We will remember them

[Winkysmith]

G'day everyone,

 

I just thought I'd make this (rather lengthy as it turns out) post to commemorate ANZAC Day, which was yesterday for us in Australia. I know that I am a day late, but I still wanted to post this as my own act of commemoration for people I respect greatly.

 

I am very glad that where I come from, which is a small country town on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, the people have a great sense of respect towards all who served, and the turnout at the dawn service was very good. I think that these services, whether here in Australia on both ANZAC and Remembrance days, or in other places such as the United States on Veterans' Day, are the least that we can do to pay tribute to the amazing acts of courage, loyalty, and pride in one's country and people that were displayed by all who served.

 

Despite my home town being very small, with most of the population (numbering perhaps 100-200) living on farms in the general area, both World Wars had a great affect on this area. 57 men from here enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force during the course of the First World War, including five of my grandfather's uncles. Out of those 57 men, 16 did not return, and of those who did, some never recovered due to both physical injuries, and also due to the psychological burden that many carried. My family was very fortunate, as all but one of my grandfather's uncles (my great-great-uncles) returned.

 

During the First World War, Australia had one of the highest casualty rates of any major combatant. Of the 330,000 men that were posted overseas, over 60,000 men never returned, while more than 156,000 were wounded. That casualty rate equates to about 65%.

 

That army of 330,000 men was raised at a time when this country only had a population of around 4 million. That is over a million less than the population of Sydney today. There was no conscription. Every man who joined did of his own free will, for his God, King, and country.

 

The Second World War, while being far less costly in Australian lives than the First, was still just as important to us. I know a great deal of men who, though being far too young to fight, are able to relate to us today the immense concern felt by the population regarding the proximity of the Japanese. Whether or not it was planned by the Japanese, invasion was to the people at the time a real fear. My great-grandfather and his brother, one of the aforementioned great-uncles, enlisted. They were too old to fight in the regular Army, being 43 and 48 years old respectively, so they joined the Volunteer Defence Corps - Australia's own 'Dad's Army'.

 

John Curtin, who was our Prime Minister at the time that we declared war on Japan, mobilised (and I may say motivated) this country passionately. The war would ultimately cost him his life, as the constant concern he felt regarding our strategic situation took its toll. He is said to have been seen on many a night walking the streets of Canberra, unable to sleep due to the Japanese forces being on our doorstep in New Guinea.

 

Speaking of New Guinea, I many will agree that it was perhaps one of the most brutal combat environments of the war. The grass that cut skin as it brushed past, the struggle to find fresh water that was free of microbes, the oppressive heat and humidity, the mud, and the mosquitoes that carried malaria must have made for a miserable environment, before you even factor in the idea that the enemy could be only a few hundred yards away, unseen until you were too close. Australia's contribution in New Guinea was considerable, and took its toll on the servicemen who were posted there. Many suffered terribly after the war.

 

Getting back to ANZAC Day, I am fortunate enough to be a member of the Port Lincoln Flying Club, who every year puts on a flyover to commemorate the day. It is especially a salute to the brave airmen of this country, who were numerous in Bomber Command. I am sure that many here are aware of the losses that Bomber Command suffered during the war. Anyway, my Dad and I decided that we would fly our Cessna 182 down to Lincoln and join in.

 

I very much enjoyed taking part. There was a great turnout, with 12 aeroplanes and many more people showing up. We did not fly in formation so much as a loose gaggle, but there was still a lot of effort and concentration involved. We flew for over an hour, passing over a number of local towns. I may say that it was very fun, and I know how fortunate I was to take part knowing how few people around have their pilot's licence, let alone access to an aeroplane of their own

 

Despite being a solemn day, ANZAC Day is not a day of sadness. It is a day of reflection, of thanksgiving for those who returned, but also a day of enjoyment. Every day should be enjoyed, but I think that enjoying ANZAC Day is important, as it is another way to show thanks to those who have served and given their lives, so that we can live and enjoy ours.

 

Here ends my post. I hope that you have enjoyed reading this. I also hope that, whether in Australia or abroad, you might give a short time to think today about all of the men and women who have served, and perhaps given their lives, for their country.

 

I would have attached a picture of the day, but it won't let me attach anything (I have some pictures that I took here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mM504JFndX07UscE6EdQr983NzOhp3NJ/view?usp=sharing if anyone is interested).

 

Wishing you all the best,

William

[ST_Catchov]

I happened to catch for the first time the WW1 doco by Peter Jackson 'They Shall Not Grow Old' on Anzac Day. It's an astonishing piece of flim making. My paternal grandfather joined the AIF in 1916 and served on the Western Front from 1917 through to the end, lucky enough to survive relatively intact, so Anzac Day has a special significance for me.

[Ghost666]