Gunning (Capt. JP Gunning Rtd.)
CO - 23 Oct. 1973 - 12 Dec. 1974
POW laying wreath
Wreath Laying Ceremony
With regard to the subject matter, it looks as though we were in night clothing (I don't remember). A good proportion of the Ship's Company turned up as volunteers. I am at extreme left of the picture, the First Lieutenant (John Dykes) immediately on my right. Standing alongside the POW is Junior Seaman Doran, our bugler. I could identify most of the officers in the frame but, sadly, most of the Ships Company had their backs to the camera.
As far as I remember, we slowed the ship down, I said a few words about the battle and the POW added some words of Remembrance as he cast the wreath over the side. This was followed by the Last Post before we resumed course for Brisbane.