Lost lives echo here. The Submariner’s Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of sacrifice. This memorial honors the service and the seamen of the six Australian Oberon Class Submarines. These submarines were based here from 1967 to 1999. The Submarines Association Australia conceived this memorial. The Submarine Institute of Australia helped create it. Urban and Public team designed it for the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.
HMAS Platypus was commissioned in 1967. Fifty years later on August 18 2017, the Submariners’ Memorial was dedicated. This day marked a moving remembrance ceremony. Many special guests attended the ceremony. The Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne, was present. Also attending were Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett and Mr. Kevin McCann AM. Commodore Mark Sander RAN retired, President of the Submarine Institute of Australia, also attended.
The memorial has a step design. Each step honors one of the six submarines. The centerpiece is the restored submarine anchor from HMAS Oxley. Oxley was the first of the six Oberon-class subs. It was based at this site from 1967. When the Oxley was decommissioned, its anchor was saved. It was saved for this very purpose. Now, it sits on a circular concrete base. This area provides a quiet space for reflection.
Three new plaques are affixed to the memorial. They recognize the years of operation of HMAS Platypus. They also honor the three sailors lost while serving on Oberon submarines. The motto of the Submarine Squadron is fixed to the wall. It reads: Silent Service. During the dedication, an official wreath laying occurred. The Minister, family members, and dignitaries paid their respects.
Kim Pitt watched Australia’s first Oberon class submarine arrive in 1967. He stood on the deck of an aircraft carrier. He then commanded the submarine squadron based out of HMAS Platypus. The unassuming facility was nestled into Neutral Bay’s western bank. It consisted of rusting corrugated iron sheds and a long cement dock.
The memorial signifies the rebirth of the HMAS Platypus site. The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust commissioned the memorial. This was part of a long-term transformation. The site evolved from a gas works, torpedo factory, and naval base. Now, it is becoming a contemporary waterfront urban park. The memorial unveiling marked a significant project milestone. It signaled the start of building and public space renewal. This came after seven years of site remediation and community consultation.
HMAS Platypus decommissioned in 1999. The submarine base and workshop relocated to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. The bronze Platypus on a granite rock also moved. It had been the site mascot since 1967. There is hope that the platypus will return home in the future.
This memorial reminds us of the unique and dangerous work of submariners. Submarines are critical in keeping sea lanes open for maritime trade. They enhance stability and reinforce the rules-based order in our region. The Submariners’ Memorial stands as a lasting tribute. It connects past sacrifices with the future of Australia’s naval defense.