His Majesty’s Australian Ship Perth (I) was commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy on 29 June 1939 and served with distinction during the early years of the Second World War. The Modified Leander Class light cruiser was sunk on 1 March 1942 in company with the American heavy cruiser USS Houston while fighting numerically superior Japanese naval forces at Sunda Strait. 

At the time of her loss, Perth carried a complement of 681 officers, ratings and civilian canteen staff. Of those, 353 were killed in action or perished as a result of the ship’s sinking, and four died after reaching shore. 

Of the 324 who became prisoners of war of the Japanese, 106 died. 

Of the 681 lives carried by the ship, only 218 returned home.

A tribute to the brave

The HMAS Perth (I) Memorial Foundation was formed to establish a permanent tribute to commemorate the life and loss of HMAS Perth. Dedicated to the memory of the ship’s company, the memorial honours those who perished in the Battle of Sunda Strait, those who became prisoners of war, and those who returned home.

It also acknowledges the families forever impacted by the tragedy and the USS Houston, which was also lost in the battle. 

Located in East Fremantle, Western Australia, the project reflects the resilience, sacrifice, and unity of all those connected to this historic vessel. 

A vision for reflection and honour

The HMAS Perth (I) Memorial will open on the 83rd anniversary of the ship’s sinking on 1 March 2025. 

According to Project Engineer Dave Green, the primary goal was to “provide a permanent, enhanced memorial to HMAS PERTH (I), to commemorate the life and loss of one of Australia’s most gallant ships and the men who served in her during the Battle of Sunda Strait and all their families. It remains the primary goal.”

The vision was to create a space for education, reflection, and enduring remembrance. Standing as a beacon of remembrance, the HMAS Perth (I) Memorial not only honours the extraordinary bravery of its crew but also serves as a lasting tribute to their enduring legacy. 

Designing a space of symbolism and resilience

“Our vision was to create a spiritual temple in memory of the men lost on HMAS Perth (I)... immersing visitors in a space where they become figuratively and physically part of the memorial,” Joan Walsh Smith, the lead architect from Smith Sculptors, explained the design’s emotional and symbolic intent.

The glass-walled memorial building, designed to symbolise a ship’s prow, embodies the themes of loss, resilience, and honour.

Through its symbolic design and thoughtful use of materials, the memorial invites visitors to connect with a profound chapter of Australia’s wartime history.

Lysaght: A partner in commemoration

Lysaght took great pride in contributing to this important project, supplying KLIP-LOK 700 HI-STRENGTH® roofing and purlins that would allow the project to withstand Fremantle’s coastal conditions for many years to come.

“Lysaght was more than happy to supply our purlins and roofing products to the memorial as we felt it was a significant community project in line with our bond and purpose,” said Stuart Donnelly, Sales and Marketing Manager for WA.

The concealed fixing system of KLIP-LOK ensures supreme watertightness, a critical feature for the memorial’s coastal location. The material’s durability and sleek, linear aesthetic complemented the memorial’s modern yet reverent design.

Solutions for a lasting tribute

Realising the HMAS Perth (I) Memorial came with its share of complexities, given both the ambitious nature of the design and the logistical hurdles tied to its location. 

“There were certainly many challenges but fortunately almost all we have overcome with engineering and supplier assistance,” said Dave.