RSL Burra Sub Branch Inc. in Burra, South Australia, Australia | Armed forces

RSL Burra Sub Branch Inc.

Locality: Burra, South Australia, Australia

Phone: +61 417 452 922

Address: Burra Council Chambers,Market Square 5417 Burra, SA, Australia

Website: http://www.burrarsl.com/

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25.01.2022 On this day in 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland, and when it refused to withdraw, the United Kingdom and France declared war, beginning World War II. Estimates... for the total number of casualties in the six year war vary, because many deaths went unrecorded. Most suggest that some 60 million people died in the war, including about 20 million military personnel and 40 million civilians. Many of the civilians died because of deliberate genocide, massacres, mass bombings, disease, and starvation. From a population of nearly seven million, nearly one million served in uniform. Australia lost 39,700 armed forces dead from all causes, 700 civilians killed, and nearly 40,000 armed forces wounded. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Workers inspecting practice bombs at a factory in SA in 1943: SLSA

25.01.2022 On this day... in 1914, the first submarine to serve in the RAN, HMAS AE1, was lost at sea with all hands near what is now East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, a...fter less than seven months in service. At the outbreak of World War I, AE1, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Thomas Besant, was part of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force sent to attack German New Guinea. Along with her sister submarine AE2, she took part in the operations leading to the occupation of the German territory, including the surrender of Rabaul on 13 September 1914. At 07:00 on 14 September, AE1 departed Blanche Bay, Rabaul, to patrol off Cape Gazelle with the River-class torpedo boat HMAS Parramatta. When she had not returned by 20:00, several ships were dispatched to search for her. No trace of her was found, and she was listed as lost with all hands, the entire crew of 34. The disappearance was Australia's first major loss of World War I. Search missions attempting to locate the wreck began in 1976. The submarine was found during the 13th search mission near the Duke of York Islands in December 2017. Examination of the wreck indicated that a ventilation valve, which was likely open to make the tropical conditions a little more bearable while the submarine was cruising on the surface near the Duke of York Islands, was insecure when the submarine dived causing a flood of the submarine's engine room and total loss of control of the submarine. She subsequently sank below 100 metres and imploded, killing everyone on board instantly. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee AE1 with other ships off Rabaul four days before she disappeared: AWM

25.01.2022 #OTD Battle of Mont St Quentin On the 31st of August 1918, Australians of the 2nd Division crossed the Somme River and attacked Mont St Quentin at 0500 from... the unexpected position of the northwest. This attack is sometimes regarded as the finest achievement of the AIF in WWI, and was crucial in clearing the final German Stronghold at Mont St Quentin which provided a perfect observation point over the Somme River and the town of Peronne. Under command of Lieutenant General Sir John Monash, the Australians fought uphill, across very open ground and exposed to attack from the German heights above. By 7 am, the troops had gained the village of Mont St Quentin and the slope and summit of the hill, by working in small groups. The five German divisions defending the town were confused and dispersed, and many had fled. However, the Germans quickly regrouped and launched a counter-attack, and the first day of September saw fierce fighting and heavy losses. Germans attacked and heavily shelled Péronne. Much of the fighting was hand-to-hand combat. The outnumbered Australians were pushed back off the summit of Mont St Quentin, and lost Feuillaucourt. Relief battalions were sent, and with their reinforcement, all the areas were retaken by the Australians, but at the cost of 3,000 casualties. After heavy and exhausting fighting, the Australians established a stronghold on the area and forced the complete withdrawal of the Germans from Péronne. By the night of 3 September, the Australians held Péronne. They captured Flamicourt the next day, and advanced 2 miles to the east. The fighting around Mont St Quentin was unique in that it included battalions from every Australian state. Cionsisting of three divisions operating simultaneously side by side, it has been described as the greatest feat by Australian troops under Monashs command during the war. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

25.01.2022 #OTD First Battle of Eora Creek Templeton's Crossing The 5th of September 1942 marked the end of a nearly week long battle in Papua that saw the Australian...s fighting a delaying action as they withdrew to Etogio. Eora Creek village and Templetons Crossing was the sight of two battles, the first on this day during the rearguard action, and a second in October 1942 when the Australian forces pursued the Japanese forces retreating back to their landing points on the north coast of Papua. Following the earlier fighting around Isurava, Australians of Maroubra Force comprising of the 2/14th, 2/16th and 39th Infantry Battalions fought to disengage from the Japanese pursuit as they withdrew to Efogi. Throughout the battle, the 2/16th and 2/14th Infantry Battalions were employed as the rearguard, with the 2/14th initially in reserve. The action, for the most part, was conducted by each successively pulling back through the reserve position to a designated blocking position and then holding that until an assigned time before moving further back further. The 2/16th Infantry Battalion covered the withdrawal of Maroubra Force from Isurava (and particularly, the wounded from the battle) toward Eora Village from a series of positions between Alola and Eora Village. The final of these, about halfway between the two localities, was quit at 2 am on 1 September. The rearguard from this position was closely pursued as it retired toward Eora Village.[Arriving about midday 1 September, the 2/16th Infantry Battalion adopted a defensive position on a bald spur on the southern side of the creek that overlooked the crossing and village. The 2/14th Infantry Battalion was about 1 kilometre (1,100 yd) south along the track. The 39th Infantry Battalion had been holding the position at Eora Village. Once the 2/16th Infantry Battalion had withdrawn to the village, the 39th was ordered to proceed to Kagi and hold there. The 2/16th Infantry Battalion's position was ranged by Japanese artillery, while two companies attempted a flanking move from the east. These attackers, having not been previously engaged during the campaign, were somewhat cautious in approaching the Australian position. Nonetheless, the Australians were aggressively probed through the night. The battalion held until the designated time to disengage 6:00 am on 2 September. The battalion withdrew through the reserve, to a position on a high point of the track about 0.62 miles (1 km) north of Templeton's Crossing. The 2/14th Infantry Battalion was in contact as it retired on this position. The Japanese advance, led by the 2/41st Battalion, probed the Australian 2/16th Infantry Battalion's flanks and threatened to isolate it. The 2/16th Infantry Battalion was ordered to hold their position until dusk. The 2/14th needed time to realign with a plan for a withdrawal along this alternative route and be able to cover Templeton's Crossing. As the 2/16th commenced their withdrawal, they were observed and came under attack. The 2/14th Infantry Battalion had occupied a position on the high ground during the engagement. The 2/16th Infantry Battalion arrived there at 4:00 pm on 3 September and took over their position, with the 2/14th retiring to Myola. Almost straight after the departure of the 2/14th, the 2/16th was attacked. With its flanks threatened, it was able to withdraw upon itself and break contact toward Myola. The decision was made to abandon Myola, destroy all material and withdraw toward Efogi and the approaching 2/27th Infantry Battalion that had been released to join the other battalions of the 21st Brigade. Casualties during the engagements amounted to 43 killed and 58 wounded for the Japanese out of a force of around 1,300, and 21 killed and 54 wounded for the Australians from around 710 personnel. Although the withdrawal resulted in the loss of their supply dump around the dry lake at Myola, the action was a successful rearguard action for the Australians, with the slowness of the Japanese pursuit contributing to this. The foodstuffs captured at Myola by the Japanese were later found to have been contaminated by the withdrawing Australians, rendering them useless. The First Battle of Eora Creek Templeton's Crossing was arguably one of the most significant clashes during the Australian withdrawal and it was the last time during the campaign that the Japanese outnumbered the Australians. The Japanese force was supported by four artillery pieces and an engineer platoon, while Australians had only a single 3-inch mortar for indirect fire support. Image: Australians and Fuzzy-Wuzzys on the track 1942 --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

