[23/04/2021]

You're invited to...

The Southern Star Group and Print Design Australia is proud to invite you to the 2021 Salvation Army Commemorative Concert on Saturday the 24th of April at 7 pm, held at Wesley Uniting Church on 100 Yarra Street, Geelong. 

The evening will feature a moving performance by The Salvation Army Geelong and South Barwon Bands. 

As well as paying tribute to all ANZAC Forces, past and present, the evening commemorates the 2/22nd Battalion, including its regimental band, which served as a garrison force at Rabaul on the South Pacific Island of New Britain during the early part of the Second World War. 

On the 23rd of January, 1942 Japanese forces stormed Rabaul and took most of the battalion prisoner. Tragically, while transporting an estimated 845 POWs and 209 civilians from Rabaul, the Japanese prisoner transport SS Montevideo Mary was sunk by an American submarine. There were no survivors amongst the prisoners. 

The 2/22 Battalion Band featured 24 Salvation Army Bandsmen, 16 of which were lost on the SS Montevideo Maru. This concert is a tribute to the service and sacrifice of these brave souls who perished not only in the sinking but also in the defence of Rabaul and as Japanese POWs. 

The Southern Star Group is proudly sponsoring this event and we are proud to invite you to this commemoration of those who served in the defence of our country. 

Book your place here or call (03) 8878 4538 for more information.