The sinking and 2023 discovery of the MV Montevideo Maru

On 1 July 1942, Japanese transport ship MV Montevideo Maru sank with close to 1000 Australian troops and civilians onboard, in the South China Sea. Torpedoed by an American submarine which did not know it was carrying prisoners of war, the ship's sinking was the greatest loss of Australian lives at sea in war or peace, claiming almost twice as many Australians as the Vietnam War.

The prisoners of war had been captured in the fall of Rabaul months earlier, but in many cases, families waited years for news of their missing loved ones.

When in April 2023 the wreck of the Montevideo Maru was discovered off the coast of the Philippines, it was a momentous day helping bring a measure of closure to families devastated by this terrible disaster.

Join Paul Brown, Curator of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles (NGVR) Military Museum as he discusses the history of the NGVR and the tragic sinking of the Montevideo Maru Hospital Ship.

After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries, embarking on an interactive journey from the First World War to today, before taking time to reflect on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands.

Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is located at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane. Entry is through the double brass doors located beneath the Shrine of Remembrance.

Image credit: the Australian War Memorial