Now in 2025, at the remarkable age of 101 (turning 102 this Sunday), Des stands as the sole survivor from the HMAS Canberra. This distinction earned him a personal invitation from former Governor-General and retired senior Army officer Peter Cosgrove to the 'Lest We Forget Harbour Sunset Tribute', an Anzac celebration held at the Sydney Opera House last Thursday.
The Lest We Forget Harbour Sunset Tribute commemorated 80 years since World War II's end, uniting over 100 performers and veterans in a poignant procession of drums, remembrance, and light.
The tribute includes veterans tributes for some of Australia’s oldest servicemen, stories of younger veterans and tributes for veterans families as well as a procession of drums and book of remembrance and The Ode, Last Post, a minute’s silence and rouse.
“The HMAS Canberra I was on that sank ended with 84 dead and 110 wounded, and I'm the last man standing, and that's why I'm in such great demand,” Des said.
“When invited I thought ‘well, I can do it’, but I didn't think it'd be as big as it was.
“It's all the ship's company that needs the remembrance. I'm still here, so no need to remember me.
“But the opera was absolutely astounding and I got through my lines which I was pleased with.
“Peter Cosgrove also wheeled me out for the thank you to the veterans which was fantastic.”
The Lest We Forget Harbour Sunset Tribute commemorated 80 years since the end of the WWII, and brought together over 100 performers and veterans in a procession of drums, remembrance, and light.
Des was accompanied on his honourable trip by his ‘adoptive grandaughter’, Laura Stahl, who is the granddaughter of Des’ late dear shipmate and friend Arthur John (Chuckles) Curtain.
“I was incredibly proud. He did a wonderful job with his speaking lines for the service on the Thursday,” Laura said.
“He held the book of remembrance, which has a list of every fallen service member in it and took it up to the stage as well carrying a wreath.
“He sent everyone on the night home with some words of wisdom, ‘think about the days that you've been given, considering the days that service men and women gave up when they were young’.
“It was really moving, and I was just so proud that he managed to get through it all.
“Look, I'm biased, but I think he was the number one veteran there on the day. There were three of them, but he was the number one in my book.”
As well as taking part in the tribute service, Des also led the HMAS Canberra in the Sydney Anzac Day march, being wheeled along by Canberra Shropshire Association president Chris Johnstone.
“I felt alright about it also. There were a few veterans who sat in the back of a utility, and they said I could too, but I was happy with the wheelchair,” Des said.
“As the last one standing of the three ships, it was my rightful place at the front with the president of the association.
“I'm a veteran and was treated like one too. So that was all very good.”
Former Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub-Branch president Ian Summers said the RSL were chuffed to help get Des to Sydney.
“It was an awesome experience, not only for Des, but for the other veterans as well,” Ian said.
“Just to see the three 100 plus year olds there was terrific, and it's great that Peter Cosgrove puts the event together.
“To see Des still being honoured and able to be there in person is heartening, and we will always do what we can to help him experience these new memories.”
19°C