24.01.2022 During World War I over 421,809 Australians served in the military with 331,781 serving overseas.[208] Over 60,000 Australians lost their lives and 137,000 were... wounded.[208][Note 6] As a percentage of forces committed, this equalled a casualty rate of almost 65 per cent, one of the highest casualty rates amongst the British Empire forces This was from a total population of approximately five million. Expand these numbers to current day Australia. How do you think we would react if we had something like a million Australians killed or wounded in 4 years? See more

23.01.2022 On this day in 1918, two Australians performed acts of conspicuous gallantry during attacks by their respective battalions, for which they were awarded the Vict...oria Cross. Lieutenant William Donovan Joynt, 8th Battalion, of Elsternwick, Victoria, took charge of his company when his company commander was killed, then rallied the members of the battalion leading the attack, and finally led a frontal bayonet charge on the German-held Herleville Wood, capturing it along with 80 prisoners. Joynt was the last surviving WWI VC recipient when he died in 1986. Lieutenant Lawrence Dominic McCarthy, 16th Battalion, of York, WA, dashed across the open ground with two men to the nearest German post, where, having out-distanced his companions, he put the gun out of action, then continued fighting his way down the trench. Later, having been joined by one of his men, together they bombed their way along the trench until contact was established with an adjoining unit. During this action McCarthy killed 20 of the enemy, taken 50 prisoners and captured 5 machine guns and 460 metres of the German frontline. He died in 1975. Two true Australian heroes. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Studio portraits of Lieutenant William Donovan Joynt VC and Lieutenant Lawrence Dominic McCarthy VC: AWM

23.01.2022 Horses of WW1 - https://www.stableexpress.com/ His legs were broke, his wounds did bleed, The soldier called him ‘Noble Steed’, And put a bullet through his br...ain. Then the soldier kneeling down, Bent his head and cried, ‘You were the noblest beast of all, Did your duty - answered the call’, And I am filled with grateful pride Through all the charges you carried me, And never did you falter. Though bullets whistled past your side, And many men and horses died, Your pace would never alter. And so my friend this isgoodbye, I’ve done my best for you, I’ve sent you to a safer place, Where horses graze in gentle grace, And wish I could go too. Then in the sky above all noise, He heard a singing lark. He felt it was an Angel’s song, And knew his life would not be long, As the sniper’s bullet hit its mark. They found them lying side by side, A soldier and his noble Steed, What sacrifice by man and beast, Too high a price to pay for peace, More than God and Man agreed. (Grantham) Horses of WW1 - https://www.stableexpress.com/ See more

22.01.2022 This evening we commemorate the service and sacrifice of the 27 members of South Australia's own 10th Battalion who were killed on this day in 1917 during the B...attle of Menin Road. The Battle of Menin Road was the third British general attack of the Third Battle of Ypres in World War I, and took place from 20 to 25 September 1917, in the Ypres Salient in Belgium on the Western Front. The British and Australian infantry succeeded in capturing most of their objectives and then holding them against German counter-attacks, inflicting many casualties on the German defenders and reinforcements, by massed artillery and small-arms fire. The 10th Battalion suffered casualties of 10 officers and 197 men during the battle. One of those who was killed in action was the 23-year-old 5349 Private Hubert Roydan Dack, a farmer from Yacka, SA, which is halfway between Clare and Gladstone. Hubert was born in Laura and had attended the Stone Hut and Yacka Public Schools. His original grave was destroyed in subsequent fighting, and consequently his sacrifice is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial and the Yacka War Memorial. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Portrait of Hubert Dack: VWMA

22.01.2022 A truly great Australian war hero, who carried 12 wounded American soldiers to safety down the slopes of Mount Tambu, New Guinea, during the Wau - Salamaua camp...aign, in WW2. Corporal Leslie Bull Allen MM, a stretcher bearer in the 2/5th Australian Infantry Battalion, was awarded the US Silver Star for his bravery. The highest honour possible for a non-American. First lady Eleanor Roosevelt was one of many to write him a letter of gratitude. During the American assault against the Japanese on Mount Tambu, more than 50 American soldiers were wounded. Two medics were killed trying to retrieve them. What is truly extraordinary, Australians were not supposed to be involved in the fighting, but Corporal Allen, who became aware of the many American casualties, was determined to do what he could. He decided to go up and start carrying men out one at a time over his shoulder through the rough terrain, facing enemy machine guns, snipers and mortar fire. I have read that witnesses told his family that he saved 18 American soldiers who were wounded that day, more than the 12 officially recorded. Corporal Allen was born in my hometown of Ballarat, Victoria, and the incredible photograph on this post was taken on the 30th of July 1943, of him carrying a wounded American soldier. This very brave soldier previously received a Military Medal (MM) for a similar act of bravery involving Australian wounded on the 7th of February 1943, at Crystal Creek, Wau. Corporal Allen had earlier served in the Middle East. He had come to notice there for determination and bravery as a stretcher bearer, recovering wounded men during battles in Libya and Syria. He was revered by the men he served alongside. He was said to be one of the very few who never showed fear. Later though, he became so traumatised by the experience of war that he retreated to an uncle's farm, having lost his power of speech, and took many months to start to recover. He had a tough childhood. He and his sister were raised in an orphanage, and at about the age of 12, he had to start earning a living. He died in Ballarat in 1982, aged 63 years. Being a Ballarat boy myself (born and raised there from the early 1950s), our paths would have crossed. It is sad that the focus for young school children, like myself, in the 50s and 60s, was not on great hometown war heroes like Corporal Allen. I think that during these trying and uncertain times, we should remember people like Corporal Allen and focus on our wonderful heritage of determination, courage, and mateship. I did a very large painting of the photograph on this post in 2015, being the 100th anniversary year of the landing at Gallipoli. It was great to paint such a brave home town war hero and I will put a photograph of the painting in a comment below. Lest We Forget. Photograph came from the Australian War Memorial. Image file number AWM 015515.

