Tribute through art: Stanhope RSL secretary George Gemmill.
The Stanhope RSL Sub-Branch’s mural has been completed ahead of schedule in time for its Anzac Day service.
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It was painted on the shop wall of the former Emmett’s hardware store now Knights on Monash St right across the road from the Stanhope War Memorial.
It was created by well-known artist Tim Bowtell, who spent 10-hour days working on the mural to complete the project within a week.
The theme of the mural is based on the sinking of the Japanese ship Montevideo Maru in July 1942.
On board was 850 Australian Prisoners of War including three volunteer soldiers from Stanhope (P.C. Crombie, W.A. McLennan and A.Meldrum)
The exact number was yet to be confirmed, with more than 1000 men aboard the ship when the tragedy occurred.
Controversy surrounded the reporting of the largest maritime disaster in Australian history. Japan had just entered the war and did not notify the International Red Cross of the attack at the time.
All lives where lost on the ship and their fates were unknown for three and a half years until the war had ended.
The ship was torpedoed and sunk by the USS submarine Sturgeon near Luzon in the South China Sea during World War II on July 1, 1942.
The branch was awarded a Commonwealth Government Grant “Saluting Their Service” to paint the mural that they hope will inform the public of the history of such a tragic event.
On the announcement of the funding, Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said: “The sinking of the Montevideo Maru has been described as the worst maritime disaster in our history.”
Stanhope Sub-Branch secretary George Gemmill said he was blown away from the generosity of the community for donating so much and so quickly that it helped get the project finished ahead of schedule.
“We put out a public appeal for donations and we have been overwhelmed with the generosity and speed of the community,” Mr Gemmill said.
“It has exceeded all of our expectations. Also if it wasn’t for Christine and Glenda at the Stanhope Development Committee for helping us in trying to do the application for the grants this wouldn’t have been possible.”
Mr Gemmill said the RSL planned to build a plaque at the Stanhope Memorial with information and stories on the sinking of the Montevideo Maru and the three soldiers Crombie, McLennan and Meldrum.
Stanhope RSL will be having its Anzac Day service on Sunday, April 24, at 2pm.
A short march will go around town and it will stop at the war memorial where a short service will be held.
A longer service will be held in the hall with guest speaker Police officer Frank Scopelliti. The Rushworth Concert band will provide music and everyone is welcome to attend.
Relatives of ex-service personal are also invited to join in the march.
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