Memorial for HMS Repulse and Prince of Wales unveiled

Today, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah presided over the unveiling of a memorial in Teluk Cempedak, commemorating the sinking of two British warships, HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales, 82 years ago.

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and British High Commissioner Ailsa Terry were also present at the ceremony, attended by Pahang state representatives, senior Malaysian Armed Forces officers, and foreign dignitaries.

Memorial unveiling ceremony

The event took place on the 82nd anniversary of the ships’ sinking, a poignant reminder of their role in the Second World War.

The presence of family members, including Henrietta Wood, the granddaughter of HMS Prince of Wales’s captain, added a personal touch to the commemoration.

HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales were part of British naval squadron Force Z, which was tasked with intercepting a Japanese invasion fleet during the Second World War (WWII).

However, the battleship HMS Prince of Wales and battlecruiser HMS Repulse, which were sailing without air escort, sank 61 nautical miles off the coast of Kuantan on Dec 10 1941, after intense air raids by Japanese bombers and torpedo aircraft.

A symbolic anchor and shared history

The memorial, enriched by an auxiliary anchor believed to be from one of the sunken ships, symbolizes the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

The anchor, a gift from the UK to Malaysia, previously displayed at the Army Museum in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, further highlights the historical significance of the naval heritage shared by both nations.

The ceremony provided a solemn moment for reflection on the sacrifices made by the 840 men, including Captain John Leach, whose graves lie in the depths of the South China Sea.

“I hope the memorial unveiled this morning is not just a grateful remembrance of the 840 men but also a reminder to us to learn the lessons of history and look to a future of trust, understanding and respect between nations,” said Wood.

In a poignant speech, Wood also highlighted the sacrifice of her grandfather and others, emphasising the memorial’s role in promoting international understanding and cooperation.

British High Commissioner Ailsa Terry echoed these sentiments, stating that the memorial stands as a fitting tribute, urging visitors to reflect on the gravity of war’s cost and the strength of the UK-Malaysia relationship.

The unveiling ceremony concluded with a deep sense of remembrance and a shared commitment to preserving naval heritage.