Navy denies Sydney crew snub

**Antipodean Andy** · 11-17-2008, 04:43 AM

Navy denies HMAS Sydney snub - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

The Royal Australian Navy says it is not snubbing former crew members of HMAS Sydney by not inviting them to a burial service in Geraldton of the ship's unknown sailor.

Ean McDonald, aged 90, says he served on the ship, but he will not attend any of the commemorative events this week because he is upset at being excluded from the cemetery for the burial.

But Navy lieutenant Jillian Browlie says the war grave cemetery is too small to take the 1,000 people expected for the events.

She says those not invited to the cemetery will be attending the memorial service on Wednesday before the burial takes place.

"The actual remains of the sailor will be present at the memorial service and the coffin will remain at the memorial service for the duration and then it will be transported to the committal site," she said.

Lieutenant Browlie says the burial will be televised live to the memorial service.

**Kyt** · 11-17-2008, 05:28 AM

I can understand the anger but if there isn't space then what can the navy do?

Brian S · 11-17-2008, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by Kyt

I can understand the anger but if there isn't space then what can the navy do?

Quite a thoughtless exclusion.

I would have that many in the 1,000 who had got an invitation were less entitled be there.

Extremely Rude and thoughtless behaviour on the part of those doing the organising.

**liverpool annie** · 11-17-2008, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Brian S

Quite a thoughtless exclusion.

I would have that many in the 1,000 who had got an invitation were less entitled be there.

Extremely Rude and thoughtless behaviour on the part of those doing the organising.

I agree Brian ! ... surely there isn't that many men left ?? .... the least they could do is make some arrangement to put them in the front row !!

If a few of the 1000 who were invited were any good - they would give up their places ! ... but then they're probably politicians !!

**John** · 11-17-2008, 01:59 PM

Annie has hit the nail right on the head. Most will be government officials and their hangers on. Kick some off so as old sailors can attend.

Brian S · 11-17-2008, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by John

Annie has hit the nail right on the head. Most will be government officials and their hangers on. Kick some off so as old sailors can attend.

Nothing new though,just the same in the U.K.

Try The National Memorial Arboretum just as an example on 11th November. More Chains of Office and Gold Braid than you could shake a stick at. Ex Servicemen have a struggle to see the Ceremonies.

Then there is the Private Refreshment Marquee for the privileged.