Merchant Navy veterans honoured at 60th Annual Rookwood Commemoration

MORE than 80 guests including veterans, dignitaries, maritime professionals, and members of the public, gathered on Sunday 13^th April to commemorate Australia’s Merchant Navy seafarers at a poignant ceremony, held at the Rookwood Merchant Navy Columbarium.

The event, which marked the 60th Annual iteration for the Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund (MNWMF), was particularly poignant this year as it announced the ‘crossing of the bar’ of the late Don Kennedy OAM, a veteran and MNWMF advisor who passed away last November.

In his opening remarks, newly appointed MNWMF Chairman Sean Barrett, who succeeded long-standing Chairman David Field in 2024, paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Australian merchant mariners in wartime, as well as the personal hardships endured by all seafarers.

“We remember the sacrifice of Australian Merchant Seamen – those who suffered hardships but survived, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Barrett said. In reference to the late Don Kennedy, Mr Barret described him as a dear friend and “stalwart” of the commemorations.

The keynote address was delivered by Guest of Honour Commodore Christopher ‘Kit’ Rynd. Commodore Rynd reflected on past sacrifices while also issuing caution about future challenges. In opening his address, Commodore Rynd emphasised the Merchant Navy’s critical – and often overlooked – role in both World Wars.

“In the Second World War, the Merchant Navy of the whole British Empire, including Australia’s fleet, suffered proportionately the highest casualties of any of the allied services,” Rynd said, noting that the Australian War Memorial lists 845 known merchant mariners who died during WWII, although the true number is believed to be much higher.

He recounted powerful stories of bravery and tragedy, including the torpedoing of the Centaur and Iron Crown, and the heroic actions of the crew of the Turakina. He also highlighted the vulnerability of Australia’s maritime supply chains today, warning that “we are again in dangerous times,” drawing parallels to modern strategic threats and global supply disruptions.

“Few Australians today grasp the scale of the war at sea that came close to our coasts,” Rynd reflected. “At this memorial, we should not forget what it took to win, and what was won.”

The service included prayers from Sister Mary Leahy from Stella Maris and John Kewa representing Mission to Seafarers, Port Kembla, and concluded with the laying of wreaths, the reading of the Ode, and sounding of the Last Post, followed by the Australian National Anthem.

In his closing remarks, Mr Barrett expressed gratitude to all involved, including representatives from the U.S. and New Zealand navies, the Royal Australian Navy, and the many organisations supporting the event. He also reminded those present of our debt to the veterans

“We owe [our veterans] recognition, honour, and continuing remembrance,” Mr Barrett said. “They are not forgotten.”

The next Merchant Navy War Memorial event will be held in Canberra later this year on 19^th October.

Guests at the event included veterans, dignitaries, maritime professionals, and members of the public, all pausing to remember those who served and those who perished at sea during the First and Second World Wars.

Following prayers and hymns led by Sister Mary Leahy from Stella Maris and Mr John Kewa, representing Mission to Seafarers, attendees listened to the Canberra commemoration later this year on 19 October.