ANZAC Day

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Lest We Forget!

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Twitter

Canberra Insider ‏@CanberraInsider

#OnThisDay 1941: The Australian War Memorial was opened in Canberra.

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Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

From the Australian front Xmas 1917 .. a book my Grandpa obtained WW1 .. Lest We Forget ..

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Twitter

Jeff Addison ‏@Jeffrey_Addison

Some #Australian #military #history at #Caboolture railway station.

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Twitter

AE2CF ‏@ae2cf Dec 15

The AE2: The Silent ANZAC documentary is now available to view online in full at http://ae2.org.au/videos/ .

[ozbob]

Media Statements
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
Saturday, March 14, 2015

Eternal flame returns as ANZAC Centenary program reaches critical milestone

Queensland's preparations for the commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary continue, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today joining the Lord Mayor to oversee the return of the 'eternal flame' to its rightful home at the Shrine of Remembrance.

"The ANZAC Centenary will be close to every Queenslander's heart, and the Shrine of Remembrance will be central to those commemorations," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The 'eternal flame' was temporarily shifted in order for a major restoration project at the Shrine, worth $13.6 million, could be completed.

"The return of the flame today means a significant part of the restoration is now complete.

"The Shrine of Remembrance is one of Brisbane's most significant monuments. I'd like to thank Council for working with the Government to protect and restore the Shrine, which means so much to tens of thousands of Brisbane residents."

The Queensland Government contributed $11.4 million to the restoration, with the Brisbane City Council contributing $2.2 million.

Ms Palaszczuk said in total, the state government has committed almost $50 million to the Anzac Centenary program between 2014 and 2018, which includes funding for community projects and events, as well as significant investment in several legacy projects like Anzac Square.

"As part of the early rounds of funding, we've already seen investment in 141 projects and events worth approximately $3.2 million.

"These projects and events are being rolled out across the state, in the same way that young people from all corners of Queensland contributed to the Anzac effort 100 years ago.

"Thousands of Queenslanders played an important part in the First World War, including being among the first to land at Gallipoli.

"We are committed to honouring the bravery and sacrifice of those who served."

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Couriermail --> Brisbane parade to commemorate Australia's contribution to Operation Slipper in Afghanistan

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Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

PT fact of the day: Sydney - Operation Slipper Parade free PT to participants and families --> http://www.transportnsw.info/en/transport-status/events/2015/03/defence-force-commemorative-parade.page ... #ptfact Bravo!

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Brisbane?  Eat bananas .. 

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Twitter

RAAF - Aus_AirForce ‏@Aus_AirForce 9 minutes ago

4 #AirForce Hercs departing Richmond for @cityofsydney enroute Op SLIPPER Welcome Home Parade (file photo)

[ozbob]

Found this:

TransLink honours diggers with free travel

> http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/media-releases/details/3941

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Twitter

The 1st Brigade @Comd_1st_Bde  ·  3h

Its the dawn of a beautiful day here in Darwin. Perfect for today's Afghanistan Welcome Home parade @AustralianArmy

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Twitter

The Australian Army ‏@AustralianArmy 3m

#OpSlipper commemorative pin

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Twitter

Peter Doherty ‏@PeterDoherty7 19m

If you are marching in the parade Or applauding from the footpath Remember these Aussies today #OpSLIPPER





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R.I.P     Lest we forget ...

[bcasey]

Twitter

RAAF - Aus_AirForce ‏@Aus_AirForce 9 minutes ago

4 #AirForce Hercs departing Richmond for @cityofsydney enroute Op SLIPPER Welcome Home Parade (file photo)

I count 5 in that photo, unless there is a new twin-fuselage variant of the Hercules at the rear

[ozbob]

Might be 5 aircraft but 4 might only be heading for the Parade ... 

No 5 might be heading elsewhere, or even about to land ..

[ozbob]

Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience

--> http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/anzac_centenary/sace.htm

The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience is a travelling exhibition that tells the story of Australia's involvement in the First World War, and the ensuing Century of Service of Australia's armed forces in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations in which Australia has been involved.

