Link Stokes Interest In Wwii Midget Sub Find

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday November 28, 2006

By PAUL MAGUIRE

THE Hunter has a link to the infamous Japanese midget submarine found in 20 metres of water off Sydney's northern beaches, Newcastle military historian David Dial says.

The sub, known as M24, was among three that slipped into Sydney Harbour on the night of May 31, 1942.

Federal Heritage Minister Ian Campbell said yesterday the Government was close to confirming that the wreck was the M24.

Dozens of sightings have been claimed over the years, however Senator Campbell said the latest seems like "it's the real thing this time".

Mr Dial said two of the midget subs were spotted and attacked.

"The third, M24, fired two torpedoes at the US Navy heavy cruiser USS Chicago and one of them went under Chicago and exploded beneath the Royal Australian Navy's depot ship HMAS Kuttabul, killing 19 Australian and two British Royal Navy sailors.

One of the 19 Australians was leading stoker Sydney William Butcher, of Weston.

Mr Dial said Mr Butcher was the only Hunter person killed in the incident.

"Leading stoker Butcher was a 21-year-old married man who had been a labourer before joining the war effort in 1939," Mr Dial said.

"His service records show his remains were brought back to Weston and he was laid to rest in the Church of England section of Kurri Kurri cemetery.

"A total of 33,500 Hunter Valley men and women enlisted in World War II and leading stoker Butcher was among 965 of those army, navy, airforce, merchant navy, women's services and volunteer defence corp personnel who died."

Mr Dial said M24 escaped from Sydney Harbour after completing its deadly mission and its whereabouts have been unknown until now.

Senator Campbell said the Government had been given co-ordinates of the vessel but its exact location would remain a secret for now.

He would say only that it was about three nautical miles off Sydney's northern beaches, and anyone who damaged the site risked huge financial penalties or jail.

He said Royal Australian Navy experts were diving on the wreck yesterday, seeking further evidence that the vessel was the M24. with AAP

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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