20.01.2022 Another of the fifteen Australians who died on the last day of World War I was 3711 Trooper Lyle Joscelin Chase, 6th Light Horse Regiment, of Walgett, NSW, who ...died of pneumonia in Palestine, aged 40. He is buried in the Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel. Lyle was born in Nebo, Queensland, to Richard William and Jane Chase, and was home schooled. He was working as a station manager when he enlisted in July 1917. The 6th Light Horse Regiment had fought in the Gallipoli campaign, and was fighting in the Sinai and Palestine campaign when Lyle joined it in June 1918. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Lyle Chase: AWM

19.01.2022 This evening we commemorate the service and sacrifice of 411824 Flight Lieutenant Kenneth William Plowman, No. 30 Squadron RAAF, who was killed in a flying batt...le over the Dutch East Indies (modern Indonesia) on this day in 1944. His sacrifice is commemorated at the Lae Memorial, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. No. 30 Squadron RAAF was raised in 1942 as a long-range fighter unit, flying Bristol Beaufighters. It saw action in World War II serving in the South West Pacific Area against the Japanese and operating mainly in the ground attack and anti-shipping roles from bases in New Guinea and the Dutch East Indies. Elements of the squadron fought at Milne Bay, around Buna and Sanananda, along the Kokoda Trail, over Goodenough Island and at Lae. In early 1943, it took part in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea in which the Japanese were soundly defeated. It went on to operate in the Aitape-Wewak region, on Morotai and over Borneo. During the war, 68 of the squadron's personnel were killed in action or died on active service. Members of the squadron received the following decorations: one Officer of the Order of the British Empire, two Companions of the Distinguished Service Order, 26 Distinguished Flying Crosses and one bar, one Distinguished Flying Medal and three mentions in despatches. After the war, the squadron was disbanded, however, it was re-raised a short time later as a unit of the part-time Citizen Air Force, operating in the target towing and air defence role in NSW. In the 1960s the squadron ceased flying aircraft and operated surface-to-air missiles, providing for the defence of Sydney and Darwin before disbanding in 1968. The squadron was re-raised again in 2010 and since then it has served as an airbase support squadron located at RAAF Base East Sale. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Observers and pilots in training at Tocumwal, NSW in July 1944. Ken Plowman is front row, third from the right: AWM

19.01.2022 This painting depicts an Australian Light Horseman on his gallant Waler galloping across the dusty Palestinian plain just on sunset. The Light Horseman is yelli...ng and brandishing his bayonet. They are among the 4th and12th Regiments of Australian Light Horse that are charging toward the town of Beersheba and the defending Turks on the 31st of October 1917. His horse has had no water for three days and gallops with a will, for she can now smell the wells of Beersheba which must be captured before the night falls. There is an urgency to this desperate charge, for if they fail to take the town by night, they will have no water for man or horse, and many will die in the desert. They gallop so swiftly that the Turkish guns are firing over their heads, missing most of them. The Charge of the Australian Light Horsemen on Beersheba was a resounding victory. The precious wells of Beersheba were saved and the thirsty horses drank their fill that night. These wonderful horses not only carried their riders into battle, but all the gear that the horse and rider needed to live and fight in the desert. https://hubs.ly/H0xfvTc0 The Australian Light Horse is an iconic part of our history. From the Boer War through World War One the Australina Light horse has taken its place in. We hope to keep their history and their story alive through our Light Horse inspired collections. Come and see our complete collection dedicated to the Australian Light horse and their mounts. #Beersheba #LightHorse #WW1 #WWI #GreatWar #AustralianLightHorse #Horse #History #historic #military #collection

18.01.2022 Did you know... that while the majority of our 9,500 followers are in SA and NT, hundreds are from other states? We even have several hundred followers in the U...K and US, and even a handful in such far-flung places as Finland and Bolivia. If you have Facebook friends who are interested in Australian military history, why not invite them to like and follow our page?

18.01.2022 This evening we commemorate the service and sacrifice of the five members of the ADF killed in Afghanistan on this day in 2012 in two separate incidents, markin...g the highest single day toll taken of Australian forces in Afghanistan and the largest death toll in a single day since the Vietnam War. In the first, Lance Corporal Mervyn John McDonald (30) and Private Nathanael John Aubrey Galagher (23) both of the 2nd Commando Regiment, serving as part of the Special Operations Task Group, were killed in a US Marine Corps helicopter crash caused by pilot error in poor flying conditions. In the second unrelated incident, which was an insider attack within Patrol Base Wahab, a rogue Afghan Army sergeant known as Hekmatullah fired a weapon into a group of Australian soldiers at close range before fleeing on foot. He killed Lance Corporal Stjepan Milosevic (40), Private Robert Hugh Frederick Poate (23), and Sapper James Thomas Martin (21), and wounded two others, one seriously. The soldiers were playing cards at the time of the attack, and were all members of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Task Group. Hekmatullah was captured in late 2013, tried and sentenced to death for the attack, but the sentence has not been carried out and he remains in jail seven years after his capture. It has recently been reported in the media that he may be released as part of peace negotiations with the Taliban. Prime Minister Morrison has written to the US and Afghan presidents asking that Hekmatullah not be released. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Images of the five soldiers killed on this day (in the order named): Defence

17.01.2022 I will forever respect these guys! They went through hell they came back to a country who hated them with no warm welcomes to only see all they fought for lost. They now stand proud they stand with there brothers... Many lessons should be learned from this great generation Chapi

17.01.2022 Grave of Tom Derrick VC DCM

16.01.2022 Sergeant Reckless. The Korean War Horse. An American Marine gun crew during the Korean War bought a Mongolian bred mare with their own money and trained her to ...carry shells for the recoilless rifle they called Reckless. They also named the mare Reckless, and she became their mascot and an indispensable member of their gun crew. Reckless often, under heavy fire, made countless trips delivering ammunition from the supply point to the gun. She would often do this alone. I have also read that Reckless completed 51 solo trips in a single day during the Battle for Outpost Vegas in 1953. The battle raged for 5 days and it is estimated that there were over 1,000 American casualties and twice that number of Chinese during the battle. It is regarded as one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history. Reckless was also used to evacuate the wounded and was injured twice. In recognition of her incredible war service, she was presented with a special citation for bravery by the Marines and promoted to Sergeant. The Marines personally payed for her travel to the United States, where she enjoyed a well-earned retirement pastured at Camp Pendleton. Reckless was once named as one of the 100 all time American heroes by Life Magazine. Reckless died in 1968. I believe there is a book about Sergeant Reckless. Lest We Forget. Photograph of Reckless with her main caretaker, US Marine Sergeant Joseph Latham, came from the United States Marine Corps. The photograph is in the public domain.