The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience follows a chronological timeline spanning from pre-war Australia to the present day, using a mix of arresting visuals, artefacts, audio and film to engage visitors ...

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Queensland Times --> Get Ipswich soldier experience with troop train

QUEENSLAND Pioneer Steam Railway is partnering with the Joint Ipswich Region Commemorative Committee - Centenary of Anzac to offer locals a chance to experience what it was like for Ipswich soldiers when they left for war.

"The clock will turn back to 1916 when we re-enact the old recruitment train trips that took soldiers from their hometown to war," QPSR events manager Robert Shearer said.

"The trains we will be using have carriages that were actually used to transport soldiers leaving from Ipswich.

"We'll have experts re-enact the trip and we're doing regular train runs throughout the day."

The committee, consisting of the Railway Workshops Museum, Ipswich City Council, RSL Ipswich Sub Branch and RSL Ipswich Railways Sub Branch, will be running an open day alongside the train trip at Bundamba Racecourse with military displays, war songs, vintage First World War vehicle displays and live entertainment to celebrate the Centenary of Anzac.

"People will really be able to get a feel for what it would have been like as a young soldier going off to war," Mr Shearer said.

"We encourage participants to come along dressed in clothing from either the 1910s or 1940s costumes."

The Troop Train will leave the racecourse on Sunday, May 10 at 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm.

Tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for children.

Book at qpsr.net or by phoning 3294 3835.

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Melbourne Age --> Anzac stories retold along world's busiest tram route



The ANZAC centenary commemorative tram heads down St Kilda road. Photo: Joe Armao

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Tramway ANZACS >> http://anzacs.trammuseum.org.au/exhibition/

The Exhibition

Marking the centenary of the first Allied landings in the Gallipoli Campaign, Tramway Anzacs is a special exhibition honouring 538 of the Melbourne tramway employees who volunteered for military service in World War I; and remembrance of the 86 who died in the conflict.

The exhibition explores the war's effect on Melbourne from the unique perspective of its tramways – from the impact on daily life, to the stories of the employees who served, and the important role of tramways during wartime.

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Couriermail Quest --> Brisbane City Council has launched Anzac commemorative bus and ferry


http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/43c950a6daca0ce8efe5e494ee231553?interlace=false&api_key=qy2gvdw92m3b23ptgyv4995z

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Railways of WW1

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Twitter

Nine News Australia ‏@9NewsAUS

VIDEO: Queensland steam train retracing the steps of 'the original Anzacs' http://bit.ly/1DyZNaq

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Media Release
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Premier farewells Anzac Prize students

The 2015 recipients of the Premier's Anzac Prize were today farewelled at a special ceremony in Brisbane's Anzac Square.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Education Minister Kate Jones to wish the 70 students and 10 chaperones a safe and memorable journey before departing on Wednesday for a two-week expedition through Turkey, Belgium and France.

"This truly is an historic event and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these students and their chaperones," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The 2015 Premier's Anzac Prize recipients will have the honour of attending the Dawn Service at Gallipoli on the 100th anniversary of the landing of our soldiers at Anzac Cove.

"The whole journey through Gallipoli and the World War I battlefields of the Western Front will be an incredibly valuable educational experience that they will be able to share with their school communities when they return.

"The tradition of celebrating the lives and experiences of our Anzac soldiers is a very important part of our culture and history in Australia."

2015 Premier's Anzac Prize winner Renee Drury, a Year 11 student at Clairvaux Mackillop College, said she was very excited about the trip and about attending the Anzac Centenary commemorations in Gallipoli.

"There are so many people in Australia and New Zealand who would love to travel to Gallipoli to go to the Dawn Service this year and can't for whatever reason," Renee said.

"It's really exciting and such a privilege that we can be there. It's going to be an amazing experience."

2015 Premier's Anzac Prize winner Bayley Williams, a Year 9 student at Blackall State School, said he was looking forward to visiting Gallipoli and learning more about the Anzac soldiers' experiences.

