On November 19, 1941, Denham residents looking west of Shark Bay watched a 500-metre-tall blast of fire thrust into the sky, far out at sea.
What they witnessed was the final blow of Australia's greatest naval tragedy, a battle where the German raider HSK Kormoran claimed 645 lives.
This weekend, hundreds of people returned to the remote Western Australian fishing town to line the main street as a Navy band marched past to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Sydney.
Only one body was ever recovered from the lost warship.
All that remains is wreckage 112 nautical miles offshore and boots that stand undisturbed on the bottom of the sea, 2,500-metres deep.
It is a stark reminder of the sacrifice made by those aboard all those years ago.
Paying tribute to family members lost
Standing among the crowd was Tamara Hargraves, paying tribute to her great uncle Laurie who was lost in the battle.
Ms Hargraves said it was always an emotional day, but also one of celebration.
"His story has been passed down through the generations of our family and it's a huge honour to be here and acknowledge his service ," Ms Hargraves said.
"It was overwhelming to see the efforts people went to, but it's also a sense of pride that we all still remember the 645 men who lost their lives fighting for what we have today.
Years of planning
Outside of the march was a three-day celebration that was years in the making, organised by Royal Australian Navy 20-year veteran Adrian Burns.
It consisted of a service and memorial concert on the town's foreshore headlined by 60s pop idol Normie Rowe.
The event drew members from all walks of life including politicians, top brass from the Royal Australian Air Force and RAN, veterans, and residents.
Mr Burns said it was outstanding to see it come to fruition.
"It was a very emotional day with many tears among the crowd," Mr Burns said.
Forever in hearts
The encounter between HMAS Sydney and HSK Kormoran has been described as like no other.
The two warships met by chance, and curiosity and confirmation were followed by a rapid exchange of sustained shellfire and missile attacks.
Within an hour, the Australian Navy's most celebrated warship was destroyed.
In a valiant effort by The Sydney, it was also able to sink the Kormoran. However, none of the lives aboard were spared.
Shark Bay shire president Cheryl Cowell said the loss of 645 lives was a heavy price to pay but a moment in time that would last in the community's hearts forever.
"There were a lot of locals in the bay at the time of the battle who heard the crack and boom and saw the smoke," Ms Cowell said.
"No-one knew at the time what they were witnessing.
"It's very close to home for residents here.
"But It was a really moving service and it brought to the fore all that The Sydney crew had given up and ultimately sacrificed their lives for."
