Murray Bridge RSL Museum in Murray Bridge, South Australia | History Museum

Murray Bridge RSL Museum

Locality: Murray Bridge, South Australia

Phone: +61 414 310 487

Address: 2 Ross Rd 5253 Murray Bridge, SA, Australia

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23.01.2022 FIRST TASTE OF BATTLE - OPERATION TORCH November 8, 2020, marks the 78th anniversary of Operation Torch. The invasion of North Africa by the allied forces ...which changed history but sadly, has been lost through the years. This would be the first U.S. amphibious invasion into the Mediterranean theatre of operation which would then lead to victory in Europe. You can see in the picture below the young faces of the men involved, some look too young to even shave and yet they’re landing on the beaches in their first test of battle. They were probably unaware at that time that they were carrying the fate of the war on their young shoulders. May we never forget these men and how their bravery helped liberate Europe and end the war. More content on instagram https://www.instagram.com/ww2veteransmemories/ #ww2 #wwii #war #africa #bigredone #1stinfantry #youth #ww2memories #ww2veteransmemories #ww2history #ww2reenactment #ww2pictures #ww2memorabilia #reenactment #history #day #dday #footstepsresearchers

23.01.2022 Today we honour the memory of the five soldiers from the 5th/7th Battalion (Mechanised), The Royal Australian Regiment, who lost their lives in Malaysia on 23 S...eptember 1993. They were: SGT Ian Rutherford (Mal) CPL Darren Murphy CPL Paul Wiffen CPL Christopher Burnett LCPL Darren O’Rourke These soldiers died as a result of a truck accident at Paluda Malaysia while they were training for war. Please take some time out of your day to remember them, those who survived and carry injuries from the accident, both physical and mental, their next of kin and their families, mates and loved ones who will be grieving for them on this day. Duty First Lest We Forget Many thanks to Trish Anderson for providing this tribute. Thinking of you on this sad day, Trish.

22.01.2022 ON THIS DAY: The Battle of Hat Dich a series of military actions fought between an allied contingent, including Australian and New Zealand forces, against the... North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong began in Vietnam on 3 December 1968. The battle was marked by sustained Australian patrols throughout the Hat Dich area and ambushes on tracks used by the enemy. American, South Vietnamese and Thai forces also operated in direct support of the ANZACS as part of the division-sized action. Under the codename Operation Goodwood, the battle of Hat Dich lasted 78 days, and saw 21 Australians, one New Zealander and 31 South Vietnamese lose their lives. The Royal Australian Regiment, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and 1st Armoured Regiment were subsequently awarded the battle honour award Hat Dich, one of only five presented to Australian units during the war. We thank you all for your service and the sacrifices you made in the service of your countries. We will remember those who didn’t return. May you all rest in peace. A soldier of the 9th Battalion aims his rifle down a Viet Cong underground bunker and tunnel system found during Operation Goodwood (AWM EKN/69/0023/VN)

19.01.2022 Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded after the Defence of Rorke's Drift. It remains the most Victoria Crosses that have ever been awarded in a single action. Watch: The Anglo-Zulu War historyhit.com/zulu

18.01.2022 #Onthisday in 1918 Captain Percy Storkey was awarded the Victoria Cross, as a Lieutenant, for "most conspicuous bravery, leadership, and devotion to duty when i...n charge of a platoon attack". Storkey and his platoon attacked the flank and rear of the enemy party, allowing another platoon to attack from the front. Under Percy’s leadership the platoon drove the enemy out, killing many, capturing three officers and fifty men, as well as one machine gun. You can find more details about the captured gun in our collection here: http://ow.ly/HaO750z1Hxc Photo: The photograph of Storkey is inscribed "with compliments and respects of Percy V. Storkey Capt 19th Bn AIF" P02939.028

16.01.2022 On this day in 1943, the South Australian Sergeant Tom "Diver" Derrick DCM virtually single-handedly seized the summit on which Sattelberg mission was located, ...enabling the 2/48th Battalion to capture the dominating feature, an important objective of the Huon Peninsula campaign in New Guinea. For his leadership and conspicuous gallantry, Derrick was awarded the Victoria Cross. Tom Derrick was born in Medindie in Adelaide to David and Ada Derrick. The Derricks were quite poor and Tom often walked barefoot to attend primary school. He left school at 14, by which time he had developed a keen interest in sports. During the depression he survived via various odd jobs, including fixing bicycles, selling newspapers and working in a bakery. In 1931 he travelled to Berri, on the Murray River, looking for work which he eventually found in a vineyard at Winkie. He remained there for the next nine years. Tom joined the 2/48th Battalion of the Second Australian Imperial Force in 1940. He fought during the Siege of Tobruk, and as a corporal was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the Second Battle of El Alamein for knocking out three German machine gun posts, destroying two tanks, and capturing one hundred prisoners. Promoted to sergeant, he fought at Lae in New Guinea before being awarded the Victoria Cross for scaling a cliff face and silencing seven Japanese machine gun posts, then leading a final assault on a heavily-defended Japanese position at Sattelberg on 24 November 1943. After attending officer training and being promoted to lieutenant, he was killed on Tarakan Island in May 1945. He left behind his wife Beryl who he had married just before enlisting. A superb soldier and true Australian legend. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Tom Derrick: AWM

