Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway: Recent Episodes
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The post Kokoda Day: Sunday 3 November 2024 @ 10.00am appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
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2024 ANZAC Service; PNG, RSL Sub-Branch members, Commonwealth Bank staff & NSW Swifts all visit the Walkway; Beyond the Battlefield talks continue; Memorial Centrepiece repairs.
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VX50846
Nicholas David Walsh
2/25th BN 7th Division
16.7.1915 – 21.1.2016
KOKODA TRACK
The post Walsh, Nicholas David appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
24137
Leading Telegraphist
Ivan Leslie Boustead
R.A.N.
In Loving Memory
The Boustead Family
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The post Friends of Kokoda ‘Beyond the Battlefield’ talk: Saturday 13 April appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
The post Walkway Centrepiece reopened after maintenance/repairs appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
NF461241
Driver
Australian Women’s Army Service
1925-2008
Ambulance Driver
SHE SAW AND FELT THEIR PAIN
The post Oxley, Helen appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
13.06.12 to 5.11.2002
NX50209
LCpl, Australian Imperial Force
25 June 1940 to 4 December 1945
Your initials tell a story that we remember well and was also told by your war-time and other mates who we met along the way.
WAS A GREAT MATE
The post McIlveen, William Arthur George appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
2023 Kokoda Day address; stronger ties with PNG; Anzac Day guest speaker details; Beyond the Battlefield talks in 2024; support from Chinese community.
The post KTMW News: February 2024 appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
The post New ‘Stories from the Plaques’ article appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
We who remain remember the 2745 who served.
1940-1945
The post 2/25 Battalion A.I.F appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
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Read the latest in the ‘Stories from the Plaques’ series, on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who served on the Track.
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Our Anzac Day service, ‘Beyond the Battlefield’ talks, ‘Stories from the Plaques’ article, become a volunteer.
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The post ‘Stories from the Plaques’: fascinating stories of those featured on our plaques. appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
NFX112304 Lieutenant
2/9 A.G.H
Australian Nursing Service
Remembered With Love
The post McGuiness (nee Constable), Irene Beryl appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
N217824 Private
20th Aust Works Company (Signaller)
5.8.1919 – 30.12.2009
In Loving Memory
From His Family
The post Vout, William (Bill) Henry appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Leading Aircraftsman 422969 RAAF
Loving Husband and Father of Betty and Gary
The post Morrison, F.E. (Rex) appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
NX98987
2/16th A.I.F.
To Those Who Served 1939 – 1945
Allan Cook Nola Cook
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In Memory Of Those Who Served With 4 Army Co-Operation Squadron And 16 Air Observation Post Flight In Providing Tactical Reconnaissance And Other Close Operational Support To The Army In Papua/ New Guinea/ New Britain Through To Borneo During World War 2
The post 16 Air Observation Post Flight (and 4 Army Co-Operation Squadron) appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
In Memory Of The Officers & Men Of The 2/2nd & 8th Malaria Control Unit & 1st Mobile Entomological Unit
Australian Army Medical Corps Who Served in Papua New Guinea
1942 – 43
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Thomas Perrott
130659 L.A.C.
RAAF
9.1.1925
The post Perrott, Thomas appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Private NX194769
55/53 Aust Inf Battalion
To Commemorate Your Service With ‘A’ Coy.
Love Joy, Keith And Nadine Margaret, Alan And Their Families
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Deidre Yvonne (Bonnie) Birdsall
“A Friend Of Kokoda”
Lovingly Remembered By Her Family
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QX1
2/1st Anti-Tank Attack Regiment
A Gallant Soldier Who Served His Country with Distinction From 1939 to 1945 in The Middle East, Greece, Crete and New Guinea.