16.01.2022 22 November 1942: RAAF Fairey Battle crashes near Port Pirie with loss of two aircrew Did you know that on this day in 1942, a RAAF Fairey Battle of No 2 Bombin...g and Gunnery School crashed near Port Pirie with the loss of two aircrew? On this day in 1942 SGT a RAAF Fairey Battle (L5760) of No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School was on an afternoon sortie towing a target for a gunnery training mission. Flying at only 300ft, the aircraft entered a turn when it suddenly stalled and dived into the ground about 3 miles west of the airfield killing its two aircrew, SGT Stanley Scholz and Aircraftman Douglas Thomson. SGT Scholz, the son of Charles William Albert and Elsie Scholz, was born in Angaston in September 1917. Studying chemistry, he enlisted in the RAAF as an airmen pilot in Adelaide in July 1941 and after completing pilot training was posted to No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School, Port Pirie. Aircraftman Thomson was born in Broken Hill in 1919 and had enlisted in Perth in May 1942 as an aircraft hand. At the time of the accident, his mother, Mrs Ruby Thompson lived in Kilkenny, South Australia. Both SGT Scholz and AC1 Thomson were buried in Commonwealth War Graves at the Port Pirie Cemetery. They are two of 22 RAAF airmen buried in war graves in the Port Pirie Cemetery. Established in mid 1941, RAAF Station Port Pirie hosted several training units including No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School and No 3 Air Observer School (3AOS). The fatal accident on 22 November was the third of nine fatal accidents at Port Pirie and the second in three months involving No 2 Bombing and Gunnery School. From 1941 to 1945, there were nine fatal accidents resulting in the deaths of 22 airmen from aircraft operating from the airfield. Tragically, 13 of the 22 airmen were aged 18 or 19 years old with the remainder being in the 20’s. Such was the risks young airmen endured under training during World War 2. Lest we forget. Image of RAAF Fairy Battle aircraft courtesy of Nigel Daw. Image of Port Pirie War Cemetery and plaque from Air Force Association (South Australia) collection.

16.01.2022 Henry Ossian Flipper was born into slavery in Thomasville, Georgia in 1856. Just over twenty years later, he would become the first African American to graduate... from West Point. His path of education to West Point began in a wood shop of a slave. Henry was eight then. His schooling continued at Missionary Schools and then at Atlanta University. However, his dream was to attend West Point. No African American had ever graduated from West Point. But this didn't deter Henry. He wrote James C. Freeman, a state Congressman, asking to be appointed to West Point. After the two exchanged letters, the Congressman appointed Henry. Henry joined four other African Americans at West Point. And of the group, he became the first to graduate, a member of the Class of 1877.

16.01.2022 #Onthisday in 1943 Sergeant Tom. C. Derrick, 2/48th Battalion, is awarded the Victoria Cross for actions at the battle of Sattelberg, New Guinea. Derrick, one... of the great Australian soldiers of the Second World War, seized the summit of Sattelberg virtually single-handedly, leading the way for the Australian occupation of the dominating feature. Derrick’s exploits brought him to wide public attention and he became a legendary figure in the 9th Division. When news of his death spread, in May 1945, one soldier said it was as if the whole war stopped. Read more: http://ow.ly/JN6Y50CpKGf Image: 141309

16.01.2022 13 November 1915: Captain Thomas White, AFC, captured by Turkish forces Did you know that on this day in 1915, Captain Thomas White, of the Australian Flying C...orps Mesopotamian Half-Flight, was captured behind enemy lines after a risky raid near Baghdad? Born in 1888 in North Melbourne, Thomas White joined the Citizen Forces in 1902 and served in artillery and engineering units. Commissioned in 1911, he served in the 5th Australian Regiment until early 1914. In 1914, White was one of Australia’s first four trainee military pilots to undertake the first pilots course at Point Cook. In April 1915, he was appointed as Adjutant for the Mesopotamian Half Flight, Australian Flying Corps. Flying primitive aircraft, White along with several other pilots flew risky reconnaissance, strike and sabotage missions against Turkish and Arab forces in support of the allied forces. On 13 November 1915, he and his observer, Captain Francis Yeats-Brown (RAF) volunteered for a mission to fly behind enemy lines in a Maurice Farman Longhorn to destroy telegraph lines along the main road between Fallujah and Baghdad. Damaging the aircraft while landing near Baghdad, Yeats-Brown jumped out of the aircraft to blow the lines while White watched from the cockpit for the enemy. Noticing Arab forces advancing on the position, White tried to start the engine only to find the propeller become entangled with the broken telegraph wire preventing them from taking off. Yeats-Brown and White jumped out of the aircraft to defend themselves from the Arabs. They were physically attacked trying to defend themselves only to be saved by Turkish forces who captured them and took them to a nearby Turkish garrison still being beaten by the Arabs. Taken to Baghdad, White would stay in hospital, including a weeks solitary confinement, before being sent to Mosul for several months and then taken to Afion Kara Hissar, the primary Turkish POW camp where he remained for over two years. What followed was a remarkable story of imprisonment and escape. On 26 July 1918, owing to an enquiry regarding his health, White was transferred to a hospital at Constantinople. After being discharged, White arranged to escape with Captain Alan Bott of the Royal Air Force. The pair succeeded on 24 August, when their train crashed while travelling over a viaduct at Kum Kapu. Taking advantage of the confusion, both men escaped but became separated. White then travelled by tram to Galata where he was joined by Captain Bott, who had also managed to evade his captors. The men decided to stow away in a Ukrainian steamer docked in Constantinople Harbour. The vessel remained thirty three days at anchor and the men spent an uncomfortable time below deck, sometimes hidden in the ship's ballast tanks. Eventually the steamer reached Odessa a few days after the city's partial destruction by the explosion of an immense ammunition dump. White found a damaged Russian ammunition clip at the scene of the explosion. Armed with false Russian passports, White and Bott were able to remain in Odessa for a month. They had made arrangements to join the anti-Bolshevik army, but when they heard of the impending Armistice with Bulgaria, they stowed away in a Ukrainian hospital ship bound for Varna. Making their way through Bulgaria they reached Salonika only a week before the Armistice. They disembarked at Port Said on 25 November 1918. White eventually returned to Australia via America, disembarking in Sydney on 5 January 1920. White was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in June 1919. That December, he was again mentioned in despatches, for "valuable services whilst in captivity". He published an account of his wartime exploits as Guests of the Unspeakable. Photos courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain)

15.01.2022 This evening we commemorate the service and sacrifice of the eight Army and RAAF personnel killed in an aircraft accident that occurred shortly after takeoff fr...om Ward Airstrip near Port Moresby on this day in 1943. Those killed were all buried in the Bomana War Cemetery. The aircraft was a Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar VH-CAB operated by Qantas Empire Airways for the Allied Directorate of Air Transport. On board were three Army officers and five RAAF aircrew operating the aircraft. During the war, Qantas aircraft had four fatal accidents and one aircraft shot down. Those killed were: NX7195 Major John Francis McCarthy, 2nd Echelon Land HQ NX462 Lieutenant Colonel John Benedict Bolger, 2/6th Field Regiment VX39064 Lieutenant Colonel Edward John Marston, HQ 11th Australian Division 261730 Squadron Leader William Geoffrey Campbell, Qantas Captain - Pilot 410863 Pilot Officer John Randolph Fleming Henderson, Qantas First Officer 267726 Flying Officer Keith George Little, Qantas Engineer 417064 Flight Sergeant Neil Grosvenor Evan, Wireless Operator 8868 Flight Sergeant Leslie Harold Jenke, Equipment Assistant They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee A Lockheed Lodestar in Australian service: AWM

