Grace Fine Art was recently involved in an exciting project with The Anzac Memorial & NSW Office for Veterans Affairs at Department of Communities and Justice. Grace Fine Art was approached to move the tail end of one of the Japanese mini-submarines that came into Sydney Harbour during World War II, into the Anzac Memorial Hyde Park. The submarine tail is 2.6 metres high, 1.65 metres wide at the widest point, 2.8 metres long, and weighs 1.3 tonnes.
The tail was placed in the Assembly Room of the Anzac Memorial, where it had been displayed ten years ago. However, this time, the move was led by Craig Morecroft, Grace Fine Art Project Supervisor and crew leader, making sure that the precious item was delivered safely to its new location. The team worked closely with crane and heavy item specialists, to reduce the logistics rates as a goodwill gesture given that Anzac Day was approaching.
The move began at Garden Island naval base in Woolloomooloo, where a crane on a barge lifted the tail onto Grace Fine Art’s enclosed truck. From there, they made the move to the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park. However, the driveway towards the park was tree-lined, making it impossible for the truck to drive in. Hence, Grace needed a forklift to take the item to the door.
Richard Socratous, Business Manager at Grace Fine Art, was proud of the project and said, “We are very proud of this move, and we are able to leverage our three Ts, Think about our plan, use the right Tools, and take our Time to ensure the right outcome, the move has been successfully executed”. The move was completed within four hours, ensuring that the tail of the submarine and the other two items were delivered safely and on time.
The project is a testament to the capabilities of Grace Fine Art and our ability to handle even the most fragile and precious items with care and expertise. It’s amazing to think that this submarine and its tail once made its way into Sydney Harbour during World War II, and now it will be displayed at the Anzac Memorial Hyde Park for generations to come.
