Memorial service at Rogers Park

A service in memory of Chief Petty Officer Jonathon Rogers and the 82 men who lost their lives on the night of February 10, 1964, will be held at the Rogers Park Memorial, Woy Woy, on Saturday, February 9, from 11am.

On the night of February 10, 1964, HMAS Melbourne cut the destroyer HMAS Voyager in half.

Rogers was one of more than 50 men trapped in darkness in a compartment of the sinking forward section.

"He took control and tried to bring calm in the disastrous situation," said Naval Association of Australia Central Coast Sub Section honorary secretary Mr Bruce Smith.

"He probably realised that not all would be able to get through a small escape hatch and that he, being a large man, had no chance at all," said Mr Smith.

A survivor of the sinking said Mr Rogers "was more intent on getting the younger chaps out first".

The forward section sank about 10 minutes after the impact.

"Rogers was heard leading his remaining doomed comrades in prayer and hymn during their final moments," said Mr Smith.

Rogers was later awarded the George Cross, the highest bravery award then available in peacetime, "for organising the escape of as many as possible and encouraging those few who could not escape to meet death alongside himself with dignity and honour".

Email, 30 Jan 2013

Bruce Smith, Naval Association of Australia Central Coast Sub Section