Wedderburn/Korong Vale RSL in Wedderburn, Victoria | Community organisation

Wedderburn/Korong Vale RSL

Locality: Wedderburn, Victoria

Address: 112 High Street 3518 Wedderburn, VIC, Australia

Website: https://www.facebook.com/wedderburnrsl

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25.01.2022 Gladys Waters, the widow of our first Indigenous Royal Australian Air Force Fighter Pilot Len Waters remembers the time he almost didnt make it home. Len flew 95 operations against the Japanese protecting our shores during the Second World War. #TYFYS #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

25.01.2022 When it was announced that the Second World War was over, citizens across the country took to the streets to celebrate the news, including Royal Australian Airf...orce Airman Bunny Littlewood. He was meant to be recovering in a Sydney hospital after losing his leg in New Guinea. Ignoring hospitals orders, Bunny and his good friend, Vick Scanlon, were determined to celebrate the news. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

24.01.2022 While Ben Chifley may have been the Prime Minister to share the words the War is over, Australia will never forget the work of John Curtin, who served as Aust...ralias Prime Minister for most of the Second World War. Fred Daly AO served under Prime Minister Curtins leadership and reflects on Curtins impact on Australia during wartime. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories See more

24.01.2022 Australian Armys Owen Campbell was one of only six survivors of the infamous Sandakan Death March, which killed some 2500 prisoners of war during the Second World War. Listen to his story. #TYFYS #OneInAMillion

23.01.2022 A very well known figure from the past.

22.01.2022 On this day in 2008, the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan took place. A combined Australian, American, and Afghan patrol was ambushed by Taliban fighters near the villag...e of Ana Kalay, Khaz Oruzgan, Afghanistan. The battle was one of the most intense for Australian forces since the Vietnam war at the time. Outnumbered and surrounded the battle would last over nine hours before the patrol managed to break out from the ambush and return to FOB Anaconda, having expended nearly all ammunition. During this contact, Corporal Mark Donaldson would perform acts of exceptional gallantry in the face of accurate and sustained enemy fire that ultimately saved the life of a coalition force interpreter and ensured the safety of the other members of the combined Afghan, US and Australian force and for this he would later be awarded the Victoria Cross. Australian Explosives Detection Dog (EDD) Sarbi would spend almost 14 months missing in action (MIA) in Afghanistan after disappearing during the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan. She was rediscovered alive in late 2009 by US forces and returned to Australia. From the 37 man patrol there was 1 KIA (US), 11 WIA (9 Aus) & 1 MIA (EDD Sarbi). : Australian War Memorial

21.01.2022 Today we remember the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War and recognise the service and sacrifice of more than 17,000 Australians who fought as part... of the United Nations (UN) multinational force defending South Korea from a North Korean invasion. On 25 June 1950, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Army crossed the border into the Republic of Korea capturing Seoul within days. This led to the first Australian ground troops arriving in Pusan and following three years of fighting an armistice was signed on 27 July 1953 after a long negotiation. However, Australians would remain in Korea for another four years as military observers. Australia suffered some 1,500 casualties during the Korean War and post-Armistice period, including more than 350 who died, and 30 who were taken prisoner. Even today, some 40 Australians are still listed as missing in action. Today we remember all those who served our country in Korea and thank them for their sacrifices. #lestweforget Image Courtesy: Australian War Memorial

21.01.2022 Ethel Lane was one of the many war nurses stationed in the Pacific who cared for former prisoners of war once the war had ended. It was pretty distressing - t...hey were so thin, but they were so grateful. She remembers their physical state and their reactions when they finally heard from home after three years. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

18.01.2022 Bill Schmitt weighed just 42kgs when the war ended, having endured the horrors of being a prisoner of war during the Second World War. In the war against Japan, some 22,000 Australians were taken prisoner. #TYFYS #OneInAMillion

18.01.2022 Today marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Each year on the 18th of August also known as Vietnam Veterans Day, we honour and commemorate all those w...ho served in Vietnam, including the 521 Australians who died and more than 3,000 people who were wounded, injured or became ill as a result of the conflict. The Battle of Long Tan, on 18 August 1966, was one of the fiercest battles fought by Australian soldiers in the Vietnam War, involving 105 Australians and three New Zealanders from D Company 6RAR. A total of 17 Australians were killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds. 53 years on we still remember these brave men and women who fought our freedom and will never forget the sacrifices they made to protect our beautiful country. Please keep these brave individuals in your thoughts today. #lestweforget Images Courtesy: The Australian War Memorial

17.01.2022 John Date joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1942 and recalls just how fast a victory turned into tragedy during his service off the Leyte Gulf in the Philippi...nes. Johns story is one of the #75Days75Stories leading up to 15 August and the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. #OneInAMillion #LestWeForget