The post Archer, L/Sgt John W. appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Drummoyne-Five Dock and District News
Recognises On Behalf Of The Public The Man Who Initiated The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway And Rose Garden
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Gold Sponsor Corporate
NRL National Rugby League Limited
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Gold Sponsor Veteran
Navy, Army And Air Force Sisters
Sub Branch R.S.L. NSW
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Gold Sponsor Indivdual
Mrs Ethel M. Lane AM, MBE
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NX243398 Private
Raymond Charles Arnall
1922 – 2010
3rd Battalion AIF Crookwell
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Margaret Vera Cork
106853
Sergeant
Eastern Area Headquarters
“Always Remembered”
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“Always Remembered”
NX140961 Staff Sergeant
Reginald Victor Tonkin
14th Australian Field Regiment
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“Always Remembered”
QX61120 Private
Francis Richard Tonkin
Headquarters First Australian Army
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IN MEMORY OF NFX70204
LIEUT-COL
CLARE J SHUMACK AANS
Ist MATRON OF HOSP SHIP MANUNDA BOMBED IN DARWIN & MILNE BAY
MATRON OF A.M.H CONCORD
DIED 1974 KIN OF N. CARLYLE 2/31 BN
R.I.P.
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VX103275
SIGNALMAN
PATRICK ARTHUR MANNIX PRIEST
4 AUST INF BDE SIGNAL SECTION
REMEMBERED BY RUSTY, GERALD, SHEILA, SHANE, ROGER
LEST WE FORGET
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NFX 70493 CAPTAIN
JANET PATERSON DARLING MID (NEE GUNTHER)
AANS
LOVED AND REMEMBERED BY
FRIENDS NEAR AND FAR
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WX1574
KOKODA TRACK HERO
BRIGADIER ARNOLD POTTS C.O. 21ST BRIGADE AND MAROUBRA FORCE AUG -SEPT 1942
KIETH HANSEN
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25140
Private
Terry Francis Stores
RAAMC – Korea
28.8.1931 – 16.6.2012
With All My Love Always
Jean
The post Stores, Terry Francis appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
“Always Remembered”
NX10593 Private
Norman Hamilton Tonkin
2/33 Australian Infantry Battalion
NX140961 Staff Sergeant
Reginald Victor Tonkin
14th Australian Field Regiment
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Tonkin, Reginald Victor appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
NF479943
Driver – AWAS
Joan Margaret Smith
(Nee Day)
Sydney Area Workshops AEME
A Gift Of Love
From daughter Victoria
The post Smith, Joan Margaret (nee
Day) appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
“Always Remembered”
NX12976 Private
Raymond James Tonkin
2/1 Australian Infantry Battalion
70050 Leading Aircraftman
William Allen Tonkin
RAAF 82 Squadron
The post Tonkin, Raymond Charles;
Tonkin, William Allen appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
NX138473
Lieutenant
Ronald Edward Young
2/1 Australian Anti Aircraft Regiment
22.2.1921 – 21.11.2012
Dearly Loved
The post Young, Ronald Edward appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
NX202367
Private
Keith Leslie Smith OAM
2/25 Bn 7th Division
3/2507 Korea
7.8.1925 – 27.9.2011
In Loving Memory
The post Smith, Keith Leslie OAM appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
“Always Remembered”
NX167466 Private
Elton Wesley Tonkin
2/33 Australian Infantry Battalion
QX61120 Private
Francis Richard Tonkin
Headquarters First Australian Army
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Tonkin, Francis Richard appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
NX144860
Warrant Officer Class 2
Ronald Charles Tonkin
14th Australian Field Regiment
“Always Remembered”
The post Tonkin, Ronald Charles appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Lieutenant – AANS
NFX165741
28.12.42 – 113 A.G.H. Concord
18.5.45 – 2/9th A.G.H. Morotai. Loved By Son Ray And All At Concord Hospital
The post Lane A.M. M.B.E., Ethel Marion (Nee Stalker) appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Bombardier
NX7296
2/6th Fld. Regt. 7 Div A.I.F.
