ANZAC DAY, as all of us are aware, is being especially commemorated this year, as it is the Centenary of our troops landing on the shores of Gallipoli. Many of my generation, have vivid memories of fathers, uncles, mothers, aunts, other relatives, friends and associates, who were veterans of that campaign and the subsequent campaigns of the Western Front.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Two of my uncles fought on Gallipoli, and my father enlisted in 1915 and was sent to Egypt but the withdrawal from Gallipoli meant, like many others, he was spared that experience, and was sent on to France.
The veterans that I knew, spoke little, if at all, about their experiences. They marched on Anzac Day, in mostly dignified silence. There were no heroics. They were modest about their service, and marched only to honour their fallen comrades.
To further honour them, they removed their hats and held them over their left breasts, as they passed the memorial cenotaphs. This gesture was to cover the campaign medals they wore, medals that their fallen comrades had not received.
The Guyra sub-branch invites you all to the usual services on that day. The Dawn Service 5.45am at the Memorial Hall; the MPS, (the War Memorial Hospital), service at 9am; and the march at 10.30 and service at the Memorial Hall at 11am.
The Anzac Day dinner will be held at the Bowling Club at 12.30.
Ron Vickress
For the Guyra RSL Sub-Branch