ANZAC TRADITIONS
Photo Above: Wimereux, France. c. 1916. Two
nursing sisters from No 2 Australian General Hospital
at the entrance to the nurses’ dugout.
The Dawn Service
The Dawn Service observed on ANZAC
Day has its origins in an operational
routine which is still performed by the
Australian Army today.
The half light of dawn can play
tricks on one’s eyes. The half hour
before dawn, with its grey and misty
shadows, became one of the most
favoured times for an attack. Soldiers
in defensive positions were therefore
woken before dawn, so by the time
first light crept across the battlefield
they were awake, alert and manning
their weapons. This was and is still
known as “stand-to”. The operation
was also repeated at sunset.
After World War I, returned soldiers
sought the comradeship they felt
in those quiet, peaceful moments
before dawn. With symbolic links
to the dawn landing at Gallipoli, a
dawn stand-to or ceremony became
a common form of ANZAC Day
remembrance during the 1920s. The
first official dawn service was held at
the Sydney Cenotaph in 1927.
Poppies
Red poppies were the first signs of
life in the fields of northern France
and Belgium after World War I.
Arising from the blood drenched
ground, bright red poppies grew
where four years of war led to the
deaths of hundreds of thousands
of soldiers, including 45,000
Australians.
The poppy has enabled Australians
to show they have not forgotten the
102,846 Australian servicemen and
women who have given their lives
in wars and conflicts during the past
100 years.
Rosemary
The Ancient Greeks believed that
rosemary made their memories
stronger.
This idea continues today as people
wear sprigs of rosemary symbolising
remembrance for those who have
died in war.
ANZAC Day Services
For information on ANZAC Day
services in your area ring your local
council.
Photo Above: Rowan pictured with Hughie
Benson and SA RSL President Tim Hanna at a
commemorative service in Kadina.
ANZAC DAY
Traditions and Symbols
The ANZAC Biscuit
The Ode
Previously known as an ANZAC
wafer or ANZAC tile, the ANZAC
biscuit we know and love today is
a far cry from what the ANZACs
ate one hundred years ago. The
ANZAC biscuit was originally
intended as a bread substitute
for soldiers fighting in hostile
conditions. The biscuit was made to
have long shelf life, meaning it was
notoriously hard; in fact, they often
adopted the affectionate nickname
of ‘bullet-proof ’ biscuits!
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.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup of traditional rolled oats
• 1 cup of sifted plain flour
• 1 cup of caster sugar
• ¾ cup of desiccated coconut
• 125 grams of butter
• 1 tablespoon of golden syrup
• 2 tablespoons of boiling water
• 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda
Minutes Silence
Directions:
Combine rolled oats, sifted plain
flour, caster sugar and desiccated
coconut in a bowl.
Heat butter and golden syrup over
a low heat until butter is melted.
Mix boiling water with bicarbonate
soda and add to the butter mixture.
Stir into the dry ingredients.
Form the mixture into balls on a
greased oven tray.
The Last Post
The Last Post historically has been used to signify the end
of the day.
It is played during commemorative ceremonies to serve as
a tribute to the dead.
One (or two) minutes silence is held to reflect on the
significance of the day and as a sign of respect.
Reveille and Rouse
In major ceremonies, the Last Post is normally followed by
Rouse except at the Dawn Service when Reveille is played.
Historically Reveille woke the soldiers at dawn.
Contact Details
The Office of Rowan Ramsey MP
Federal Member for Grey
104 Ellen Street, PO Box 296 Port Pirie SA 5540
Ph (08)8633 1744 Fax (08)8633 1749
45a Playford Avenue Whyalla SA 5600
Ph (08)8645 4255 Fax (08)8645 5933
Email [email protected]
www.rowanramsey.com.au
For The Fallen
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children
England mourns for her dead across the sea,
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.
ANZAC DAY 2016
Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And glory that shines upon our tears.
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow,
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
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.
They mingle not with their laughing comrades again,
They sit no more at familiar tables of home,
They have no lot in our labour of the daytime,
They sleep beyond England’s foam.
But where our desires and hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known.
As the stars are known to the night.
As the stars shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are stary in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.
In 1914 Laurence Binyon wrote For the Fallen in honour of
the many British troops who had already lost their lives on the
Western Front of World War I. The fourth verse of the poem has
long been used as a tribute to all casualties of war regardless of
nation. It is known as the “Ode of Remembrance”.
