A new memorial recognising Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rogers and the HMAS Voyager was unveiled in Rogers Park, Woy Woy, on February 11 with a large number of ex Naval, RSL and National Service personnel in attendance.
The site of a previous memorial, situated at the other side of Rogers Park close to Ocean Beach Rd, was considered to be unsuitable to host services to reflect the loss of Navy personnel as a result of the collision between the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne and the HMAS Voyager which saw 82 souls lost.
A service to unveil the new memorial was conducted by Central Coast Naval Sub Section President Colin Ward.
Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Jonathan Rogers (after whom Rogers Park is named) received the George Cross as a result of his actions in helping many of the crew escape through a porthole as the HMAS Voyager sank.
Unfortunately, CPO Rogers and a number of the crew were unable to use this method of escape and perished with the ship.
When last seen, CPO Rogers had linked arms with those remaining to sing the Naval Hymn as the ship sank below the surface.
The new memorial was placed thanks to the efforts of Central Coast Council, with staff working tirelessly to have it completed in time for the service.
It is a larger version of the previous memorial and comprises sandstone blocks bordering a garden which is filled with flora.
Many wreaths were laid by various ex-service organisations before attendees adjourned to the Everglades Country Club to reflect on those lost and those still suffering as a result of the catastrophe.
Source:
Media release, Feb 15
Greg Mawson, President Gosford RSL Sub Branch
Great to see you reporting on Rogers park.
Jonathan Rogers was known to his mates as Buck Rogers. I live behind him in North Ryde in 1961.
My father Allan Wotherspoon services, was not killed in this event however his ashes are spread over HMAS Voyager.
I was fortunate enough to sail on Voyager on a family day off Sydney Heads. I will never forget the smell of raw crude as she sped around on exercises.
Such a proud ship. It brings tears to my eyes just talking and remembering her.
ps sorry for the second post, I spelt my email wrong as the tears welled in my eyes.