The National service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for those lost in HMAS Sydney in 1941 is to be telecast on ABC TV and broadcast on ABC Radio.

The service at St Andrew’s Cathedral, at 11 am tommorrow, Thursday, 24th April will be led by Archbishop Peter Jensen and the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd will lead the prayers of thanksgiving.

Dean Phillip Jensen will preach.

645 men died on 19th November 1941 when the HMAS Sydney II was sunk by a german raider in waters off Western Australia.

The wreck has only just been located after years of searching.

The Cathedral Bells will toll 645 times, once for each of the men lost, beginning at 10 am.

As well as the live TV broadcast on ABC 1, 702 Sydney will broadcast the service and there will be overflow facilities in the Chapter House and Sydney Square for the large crowd expected.