15.01.2022 30 August 1945: South Australian airmen killed in accident two weeks after the end of World War 2 Did you know that on this day in 1945, a young South Australia...n airmen was killed in a accident falling off his Catalina aircraft only two weeks after the end of World War 2? Brian Joseph Kain was born in Mannum on 7 January 1924, the son of Coleman and Roselia Kain. Initially educated at Marist Brothers, Mt Gambier, he completed his high school education at Rostrevor College, Macgill. He served in the Australian Militia Forces from March 1942 to September 1943 before enlisting in the RAAF on 11 September as trainees aircrew. Kain completed initial training at Victor Harbour from September to December 1943 before completing No 1 Elementary Flying Training School at Parafield, South Australia, from December 1943 to March 1944. Kain then completed No 6 Service Flying Training School at Mallala, South Australia from April to October 1944 graduating as a pilot in October before being posted to No 7 Operational Training Unit, Tocumwal, New South Wales, converting on to Liberator aircraft for six months. In June 1945, he was posted to No 3 Operational Training Unit at Rathmines, New South Wales to convert to Catalina aircraft. In late August, Catalina aircraft from 3 OTU were tasked with deploying into Southeast Asia to support the repatriation of Australian prisoners of war liberated from Japanese forces. On 28 August, 9 Catalinas left Rathmines under the command of WGCDR Ken Bolitho (a distinguished South Australian airmen). On the evening of 30 August, 21 year old Flight Sergeant Brian Kain was sitting on the port mainplane wing of Catalina A24-66 at East Army Flying Boat Mooring Area, Darwin, when he fell off the wing into the water at 8:45pm. His body was never found and FSGT Brian Kain was listed missing presumed drowned. Tragically, the young airmen who had only just completed his pilot training and was on his first operational mission as a Catalina pilot, perished in an accident two weeks after the end of World War 2. FSGT Brian Joseph Kain is one of the more than RAAFs 3,400 aircrew that have perished on active service whose bodies have never been recovered and have no known grave. Lest we forget. Images of Brian Joseph Kain courtesy of National Archives of Australia and Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collections. Photo of No 3 Operational Training Unit Catalina's courtesy of Australian War Memorial.

15.01.2022 This evening we commemorate the service and sacrifice of Lieutenant Michael Fussell, 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) (4 RAR (Cdo)), of Coffs... Harbour, NSW, who was killed in action by an improvised explosive device during a dismounted patrol in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, on this day in 2008, aged 25. Michael entered the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2002 and graduated from the Royal Military College Duntroon in 2005, commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Artillery. While posted to the 4th Field Regiment, he became parachute qualified, and deployed to Timor-Leste in 2006 and 2007. He was posted to 4 RAR (Cdo) in January 2008 as a Joint Offensive Support Team commander and deployed to Afghanistan with the Special Operations Task Group. Two other soldiers were wounded by the same IED. Michael left behind two loving parents, his younger brother Daniel and two younger foster sisters Nikki and Nyah. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Michael Fussell: Defence

14.01.2022 On this day in 1994, Australian peacekeepers deployed to the African country of Rwanda as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), kno...wn in Australia as Operation Tamar. The mission mandate ran from 5 October 1993 to 8 March 1996, and at its height, comprised some 5,500 military personnel and 90 civilian police from 40 countries. The most horrific incident that occurred during the deployment was the Kibeho massacre on 22 April 1995, in which about 4,000 internally displaced people at the Kibeho camp were killed by troops of the Rwandan Patriotic Army and allied militias. The 32-strong Australian team at the camp, including infantry and medical personnel, were unable to intervene, but bravely helped as many wounded as they could. Four Australians were awarded the Medal for Gallantry for acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances at Kibeho, the first gallantry medals awarded to Australians since the Vietnam War. Corporal Paul Jordan, who was a member of the force at the camp, later wrote "While there was little that we could have done to stop the killings, I believe that, if Australians had not been there as witnesses to the massacre, the RPA would have killed every single person in the camp." Twenty-seven members of UNAMIR 22 soldiers, three military observers, one civilian police officer and one local staff lost their lives during the mission. No Australians died while serving with UNAMIR. The Australian members of both contingents were awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation in 2019. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Members of the Australian contingent to UNAMIR on patrol in Rwanda: Defence

14.01.2022 5 March 1919: 1 Squadron, AFC, departs Egypt for Australia completing three years deployed overseas Did you know that on this day in 1919, No 1 Squadron, Austra...lian Flying Corps, departed Port Said, Egypt, on board the HMAT Star of England for Australia completing its operational tour in World War 1 in the Middle East? Established in January 1916 at Point Cook, Melbourne, 1 Squadron sailed for Egypt in March 1916 with 28 Officers, 195 airmen and no aircraft. It became operational in June 1916 in Egypt and served with distinction over the next two and half years often flying inferior aircraft performing various roles including reconnaissance, ground attack, bombing and air defence. Its remarkable performance lead General Sir Edmund Allenby to recognise its contribution to the Middle Eastern campaign in stating: "You gained for us absolute supremacy of the air, thereby enabling my cavalry, artillery and infantry to carry out their work on the ground practically unmolested by hostile aircraft. This undoubtedly was a factor of paramount importance in the success of our arms here." Notable airmen who served with 1 Squadron in the Middle East included Richard Williams, Ross Smith, Frank McNamara, Leslie Sutherland, Hudson Fysh, Lawrence Wackett and Adrian Cole. South Australia’s own Captain Ross Smith, who would later become a world pioneer aviator in being the first to fly from England to Australia in 1919 with his brother Keith Smith and two support crew, was the squadrons leading ace recording 12 aerial victories. Another South Australian, Richard Williams, initially a flight commander with No 1 Squadron, went on to command the squadron in the Middle East before assuming command of No 40 Wing (RAF) which included 1 SQN (AFC). Major Addison recorded that over the three years of service, 1 SQN losses were 21 personnel killed in combat, 31 wounded, 12 captured and 84 invalided. Total hours flown were 14,378. Squadron members were awarded 1 Victoria Cross, 1 Distinguished Service Order, 1 Order of the British Empire, 18 Military Crosses, 20 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2 Military Medals and 39 Mentioned in Despatches. Lest we forget. Photo of Katana Airfield near the Suez Canal in January 1919, the last airfield used by 1 SQN in the Middle Eastern campaign, and of 1 Squadron on parade with Richard Williams as its CO courtesy of Australian War Memorial Online Digital Collection (copyright expired, public domain).