Middle East – New Guinea – Borneo ” Remembering Wartime Mateship ”
The post Payten, David (Dick) appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Leading Aircraft Woman
98193
In Loving Memory Husband Cecil Blumenthal
The post Lister, Beryl Elaine appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Spr
NX49852
14 Fd Coy RAE AIF
Kokoda Morotai Borneo In Loving Memory Shirley & Family Lest We Forget
The post Harris, Phil appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Lieutenant
NFX136190
AANS 2/5 AGH
Papua New Guinea 1942 – 43 In Loving Memory
DOB 15.11.1918
The post Bryce (Nee Lewis), Hazel Joyce appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
In Memory Of World War II- “The Under “16’s” Young Men Who Gave Their All For King And Country – Patron G.E.(Rusty) Priest AM Founding Member John Miller
The post The Under 16s, appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Flight Sergeant
421764
RAAF 460 Squadron
In Loving Memory Daughter Frances
Killed In Action 23.10.1944
The post Stobo, Wren appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
W/O Class 1
NX20526
2/6 Aust Field Coy 7th Div. R.A.E.
Served Middle East And Kokoda Track We Will Remember Him
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Corporal
2/31st Aust.Infantry Battalion A.I.F.
I Passed This Life But Once Remembered
K.I.A. 10-11-1942
The post Esplin, Peter appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
NX243400 Private
Leslie James Arnall
25.10.1921- 19.10.1942
NX243398 Private
Raymond Charles Arnall
1922 – 2010
3rd Battalion AIF Crookwell
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The post 80th anniversary of Kokoda Campaign appeared first on Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
Kokoda Day: 3 November 2022.
On Thursday 3 November 2022, the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway (KTMW) will host a commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary of the raising of the Australian flag at Kokoda village, which marked the end of this significant and historic World War 2 campaign.
The KTMW has planned a special event on the day, which will include:
- the unveiling of a new memorial garden (adjacent to the Ralph Honner Education Centre
- the launching of a digital honour roll of those Australians killed in the campaign.
- a commemorative service to mark the anniversary; and
- the opportunity to commemorate those who served during a light lunch for those attending.
Proceedings are planned to commence at 10.00am commencing with the unveiling of the Private Bruce Kingsbury VC Memorial Garden and the digital honour roll by the Hon.Matt Thistlethwaite
Assistant Minster for Defence and Veterans’ Affairs. The digital honour roll containing names of all those Australians killed in action during the Kokoda campaign will be projected onto the window of the Ralph Honner Education Centre.
The service proper will begin at 10.30am. Due to the significance of the anniversary, organisers are expecting a large crowd, including surviving Kokoda veterans and descendants. Those wishing to attend the service are requested to be seated by 9:45amFollowing the commemorative service, guests are invited to place a poppy at the Memorial centrepiece in memory of those who served in the campaign.
Organisers welcome the following to attend this special event:
- veterans of the campaign.
- widows of Kokoda veterans.
- other family members/descendants of Kokoda veterans.
- individuals with a link to the campaign; and
- members of the public.
To enable planning to proceed for the expected larger-than-usual number of attendees, those interested should register their interest (or to seek further details) by emailing admin@kokodawalkway.com.au or by calling the KTMW office (Monday-Friday 10.00am-2.00pm) on (02) 9166 0890 or 0488 488 297.… Read the rest
The Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day service on 15 August 2020 commemorated the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. This important milestone was observed with strict COVID – 19 safety guidelines in place. Restrictions placed on the number of attendees at gatherings meant that the service could only accommodate 25 guests instead of the usual 600 at such services. We were delighted to have two WWII veterans represented at the service.
Reg Chard of the 55/53 Battalion and Lloyd Birdsall who was a Signalman attached to the 14th Field Regiment both served in New Guinea and have been long term volunteer guides for the Memorial’s schools education program. Both men now aged 96, paused to remember fallen mates and laid wreaths on behalf of all WWII veterans who were unable to join in the service. Wreaths were also laid by Local, State and Federal Members of Parliament.
The 2020 VP Day address was delivered by Emeritus Professor Robert Lusby AM, Retired Colonel and Chair of the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare at Concord Repatriation General Hospital. Dr Fiona Martin, Member for Reid led all present in prayer. At the conclusion of the service, both Reg and Lloyd were presented with a beautiful handmade quilt each lovingly made by the RSL women’s auxiliary.
