It was a regular basic training workout that rapidly deviated for the even worse. In the early hours of March 8, 1954, a convoy of 20 amphibious lorries– tanks that are practical on land and water– started the 15th Northern Rivers Lancers yearly camp. Leaving from Shortland Army camp, in the New South Wales city of Newcastle, the convoy was en path for a landing workout 30 kilometres north at Morna Point. As it crossed the Stockton Bight the weather condition turned and heavy seas sunk 8 lorries and 3 males were eliminated. Terry Sargent, an experienced device gunner, was amongst the survivors and stated the catastrophe was still fresh in his mind, 70 years on. “It seems like it was recently; it’s something I’ll always remember,” Mr Sargent stated. “I understand some fellas had problems over it.” A group of survivors on the back of an RAAF truck being required to Gan camp, Nelson Bay. (Supplied: Terry Sargent) Convoy offered the all-clear Mr Sargent, who was 19 years of ages at the time, stated the workout started at 2am, with Colonel Jack James going out previous Nobby’s Headland to inspect if the waves appropriated for the tanks. “He sent the flare to state it was okay and all of us went, one after the other,” he stated. Big crowds collected for the Stockton Bight catastrophe funeral service. (Supplied: Meighans Funerals) “By the time we went out past Nobby’s Headland, the waves were big, we might not turn. “We were informed the very best thing we might do is keep going and go side on with the waves.” The car Mr Sargent was on sank before soldiers were gotten by the following tank, which was then turned by a wave. He remembered one soldier, Ron Gibbs, disrobing to his underclothing and swimming to coast where he looked for aid. “Everyone was scared, there were certainly sharks in the water, we saw them and it was an infamous part of the ocean,” Mr Sargent stated. “The shark was almost swimming along with us.” A casket is accompanied from the funeral service for the males who passed away throughout the disaster. (Supplied: Meighans Funerals) Mr Sargent likewise brought among the tank’s motorists, Noel Moran, to coast. He stated Mr Moran had actually suffered head injuries and might not be restored when they reached land. “I kept sharing others and pulling chaps out, they were seasick and extremely scared,” Mr Sargent stated. Significant Jack Wachsmann is a present leader of the 16th Combat Services Support Team. He stated there were reports of waves as much as 6 metres striking the tanks and it was regional browse lifesavers who eventually concerned the rescue. “It remained in the dark, early hours and the Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club were awakened out of their bed and ran directly into the browse to assist,” Mr Wachsmann stated. Terry Sargent (2nd from left) to name a few soldiers at the coroner’s court in Raymond Terrace. (Supplied: Terry Sargent) Remembering 70 years on A wreath-laying event will be held at Shortland Park today to celebrate the 70th anniversary of what is now referred to as the Stockton Bight catastrophe. Mr Sargent, who is now 89 years of ages, stated he was not allowed to inform the real story of the occasion throughout a coroner’s court questions in the 1950s. He still holds fond memories of his time in the army. “I was simply happy to be because routine,” he stated. “I’m not filthy on anybody over this, I’m complete of appreciation for a great deal of them … It was simply a huge experience you’ll always remember.” Get our regional newsletter, provided complimentary each Wednesday
Stockton Bight catastrophe kept in mind 70 years after among Australia’s worst peacetime miltiary catastrophes – ABC News