15.01.2022 #OTD Sergeant Tom Currie ‘Diver’ Derrick, VC, DCM On the 24th of November 1943, Sergeant Tom Derrick performed a heroic assault on a heavily defended Japanes...e position at Sattelberg, New Guinea which would see him awarded the Victoria Cross. During the engagement, he scaled a cliff face whilst under heavy fire and silenced seven machinegun posts, before leading his platoon in a charge that destroyed a further three. Diver saw service in North Africa prior to serving in the Pacific. It was during the First Battle of El Alamein that Tom would be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for singlehandedly destroying three machinegun positions and capturing over 100 prisoners, before destroying two German tanks using sticky bombs which had been launched in a counterattack. He then deployed with the 2/48th to the South West Pacific and participated in the Battle of Lae in the Huon Peninsula Campaign. Following the capture of Lae, the 2/48th was involved in the capture of the town of Sattelburg. During the attack, Tom attacked a Japanese post that had been holding up the advance. Night was about to fall and an Australian withdrawal was imminent if the machinegun post could not be silenced. Advancing on his own, Diver personally destroyed the post with grenades, before ordering his section around the right flank. When his section came under fire from another six positions, he clambered ahead, exposing himself to throw grenade after grenade and giving his men the opportunity to secure the ground. He then returned to his section and then proceeded to deal with another three posts in the area. On four separate occasions he dashed forward and threw grenades at a range of six yards until the positions were silenced. In all, Sergeant Derrick silenced posts during the evening. For his bravery that day, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He would later commission from the ranks before re-joining his battalion to fight at Tarakan. Derrick was killed in action on the 23rd of May 1945 whilst fighting at Tarakan. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

15.01.2022 RSL MEDIA RELEASE - Any revocation decision premature. The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) says any decision to revoke the Meritorious Unit Citati...on (MUC) for the Special Operations Task Group, would be premature. RSL National President Greg Melick said considering views expressed by the Prime Minister, other leaders, ex-service organisations and respected serving and ex-service personnel, any decision should await the final outcome of any further investigations and proceedings. A revocation of the citation is all-encompassing and the RSL is extremely concerned at the message this would send and the impact on the personnel and veterans who are affected by this action, Major General Melick said. We appreciate the difficulties faced by the Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, in that an MUC is a commendation awarded to a unit, not individuals, reflecting the unit’s collective actions, some of which, when considering the aggregate of the matters raised in Justice Brereton’s report, may if substantiated, warrant the removal of the MUC. The current regulations do not allow the removal of an MUC from designated individuals. Perhaps consideration can be given to amending the regulations to allow most individuals to continue wearing the citation if at the end of the day it is removed from the unit? As we said on November 20, all personnel suspected of alleged war crimes in Afghanistan are entitled to due process and in line with this position, any removal of decorations and citations should await the final resolution of the pending investigations. The RSL views the allegations as extremely serious but actions such as this impact adversely on veterans who served in Afghanistan, the vast majority of whom are in no way involved in the alleged conduct. Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serve in a unique and highly challenging environment and the allegations, resulting inquiry, report, subsequent announcements and media speculation have caused considerable distress and mental health concerns, General Melick said. The RSL is committed to supporting all serving and ex-serving members of the ADF through the provision of wellbeing and general support to veterans and their families. Any former or serving personnel suffering adverse impacts and distress to immediately contact their local RSL Sub-Branch for direction to access wellbeing and other support services or call Open Arms on 1800 011 046.

