The day started with approximately 40 guests arriving at 1pm at HMAS Stirling Pass Office at the entrance to Garden Island Western Australia after receiving a positive response to initial expressions of interest for this, the inaugural Remembering HMAS Armidale service.
After signing in and each person given a pass, we were escorted onto the base by Public Affairs Officer, Mr Andrew Bujdegan. We drove in convoy to HMAS Stirling Chapel where we were met by Chaplain Kelvin Harris and special guest Commander Darren White, CO Collins Class Submarine HMAS Sheean.
The Chapel service was very moving. Various people read prayers, verses, and Bible readings as well as the names of the forty men who lost their lives on those fateful 2 days in December. The haunting sound of a Bugler standing at the back of the chapel playing the Last Post followed by, after one minute’s silence, Reveille, brought home to all present, the solemnness of the occasion.
After the service, guests walked to the HMAS Stirling Museum and were able to view the different historical items on display before making their way to Sir James Stirling Mess. The Mess overlooks Cockburn sound which is a view not many people outside the Navy get to see.
Afternoon tea was provided by Mess staff. There was plenty of food and a few speeches including one by President Angus Callander highlighting our Association Charter. Guests were then able to mingle, meet new friends, and reminisce about their ties with those onboard the HMAS Armidale.
The afternoon finished at approximately 5pm with everyone saying how pleased they had been to attend the service. It was an encouraging and positive day with much interest in establishing the Remembering HMAS Armidale Association.
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