13.01.2022 #OTD Three Diggers from 4RAR KIA in Vietnam Today we pause to remember the life and service of Lance Corporal Robert Burns (22), and Privates Michael Muc (21)... and Michael Noonan (21), all of whom were from 4RAR and were killed in action on the 13th of September 1968 whilst serving in Vietnam. 418097 Lance Corporal Burns joined the ARA in August 1967 and was posted to 4RAR. 2787512 Private Muc was a National Serviceman, originally from the Ukraine, and was posted to 4RAR on completion of his basic training. 2787793 Private Noonan, was also a National Serviceman posted to 4RAR on completion of recruit training. All three men sailed with the Battalion to South Vietnam in May 1968 as part of 7 Platoon. On the 13th of September, 7 Platoon 4RAR were involved in operations in Long Khan Province as part of Operation HAWKESBURY 1. The platoon entered a large enemy bunker system which initially appeared to be unoccupied. As the lead section commanded by Lance Corporal Burns moved among the bunkers, they came under heavy fire from a NVA unit. In the ensuing firefight, the three men were unfortunately killed. Lest we forget. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

13.01.2022 #OTD We Remember Stoker James Turnbull Today we pause to remember the life and service of 20401 Stoker James Samuel Turnbull, who enlisted in the RAN Reserve ...on the 16th of September 1934. He was killed in the sinking of the SS Rakuy Maru on the 12th of September 1944. Originally from Brisbane, Queensland, Stoker (Sto) Turnbull served during WWII, and survived the sinking of HMAS Waterhen off Salum, Egypt, on 29 June 1941. HMAS Waterhen had been ferrying supplies and reinforcements to troops who were under siege at Tobruk. After returning to Australia, Sto Turnbull was posted to HMAS Perth. On 1 March 1942 he was taken prisoner of war (POW) of the Japanese following the sinking of the Perth by Japanese destroyers during the Battle of Sunda Strait. Sto Turnbull's two brothers, QX22722 Private (Pte) Kenneth Turnbull and QX23514 Pte William Turnbull, both of 2/26 Battalion, were also taken prisoner in Java. All three worked together on the Burma Thailand Railway and were later selected for a work party to be transferred to Japan. They were killed when the Japanese prison ship in which they were travelling, the Rakuy Maru, was sunk by the United States Navy submarine USS Pampanito on 12 September 1944. Sto Turnbull was aged 32, Pte William Turnbull 27, and Pte Kenneth Turnbull 23. They were just 3 of 543 Australians killed in this tragic event. You can read more about the sinking of the Rakuy Maru here: https://business.facebook.com/2318023658237334/posts/3668287019877651/ The portrait below was taken on the date of his enlistment, on this day in 1934. Lest we forget. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

12.01.2022 This man was a hero,, Rest in Peace Digger.

11.01.2022 #OnThisDay in 2012, members of the International Stabilisation Force paraded to mark the conclusion of their mission in Timor-Leste.

11.01.2022 Australia and America have always been close allies, so I hope none will mind this post, a remembrance of the awful sacrifice made by that generation of both our countries.

11.01.2022 The 16th of September marks the 75th Anniversary of liberation of the nurses from the POW camp at Belalau Sumatra. The war ended on the 15th August, and the fi...rst they knew would be nine days later with the short speech from Japanese Captain Seki, he announced "War is ended. Americano and English will be here in a few days. We are now all friends." On the 11th of September 1945 Betty Jeffrey wrote in her diary Cheers and more cheers. We have been discovered by two young Australian paratroops who visited our camp today and came straight past everybody until they landed on the doorstep of our Hut 13. Viv who is usually unmoved and very quiet came rushing in, face positively crimson, and panted, "Australians are here!" They were about five yards behind her. To see that rising sun badge on a beret again! t did us more good than anything we have experienced so far. One fellow said he was 'Bates from Thornbury' and the other was 'Gillam from Perth' and the first thing we noticed, after their youth, was their very white teeth. We made these boys sit on our bali bali and we fired them with questions - Who won the war? Who won the football in Melbourne? Will we be home for the Melbourne Cup? Excerpt from Betty Jeffreys book White Coolies Matron Annie Moriah Sage came to collect the girls with 65 lipsticks in hand, so her girls could look their best. She would be greeted by the surviving 24 nurses. They were wearing what remained of their uniforms they had saved them for this very day. The nurses were taken to Lahat where they boarded a plane bound for Singapore. They recuperated in Singapore prior to departing for home on the AHS Manunda. Lest We Forget See more

10.01.2022 Finally found a copy of the history of my Dads squadron. Expecting a good read when it arrives.

10.01.2022 An Australian BL 9.2 inch howitzer of the 55th Siege Battery in action in Belgium, September 1917. Four of the men in this photo will end up being killed in action in the coming weeks.

10.01.2022 #OTD - Two Australian Soldiers killed in Helicopter Crash On the 29th of November 2006, Captain Mark Bingley and Trooper Joshua Porter, SASR were killed when th...eir Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Fiji. The men had been deployed as part of an Australian contingent participating in Operation QUICK STEP, the force deployed to evacuate Australians if the political situation between the Fijian military and government worsened. Captain Bingley was the pilot of the Black Hawk which was carrying six SAS soldiers and four crew at the time. Eight of the crew were rescued but the pilot and one passenger, Trooper Porter, were drowned during the crash. At the time, the helicopter was attempting to conduct a special operations assault approach’ on HMAS Kanimbla when it lost updraft, bounced heavily and crashed in water 2,000 to 3,000 metres deep. Captain Bingley was pulled from the wreckage but later died of his injuries. Trooper Porter’s body was later recovered and repatriated. Lest we forget. Image: Captain Bingley (Left) and Trooper Porter (Right) --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

10.01.2022 This evening we remember the service and sacrifice of 2740B Private Peter McDonnell, 10th Battalion, of Rosewater, SA, who was killed in action in France on thi...s day in 1916, aged 22. Among the first units raised in Australia during the war, the 10th Battalion was recruited from SA in August 1914 and formed part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. It fought at Gallipoli and then on the Western Front in France and Belgium. The unit suffered 1,015 men killed and 2,136 wounded during the war. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Studio portrait of Peter with his wife Isabel and infant daughter Matilda prior to his embarkation: AWM

10.01.2022 Papua, Giropa Point. Australian manned M3 Stuart tanks attacking Japanese pillboxes in the final assault on Buna. Men of D company, 2/12th battalion, using Bren... MK 1 machine guns fire on Japanese soldiers (not seen), who are fleeing from a wrecked pillbox 150 yards away. The pillbox was destroyed by the Stuart tank shown here. In the foreground are Private J. Searle and Corporal G. Fletcher. This photograph was taken during the actual fighting. #ww2uncovered #greatestgeneration #ww2 #worldwar2veteran #lestweforget #WWII #WorldWarII #lestweforget2020 #anzacs #worldwar2 #ANZAC #ww2history Original description and photo sourced by www.awm.gov.au/collection/014001

09.01.2022 Recently received a veteran card and wanting to start using the benefits available to you? Why not start with an Annual Veteran Health Check with your GP wel...l cover one visit per year for the first five years after your transition from 1 July 2019! To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/VeteransHealthCheck

09.01.2022 #OnThisDay every year, the town of Ligny-en-Cambrésis (Northern France) holds a commemorative service to remember Lieutenant William Malcolm Chisholm. Born in 1...892 in Sydney, William Chisholm enlisted in the British Expeditionary Force after moving to England. Wounded at Le Cateau on 27 August 1914, Lieutenant Chisholm died the next day and rests in the Ligny-en-Cambrésis communal cemetery. He is the first Australian who died in France during #WW1. To find out more visit: https://sjmc.gov.au/the-first-known-australian-to-die-in-f/ #LestWeForget

