TO the citizens of Surigao:

Once again I attended the great Festival which commemorates the Battle of Surigao Strait.

Once again I received your hospitality, and much love and kindness.  For that I will be ever grateful.

Congratulations on the completion of the magnificent Museum which becomes a part of world history.

You have bestowed on me a great honor in quoting me in your Museum, an  honor I do not deserve.

This inscription then bares the name His Majesty’s Australian Ship Shropshire.

So all honor be given to all of Shropshire’s crew who fought to liberate the Philippines.

With humble pride, I accept a place in the history of Surigao, and will never let you down.

May God Bless Surigao and all its people. --David Mattiske, 94-year-old Australian WWII veteran and survivor of the Battle of Surigao

The Battle of Surigao Strait memorial and museum located along the ridge on the coastal area in barangay Punta Bilar in Surigao City. Photo by Erwin M. Mascariñas
The first modern corvette of the Philippine Navy, the Pohang-class BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) anchored along the waters of Surigao City bay to take part in the 75th year commemoration of the Battle of Surigao Strait. Photo by Erwin Mascariñas.