Marker honoring Aussie navy unveiled in Lingayen

MANILA, Philippines — A plaque in Lingayen town in Pangasinan now serves as a reminder of the Royal Australian Navy's role in the liberation of Lingayen Gulf during World War II. The Australian Embassy and the Pangasinan provincial government unveiled the memorial plaque at ceremonies Friday, according to an article on the embassy website (www.australia.com.ph). "With this plaque, we hope to honor the contributions of the veterans and their colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom," said Australian Embassy Chargé d'Affairés Steve Scott. Les Kennedy OAM, President of the Naval Commemoration Committee of Victoria, Australia and Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. led the unveiling at the Lingayen Gulf Veteran's Memorial Park. Following the unveiling was a wreath-laying ceremony at the Lingayen Gulf to honor the members of the Royal Australian Navy who perished during the battle. Veterans of the Royal Australian Navy who participated in the decisive US-led naval campaign that eventually led to the Philippines' liberation from the Japanese attended the ceremony. Scott said the memorial plaque served not only to recognize the participation of Australian soldiers in the naval campaign, but to pay homage to the sacrifice of Australians and Filipino soldiers who lost their lives during the historic battle. Four Australian warships, HMAS Australia, Shropsire, Arunta and Warramunga, and assault transports HMAS Kanimbla, Manoora and Westralia, along with a number of smaller warships and support ships, took part in the landing at Leyte on October 20, 1944. Australian ships Shropshire and Arunta also engaged Japanese ships during the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 24 that year. On January 9, 1945, the day of the main invasion at Lingayen Gulf, two Australian cruisers and two destroyers provided naval support by attacking Japanese installations. Australian assault vessels were also responsible for moving men and equipment to support the land campaign of the US and Filipino soldiers. Kennedy, who was 19 years old during the Lingayen Gulf invasion, recalled how the Australian navy fleet suffered casualties due to the constant attacks of Japanese kamikaze planes. - GMANews.TV HMAS Australia, for instance, was hit by five kamikaze planes that killed 44 crew members. Scott said the longstanding relations between Australia and the Philippines had been enriched by the common experiences and shared sacrifices during World War II campaigns. He added that this had contributed to building a stronger partnership between both countries. "Australia and the Philippines has long enjoyed a strong and vibrant relationship as partners and allies. As democratic countries, we share a strong commitment to upholding the values of freedom and independence. The commemorative marker in Lingayen serves as a fitting tribute to Australian and Filipino soldiers who fought hard to achieve the freedom that we presently enjoy," Scott said. - GMANews.TV