17.01.2022 Don McInnes remembers coming home when the Second World War ended & the reception he and other prisoners of war received. Don was one of the many prisoners of war who worked on the infamous Hellfire Pass section of the Burma-Thailand railroad. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

17.01.2022 On Long Tan Day, 18th August, our President, Roger Paterson, took the time to go down to the RSL and raise the flag in memory, not only of Long Tan, but of all who served in Vietnam. The 18th August is also Vietnam Veterans Day. President Roger has done some research on the Battle of Long Tan which he presents here. (Photo by Susie Lockhart) "Originally Long Tan Day, it was changed to Vietnam Veterans Day in 1987 by the then Prime Minister Bob Hawke and since then has commem...orated all Australians who served in Vietnam. The battle of Long Tan was fought in a rubber plantation on the 18th of August 1966 by D company 6 RAR (Royal Australian Regiment) not far from the recently established Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat. Led by their Officer Commanding, Captain Harry Smith, D Coy patrolled east from their base in response to an enemy mortar and rocket attack the day before. Little did they know what would confront them, intelligence indicated the possibility of several platoon strength VC units, instead it was later estimated that a combined force of VC reinforced with North Vietnam regulars in total approximately 2,500 was in their path. In gathering darkness and torrential rain the 108 men (105 D Coy, 3 man Artillery Observer Group, Royal New Zealand Artillery) were fighting with bravery, tenacity and sacrifice. Artillery fire from Task Force base (161 Battery RNZA, 101, 103, 105 Field Batteries RAA and 2/35th US Army Artillery Regiment) was crucial in keeping the enemy at bay and not overrun the Australian positions. The situation was becoming desperate, fighting against overwhelming odds and ammunition running low the Australian forward positions were in grave danger of being surrounded. A resupply drop in terrible flying weather by RAAF helicopters helped stabilise the position and allowed regrouping and further treatment of casualties some of whom were lifted out by helicopter. By this time armoured support in the form of 3 Troop 1 APC Squadron carrying reinforcements arrived, with their fire and manpower the enemy were forced to withdraw. During the night all known casualties were lifted out and defensive positions consolidated. The following morning further reinforcements arrived and led by D Coy they cautiously patrolled out to search the battlefield for missing Australian soldiers and collect arms and equipment left behind by the enemy. This task took two days to complete, so finally the remaining exhausted men of D Coy returned to Nui Dat. The Battle of Long Tan cost the lives of 18 Australian soldiers, 24 were wounded." 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.

16.01.2022 The Kokoda Track fighting was some of the most desperate & vicious encountered by Australian troops in the Second World War. Australian Army Bill Smith never forgot his time there. #TYFYS #OneInAMillion

16.01.2022 Todays #75Days75Stories is Dean Murray, who participated in the D-Day landings in June 1944. He comments on the lengths taken to keep the plan a secret. #TYFYS #OneInAMillion

16.01.2022 Paul Couvret was working in a shipyard when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki some eight kilometres away from him. He and his co-workers had no idea that ...the explosion they saw had destroyed the entire city. We saw this incredible pillar of fire and smoke billowing into this sky, and we were wondering what on earth had happened? #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

15.01.2022 Neil Roberts was on the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Kuttabul when it was torpedoed by the Japanese on the night of 1 June 1942. His story is just one from the almost one million Australians that served during the Second World War. #OneInAMillion #TYFYS

15.01.2022 Jack Stevens was serving with the Mice of Moresby, Australian Army, when the war ended. He and his fellow soldiers were prepared for the war to last at least another 12 months, so when the end of the war was announced, they couldnt believe it. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

15.01.2022 Wedderburn Hotel CHANGE TO OPERATING HOURS - unfortunately, due to the downturn in travelers to the region. The Wedderburn Hotel will now be closed Tuesday & Th...ursdays Bar opening times - 5pm except Sunday 4pm Bistro opening times - 6pm to 7.30 weekdays Friday & Saturday - 6pm to 8pm Pizzas only on Sunday Pizza & Pasta only on Monday Full menu on other days Thank you everyone and please stay safe in these unusual times. - See more

14.01.2022 In the lead-up to the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we hear from Australian Armys Clarrie Wilson, a prisoner of war. He recalls the day the war ended & how he & his fellow prisoners felt. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

14.01.2022 A very, very happy birthday to Smiley. We won't disclose her age, but suffice to say it's a milestone. Smiley is well named and she has great friends at the RSL who look forward to her company every week. At present her smiling face is sorely missed by all. So have a very happy birthday Smiley and be well aware we are all thinking of you. We all look forward to sharing a "Crownie" with you once this lockdown is over. xx

