Among those attending the memorial ceremony was Hartley Higgins, the nephew of Flight Lieutenant Brian 'Tubby' Higgins, and his wife Fiona Hasker, who had made the journey to Nelson Bay from Wangaratta in Victoria.

It was the couple's first visit to Port Stephens and the spectacular sight overlooking the crash site from the Inner Light captured the couple's imagination.

Mr Higgins said that he had wanted to see and feel where his uncle had finished his active life.

"It's a beautiful location and wonderful serene piece of water to look at, in a way it's consolation for us to remember Brian. The other feeling is one of supreme irony ... Brian had evaded the Japanese fighters during the war around the Pacific and yet met his demise in a training accident, giving his time towards training new pilots," Mr Higgins said.

It was May 24, 1943 when the RAAF Catalina A24-39, of 3 Operational Training Unit Rathmines was conducting training exercises off Nelson Bay.

Related Reading: Catalina pilot Don Howard recalls Shoal Bay crash | video

The twin-engined plane, according to historical accounts, used to conduct bombing missions against Japanese targets was struck by a rogue wave and crashed.

"Of the nine crew members aboard, seven were killed including the pilot FTLT 'Tubby' Higgins. The bodies of the seven victims and two survivors were recovered with the help of naval rescue vessels. The aircraft was never found and its present whereabouts are unknown."

Tomaree Museum Association organised the memorial event for the crew at the Inner Light station, where a memorial plaque for 'Tubby' Higgins rests.

TMA president Ian Farnsworth said that the idea of a memorial had followed on from the TMA's decision to develop a historical banner as part of a Vibrant Spaces Grant that led to the pop up museum display.

"As part of that process of research we came in contact with Hartley Higgins who agreed to visit."

Mr Higgins was extremely grateful for the time and effort produced by TMA volunteers in organising the ceremony and ensuring the memory of those who gave their life are forever remembered.

Also killed were PO M. Larkin, SGT A. Craddock, FO N. Brown, CPL T. Poole, CPL J. James and LAC H. Lovett. The two survivors were SGT J. Johnson and AC1 K. Stow.

Also attending the ceremony were representatives from TMA, Port Stephens Historical Society, Marine Rescue Port Stephens, RAAF Base Williamtown, Port Stephens Council and members of the public.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: