THE New Zealand High Commission Office in Honiara in collaboration with Royal Navy New Zealand (RNZN) has marked the 75th anniversary memorial service of the HMNZS Moa which sunk in Tulagi, Central Province on the 7th of April, 1942 during the Second World War.
The commemoration service was held at Moa’s wreck site, Tulagi on board Patrol Boat Lata in remembrance of the five seamen who lost their lives there.
The five seamen who lost their lives were as follows;
- Able Seaman Kenneth Bailey, age 22 from Epsom, Auckland
- Stoker 1st Class Edward John Bucjeridge, age 27 from Waihi
- Leading Stoker Hugh Dobson Crawford, age 27 from Onehunga, Auckland
- Telegraphist Collin Duncan, age 22 from Takapuna, Auckland
- Leading Seaman John Clinton Oliver Moffa, age 22 from Whangarei
It was an emotional occasion for family members of Leading Seaman late John Clinton Oliver Moffat who attended the commemoration and saw the site where Moffat lost his life in 1942.
In his address during the commemoration the Acting Maritime Component Commander New Zealand, Captain Dave McEwan, RNZN expressed this honor and privilege to be part of this memorial service
“75 years ago this very location HMNZS MOA was sunk here on the afternoon April 7th April 1947,” he said.
“The wreck of MOA to this day remained a war grave and memorial to the men who serve indeed.”
Captain McEwan said as a nation New Zealand was proud to be part of the operations in Solomons which they provided navy vessels and crews to help the pacific islands while they were in urgency of support.
The Captain therefore credited those hardworking seamen for their sacrifice.
“And as for those who have gone before us we remain committed to ensuring our region continues to be peaceful and prosperous.
“If you can see it with the level of cooperation between Solomon Islands and New Zealand remains strong and continues to grow.”
He said each year New Zealand Defense Force personal assist under the remains of war either through the Australia led operation of intercept or the New Zealand operation.
He said in addition, Defense Force provided service to the regional fisheries to fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities in the region.
“On behalf of the New Zealand Defense Force and serving New Zealand Royal Navy both past and present we are gathered today to remember the lives lost the many injured and sacrifices made during the pivotal Guadalcanal campaign at that Pacific war.
“We fought had to form the freedom of democracy which all of us continue to enjoyed to this day.”
He also acknowledges the family of John Utting and others who attended the 75 anniversary memorial service.
By Crofton Utukana
