On the evening of 31 May 1942, Sydney Harbour was plunged into chaos as three Japanese midget submarines slipped past defences and launched a deadly attack, sinking HMAS Kuttabul and claiming the lives of 21 sailors.
The city, until then considered far from the World War II front lines, was forever changed. This was not a distant battle, it was a direct assault on Australian soil, bringing the global conflict home in a way few could have imagined.
Despite its significance, the story of that night remains under-reported and under-appreciated in Sydney’s collective memory. It is a story of bravery, tragedy, and resilience, of ordinary Australians thrust into extraordinary circumstances. It is also a story of a city that responded with unity, determination, and a commitment to never forget.
2025 also marks the 30th anniversary of the unveiling of the Defence of Sydney Monument, established in 1995 to perpetuate the memory of those who served in World War II and to educate future generations about the city’s wartime legacy.
James Griffin MP, Patron of Australia Remembers – Northern Beaches and North Shore Committee, said the anniversary is a chance to remind ourselves and the next generation that wars can happen anywhere, even here at home.
“The Defence of Sydney commemorative service held at North Head, is a spectacular location befitting an event of such significance in Australia’s war time history. The courage and sacrifice shown on that evening in 1942 resonates with the hundreds of people who attend the service every year,” Mr Griffin said.
It’s at the Defence of Sydney Monument, on Friday 6 June 2025 at 10:00am, that the community will gather to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who defended Sydney during the Second World War.
ENDS
For further information, interviews, or to arrange media attendance, please contact: Tony Richens 0447 422 163 or trichens@rslnsw.org.au.
For extra resources leading up to the commemoration including background, history and images following the service visit the link here.
Background:
The Defence of Sydney Monument stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and the sacrifices made in its defence. The monument was established through the efforts of the Warringah Australia Remembers Trust, the School of Artillery, and community support, with the foundation stone laid by Sir Roden Cutler VC in 1995.
The Australia Remembers Committee – Northern Beaches and North Shore continues to preserve and promote local military history, honouring distinguished service personnel and fostering community engagement in remembrance activities.
The Commemoration:
Date: Friday, 6 June 2025
Time: 10:00 am AEST
Location: Defence of Sydney Monument, North Fort, North Head, Manly
Guest of Honour: Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC, KC, Governor of New South Wales
The service is coordinated by Australia Remembers – Northern Beaches & North Shore Committee, with support from RSL NSW, the Australian Defence Force (notably HMAS Penguin), the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, local schools, and community organisations. Patron James Griffin MP and his Electorate Office play a central
role in the planning and delivery of the event.
Last modified: June 11, 2025