"I'll be able to bring all my experiences back to Queensland to share with my school and the community as they have been very supportive from when I first started my submission," Bayley said.

Education Minister Kate Jones said the State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Museum would work with members of the 2015 Premier's Anzac Prize group on their return to showcase and document their journey.

"The State Library has allocated a special gallery space for the Anzac Centenary that will include contributions from the students, which will be on display from 31 July to 27 September this year," Ms Jones said.

"Students will be able to share important memorabilia from their trip including photographs, sound and video recordings, and personal journal entries.

"The Queensland Museum is also planning to incorporate some of these items in a permanent exhibition in the future.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to both share their journey with Queenslanders and to work with the wonderful curators and other professionals at the State Library and Queensland Museum."

Ms Jones said Queenslanders could follow the students' journey online at http://education.qld.gov.au/students/grants/scholarships/anzac/index.html

More information on the Queensland Government's Anzac Centenary events and initiatives is available at http://anzac100.initiatives.qld.gov.au/

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North Beach with a light supply rail for animal drawn wagons in the foreground, supply dump on the left and tents in the background.

Gallipoli, Anzac Beaches Area, North Beach June 1915

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/H13891/

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Us two steam train nuts have convinced the boss to let us see the Troop Train on its return this afternoon 

[red dragin]

Us two steam train nuts have convinced the boss to let us see the Troop Train on its return this afternoon 

Through Petrie at 3.27pm today - had to crop my work mates out of the picture so sorry for the quality.

[ozbob]

^      thanks ..

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Twitter

AnnastaciaPalaszczuk @AnnastaciaMP now

Welcoming the 2015 #Anzac Troop Train into Roma Street Station to a packed platform to commemorate #Anzac100

Welcoming the 2015 #Anzac Troop Train into Roma Street Station to a packed platform to commemorate #Anzac100 pic.twitter.com/K6igYkLlnl

— AnnastaciaPalaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) April 24, 2015

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Lest we forget ..

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Queensland Times --> Go back to the time of Anzac with troop train re-enactment

Go back to the time of Anzac with troop train re-enactment
Anna Hartley | 7th May 2015 5:00 AM


ALL ABOARD: David Fagan, Rob Wadley, Geof Kleinig and Steven Voll dress their best for the Anzac Troop Train on Sunday. Rob Williams

QUEENSLAND Pioneer Steam Railway is turning the clock back to 1916 this weekend with their much-anticipated Anzac Troop Train.

The Ipswich Centenary of Anzac Committee is partnering with QPSR to organise the day, which is set to include a re-enactment of the recruitment train trips that look soldiers from Ipswich to war, a vintage vehicle display, live music, the Light Horse Brigade as well as an "Anzac Experience".

"We have secured some recorded anecdotes from veterans which will be included in our Anzac Experience multimedia tent alongside footage from the wars so people will have a real feeling for what it was like," QPSR events manager Robert Shearer said.

"We're hoping to get more and more bookings coming in as it gets closer.

"We're also pleased to announce the Ipswich Musical Theatre Company will be performing a number of songs from the First and Second World Wars next to the platform."

Mr Shearer said the team at QPSR had worked hard to create a realistic experience to honour the Centenary of Anzac.

"Our re-enactors will be dressed in military and nurse attire and will be interacting with people on the train," he said.

"The event is becoming bigger and bigger by the day, we are suggesting people book midday train trips to get the most out of the day.

"It's going to be a lovely day for the entire family and the gang at QPSR have been working hard to give something back and to commemorate our Anzacs."

The Troop Train will leave Bundamba Racecourse on Sunday at 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm, with Anzac-themed activities running throughout the day.

Tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for children. Book at qpsr.net

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The Longest War (Australian Army in Afghanistan) >> http://army.gov.au/the-longest-war/

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http://www.army.gov.au/Our-work/News-and-media/Army-introduces-Remembrance-Pin

The Australian Army has today introduced the Army Remembrance Pin to commemorate the valued service of members who have died while in the Army; during both times of peace and war, since 3 September 1945.

