LEST WE FORGET

Earlier this year, the remains of the Montevideo Maru, a Japanese Ship sunk by an American submarine during the Second World War, were discovered in the South China Sea. The ship contained 852 Australian prisoners of war when it was attacked. Among them were Reginald G Curtis and Norman R Gair, two CGS Old Boys.

Private Reginald George Curtis, affectionally known as ‘Genny,’ was born on 25 October 1917 and enrolled at Canberra Grammar School on its very first day, 5 January 1929, becoming the 56th student at the school. During his time at CGS, he excelled as an athlete, setting the 880 yards U16 record. He also joined the hockey and debating team and served as a prefect in his final years here. On 5 December 1940, he enlisted in the Australian military.

Upon enlisting, Curtis left behind his job as a car salesman. He joined 1 Independent Company, a Commando unit, in May 1941 and was soon sent to Kavieng, New Ireland, to resist the anticipated Japanese invasion. The Japanese arrived in January 1942, vastly outnumbering the Commandos. While some of the Commandos were able to escape by boat, they were eventually captured and taken prisoner.

Lance Corporal Norman R Gair, born 25 May 1917, enrolled as the 79th student at Canberra Grammar School in 1930.

On 3 July 1940, Gair enlisted in the Australian military, leaving behind his job as a farmer. After his training, Gair was assigned to the 2/22 Battalion AIF and sent to Rabaul, New Britain, where he became part of the ‘Lark Force’. His mission was to defend Rabaul and the airfields of New Britain, providing an early warning of the Japanese attack. The Japanese landed on New Britain on 23 January 1942, outnumbering the Lark Force troops by more than four to one, resulting in Gair and most of his unit being captured and made prisoners of war.

Curtis and Gair were among 852 Australian POWs and 208 civilian internees aboard the Montevideo Maru, headed for Hainan Island in the South China Sea in June 1942. Tragically, the ship was not marked as carrying prisoners, and it was torpedoed by the USS Sturgeon, an American submarine, on 1 July 1942 off the coast of Luzon in the Philippines. All prisoners were killed, including Curtis and Gair, who were only 24 and 25 years old, respectively.

On 25 April, Canberra Grammar School held its annual ANZAC Day dawn service, followed by a service the next day for students. During these special occasions, we had the opportunity to pause and reflect upon all those who have fallen in service to our country, including reflections on Curtis and Gair’s lives. It is integral to recognise the lives of these men for not only their contribution to the history and heart of CGS’ community but also for their sacrifice to our country. We hold their memories dear at CGS and hope it comforts our community to know where these men rest.

A memorial to their memories is recorded at Rabaul, Commonwealth War Graves Site.

– Ryan Butterworth, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

What a fantastic fete we had this year! There were so many exciting activities to take part in, from face painting to rock climbing to pony rides and more. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, and seeing everyone having such a fantastic time was great.

Congratulations to our Major Raffle winners John Cassidy and Penelope Coffey.

Thank you to Mrs Rachel Gurney, our CGS Events Manager, and all the organisers and volunteers who made it happen! It’s great to be back!