08.01.2022 #Onthisday in 1918 the battle of Mont St Quentin began. Mont St Quentin, overlooking the town of Péronne, was the scene of a famous Australian action under the ...leadership of Lieutenant General Sir John Monash. The depleted Australian divisions won an impressive victory against the German defenders, capturing some 2,600 prisoners. This battle is considered by many to have been the crowning achievement of the AIF in the First World War. Learn more: http://ow.ly/s1iu50BaeVf Image: Capture of Mont St Quentin, ART02929 Artist: Fred Leist

07.01.2022 On this day... in 1945, Royal Australian Navy ships steamed into Tokyo Bay in preparation for the formal surrender of Japan on 2 September. The RAN ships presen...t at the surrender included the heavy cruiser HMAS Shropshire, the light cruiser Hobart, the destroyers Napier, Nizam and Warramunga, the frigate Gascoyne, and the minesweepers Ballarat, Cessnock, Ipswich and Pirie. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee General Blamey signs the formal surrender document on board the USS Missouri on 2 September: AWM

07.01.2022 24 November 1943: South Australian airmen killed in 460SQN training accident Did you know that on this day in 1943, a RAAF 460SQN Lancaster crashed on a routin...e training mission resulting in the loss of three lives including a young South Australian airmen? On this day in 1943, a RAAF 460 SQN Lancaster (JB647) was one of three aircraft tasked with a routine cross country training sortie in the afternoon. During the sortie the aircraft struck high ground in rain about 20km south of Grimsby and crashed near Kelstern at 1630hrs. The crew comprised: FSGT Trevor Newstead (RAAF) Pilot FSGT Keith Bradbury (RAAF) Navigator SGT Eric Bailey (RAVR) - Flight Engineer SGT Espley (RAF) Air Gunner FSGT William Lawrence (RAAF) Wireless operator/Air Gunner SGT Stevenson (RAF) Air gunner FSGT James Stuart (RAAF) Bomb aimer Of the seven man crew, FSGT Newstead was killed in the crash and SGT Bailey and FSGT Stuart receiving fatal injuries passing away the next day. FSGT Newstead was a 21 year old South Australian. Born in October 1922 in Renmark to parents Horace and Edith Newstead of Renmark, Newstead was a vineyard work who enlisted in Adelaide in September 1941 at only 18 years old. He followed his brothers, SQNLDR Geoff Newstead who survived the initial air war in Malaya serving as a Hudson bomber pilot with No 2 Squadron, and SGT Ross Newstead, an air gunner who served in the Mediterranean. Both brothers survived the war with Geoff Newstead rising to the rank of Air Vice Marshal serving in Malta and Vietnam reiting from the RAAF in 1977. Trevor Newstead completed initial training at 4 Initial Training School, Victor Harbour, from September to December 1941, before completing basic flying training at No 9 Elementary Flying Training School, Cunderdin, WA, from January to March 1942 and then No 4 Service Flying Training School, Geraldton, WA, from March to July 1942. Receiving his Wings on 10 July 1942, Newstead departed Sydney for the UK on 24 August 1942 destined to take up pilot duties in Bomber Command. He was posted to No 27 Operational Training Unit to undergo large bomber conversion and on 7 October 1943, was taken on strength at No 460 Squadron the famous RAAF bomber squadron of World War 2. Tragically, only six weeks later, FSGT Newstead perished at only 21 years old becoming one of over 1,000 fatalities, of which 589 were Australian, the squadron suffered during World War 2. FSGT Newstead was buried at Nottingham Church Cemetery, Nottinghamshire, in a funeral with full military honours. Lest we forget. Portrait image of FSGT Newstead courtesy of National Australian Archives. Images of 460 SQN Lancasters courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (copyright expired, public domain).

07.01.2022 "...2346 Trooper Ebenezer Round, 2nd Light Horse Regiment, of Bundaberg, Qld. Tpr Round had emigrated to Australia in 1910 from Quarry Bank, Stafordshire, and w...orked as a farmer before enlisting in January 1916. Leaving Australia for Egypt as a signaller with the 16th Reinforcements in March 1916, Tpr Round was transferred to the 4th Divisional Ammunition Column on arrival in France in July 1916, and was transferred again to the 11th Field Artillery Brigade in November 1916. For his actions at Longatte on the 22 April 1917, Gunner (Gnr) Round was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for "[assisting] in digging out three men who had been buried in a trench by a bursting shell. Though twice knocked down by concussion of enemy shell bursts, he continued his task till all three men were released. He then assisted in carrying them through a shell-swept area to the Dressing station". Gnr Round was killed in action along the Menin Road on 10 September 1917, aged 27." Read more here: https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/94546

06.01.2022 #OTD - Three Australians killed by Afghan National Army Soldier On the 29th of August 2012, three Australian soldiers were killed in a green on blue incident wh...en an Afghan National Army soldier attacked an unsuspecting group of Australians at Patrol Base Wahab in the Baluchi Valley of Uruzgan Province, killing three and injuring two other Australians. Today, we pause to remember the life and service of Lance Corporal Stjepan Milosevic, Sapper James Martin, and Private Robert Poate who were killed that day. All three soldiers were killed when Afghan National Army Sergeant Hekmatullah opened fire on a group of Australian soldiers from a distance of less than five metres. Please refer to the individual portraits for the soldier's service details. Lest we forget --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964 #

05.01.2022 Australian National Peacekeeper Day was commemorated at 11am today with John Spencer placing a wreath at the National War Memorial (South Australia) on behalf of the SA Peacekeepers RSL Sub-Branch. Lest We Forget.

05.01.2022 #OTD WO2 Wayne Blanck, KIA Today we pause to remember the life and service of 38033 Warrant Officer Class 2 Wayne Snowy Allen Blanck, who was killed in act...ion on the 20th of September 1966 aged 28 whilst serving near Da Nang, Vietnam. Snowy was originally enlisted into the Royal Australian Infantry, before being posted to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATV). He served with the AATV in country from the 15th of April 1966. He was killed during an action against the Vietcong at the Trieu Duc outpost near Da Nang on the 20th of September 1966. He was 28 at the time of his death. Lest we forget. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