14.01.2022 It is with great sadness that we announce His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away at the age of 99. Philip joined the Royal Navy... in 1939 and during WWII he served with distinction in the Mediterranean and Pacific Fleets. After the war, Philip was granted permission by George VI to marry Elizabeth and the official announcement of their engagement was made in July 1947. He married Elizabeth on November 20, 1947. Just before the wedding, he was granted the style His Royal Highness and created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich by King George VI. Philip left active military service when Elizabeth became queen in 1952, having reached the rank of commander, and was formally made a British prince in 1957. Our thoughts at this time are with the Queen and the Royal Family. See more

14.01.2022 3 November 1970: 50th Anniversary of the loss of 2 Squadron Canberra ‘Magpie 91’ in Vietnam with two aircrew onboard Did you know that on this day 50 years ag...o in 1970, a RAAF 2 Squadron Canberra bomber was lost in action in Vietnam with two aircrew, including South Australian FLGOFF Michael Herbert, onboard? 2 Squadron deployed to Vietnam in April 1967, having already been deployed to Butterworth, Malaya, since 1958 conducting operations n the Malayan Emergency. From 1967 to June 1972, the squadron flew Canberra aircraft from Phan Rang airbase in Vietnam. The Squadron lost two aircraft during this period. Fifty years ago on this day in 1970, Canberra Bomber A84-231 was conducting a strike mission near the Laotian border. The crew were FLGOFF Michael Herbert from Glenelg, South Australia and his navigator, PLTOFF Robert Carver from Queensland. Just after releasing its bomb load, the aircraft disappeared from radar believed crashed. FLGOFF Herbert and PLTOFF Carver were declared missing in action, presumed killed. There was no distress call made from the aircraft and no indication that it had been intercepted by long range high altitude surface to air missiles. It had been operating at high altitude meaning Vietnamese Anti aircraft fire could not have shot down the aircraft. An extensive search failed to locate any wreckage. The deaths hit the squadron hard; they were its only operational losses during the war with only one other Canberra being shot down a year later with the aircrew successfully bailing out. Almost 40 years later in 2009, the aircraft wreckage was located and the remains of FLGOFF Herbert and PLTOFF Carver repatriated back to Australia with full military honours. FLGOFF Herbert was laid to rest after a full military funeral at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Wakefield Street, Adelaide, on Monday, 7 September 2009. FLGOFF Herbert was born at Freeling, South Australia, in 1946 and grew up in Glenelg attending Sacred Heart College in Somerton Park. He joined the RAAF in 1964 having already gained a civilian pilots licence. Completing RAAF pilot training, he was posted to 2 Squadron, RAAF Amberley, to fly the Canberra jet bomber. After completing the operational conversion course in 1969, he deployed to Vietnam in February 1970. By November he had completed 198 missions before the ill fated 199th mission that he was flying was lost on 3 November 1970. FLGOFF Herbert and PLTOFF Carver were the last remains that had been previously unrecovered and listed as missing in action from the Vietnam Conflict to be returned to Australia. Today, FLGOFF Herbert is listed on the Adelaide Southeast Asian Conflicts Memorial (North Terrace), the Adelaide Vietnam War Memorial (Torrens Parade Ground), the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour and the Somerton Park Sacred Heart College Memorial Gates. Herbert is also remembered through the Sacred Heart College Michael Herbert Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bursary awarded to a Year 11 student who displays courageous service to others. In 2020, No 2 Squadron RAAF prepared a special noseart for an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft commemorating the 50th anniversary of the loss of Herbert’s Magpie 91 Canberra bomber in 1970. Lest we forget Photos courtesy of Australian War Memorial Digital Online Collection (Copyright expired, public domain) and Department of Defence Digital Image Gallery (Copyright, Commonwealth of Australia).

11.01.2022 On this day... in 1948, the Australian Regiment was formed, with three battalions. The following March, the regiment was given the prefix "Royal". The Royal Aus...tralian Regiment (RAR), which was nine battalions strong at one time during the Vietnam War, has played a prominent role in all of Australia's wars and peacekeeping deployments since its formation. Its motto is "Duty First". Currently the RAR has seven battalions. It has battle and theatre honours from Korea, Vietnam and East Timor. The RAR Association is represented on the RSL (SA) Anzac Day Committee by Adrian Craig, and all RAR battalions have sections within Group 9 of the Adelaide Anzac Day Commemorative March. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee

11.01.2022 #OTD HMAS Sydney Sunk On the 19th of November 1941, the light cruiser HMAS Sydney participated in a single ship action with the German auxiliary cruiser Korm...oran off the cost of Western Australia. Both ships were destroyed in the half hour engagement but the outcome was only realised after Sydney failed to return to port. From the 24th of November air and sea searches were conducted for the missing ship. Boats and rafts carrying survivors from Kormoran were recovered at sea but none from Sydney were found. In total, 318 of the 399 personnel on Kormoran were found, but although debris from Sydney was located, no survivors were found. It is assumed that in total all 645 men aboard Sydney were lost at sea. The loss of Sydney marked the largest loss of life in the history of the Royal Australian Navy and the largest Allied warship lost with all hands during WWII. The ship’s company made up over 35% of the RAN’s naval personnel killed during WWII. In 2008, the wrecks of the two ships were discovered. The actual events of the battle were never confirmed, and speculation continues as to how a modified merchant ship was able to beat a modern cruiser with superior weapons range and armour. Regardless of what happened, let us pause to pay our respects to the brave men of Sydney who fought and paid the ultimate price. --------------------------------------------------------------- If you spot an error, please send me a message. Join our group here: https://business.facebook.com/groups/2626189084317964