Press the balls flat and bake in
a slow oven (150°) for twenty
minutes or until golden brown.
Photo Right: Informal portrait of Private Dennis O’Grady of Whyalla, SA, on a grassy bank in Korea May
1953 as he reclines in the spring sunshine and writes a letter home.
Loosen the biscuits while still
warm.
Helpful Links: The Australian War Memorial - www.awm.gov.au
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs - www.dva.gov.au
RSL Virtual War Memorial - https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au
Allow to cool on tray.
Please contact Rowan Ramsey’s office for more copies of this publication.
1916 Private Ray James Calliss Flower
32nd Battalion - a farmer from Burra
Authorised by Rowan Ramsey MP 104 Ellen Street Port Pirie 5540
Printed by Automatic Print 77 Esmond Road Port Pirie SA 5540
A newsletter from Rowan Ramsey MP
A MESSAGE from Rowan Ramsey MP
Rowan’s Message
Photo Left: The grave of 6324 Private (Pte) John Saddington Sage, 27th Battalion,
of Port Lincoln, SA, killed in action (KIA) at Morlancourt Court 8 August 1918, in
Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery.
Sometimes we question why Australia is involved in wars on the other
side of the world. The latest ISIS bombings in Belgium provide the
answer to that question. Today more than ever, conflicts and battle
fronts have the ability to transport themselves to any part of the world.
Whether Australians are attacked in Bali, Sydney or Melbourne it is
essential that we meet the challenge at its source.
That has always been the case and is why Australia has always supported
democracy and freedom and is prepared to meet those who would
destroy us on their own turf. We are as indebted to the brave men and
women who put their lives on the line to protect us and our way of life
at this very minute, as those who have preceded them.
The years from 2014-18 mark 100 year anniversaries of the battles of WWI,
so once again this year in this publication I have provided more in depth
material describing the events of 1916, perhaps the darkest days of the war.
ANZAC Day continues to grow in importance every year and presents an
opportunity to teach another generation of the sacrifices made for them by
those who have gone before. More than just honouring our fallen and returned
soldiers and remembering their sacrifice, it is a timely call to learn from history
and ensure global conflagrations like the two World Wars never occur again.
Photo Front Page: Studio portrait of 4523 Private (Pte) Ray James Calliss
Flower, 32nd Battalion. A farmer from Burra, South Australia, prior to
enlistment, he embarked with the 12th Reinforcements from Adelaide aboard
HMAT Berrima on 16 December 1916 for Devonport, England. After
training in England he proceeded to join his battalion on the Western Front
near St Omer, France, in August 1917. Pte Flower was wounded in action on
6 July 1918 near Albert, France, and died of these injuries later that day. He
is buried in the Vignacourt, British Cemetery, France. He was aged 26 years.
Photo Below: Australian troops on their way to the front line passing along the track
from Bellewaarde Lake and Chateau Wood to Westhoek. Note the debris on both sides
of the road and the muddy condition of the road.
1916
This year marks the 100 year anniversary of the first horrific WWI
battles on the Western Front. Following defeat on the shores of
ANZAC Cove, Australian troops had been strongly reinforced and
increased from two divisions to five (around 15,000 men each). The
1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th divisions were sent directly to the Western Front,
the 3rd to London (joining the battles in December). By mid-June our
troops had already lost 600 men, but all hell was about to break loose.
1916 was marked by the trench grid-lock which has become known
as the ‘Battle of the Somme’ and July saw Australian troops exposed
to the full force of war in the heart of the battle at Fromelles. On July
19th the 5th division alone suffered 5553 casualties. Brigadier General
Pompey Elliot said, “Practically all my best officers. The Anzac men
who helped build up my brigade are dead. I presume there was some
plan in the attack, but it is difficult to know what it was”.
Australia’s role in FAMOUS CONFLICTS
World War II
In 1939 Germany invaded
Poland. In response, the British
Commonwealth and France
declared war on Germany. Over
the course of the war almost
one million Australians enlisted.
Over 30,000 were taken
prisoner and over 39,000 died.