… Read the rest
As many as 500 people attended the commemorative service at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway held on 24 April, the eve of ANZAC Day.
Guest speaker Gary Wilson, a 20-year Army veteran and a survivor of the 2010 fatal Black Hawk crash in Afghanistan which killed three Australian commandos and one US soldier, told the gathering of his determined battle to overcome physical and mental injuries.
“Love transcends all wars,” he said. “It is what is common among every story of loss, grief, survival and pain. The lessons that are learned in war help us to appreciate what matters and what doesn’t.
“War and love don’t seem like a natural fit but when you strip away the bullets, the grenades, the packs, the treks, the hardship, everything we do is for love.”
KTMW chair Jennifer Collins presented a plaque expressing gratitude to General the Hon David Hurley, for the support he has given the Memorial Walkway as its patron, during his term as Governor of NSW. This was the final visit to the Walkway by General Hurley before he took up his appointment as Australia’s Governor-General.… Read the rest
Hundreds of veterans, family members and supporters of the Memorial Walkway attended the Kokoda Day Flag Raising ceremony on Saturday 3 November, to hear an inspiring address from Brigadier Susan Coyle CSC DSM, Commander of the Army’s 6th Combat Support Brigade.
Brigadier Coyle noted that her late mother had trained as a nurse at Concord Repatriation Hospital in the 1950s and had shared many memories she had of the veterans she cared for.
“This amazing Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is a living memorial,” she said, “ensuring that we never lose sight of our past, never forget, and enables a place that allows people to come here to honour all Australians who fought in WWII. In particular today, it is important that we pause and remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for the freedoms that we can take for granted today. The sacrifices that they made during key battles in New Guinea along the Kokoda Track are etched forever in the fabric of our nation’s history, and indelibly in the hearts of all Australians.”
Brigadier Coyle recalled a time earlier in her career, as an Aide-de-Camp at Sydney’s Victoria Barracks in 1999, when veterans from the Sanananda campaign had been assembled.
“Several of them were going back to now Papua New Guinea to re-trace their steps – proudly knowing that their efforts contributed to ensuring that the Japanese war machine never reached Port Moresby, and ultimately Australia. I knew then on that day, listening to those veterans that I wanted to remain serving in the Australian Army for as long as I could.
“I had never felt so much pride or honour to be wearing the same uniform, to wear this distinctive Australian slouch hat. Even today, if I needed any reminder of why I am still serving 30 years later, I just need to look around here.… Read the rest
His Excellency the Governor of NSW, General David Hurley AC, DSC, delivered the 2018 ANZAC Address at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Dawn Service, held on the morning of Sunday 22 April and attended by several hundred people.
The Governor emphasised the need to maintain educational programs for young Australians, to help them understand our military history and the reasons why we honour the sacrifices of earlier generations.
“In a little more than 20 years since it was opened the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway has become second only to the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park as the most significant war memorial in New South Wales,” the Governor said, noting also that many school groups take advantage of its Ralph Honner Education Centre.
Among those laying wreaths at the Walkway’s centrepiece were diplomats from the USA, Papua-New Guinea, Turkey and Timor Leste, along with Members of Parliament, the State President of the RSL James Brown, and representatives of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Sydney Local Health District.
The RSL Youth Choir provided music, including a special tribute to four veterans, including two who saw active service in New Guinea during WWII: Reg Chard and Ray Gentles both of the 55/53 Battalion.
After the service those attending made their way along the Memorial Walkway to Brays Bay where each person was given a red knitted poppy which was then placed on an installation of the word ANZAC.
… Read the rest
The 2017 Kokoda Day commemoration at the Walkway was a well attended special occasion. Two anniversaries were marked; the 75th Kokoda Day, and the passing of 20 years since the inauguration of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
The day began with the arrival of World War II veterans in a convoy of period jeeps. Looking remarkably sprightly for their 90 plus years, these representatives of a great generation, actively took part in the day’s proceedings with a sense of duty and quiet dignity, typical of those who have seen much and experienced long lives.
