The Mid North Coast Maritime Museum will mark the 75th anniversary of the Wollongbar II’s sinking.
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The cargo ship was torpedoed on April 29, 1943 by a Japanese submarine north of Point Plomer.
A Catalina flying-boat flying low over Port Macquarie raised the alert.
The T Radley and Sons’ fishing trawler XCLR was loaded with food, blankets and extra fuel and headed on a rescue mission.
The XCLR’s fishermen rescued five men.
More than 30 people lost their lives.
The maritime museum will have free entry on April 29, which is the 75th anniversary of the Wollongbar II’s sinking.
There will be refreshments between 11am and noon and a gathering of people involved in the Wollongbar II’s story.
Mid North Coast Maritime Museum coordinator Ted Kasehagen said it was important to commemorate the 75th anniversary.
“We want to really let people know and remember just how shocking war can be and how lives can be lost just close to our town,” Mr Kasehagen said.
He encouraged people to come along and see the artefacts relating to the sinking of the Wollongbar II, as well as the rest of the museum.
A room is dedicated to the Wollongbar II at the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum.
There is a half-model of the Wollongbar II, an honour roll and photos of some of those who lost their lives.
The Mid North Coast Maritime Museum in William Street will be open between 10am and 4pm on April 29 with free entry.