Guardians of Sunda Strait – A talk by Lindsey Shaw

Background

Late on the night of Saturday 28 February and into the early hours of Sunday 1 March 1942, the cruisers HMAS Perth and USS Houston fought for their lives in the Dutch East Indies.

Against overwhelming odds – outnumbered and outgunned by a large advancing Japanese force – they fought bravely and defiantly but lost the battle.

Both ships were sunk in the Battle of Sunda Strait.

This presentation will address the ships employment prior to and during World War II, the Battle of Sunda Strait, survivor experiences as prisoners of war and the condition of the wrecks of HMAS Perth and USS Houston which lie in relatively shallow water.

About the Author

Twenty seven years of her working life was dedicated to the Australian National Museum (ANMM) where she worked as Senior Curator with a particular interest in the Royal Australian Navy.  Following retirement in 2013 Lindsey continued a close association with Navy and served on the Committee of the Society.  She was recently appointed Honorary Research Associate with the ANMM where she has recently been closely associated with the very successfully public exhibition ‘Guardians of Sunda Strait’

Access

Public transport is recommended.  Only limited parking is available in the Club’s Thomas Street car park.

Timing

Please gather in the Shades on Victoria café bar from 05:00 PM.  The Presentation & Discussion will run from 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM.

Refreshments

Members are welcome to partake of the Clubs bar and dining facilities.

Enquiries

Contact David Blazey,  02 93592372  (Tuesday and Thursday)