The Kokoda Day Address was fittingly delivered by the commanding officer of the 39th Operational Support Battalion, Lt. Col. Kimberiea Juchniewicz. It was this unit’s forebear, the 39th Militia Battalion , that played a pivotal and courageous role in the hard-fought New Guinea Campaign of 1942. The Lieutenant Colonel’s address gave a graphic account of the military actions leading up to the re-entry of Australian troops into Kokoda Village, and the raising of the Australian flag on the following day. The accompanying 22 minute video of the day, provides excerpts from the Address.
Also included is a complete Address audio recording:
Kokoda 2017 Address
KOKODA DAY COMMEMORATION VIDEO
The “Koasties” choir from Papua New Guinea, and a number of costumed dancers, greatly enriched the commemoration, and were a fitting reminder of the strong links formed during the Second World War, when citizens of PNG gave their all as stretcher bearers to assist the transport of wounded Australian soldiers across difficult mountain terrain to proper medical care.
To further mark the 75th Kokoda Day, the Walkway Board commissioned a professionally made video, entitled “In their Honour”, which features a number of veterans recounting their experiences of the war in Papua New Guinea:
Veteran Interviews
Two cakes were cut at the conclusion of the service; one for the 75th anniversary Kokoda Day, and a second to mark 20 years of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.… Read the rest
A commemoration to mark the 72nd anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and the end of World War II was held at the Walkway on Tuesday, August 15th. Among those attending were a number of Australian Army veterans, all in their nineties. Six years of war had seen the world on the brink of a new dark age, but with a hard-fought Allied victory, an enlightened era of peace and stability was heralded.
The Prologue was delivered by Cr. Michael Megna (representing the Mayor) from the City of Canada Bay Council. Cr. Megna spoke of the men and women who participated in the fighting, as well as those who gave support in the form of vital medical services. He also paid tribute to the journalists and photographers who risked their lives to record the exploits of our front line forces, so that future generations might appreciate their sacrifices.
The Chairman of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, Mr John Haines, welcomed members of the official party and all those attending the commemoration. A bible reading was then delivered by Dr. Stevie Chan, A/General Manager of Concord Hospital. Fittingly, the chosen verse, Micah 4:1-4, expressed the desire to end the very concept of war:
…and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,and their spears into pruning hooks;nation shall not lift up sword against nation,neither shall they learn war anymore.
The 2017 VP Day address was delivered by a great supporter of the Walkway, Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO. Dame Marie spoke with great feeling as she related her own family’s story, with four of her cousins and two uncles serving in the defence forces. When the long war ended, she told of how there was bounteous joy in Sydney and out in the suburbs, and that people flocked to Martin Place to imbibe the communal relief and sense of occasion.… Read the rest
Perfect weather accompanied this year’s VP Day commemoration, with the Walkway looking its very best bathed in warm winter sunshine. This year’s Guest of Honour was His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC, Governor of NSW, accompanied by Mrs Linda Hurley. Our well-loved Ex-Governor, Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD, CVO was a special guest, and delivered the Bible reading from St. Matthew’s gospel.
The Hon. David Elliott MP (Minister for Veteran Affairs, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Emergency Services) delivered the Prologue. After speaking of the great sacrifices made during the Second World War, the Minister made mention of a number of other important current military anniversaries, including the devastating battles of Fromelles and Pozières, fought 100 years ago on the battlefields of Northern France. At Fromelles the 5th Division AIF suffered 5,533 casualties in less than 24 hours; while at Pozières a mere two kilometres was gained at a cost of 23,000 causalities. The Minister then made mention of the courageous Battle of Long Tan which took place in in Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, fifty years ago on August 18th 1966.
Ms Carole Anne Priest, Deputy Chair. of the Walkway, welcomed all those attending this year’s commemoration. Ms Priest reminded everyone of the immense effort that was required of a truly great generation which experienced the most devastating conflict in human history.
