Shrine of Remembrance

Leading Aircraftman Mac Ford shares his memories of 1940s Melbourne, the repatriation of Australian prisoners of war from Singapore in 1945 and his introduction to computers.

Interview by Megan Spencer. 

This interview was recorded as part of the National Trust, Open House Melbourne and Centre for Architecture Victoria's World War II at Home project, funded by the Victorian Government. 

World War II at Home explores the transformative experience of the Second World War on Victoria. Check out the website for the video of this interview, more veteran stories and 18 Victorian sites of significance from the Second World War.

https://wwiiathome.com.au/

Direct download: World20War20II20at20Home20Mac20Ford.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am AEDT

Just after 0400 hours on 14 May 1943, the 2/3 Australian Hospital Ship Centaur, sailing off the coast of Brisbane, was torpedoed by Japanese submarine 1-177. Centaur sank within three minutes. Hundred of personnel were trapped inside.

 

In these historical interviews, survivors of the sinking recount their memories of the night and ensuing 35 hour wait for rescue.

 

00.00–07.22 Sister Ellen Savage GM

07.23–10.03 Chief Pantryman Ronal Moate

10.04–14.36 Engineer Steward Alec Cochrane

14.37–18:02 Frank Reid

Direct download: Centaur20Survivor20Interviews.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:28pm AEDT

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