A dedicated memorial to commemorate the 1800 service men and women who lost their lives at sea while being transported to Japan and islands in the South West Pacific during World War II has been installed at Mona Vale’s headland (Robert Dunn Reserve).

Sadly, one of the last remaining Australian WWII prisoners of war, Mr Walter ‘Wal’ Williams OAM, passed away on 4 June at the RSL ANZAC Village at Narrabeen.

Mr Williams had been working closely with Northern Beaches Council, the NSW Government and Pittwater RSL on the location and design of the memorial.

Following the fall of Singapore in 1942, Mr Williams was among the tens of thousands of Allied soldiers, nurses and civilians taken prisoner by the Japanese. Mr Williams was interned at the notorious Changi prison camp before working along the infamous Burma-Thailand Railway.

While Mr Williams was being transported to Japan in 1944, onboard the Rakuyō Maru, an American submarine fired a torpedo at the Japanese prison ship, unaware of the Allied prisoners onboard.

After treading water for 24 hours and surviving overhead aerial attack, Mr Williams was among a small number of survivors pulled from the water and transported to labour camps in Japan. Mr Williams later survived the Allied firebombings of Tokyo and Yokohama, before finally returning home to Australia in October 1945 – on his 23rd birthday.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said it’s incredibly important to honour these men and women and the sacrifices they made for our country.

“Wal was nothing short of a hero and sadly he will not see the completed memorial, but his legacy will live on. 

“I was honoured to have the opportunity to meet Wal and his 99 incredible years on this earth have been inspirational.

“The memorial will be a contemplative space and acknowledges the 1,800 Australian Prisoners of War, Nurses and Civilian Internees who lost their lives at sea in the Pacific between 1942 and 1945, during World War II” Mayor Regan said.

Local Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said Wal was an inspirational veteran who never sought any special admiration or attention for himself. Rather he was passionate about ensuring those who have served our country, and particularly those who did not survive, are never forgotten.

“Wal was a thoroughly decent, brave and courteous man who represents an amazing generation of Australians. 

“Wal has an incredible personal story of sacrifice, courage and resilience – however he never sought any focus or attention on himself. It was always about others and making sure our veterans are never forgotten.

“With this year commemorating the 80th anniversary of the tragic sinking of another Japanese prison ship, the Montevideo Maru, this memorial is a really important way to honour Wal, his wishes, and all those he served with,” Mr Stokes said.

The north facing seating space incorporates an accessible backed seat and sandstone plinth and acknowledgement plaque set on a sandstone paved surround.

The plaque includes a QR code providing more information on the story and history behind the memorial.

The memorial was unveiled by Minister for Infrastructure, Rob Stokes and Minister for Veterans, David Elliott today.

This project is made possible thanks to funding assistance from the NSW Government and Northern Beaches Council.