The 71st Commemorative VP Day address was delivered by Lieutenant General Kenneth Gillespie AC, DSC, CSM (former Chief of Army). The General gave a detailed description of the threat and attacks launched against Australia in the dark days of 1942. He paid tribute to the professionalism and courage of both the 2nd AIF and Militia troops, the latter open to undue suspicion and criticism until their worth and tenacity was demonstrated in the fierce battles which took place in New Guinea.… Read the rest
On November 3rd, 2016, the Walkway commemorated the 74th anniversary of the raising of the Australian flag at Kokoda village. This event marked the successful advance by the Australian Army back across the rugged Owen Stanley Ranges to the Northern New Guinea coastal plain. Those attending the commemoration were also aware that the following month would represent 75 years since the beginning of war with the Empire of Japan, following sudden attacks on Pearl Harbour and other US, British, and Dutch bases.
The official welcome was given by Mr John Haines AM, Chairman of the Walkway and NSW State President of the RSL. The Walkway was fortunate in having a Catafalque Party provided by the 4th/3rd Battalion – Royal NSW Regiment. Prayers were lead by the Reverend Paul Weaver, Anglican Chaplain of Concord Hospital. The following month Paul retired from the chaplaincy, after some 14 years of valued service to the Hospital and this Walkway. The Walkway Board wishes him well in retirement.
Music, an all important contribution to a fitting commemoration, was once again provided by the NSW Corrective Services Band, and solo tenor Kent Maddock sung Sir Hubert Parry’s beautiful old hymn, “Jerusalem”, as well as the “Lord’s Prayer”.
A video compilation, in the form of a Kokoda Day Reflection, was projected onto a large screen. This audio-visual presentation traced the course of the Pacific War from the initial Japanese attacks in December 1941 through to the re-taking of Kokoda village and the historic flag raising which occurred on November 3rd, 1942.
The 2016 Kokoda Day Address was delivered by Professor, the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO. Professor Bashir noted that the year 1942 was critical in the history of modern Australia. Having been thwarted at the Battle of the Coral Sea in their plan for a seaborne assault on Port Moresby, the Japanese, Professor Bashir said, opted for an overland route along the rugged Kokoda Track.… Read the rest
ANZAC DAY SERVICE Friday 22nd April 2016 The theme for this years service focused on the important role played by Australian military medical & nursing services.
The paradox of war is that armies whilst trying to kill each other have their medical staff at work in the fields relieving pain, combating diseases, healing wounds & reconstructing damaged bodies & minds for both sides.
The Anzac Requiem was presented by former NSW Governor Hon. Dame Marie Bashir, who being a medical professor, stressed the benefits of professional military services.
Colonel Bronwyn Wheeler, Colonel Health Headquarters Forces Command provided the ANZAC address & outlined the role by Australian medical personnel, especially since the Korean & Vietnam wars & currently in remote regions such as Iraq & Afghanistan. Her full address
As usual MC John Gatfield directed the service with dignity & aplomb. Firstly introducing Walkway Chair John Haines who welcomed guests; Concord General Manager Dr. Tim Sinclair who read a scripture passage; RSL National President Rear Admiral Ken Doolan RAN (retd) who delivered the ode; Chaplains Rev Paul Weaver & Fr. Graeme Malone, who delivered prayers; NSW Corrective Services Band with their musical & song arrangements.
Mayor Angelo Tsirekas thanked those already mentioned along with diplomats Scott Strain, Consul Gt Britain; Kristine Knapp & husband C.G. USA; Sumasy Singin C.G . PNG; Mrs Elif Kutlus Turkey & Caicos Oreopoloulos Greece.
He also noted the presence of Daryl McGuire MP representing Minister for Veteran Affairs, Craig Laundy MP Reid, Jodie McKay MP Strathfield, John Sidoti MP Drummoyne & the Catafalque Party from 29th Operational Support Battalion Mounts.
A highlight of the service was a screening of the changing nature & reflections of military medical techniques over the years along with a dressage of patient & nursing used in WW11.
Finally it was noted that Anzac Day 2016 marks the centenary of the Battle of Fromelles, when over 5,500 Australians became casualties, 2000 were killed & 400 captured.… Read the rest