Australian military units fought
primarily in Europe, North
Africa and the South West
Pacific. In effect, Australia
fought two wars, one against
Germany and Italy as part of
the British Commonwealth’s war effort and the other against Japan in
alliance with the United States and Britain. Australians were involved in
many of the iconic battles of WWII and instrumental in helping to stop
the Japanese invasion and Rommel’s advance into North Africa.
Photo Above: Studio portrait of PA555 Able Seaman (AB) Alfred William
Vowles. Originally from Port Pirie, SA, AB Vowles enlisted on 4 September
1939 and following his training, was posted to HMAS Penguin II. Whilst
serving in England he was attached to the Merchant Navy and was killed
during an air raid at Barrow-in-Furness, England on 5 May 1941 and was
buried in the Barrow-in Furness Cemetery.
The Korean War (1950-1953)
Back in Australia there were fierce debates surrounding attempts by Labor
Prime Minister Billy Hughes to introduce conscription. Hughes did not
get his way, resigned from Labor and formed a coalition government.
Following the end of World War
II, Korea was divided at the 38th
parallel between the United States
and the Soviet Union. Tensions
rose between the communist
regime in the north and the
government supported by the
United States in the south. 21
nations responded to counter the
attack. 17,164 Australians served in the Korean War. Australian casualties
number more than 1,500, of whom 340 died.
As a freezing wet winter set in, the 5th division joined the battle and by
Christmas the 3rd division which had been stationed in London was
brought in. Many believe that 1916 was the worst year of the war, when
the task seemed its most hopeless and Allied losses were enormous.
1917 was little better, but marked the beginning of the end with the
entry of the US into the war.
In April 1951, Chinese forces attacked the Kapyong Valley forcing South
Korea and New Zealand forces into retreat. Australians were amongst the
forces ordered to halt the attack. After a night of fierce fighting, during
which their positions were overrun, the Australians recaptured their
positions and stalled the Chinese advance. 32 Australian lives were lost and
53 were wounded.
Photo Above: Unidentified men of the 5th Division partaking in cigarettes
and resting by the side of the Montauban road, near Mametz, while enroute
to the trenches. Most of the men are wearing sheepskin jackets and woollen
gloves and are carrying full kit and .303 Lee Enfield rifles.
Photo Above: South Australian soldier, 41825 Private (Pte) William
James Henderson, of Kadina, SA, scrambles up an ice covered Korean hill
side during a battle exercise near the truce line. Pte Henderson joined the 1st
Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in Korea.
In late July the 1st Division had a victory at Pozieres, but within a week
had suffered 5,000 casualties. Next was the 2nd Division who had
replaced the 1st and the carnage continued, another 7,000 casualties.
The 4th Division was then drawn in. In total, over 42 days of fighting,
Australia suffered 23,000 casualties including 6,800 dead. Five Victoria
Crosses were awarded.
Photo Below: Supermarine Walrus Amphibian Aircraft of No 276 (Air
Sea Rescue) Squadron RAF. Initial RAAF order was for 24 known as Seagull
V, later supplemented during WWII by a further 37 which retained RAAF
serial numbers and designation Walrus. slang name: “Shagbat”.
LOCAL SERVICEMAN
50th Anniversary of Long Tan
Private Sidney King
August 18th is recognised
as Vietnam Veterans
Day commemorating
Australia’s thirteen
year involvement in
the Vietnam War. The
observance on this date
evolved from the battle
of Long Tan, a famous
victory against the odds by
Australian diggers. A little
like Gallipoli, this one battle has become a focal point for the nation to
remember our entire commitment.
Private Sidney Peter King was a typical young farmer from Koolywurtie on the
Yorke Peninsula when at 23 years of age he enlisted for the First World War.
On April 4th 1916 this young man embarked on an adventure which he
meticulously documented in handwritten diaries (pictured below) telling
his firsthand experiences of life on the front and three years and 182 days
of active service.
Last year, the centenary of the Anzac Gallipoli landings, historian Dr Don
Longo released his insightful book of Sidney King’s diaries made available by
his grand-daughter Sandra Klopp and with the support of the Ardrossan sub
branch of the RSL.
Sidney was a stretcher bearer tasked with bringing wounded diggers back to
safety and medical treatment. That he survived the war at all is remarkable.
That he was able to re-adapt to civilian life and live a fully active farming life,
is even more remarkable.