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http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2015/05/11/parliamentary-secretary-to-the-minister-for-defence-republic-of-vietnam-cross-of-gallantry-with-palm-unit-citation-awarded-to-the-1st-battalion-the-royal-australian-regiment/

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence –

Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation awarded to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment

11 May 2015

Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who served with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in Vietnam 50 years ago have been recognised with the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation (CGWP).

The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, MC (Retd) has formally approved the awarding of the Citation in recognition of the military assistance provided to the former Republic of Vietnam while under the operational command of the United States 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Darren Chester welcomed the decision.

"I am delighted to confirm that the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation will be awarded to members of 1 RAR," Mr Chester said.

"This decision follows a three year review by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal who determined that the awarding of the Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation was intended not only for the 173rd Airborne Brigade, but also the Australian forces who operated under their command."

"This award finally acknowledges those Australian soldiers and recognises the important contribution they made 50 years ago."

In May 1965, the Australian Government agreed to provide military assistance to the Republic of Vietnam. Initially, 1 RAR was restricted to operating in the Bien Hoa tactical area of responsibility (TAOR). When the 173rd Airborne Brigade deployed to operate away from Bien Hoa, 1 RAR was left to conduct operations within the Bien Hoa TAOR and to provide defence for the air base. However, on 30 September 1965 the Australian Prime Minister agreed to lift the restrictions on the deployment of 1 RAR. For the remainder of their tour of duty in Vietnam, the members of 1 RAR served alongside the other units of 173rd Airborne Brigade on every operation and became the third battalion of the Brigade.

1 RAR participated in seven operations with 173rd Airborne Brigade between 5 May 1965 and 31 May 1966 that were referred to in the citation that awarded the Republic of Vietnam CGWP to 173rd Airborne Brigade.

About the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation

The Citation was awarded by the former Government of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) to specific military units that distinguished themselves in battle.

To be eligible for the CGWP members must have served in Vietnam under the command of 173rd Airborne Brigade from 5 May 1965 to 31 May 1966 in one of the following units;

– 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment

– 1st Armoured Personnel Carrier Troop RAAC

– 105th Field Battery, RAA

– 3rd Field Troop, RAE

– 161st Reconnaissance Flight, AAAVN

– 1st Australian Logistic Support Company

– Battery Section, 4th Field Regiment Light Aid Detachment RAEME
(and redesignated in country to 105th Field Battery Section, 12th Field Regiment Light Aid Detachment RAEME).

Media note:

Further details about the award and eligibility requirements are available at: http://www.army.gov.au/Army-life/Honours-and-Awards
Imagery is available through the Defence Image Gallery at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20151297

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Twitter

Political Alert ‏@political_alert 9 minutes ago

Statement from PM Tony Abbott on the offer to bring our Vietnam fallen home #auspol

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The Workshops Rail Museum

Railways 1914 - 1918 

>> http://www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au/Events+and+Exhibitions/Exhibitions/2015/06/Railways+1914+-+1918#.VX9V0Eb65_c

Railways played an essential logistical part on the battle fields of Europe and the Middle East, and at home in support of a far-away conflict.

From recruitment trains that arrived at stations in country town across Australia, to the troop trains transporting soldiers and nurses to their point of departure, train-side farewells were felt in every state and territory of Australia. In the theatre of war, the hard work, stoicism and sheer courage of men operating railways in adverse conditions on the front exemplified the fighting spirit and camaraderie of Australians.

Railways 1914 – 1918 presents a thought provoking mix of personal stories, imagery and objects that explores the role of railways at home and on the front in the war to end all wars, the First World War.

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Brisbane, Qld. 1945-08-15. Elevated view of crowds of civilians and soldiers in a city street during celebrations for VP day. After the announcement of Japan's capitulation there were scenes of rejoicing throughout Australia. Smiling faces in Brisbane show the relief and happiness.

Photograph AWM.

Note a tram has just managed to join the happy crowds as well!   

