Melbourne-Evans disaster remembered with plaque after 52 years

The collision between HMAS Melbourne and the USS Frank E. Evans happened in the South China Sea on June 3, 1969, with the loss of 74 American sailors.

The plaque, to be unveiled in Ulverstone on June 3, honours not only those who died but the survivors from both ships, some of whom carry mental and physical scars to this day.

One of them is 70-year-old Gary Smith, the man who single-handedly spearheaded the campaign and paid for it out of his own pocket.

Just 17 at the time, for years he endured memories of the day: American sailors being taken off the stern with their skin and clothes peeling off, burnt by steam; the cries of the men trapped in the severed bow section as Evans sunk in minutes, never to be recovered.

"It was one of those things that couldn't fail to have an impact," said Gary, from Ross, in Tasmania's Midlands. But in those days, he said, the official attitude was "buckle up, tough it out, the nightmares will go away".

Except that they didn't entirely. So he went to a psychologist, who diagnosed him as having post-traumatic stress disorder. "When he told me, the things and events that happened in the years afterward started to make sense."

The plaque is a way of putting it behind him. "I want that chapter closed. I want the book to close on it in my head."

Gary is not alone. He has been in touch with many fellow crewmates - some of whom he hasn't seen for 50 years - who are also haunted by the tragedy.

He described the site of the plaque at Shropshire Naval Memorial Park as an idyllic location, "right on the river, a place people can go to and not get distracted by the rest of the world".

The memorial is mounted on plinth, opposite which is a seat bearing the message: "Please sit. Reflect on the price paid for the peace you enjoy."

Gary emphasises it's not just Australians who paid the price, "but the people on the other ship who still pay a price, mentally and physically".

Among those in attendance will be the US naval attache in Canberra, Captain Matthew Ort; two officials from the US consulate in Melbourne; the RAN's commander in Tasmania; and a former rear admiral, who will be the master of ceremonies.

A navy band will also perform on the day.

There will also be two very special guests: an American woman who married a survivor from the Evans, and the man she remarried after his death: an Australian aboard the Melbourne at the time of the collision.

"It's amazing," said Gary. "You couldn't have scripted it."

A place has been reserved for the couple in the seat of memories.

If you wish to attend the ceremony, RSVP Gary by May 7. Call him on 0448-273-773 or email gcpdcmj7@gmail.com.

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