05.01.2022 This evening we commemorate the service and sacrifice of O4425 Squadron Leader Donald Hillier, No. 77 Squadron RAAF, of Medindie, SA, who was shot down and post...ed missing, presumed killed in action, following a flying battle over Korea on this day in 1953, aged 29. His body was never recovered, but his sacrifice is commemorated at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Busan, Korea. Don enlisted in the RAAF in 1942 and completed pilot training in Australia before serving with No. 80 Squadron in 1944 and 1945, flying Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aircraft in the ground attack role in the Southwest Pacific Area. After the war, he served as an instructor with No. 3 Squadron. After completing jet conversion, Don was posted to No. 77 Squadron, which was equipped with Gloster Meteors. He deployed to Korea in August 1952 and was promoted from flight lieutenant to squadron leader, becoming second-in-command of the squadron. On 8 March 1953, Don was leading a four aircraft armed reconnaissance mission when his wingman reported him missing near Hanori. He had reportedly participated in two strafing runs and went missing after he pulled out of the second run. Despite extensive searches carried out by the other pilots, no trace of aircraft or parachute was found. It is believed Hillier’s aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and possibly lost over the sea. Don was just about to complete his Korean deployment and was due to leave Korea the following day. He is one of 18 RAAF airmen from the Korean War to be listed as missing in action, presumed killed in action, whose remains have never been found. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Don Hillier (centre, with scarf and cigarette) with other members of No. 77 Squadron in September 1952: AWM

05.01.2022 LSCD Max GUNN took his own life on Friday 5 March 2021. The information from his mates points to a kind and wonderful "brother" who will be greatly missed. Max ...was a professional member of the clearance diving branch and tactical assault group East. To all family and friends we wish we could wrap you up and make it ok. We will hear Max's voice and we will never forget. Thank you for your service Max. Perhaps your sacrifice will make team Morrison listen. Not one more. Lest we forget. #vetsweforget #dvadontcareifyoudie #morrisonsbsmarketing #dontenlistuntilitsficed

04.01.2022 On this day in 1914... the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force landed at Rabaul in German New Guinea and went straight into action at the Battle o...f Bitapaka, the only major action in New Guinea during World War I. The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (AN&MEF) was a small volunteer force of approximately 2,000 men, raised in Australia shortly after the outbreak of World War I to seize and destroy German wireless stations in German New Guinea in the south-west Pacific. The German wireless installations were ordered to be destroyed because they were used by Vizeadmiral Maximilian von Spee's East Asia Squadron of the Imperial German Navy, which threatened merchant shipping in the region. Following the capture of German possessions in the region, the AN&MEF provided occupation forces for the duration of the war. New Zealand provided a similar force for the occupation of German Samoa. After an unopposed landing, a mixed force of German reservists and half-trained Melanesian police mounted a stout resistance and forced the Australians to fight their way to the objective. After a day of fighting during which both sides suffered casualties, Australian forces captured the wireless station at Bita Paka at a cost of seven dead and five wounded. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Members of the AN&MEF embarked for German New Guinea: AWM

04.01.2022 Soldiers of the 8th Australian Division disembarking from a troop ship in Singapore, August 1941. The 8th Division was originally earmarked for deployment to th...e Middle East but with the threat of war looming two of the division's three infantry brigades, 22nd and 27th, were deployed to Malaya, along with the Divisional HQ and the majority of the division's supporting arms and services (23rd Brigade was split up as garrisons forces for Ambon, Rabaul and Timor). See more

03.01.2022 An incredible photograph taken on the 5th of November 1917 by the well-known Australian war photographer Frank Hurley. The debris lined road through Chateau Woo...d to Westhoek Ridge, in the Ypres sector. An unidentified soldier runs across the road between two abandoned limbers and piles of wood. The wood is comprised of denuded tree trunks, bare of branches. Battle of Passchendaele (31 July - 6 November 1917) became infamous not only for the scale of casualties, but also for the mud. Lest We Forget. Most of the information and photograph came from the Australian War Memorial. Image file number AWM E01233.

03.01.2022 King George VI pausing to talk to Australian Victoria Cross honourees (left to right) NX700426 Frank Partridge VC; QX500601 Private Richard Kelliher VC and NX70...0427 Sergeant Reg Rattey VC. The men had travelled to England as members of the Australian Victory Contingent of 250 to attend the Victory Parade through London held on June 8, 1946. Lest we forget See more

03.01.2022 80 years ago Australians in the Battle of Britain 80 years ago this month, Britain was fighting for its life against the might of Nazi Germanys Luftwaffe, a...nd the world was watching with bated breath. Had Britain succumbed, the world as we know it today would be a very different place. Europe would have been overrun by the Nazis, and the Free World would have comprised an isolated and remote United States of America and the remnants of the former British Commonwealth. There would have been no convenient springboard for a return to Europe that Britain ultimately provided. Britain was all that separated the world from a New Dark Age as Churchill had warned in his 10th May speech. Read more here: https://vwma.org.au//80-years-ago-australians-in-the-battl

02.01.2022 On this day in 1917, the Third Battle of Ypres ended, having ground on for three and a half months. Also known as the Battle of Passchendaele, it had began on 3...1 July, and involved fighting for control of the ridges south and east of the Belgian city of Ypres in West Flanders. Australian troops had been involved in the Battle of Messines in June, and were most heavily committed after the weather broke and had turned the ground to mud, commencing with the Battles of the Menin Road and Polygon Wood in September, and the Battles of Broodseinde, Poelcappelle and Passchendaele in October. In the eight weeks of Australian involvement, they suffered 38,000 casualties of a British and Commonwealth total of around 250,000 and slightly more for the Germans. The Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium, is dedicated to the 54,395 British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient of World War I and whose graves are unknown. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Menin Gate at Midnight by Will Longstaff: AWM The devastated landscape of the Ypres salient: AWM

02.01.2022 This evening we commemorate the service and sacrifice of Private Luke Worsley, 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), serving with the Special Ope...rations Task Group, of Sydney, who was killed in action by Taliban small arms fire while assaulting a heavily defended Taliban position in Afghanistan on this day in 2007, aged 26. The son of John and Marjorie Worsley, Luke enlisted in the Regular Army in 2001, and served in Timor-Leste with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. He successfully applied for commando selection and qualified in 2004, and completed is first rotation in Afghanistan in 2006. He returned to the country for a second rotation in September 2007. In addition to his grieving parents, Luke left behind three sisters and a brother, two brothers-in-law, two nieces, two nephews and his partner. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Luke Worsley: Defence

02.01.2022 Do you want to use the word Anzac? You may need approval before you can do so. Given the importance and cultural significance of the word Anzac, there are ...firm rules around its use, so stay informed and read our Use of the word Anzac Guidelines here: https://www.dva.gov.au//commemoratin/protecting-word-anzac See more

01.01.2022 Today on August 31 we commemorate Malaya & Borneo Veterans Day, remembering the The Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation. Lest We Forget.

01.01.2022 This evening we remember the service and sacrifice of 8529517 Private Tomas James Dale, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR), of Adelaide, SA, who w...as serving with 1st Mentoring Task Force when he was tragically killed in action as a result of the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device on Friday 20 August 2010, aged 21. Tomas was born in Lancashire, UK in 1989. He immigrated to Australia with his family in 2003. He joined the Army in 2007 and in the same year successfully completed his recruit and infantry basic training prior to being posted to 6 RAR. He deployed to Afghanistan in December 2009. Also killed in the explosion was Private Grant Kirby. Theirs are two of the 43 names on the Roll of Honour at the AWM whose deaths have occurred during the War in Afghanistan since 2002. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Photograph of Tomas Dale: Defence