10.01.2022 Together we remember Wilfred Owen who passed away on this day 1918. A soldier and a poet, Wilfred's work depicted the horrors of the trenches and gas warfare. ... He was awarded the military cross for bravery and lost his life while attempting to lead his men across the Sambre canal at Ors. The news of his death reached his parents on 11 November, Armistice Day. See more

10.01.2022 #VWS At the Kangaroo Pad at the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) base, soldiers of 7RAR (Royal Australian Regiment) wait to board helicopters to commence Operat...ion Finschhafen, the battalion's first operation of its second tour of duty in Vietnam. The men are fully armed and some have their faces smeared with camouflage paint. The soldier in the foreground is Private 55645 John Joseph Smith of 5 Platoon, B Company 7RAR from Cottesloe Western Australia. He is armed with an M72 66mm Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW). This weapon was not used after this initial operation because soldiers found it too difficult to move through dense vegetation with it slung across their back. #VietnamWarStories #vietnamwarveterans #vietnamwarfootageandstories #salute #vietnam #SaluteAndRespect #australia #vietnamveteran #lestweforget #vietnamvet #salutetoservice #VietnamWar #anzacs #vietnamwarvets #ANZAC #ANZACspirit Original description and photo sourced by: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1178969

07.01.2022 On this day... in 1944, the pilot of a Japanese Aichi dive bomber flew his aircraft into the County-class heavy cruiser HMAS Australia, killing 30 and wounding ...62 of her crew. Australia was providing close support to the Allied landings at Leyte in the Philippines at the time of the attack. It is believed that the decision to crash the aircraft into Australia was spontaneous, and not preplanned like the kamikaze attacks which followed. One of those killed was Australia's captain, Emile Dechaineux. The Collins-class submarine HMAS Dechaineux was named in his honour. Lest we forget. Ian Smith Chair Anzac Day Committee Image of the damage to HMAS Australia's foremast, control position and bridge: AWM

07.01.2022 Murray Bridge RSL will reopen for business Thursday 26th & Friday 27th of November for meals & Drinks, Please be aware some restrictions still apply, Max number of guests 100 and persons must be seated if consuming alcohol.

06.01.2022 On St. Andrew's Day, we remember the contribution of the Scottish in the First World War in Flanders and highlight the London Scottish Memorial at Wytschaete. T...he London Scottish 1st Battalion was mobilised as soon as war broke out and engaged at Messines on Hallowe’en 31 October 1914, and it was the first Territorial infantry battalion in action against the Germans. The Battalion continued to serve in France and Flanders throughout the war and took part in all the major offences, including the last advance through Belgium, to become part of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine at Cologne. See more

04.01.2022 This evening we commemorate the service and sacrifice of O44310 Flying Officer Michael Herbert and O119223 Pilot Officer Robert Carver, No. 2 Squadron RAAF, who... were posted missing in action and presumed dead in Vietnam on this day in 1970, fifty years ago, when their Canberra bomber crashed near the Laotian border. Their aircraft, A84-231, callsign Magpie 91, was finally discovered on 10 April 2009, nearly 39 years after they went missing, resulting from extensive research work by the organisation ‘Operation Aussies Home’ and the RAAF. Following the discovery a contingent was sent to Vietnam to search for and repatriate the remains of the crew. In August 2009 the men’s remains were repatriated to Australia. They were the last of six Australian servicemen still declared missing in action from the Vietnam War. Michael, who was a South Australian, was laid to rest in Derrick Gardens at Centennial Park Cemetery after a full military funeral held at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Adelaide on Monday 7 September 2009. His memory has been honoured by the naming of a bridge over the Glenelg Patawalonga Inlet, as "The Michael Herbert Bridge". A wing at the RSL Care SA Villas at Angle Park is also named in his honour. 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 Herbert, Robert Carver and the bearer party carrying Michael to his final resting place: VWMA

01.01.2022 On 1 December, 78 years to the day after Teddy Sheean gave his life trying to save his shipmates, the Governor-General will present his family with the insignia... of the Victoria Cross for Australia. Teddy Sheean chose certain death over the chance of survival, to try and save his mates in the water. None of us can know what he was thinking or feeling but in this video, Brad Manera, the Senior Historian at the Anzac Memorial, talks about life on a ship like HMAS Armidale, the risks they faced and the bonds between shipmates. Anzac Memorial Royal Australian Navy Defence Australia Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs Australian Army Royal Australian Air Force