An annual service to recognise and remember the service of sailors on the HMAS Nizam will take place at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse this Sunday, February 9.
The monumental cairn located at the lighthouse commemorates the death of 10 HMAS Nizam sailors who tragically lost their lives by being swept overboard near the Cape on February 11, 1945.
On that fateful February night in 1945 a freak wave at 22.15 hrs, 11 miles due south of this point tragically took the lives of the 10 ratings aged between 18 and 23 years of age.
Members of the N Class Destroyers Association who served on the 'N's and have since passed away are also remembered by a plaque attached to the Memorial Wall situated alongside the Cairn.
The five N Class Destroyers - Napier, Nizam, Nestor, Norman and Nepal - were built in various UK shipyards.
These ships served in many battles in many parts of the world during 1941-45 and acquired 25 battle honours between them.
Many dignitaries from the Navy, RSL and State Government, the Royal Australian Navy band, a Cenotaph Party from HMAS Stirling and Navy Buglers will be in attendance as will members of the local community including the Augusta Singers and children from the Augusta Primary School.
Canon David Hawkins will conduct the Memorial Service which will be attended by a couple of survivors from WW2, widows, children and relatives of the N Class Destroyers.
On Saturday prior to the Service the Royal Australian Naval Band will provide a free concert on the lawn area at the back of the Augusta Hotel to entertain all members of the community.
A coach will also bring to town around 50 members of the N Class Destroyers Association and the City of Cockburn RSL, to the memorial events, which have been running at the Cape since 1993.
The Lions Club of Leeuwin also plays a major role in assisting the service coordination, providing accommodation at the Augusta Adventure Centre for the Naval Band.
The Club provides chairs and equipment for the free community concert and chairs and flowers for the Memorial Service.
The Lions and community volunteers also plant the main street with red and white flowers in recognition of the occasion.
The Annual HMAS Nizam Memorial Service will commence on Sunday February 9 at 10.00 am at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
The free concert will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday February 8, on the lawns of the Augusta Hotel. Local residents and visitors to the area are welcome to attend.
