Memorial to Captain Hec Waller

Hi All,
Below is a copy of an article on the Memorail being dedicated to Captain Hector Waller in his home town of Benalla (Victoria) in March 2010. All those interested in attending or being in the area during that time are welcome to attend. For those ex Voyagers and others unaware of some information, John Waller (son of Hec Waller) now residing in the US served in HMAS Voyager as electrical officer Lt. Waller. Now retired of course and is returning to Benalla for the Memorial.

Les Sheehan
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MEMORIAL to CAPTAIN HEC WALLER
Information forwarded from Roger Tozer, National Sec. Naval Association of Australia.
The Capt. Hec Waller Memorial is being steered to fruition by the Chairman of the RSL Sub-Committee Mr. Richard Hawkins OAM, & it is now nearing completion.
It will be unveiled & then dedicated in Benalla (Victoria) at 1400 on March 14th 2010 by the Senior Naval Chaplain, Rev. Garry Lock. The ceremony is planned to take place in the presence of the Chief of the Navy (Vice Admiral R.H. Crane), other dignitaries, members of the Waller families and the public, & supported by the Royal Australian Navy Band. It is hoped that HMAS Waller & HMAS Benalla will be represented.
Hec Waller has been described as "one of the Royal Australian Navy's favourite sons", one of the greatest Captains who ever sailed the seas, & as "a legend".It is believed the memorial will be the only purpose built tribute to this Australian hero (1900 - 1942) and it is fitting that it should be in the Memorial Precinct in his home town which is located in the Benalla Botanical Gardens.
Visitors will be welcome & are requested to let their intentions to attend known by email (if possible) to the Benalla Information Centre (visitor.info@benalla.vic.gov.au)
Please indicate if you are bringing a caravan & require a site. It would be appreciated if you would forward this message on to State & Interstate sub-branches.
If you have any particular queries, please email & I will endeavour to answer them.
David Cornish President Benalla RSL Sub-Branch.
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Attended the function last Sunday
Great day and everything went off perfectly
Was pleased to have caught up with John Waller.
Pity that I did not get more time to talk with him, but my main mission was to present him with a dvd pack produced by Les Sheehan and I can assure you Les that John greatly appreciated it.

Thanks Doc for doing that delivery for me, I greatly appreciate the effort. For those who are unaware of this, the association Voyager has with this Memorial to Captain Hec Waller is through his Son John Waller (RAN Retd.) John was the electrical officer at one time on HMAS Voyager.

To view the three photos added to the Photo Gallery of the Website go to http://www.freewebs.com/voyager-reunions and open the Photo Gallery.
(Photo's courtesy of Cyril Rice)

The Chief of Navy (Russ Crane AM CSM RAN) attended and the speech made is quoted here

"Memorial to CAPT Hector Waller unveiled

14 March 2010

By Chief of Navy

Yesterday in the Victorian town of Benalla I had the privilege to unveil a memorial to a great Australian and an outstanding Naval role model. Captain (CAPT) Hec Waller died a hero at the battle of Sunda Strait when he went down with his ship and 362 of the ship's comany of HMAS Perth (I) 68 years ago.

The memorial was the result of six years of hard work by the Benalla RSL in CAPT Waller's home town. For those who have an opportunity, I highly recommend a visit.

CAPT Waller is a revered leader of our Navy not just because of the manner of his death. In life he embodied the traits we now call our values of Honour, Honesty, Integrity, Courage and Loyalty. Throughout his life CAPT Waller lived by this code, earning him the respect and loyalty of all who served with him.

Honouring CAPT Waller on this day required the support of many personnel from HMAS Cerberus,723 Squadron and Navy Strategic Command. I thank all those involved for their assistance."

Les S