To commerate the 66th Annversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf (1944), tThe Cadets and Staff of TS Sirius hosted a Naval Mess Dinner at Kingsgrove RSL last 23 October 2010. This event also coincided with the 65th Anniversary of the establishment of TS Sirius.
The Leyte Landing was a significant event in Philippine History and entwined the destinies of Australia and the Philippines.
This historic event was the largest sea operation ever mounted in history involving more than 700 ships, numerous aircrafts and unknown number of brave soldiers, seamen and airmen. The fierce resistance mounted by the Filipinos against the Japanese Imperial Army delayed their war timetable thus allowing the Allies under General MacArthur to regroup in Australia and prevented the Japanese from mounting a successful invasion of Australia.It was here where where General MacArthur uttered his famous line – “I shall return”, a promise which was fulfilled years later.
The event was attended by representatives of the Philippine Community Council and other community leaders.
Story provided by Tom Baena.
