The Shire of Christmas Island is pleased to advise the community that there will be an update to the Unknown Sailor interpretation on Christmas Island. A commemoration is planned for the 19 November 2022 at Tai Jin House where the interpretation will be installed on the existing naval memorial wall at the flagpoles.

The Royal Australian Navy formally returned Able Seaman Thomas Welsby Clark the dignity of his name at a ceremony with his family at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on 19 November 2021, the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the HMAS Sydney II.

The RAN had exhumed AB Clark in 2006 from the Old European Cemetery behind the CI Club with the help of local residents assisting the project. The RAN worked tirelessly in the ensuing years with DNA research as the technology refined itself over time.

The RAN and Shire have worked together on the wording update to the Christmas Island interpretation since the announcement. We are also pleased to advise that the RAN has put us in touch with the family of AB Clark; the Shire has invited three of his relations to Christmas Island for the commemoration.

Please join the RAN and the family of AB Clark for this event. Refreshments and halal sausage sizzle following.

When:  10am – 11am, Saturday November 19th 2022

Where:  Tai Jin House

This event will take place in the event of inclement weather, so please plan appropriately.

For more information please contact Chris at the Shire on 9164 8300 during office hours, or chris@shire.gov.cx