13.01.2022 Today we commemorate Victory in the Pacific and the end of the Second World War! Victory in the Pacific Day, or VP Day, commemorates the end of the Second Worl...d War on August 14, 1945, when Japan accepted the terms of the unconditional surrender set by the Allied Nations. Also known as VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, it is commemorated on August 15, the day that Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced the end of the war in a radio broadcast, before the signing of the official surrender took place on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan, on September 2, 1945. VP Day meant an end to Australias war against Japan in the Pacific; a war that had begun half a world away in Europe that was brought close to home after Japans unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941, We remember the sacrifices and service of our Diggers who fought for our freedom in the Pacific. #wewillrememberthem. Image Courtesy: Australian War Memorial

13.01.2022 Busy day at the RSL with the front doors being refurbished. Just a coat or two of paint now and they'll be as good as new. We are looking for a 30mm masonry bit which is very large to insert the bar behind the door. Please message us if you can assist.

12.01.2022 After spending three and a half years as a prisoner of war, Australian Armys Paul Gemmell remembers his first few days of freedom including the one sound tha...t brought him and his fellow soldiers to tears. There were blokes in tears all around me and I was myself to hear this wonderful sound of life that we hadnt heard for years and years. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

12.01.2022 In last night's Federal Budget there were a number of initiatives to support veterans, including more than $100M in funding for mental health services for veter...ans and their families. RSL National President Greg Mellick has welcomed the budget announcements stating "This is urgently needed and the RSL is actively involved in the Open Arms program which will receive priority funding, as well as veterans' employment initiatives." See the full media release from RSL Australia at this link: https://bit.ly/36S17vZ

12.01.2022 Towards the end of the Second World War, Edward Ted Kenna was injured & sent back to Australia. There he was cared for by a nurse, Marj, who would later becom...e his wife. Ted & Marj Kenna remember the day Ted found out hed received the Victoria Cross. #OneInAMillion #TYFYS Australian Army See more

12.01.2022 A great commemorative initiative led by the Shepparton RSL Sub Branch Inc. will see the installation of a new Light Horse Brigade Memorial for locals to enjoy. ...The memorial will commemorate the Battle of Beersheba and feature the effigy of Brigadier: The Hon Sir Murray Bourchier. The sculpture of the memorial statue is now underway, and the Sub-Branch hopes to install the memorial into its permanent home in the north-west corner of the Queens Gardens, Shepparton in early 2021. Great work Shepparton RSL, we cant wait to see the finished product. #wewillrememberthem See more

11.01.2022 The 75th anniversary of the end of WWII will be extra special for WWII veteran Jean Smith, who will mark her 100th Birthday on August 15. The former Australian ...Womens Army Service (AWAS) member will celebrate this special milestone on the same day that many Australians hold close to their hearts. Jean, whos first husband passed in combat in Libya in 1941, joined the Australian Womens Army Service (AWAS) during WWII. Jean also worked within the Chemical Warfare Unit based in Innisfail, far North QLD, including three trials on Brook Island, where the unit did specialist chemical research under a code of secrecy until 1970. After the War she married Bert Smith who was initially in the Army 2/22nd Battalion which served in Rabaul and New Briton, New Guinea, then in the RAAF as an Intelligence Officer with No 77 Squadron. Jean is a very proud veteran and long-standing member of the RSL community. We thank Jean for her service to our country and wish her a very special 100th birthday! Bless you Jean. #VPDay75

11.01.2022 Sir John Carrick AC KCMG had a long career in politics, but before this he served our nation in the Australian Army during the Second World War. He was taken pr...isoner of war by the Japanese and worked on the Hellfire Pass section of the Burma-Thailand railway. He remembers the adjustment that he and his fellow soldiers went through, as they coped with being prisoners of war so close to home. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

11.01.2022 Your donation to the 2020 Poppy Appeal Australia allows for veterans in need to be supported through a number of wellbeing programs and activities. The RSL Acti...ve program provides veterans and their families across Victoria with a positive pathway, focussing on their health and wellbeing. RSL Active also acts as a support system, enabling veterans to connect with other veterans and their families, through participation in health and wellbeing activities. By purchasing a poppy or donating to the Poppy Appeal this November your support ensures programs like RSL Active can continue to change veterans lives. #remembertoremember See more

10.01.2022 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: There is apparently some speculation around town that the RSL is opening tonight, Friday 27th November. Whilst the RSL is keen to open, our Covid Safe Officer has advised we are not yet in a postion to do so. Consequently, the RSL is still closed. We will advise members and guests as soon as we are able to re-open safely.

