A new set of collector coins will honour the crew of HMAS Perth, which was sunk in battle 60 years ago, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Senator Ian Campbell, and Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Danna Vale, announced today.
Senator Campbell launched the new Royal Australian Mint set in Perth, at a ceremony attended by survivors of HMAS Perth and the widows of Perth crewmen. The coins commemorate the Allied vessels HMAS Perth and USS Houston, which were lost during the Battle of Sunda Strait on 28 February-1 March 1942.
"These coins are a commemoration of those who fought and died on those two ships," Senator Campbell said.
"They are also issued as a token of gratitude to all our service personnel who have suffered hardship, pain and sometimes death, in times of war and conflict."
Minister Vale said the sinking of Perth resulted in the second largest loss of life from an Australian vessel in wartime, after the loss of HMAS Sydney in December 1941. More than half her complement of some 680 men was lost and, of the remainder who became prisoners of war, almost one-third died in captivity.
"This year we honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought 60 years ago in the defence of Australia, when our nation for the first time faced the prospect of invasion," Minister Vale said.
"In Sunda Strait, the men of HMAS Perth demonstrated the values that are fundamental to the Australian identity - the readiness to fight for what is right, whatever the odds, alongside our allies."
The Royal Australian Mint, carrying on a tradition of commemorating events of historical or cultural importance to Australians, has produced two coins to commemorate the Battle of Sunda Strait. One coin features the forward sections of HMAS Perth and USS Houston, while the second features the ship's bell from the Houston.
Senator Campbell said the bell, now sits atop a memorial in Houston, Texas, where the coin set will formally be launched today at a commemoration service attended by survivors of USS Houston and their families.
Contact:
Tammie Webb (Senator Campbell) 08 9325 4227 or 0417 400 227
Rachael Thompson (Minister Vale) 02 6277 7820 or 0417 265 289
The Battle of Sunda Strait collector coins
Background details
The two coins are part of the Royal Australian Mint's biennial $5 face value series commemorating Australian history, culture and ideas.
The first has a proof finish, is struck in aluminium bronze, and depicts the forward sections of HMAS Perth and USS Houston. It is housed in a presentation case with an attractive outer box and includes an Authenticity Certificate signed by the Controller of the Mint. This coin retails for $35.00.
The other coin has an uncirculated finish and features an image of USS Houston's ship's bell. It has an aluminium bronze centre surrounded by a stainless steel ring and comes in a credit card sized plastic holder inside a pictorial sleeve. This coin retails for $5.00.
Both coins are available from the Royal Australian Mint (ph 1300 652020 during normal working hours EST) or via its website www.ramint.gov.au (click on Eshop).