Governor Michael Marum

Value historical sites: Marum

ENB Governor Michael Marum made this call early this week when attending the 81st anniversary of one of the most infamous and profoundly sorrowful tragedies to befall Rabaul and Australia during World War 11. 

The governor said it was indeed Australia’s largest single maritime disaster ever.

“On this day, 81 years ago, the prison ship Montevideo Maru (MVM) bound for Japan, and carrying over 1,000 Australian prisoners of war and civilians departed Rabaul port. Those on board were rounded by the Japanese Imperial troops following the capture of Rabaul in January, 1942.