08.01.2022 Royal Australian Navys Don Sandy McNab was a ships writer & a survivor of HMAS Perth during the Second World War. He was taken prisoner of war by the Japane...se and the treatment by his captors was also quite unusual compared to most. It turned out they were making a propaganda film. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories

07.01.2022 An awesome news story out of Bendigo District RSL! If youre a local veteran in the Bendigo area, there a spots still available in the group fitness program wh...ere you can find more info here: https://bit.ly/3ecSw6S. Great work Brendon, Craig and the Bendigo District RSL Veterans Support team! Video Courtesy: 9 News

05.01.2022 Len Rice remembers the stories his brother, Australian Army cartographer Bruce Rice, told him of being on the Kokoda Trail. Cartographers would map the area ah...ead so Australian soldiers could move forward. It was a risky, but critical role. Only three out of the 21 cartographers that served in New Guinea survived, luckily Bruce made it home. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories Australian War Memorial

05.01.2022 Females to the front For the first time in 12 years, an all-female crew from #AusAirForces No. 36 Squadron has taken to the skies in a C-17A Globemaster III ...from RAAF Base Amberley. The mission was captained by Flight Lieutenant Caitlin Rytenskild and supported by co-pilot Flying Officer Gemma Dorn, and loadmaster Corporal Charlotte Roe. Flight Lieutenant Rytenskild said the image of the inaugural 2008 all-female mission was her inspiration growing up. Throughout high school I was interested in aviation and started flying lessons with a friend, Flight Lieutenant Rytenskild said. As it was such a male-dominated industry at the time, my mum was on the lookout for news that included a female pilot. She came across an article about RAAF women who flew the C-17A and cut it out of the paper to give to me." Over the years at No. 36 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Rytenskild received support from her supervisors and colleagues which inspired the voyage. Read the story: https://bit.ly/FemaleCrew Royal Australian Air Force #YourADF

05.01.2022 The Second World War affected many Australian families. Jack & Zona Casey grew up during the war, with their older brothers going to fight & their widowed mother doing coastwatch. #OneInAMillion

05.01.2022 Sir William Keys served in the Second World War & Korean War. The memory of the tragic passing of a friend during the New Guinea campaign remained burned in his... mind. His story is one of our #75Days75Stories in the lead up to the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. #OneInAMillion #TYFYS See more

03.01.2022 Todays #75Days75Stories honours the contribution of our Indigenous Service Personnel during the Second World War. Australian War Memorials Michael Bell tells us about their important contribution. #TYFYS #OneInAMillion

02.01.2022 Today we hear from Royal Australian Navy Dean Murray, who remembers waiting in the waters off the coast of Normandy, in preparation for the D-Day landings. Dean... recalls the conditions before the landings took place and how multiple elements came together for success. #OneInAMillion #75Days75Stories See more

02.01.2022 Faces of WWII: In this, the 75th year since the War ended, John Hook feels reflective. Looking back at all the experiences Ive had and the fact that it was su...ch a brutal, pointless war. I think thats the main thing about it because most soldiers really think war is just a terrible thing. John was born in 1925 in the United Kingdom and came to Australia with his parents a year later. A strong sense of duty to his country led him to enlist with the Army in January 1944. Thats really what it was, I think we all had that feeling and wanted to do the right thing. He completed his Infantry Training at Cowra in New South Wales and was eventually deployed to Lae, Papua New Guinea, and then to the War Crimes Commission in Rabaul, New Britain, where he worked as an interpreter as part of the Allied Translator and Interpreter Service, having learnt Japanese. Whilst the then teenager was lucky his service did not put him on the front line, it proved to be horrific, nonetheless. Shortly after the end of WW2, I was at Rabaul, capital of New Britain, attached to the War Crimes Commission operating there. It was his job to act as an interpreter for the trials of Japanese soldiers accused of war crimes. Many of them were eventually executed for their crimes. The very first time it was pretty traumatic. Theyre fellow human beings and although guilty of some horrific war crimes, you still telling someone theyre going to be executed tomorrow. One of the major trials he was involved in included the officers responsible for the deaths of Australian Prisoners of War during the well-known Sandakan death marches in Borneo. In the course of Johns interpreting duties on Rabaul, he encountered Lieutenant Hideo Katayama from the Imperial Japanese Navy. Lieutenant Katayama surrendered himself to Allied authorities in February 1946, after discovering that he was wanted for questioning, accused of killing a Royal Australian Airforce pilot. Apparently feeling sorry for Lieutenant Katayama, John gave him 3 cigarettes. When our paths next met shortly afterwards, he gave me 3 Japanese bank notes, with the comment that a man about to die has no need of money. John discharged from the Army in 1947 and returned to Melbourne, where he unexpectedly but gratefully undertook a Commerce Degree at Melbourne University under the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Training Scheme. He was married to Mary for 62 years. They had 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great- grandchildren. #VPDay75