I know I do this every year, but I can never get these pictures out of my head on ANZAC day: And well done to the Aussie & Kiwi governments for cracking on with getting these chap's official stories online, a fine tribute that I can only hope other nations will eventually emulate: The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945 | NZETC Australian War Memorial - War Diaries These aren't half bad either: Australia's War 1939-1945 | Australians in war | World War 2 | War in the Pacific Australians at War ~A
Nice one, Tom. Didn't even know they had one in Berlin! Paul, Neither did I until last night whilst eating Fish and Chips at the Legion celebrationg St Georges day. I was speaking to Mark, the Head gardener of the CWGC and he mentioned the event and asked if I was attending. I replied that I would definitely attend.The weather was fantastic again and the cemetery looked lovely after the long winter. It was well attended and there was a visiting school group from Australia that was present, which everyone thought was marvellous. Regards Tom
Cheers for that Tom, you certainly get to some events over in Berlin. Any idea who the chap was with bowler & brollie ? Very British!
It was well attended and there was a visiting school group from Australia that was present, which everyone thought was marvellous. Regards Tom Tom, Any idea of the name of the school and/or where they were from? I knew there were a number of schools going to Gallipoli!
I didnt know it was celebrated in Germany - what a shock! I videoed the local one, I will put it on YouTube and post the link here once i have finshed fixing the sound and things, it was really windy, so I'll try my hardest! Jess.
Captain Albert Jacka (VC) (MC*) The History Channel in Australia has been showing a documentary "For Valour" depicting the 96 Australian VC winners. Among those is the first Commonwealth soldier to be the recipient of a VC in the Great War. It proves that even the courageous are not allowed to ruffle feathers. From: HELLFIRE CORNER - Victoria Cross - Australia - Albert Jacka A couple of quotes! Quote: JACKA'S V.C.-WINNING ACTION On May 20, 1915, a 22 year-old Acting Lance-Corporal wrote these words in his diary: "Great battle at 3 a.m. Turks captured large portion of our trench. D. Coy called into the front line. Lieut. Hamilton shot dead. I led a section of men and recaptured the trench. I bayonetted two Turks, shot five, took three prisoners and cleared the whole trench. I held the trench alone for 15 minutes against a heavy attack. Lieut. Crabbe informed me that I would be recommended." This laconic account describes the action which led to the first award of a Victoria Cross to a Commonwealth soldier in the Great War. The soldier was Albert Jacka, probably the most exceptional fighting man in the Australian Imperial Forces during that terrible conflict. His first MC: Quote: No sooner had they jumped up than two of Jacka's men were killed and every other man was hit but they charged on and belayed the Germans with rifle and bayonet. Jacka himself was hit seven times. Each time he fell to the ground he jumped up again "like a prize fighter", he later said, and ran on. After emptying his revolver, he picked up a rifle and bayonet and accounted personally for some twelve or more of the enemy. His Second MC: Quote: About two hours prior to the attack, when the men were already lying out in snow in their jumping off positions, the Battalion Intelligence Officer, Bert Jacka, was crawling about in No Man's Land. He spied a German officer and an enlisted man who had a clear view of the assembled troops. Jacka raised his revolver to shoot but it misfired. He then leapt at the two and captured both of them, leading them back to the Australian lines single-handed. The (DSO) he did not receive: Quote: In the battle at Polygon Wood in the Ypres sector where the new battalion commander was "conspicuously absent", Jacka became the defacto leader, co-ordinating and adjusting the attack which was so successful that it prompted Brand to send sent a note: "Congratulations, Jacka, I have recommended you for the DSO." The DSO was, however, not forthcoming and nor was any recommendation as it seems Brand realised that recognising Jacka's role would have meant acknowledging the absence of the battalion commander he had appointed. _______________
Cheers for that Tom, you certainly get to some events over in Berlin. Any idea who the chap was with bowler & brollie ? Very British! Owen, He is a founder member of the RBL in Berlin and was Chairman for many years. Regards Tom
Tom, Any idea of the name of the school and/or where they were from? I knew there were a number of schools going to Gallipoli! Geoff, The school group arrived shortly before the ceremony started and they all stood at the opposite side from me. There was no mention of the schools name by the Australian Embassador, Ian Kemish, in his address and the students were ushered away by the teachers after the ceremony, probably due to a tight schedule. I did not have chance to ask where they came from. I will make a few enquiries and see what I can come up with. Regards Tom
Tom you never cease to amaze me, some of the events you get to go to, and in the most fantastic of cities too. Just call me "envious"!!!
An ex Royal Engineer sent me these pictures, which were received from his son in Brisbane. Regards Tom
Just look back over this pics on this page ... is simply incredible. I still can't fathom the English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Aussie and NZ soldiers that "gave all" at Gallipoli and every other theatre during the First World War and the Second. I wish there was something I could say about those pics, but they are haunting and celebrate the crisis of that time period. Its just simply unfathomable. The cost is simply extraordinary.... May every ANZAC day be one of deep reflection and remembrance on your brave countrymen who served so honorably. Mick
Today is April 25th 2010. In Australia it's ANZAC Day when we pay homage to those who didn't come back, and pay respect to those who did. LEST WE FORGET Cliff
I promise you dear soldier to remember what you've done all the sacrifies you have made in battles lost and won. I promise you dear soldier... See more that you will not have fought in vain even when the years have come and gone and only your tombstone does remain I promise you dear soldier a poppy I will wear to show the world I'm proud of you and that I will always care I promise you dear soldier to teach my children well so that they will always remember and to their children the stories tell To you I make this promise an oath straight from my heart to never, ever forget you and that in my life you have a part Lest that we forget the terror that is war and all that has been given by those who fought before. LEST WE FORGET
Lest We Forget. The last post is a download on the attached link. The Last Post The Band played Waltzing Matilda YouTube - Eric Bogle - The Band Played Waltzing Matilda And for the Vietnam Vets. YouTube - Eric Bogle - The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Yes, I have just changed to get ready for the Berlin ANZAC Day Memorial service at Berlin War cemetery (CWGC) on Heer Strasse. It is an extremely nice day at the moment and I hope that it lasts throughout the service. We shall not forget. Hopefully I will get photographs posted later. Regards Tom
Sadly, 4 Kiwi airman have joined the long list of those who have died in the service of their country. A Huey from No 3 Sqn RNZAF crashed en route RNZAF Ohakea to Wellington for the ANZAC commemoration. All on board died; one in hospital. RIP Roxy
