The Montevideo Maru Memorial Committee rarely meets face-to-face.
With members scattered throughout the world –
Despite that, it’s been a big first year for the group, with the Montevideo Maru soaring into public consciousness in Australia; the Federal government becoming engaged in the issue after decades of official neglect; and the formation of a thriving organisation (over 160 members and growing daily).
On Wednesday - at the committee’s second meeting
in Sydney – Albert Speer MBE was awarded inaugural life membership of the
committee.
As committee member Rod Miller said, “He really is a man
of
Albert was born in Roslyn NSW in 1922 and needed his mother’s permission to join the army in 1942 aged 17 to serve in World War II.
He became a medic in PNG and served at a number of locations
including
After the war, he stayed on with the post war administration as a medical assistant.
His role with the Department of Public Health took him to Kerema, Popondetta, Lae, Tari, Koroba, Rabaul and Goroka as well as Moresby.
Most famously, he was involved with medical support after
the
When he retired in 1979, Albert had served in PNG for 37 years.
He became interested in the Montevideo Maru during his posting in Rabaul and started intensive research into the tragedy around 1997.
His commitment to finding the nominal roll of the men who
died on the ship was often frustrating and for many years seemed fruitless. But
Albert was undaunted and, in his pursuit of the truth, kept the flame burning
for the relatives of the missing men.
Now, as the search for the nominal roll warms up, and as the new committee engages itself in a range of matters related to the national recognition of the tragedy, the awards acknowledges the great contribution that Albert made through his unyielding effort.
Albert - If you remember me then let me know. I was Albert Maori Kiki's Secretary in Moresby and a Councillor on the City Council.
I am attempting to add to what's been written about Kiki. There does not seem much has been put down about him as Defence and Foreign affairs Minister.
Anyway I want to catch up with you even if it is only on the web.
Regards, Malcolm Dickson - living now on the Northern Rivers NSW with family in Sydney and Byron Bay
Phones 07 5590 9817 and 04 5728 3475
Email mjpdickson@unwired.com.au
Posted by: Malcolm Dickson | 24 March 2011 at 08:22 PM