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Gold Coast Bulletin --> Heroic gunners saved the day and Australia's war at Battle for Coral, now there's a push to reward them


Gun pits ... at Fire Support Base "Coral" in Vietnam in 1968. Picture: Supplied

A PUSH is underway to have Australian gunners who repelled one of the biggest enemy attacks of the Vietnam War honoured for their role.
The men overcame catastrophic command and intelligence failures to win the Battle of Coral in May 1968 but have received little recognition.

Former artillery officer Ian "Scrubber" Ahearn, who was the gun position officer with 102 Field Battery at Fire Support Base Coral wants his men awarded with a Unit Citation for Gallantry and he also wants errors of fact in the Official War History corrected.

His campaign features in a new honours thesis by Mark Jamieson who interviewed seven veterans of the battle in detail about their experiences between May 12 and June 6, 1968.

Twenty five Australian soldiers were killed in action at Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral, including 11 between 2.30am and 5.30am, on the first morning at Coral on May 13.

On the eve of Vietnam Veterans Day this Tuesday (Aug18) Mr Jamieson said Coral was the biggest Australian battle of the war and was won by the skills and bravery of the 100 or so men who fought it.

"My focus with this thesis is to get the true story out about what actually happened," Mr Jamieson said.

"If Coral had been overrun it would have changed the course of Australia's war in Vietnam."

Veteran Robert Costello told Mr Jamieson that he did not believe there was any chance of recognition for the artillerymen.

"It seems as though the artillery were never there and it was us who took the brunt of the attack. We do get aggrieved in the fact that the gunners are always forgotten about," Mr Costello said.

Co-author of the official history, and one of the Australian War Memorial chief historians, Ashley Ekins said there were errors of fact and omissions and that they would be corrected in future editions.

He said Coral was a total stuff up and it was only skill and courage that saved the gunners from being overrun.

"They fought valiantly in a touch and go situation," Mr Ekins said.

He denied that the history was skewed to protect the reputation of any officer.

As the history says, Mr Ahearn and his men were landed in the wrong place, without adequate gun stores or barbed wire and no claymore mines and trip flares.

And somehow allied intelligence had missed two Divisions of North Vietnam and Vietcong troops pushing south to reinforce Saigon.

About 1000 men from that force that attacked 102 Battery's position at 2.30am on May 13 in a bid to clear their way to Saigon.

"We had no idea what we were getting into and we were in no way ready for what happened to us," Mr Ahearn said.

"The first we knew of the enemy force was vertical tracer fire guiding in their reinforcements."

At 2.30am a sentry reported "hundreds and hundreds" of NVA standing up 100 metres from their position.

"Then they attacked," he said.

The 1st Battalion's mortar platoon bore the brunt of the attack and lost six dead and 12 wounded before the commanding officer requested Splintex 105mm artillery rounds to be fired over his head.

Those rounds contain 6000 darts and had never been fired before by Australian gunners.

Five rounds later the enemy guns fell silent and at daylight the troops found 54 enemy bodies riddle with the darts.

After three hours of intense fighting helicopter gunships and a Snoopy ground attack aircraft arrived and pushed the enemy back.

Mr Ahearn said he wrote 12 award citations after the battle and just one medal was awarded.

A recent submission for a Unit Citation was rejected by former Army Chief Lieutenant General David Morrison, who never served in combat.

"The people who saved the day were the diggers and the gunners who stood their ground," Mr Ahearn said.

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Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow  4m

Standfast!

#auspol #springst #nswpol #qldpol

Stand tall Digger!

Lest We Forget Cobbers ..

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Twitter

DeptDefenceAustralia ‏@DeptDefence

This Vietnam Veterans Day... thank you to all vets (volunteers & conscripts) who did their duty #LestWeForget

[ozbob]

Legacy Week: August 30 to September 5, 2015 > http://www.legacy.com.au/  Caring for the families of those who served their country ..

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Twitter

State Library of Qld ‏@slqld 12h

Moving and tragic story of two previously unidentified soldiers in a photograph  -  http://buzz.mw/bafh0_f 



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Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 3m

@slqld @History_Qld Thanks for sharing this.  Lest we forget ..