HMAS Brunei Ends Last Mission

HMAS Brunei, has completed her last mission prior to decommissioning, finalising the last job for the landing craft in Royal Australian Navy service.

In late October, Brunei embarked a team in Gove, Northern Territory, before heading to the Wessel Islands to support a search for the remains of Stoker II Percival (Percy) Cameron who was believed to be buried on one of the islands.

Stoker Cameron was onboard HMAS Patricia Cam when it was sunk by a Japanese float plane on 22 January 1943. A number of survivors landed on the island early the next day and later that morning, Percy Cameron died from his wounds. Percy was buried on the beach above the high water mark. Later that day, an aboriginal boy, also died and was buried alongside Percy. Historical and anecdotal evidence suggested there was a possibility both sets of remains were still in location, despite the almost 72 years since they were buried.

The search team was led by experts from Unrecovered War Causalities – Army and included Australian Public Service and Army Reserve case mangers, a Navy Reserve forensic odontologist and a civilian archaeologist and forensic anthropologist. Supporting the team was an archaeologist from the Northern Territory Heritage Branch, two traditional owners of the land, an Imagery Specialist sailor and a Navy Strategic Command representative. All of the team got their hands dirty shovelling tons of sand in efforts to locate the remains.

Brunei provided an ideal platform to support the mission. In addition to transport, accommodation and domestic support, Brunei’s ship’s company enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to engage in the physical aspects of the search for a fellow sailor.

While unfortunately the team was not able to locate either Percy Cameron or the aboriginal boy, the mission would not have been possible without the successful coordination between a number of diverse organisations and individuals including; Mrs Jan Braund – Percy’s daughter, Mr Kevin Slade – Researcher, the Australian Army, NT Government particularly the Heritage Branch, the Northern Land Council, Traditional Owners, the Defence Community Organisation, Office of Australian War Graves, Navy Strategic Command and HMAS Brunei.

HMAS Brunei also passed the northern most point of the Australian mainland, Cape York, on her way to Guluwuru Island.

Brunei, and HMA Ships Tarakan and Lauban will be decommissioned in Cairns on 19 November, concluding over 40 years of distinguished service to the Royal Australian Navy.

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Press release, Image: Australian Navy