What stories does this rock tell? This is the HMAS Parramatta II Memorial. It stands as a testament to naval history. The memorial commemorates the four Royal Australian Navy ships named Parramatta. It honors those who served on them.
Originally, this memorial was at the Parramatta Bowling Club. It was unveiled on June 9, 1973. Vice Admiral Sir John Collins officiated the ceremony. The memorial marked the dedication of three bowling greens to those ships who proudly carried the city’s name.
But the HMAS Parramatta II Memorial was re-dedicated. It was moved to this site on November 23, 1986. Commodore D. H. Thompson unveiled it.
The memorial is a large rock. A chain surrounds it. A four-sided steel-framed fence protects it. Several plaques adorn the central stone. They detail the ships’ histories. They also describe the various ceremonies held here.
Notably, one plaque honors the men of HMAS Parramatta II. They served Australia during World War II. The inscription reads “Lest we forget.”
HMAS Parramatta II was a Grimsby-class sloop. It served in the Far East, Red Sea, and Mediterranean during World War II. It was built by Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Co Ltd. The ship was launched on June 10, 1939. It was commissioned on April 8, 1940. Lieutenant Commander Jefferson H Walker commanded it.
The ship sailed to the Red Sea. It spent nine months escorting, patrolling, and minesweeping. In 1941, it fought against Italian Eritrea and East Africa. Later, it escorted supplies to Allied Forces besieged at Tobruk. It gained the nickname “Tobruk Ferry Service”.
Tragically, on November 27, 1941, HMAS Parramatta II was hit by a torpedo. A German submarine, U-559, launched it. The vessel sank off Tobruk. One hundred and thirty-eight crew members were lost. Only twenty-four survived.
The idea for a memorial came in 1959. Parramatta Mayor E. A. Mobbs met with former naval men. They wanted to create a memorial to HMAS Parramatta II. They also wanted to honor the men who sacrificed their lives.
In 1971, the Naval Historical Society of Australia suggested incorporating part of a historic naval vessel into a memorial. They suggested the torpedo boat destroyer, HMAS Parramatta I. It was aground above the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge.
In 1972, the Naval Historical Society contacted the Council. They suggested using the bow and stern sections of HMAS Parramatta I for the memorial. The bow was later sent to Garden Island.
On June 13, 1981, Admiral Sir Victor Smith unveiled the memorial. He spoke of HMAS Parramatta’s history. He noted its connection to Parramatta. The stern section of HMAS Parramatta I became the centerpiece.
In 1985, the Parramatta Bowling Club closed. The HMAS Parramatta Memorial needed a new home. The Naval Association of Australia requested relocation to Queens Wharf Reserve. So, here stands the HMAS Parramatta II Memorial. It connects us to naval history. It reminds us of sacrifice. It ensures that we never forget.