In the months leading up to August 1966, Australia had established its
combat military base at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province, 100 kms SE of
Saigon in the heart of hostile territory. During the night of the 16/17th
August, the base had been heavily shelled from the edge of the Long
Tan rubber plantation about 2km away by the 2,500 strong Viet Cong
275th Regiment. Twenty four Australians were injured that night, one
of whom died later. Following retaliatory shelling the Viet Cong fell
back and on the morning of the 17th, B Company, 6th Battalion RAR
embarked to find the immediate area vacated.
At times Sidney’s reflections seem almost detached from the sheer horror of the
war. Perhaps it was his form of defence against the insanity that surrounded
him. At other times his observations on the sheer ordinariness of everyday life
is quite striking as his celebration of beautiful weather, the sighting of a bird or
a farmer’s crop. Remarkably through the war he was able to stay in touch with
his brother and many other soldiers he had known from YP and surrounds.
He was an active member of the battalion band and when the war was at lower
ebb or being rested from the front lines provided entertainment to the troops.
108 men from D Company took over about midday on the 18th and
after an initial skirmish they were pinned down by heavy fire. Heavy
rain set in and the Viet Cong with a vastly superior force attempted
to surround them. After a few hours, ammunition was low when two
UH-1B Iroquois (Huey helicopters) from 9 Squadron RAAF managed
to drop new supplies. D Company held off the might of the whole Viet
Cong Regiment for many more hours until reinforcements fought their
way from Nui Dat to support them. They secured the immediate area
allowing for the evacuation of casualties by helicopter. With insufficient
forces to pursue the Viet Cong, the next few days were spent clearing
the immediate area. It was then, the enormity of the victory was
realised. 18 Australian soldiers lost their lives, 24 were wounded and
at least 245 Viet Cong lost their lives. The battle cemented Australia’s
position in the province which was not seriously challenged again.
Photo Above: South Vietnam. 1969-01-22. Private Danny Grimes of
Whyalla, SA, with his rifle ready for action while crossing a stream during
a patrol in the jungle. He is a member of D Company, 9th Battalion, The
Royal Australian Regiment (9RAR), which was taking part in Operation
Goodwood, a reconnaissance-in-force in the north west of Phuoc Tuy Province.
Other Wars
As ANZAC Day approaches,
we also remember all wars
where Australians have served.
Previous to WWI we had
sent forces to the Boer War
and after, to the other major
conflagration of the century
WWII. Since that time we
have been called to action in
Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea,
Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and we have recently returned to Iraq again.
We have also called on our military to provide stability in places as
diverse as Indonesia, The Middle East, Solomon Islands, East Timor
and Sudan to name but a few. At every turn our forces have served with
distinction.
Photo Above: New Guinea. 8 November 1943. Members of a Papuan
Infantry Unit at a forward post. Lieutenant F. L. Lucas of Streaky Bay, SA,
checks maps of the area before setting out on patrol with the Papuan scouts.
Australian War Memorial Negative Number 016077.
His diaries include “digger slang” of the day and
the common use of Australian vernacular that
we have left behind with words such as ‘bonza’
and ‘slashing’ used to describe events and people
around him. The diaries provide one man’s
account of heroism, self-sacrifice, death, rats and
comradeship in those weary months and years in
the fields of France.
In short, Private Sidney King was a spiffing bloke
and we are grateful for his bonza diaries.
Copies of the book are available from the
Ardrossan RSL or Meg’s Bookstores.
Syria and Iraq
The disaster of the Middle East continues and the collapse of authority
following the ‘Arab Spring’, has led to the rise of Islamist terrorist
organisations like ISIS, accompanied by their mindless violence, cruelty
and most disturbingly, world-wide recruitment to their miserable cause.
We cannot ignore the flagrant attacks on western democratic nations
like the US, France, Germany and Britain. These have had serious
reverberations here in Australia, not just with the Bali bombings of 2002
and 2005, the Lindt Café, Endeavour Hills or the Melbourne attempt on a
policeman’s life, but also with the many planned attacks our security forces
have thwarted.
So now once again our young men and women are protecting us with their
effort in Iraq and Syria, supporting the US led International task force.
We have more than 700 personnel on the ground supporting six FA 18
Hornets, a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and an E-7A Wedgetail
Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.
The combined effort is having success and drying up ISIS’s supply of international recruits. They must be defeated and we will have to be ever more vigilant as
terrorists seek to abandon their countries in favour of ours.
Photo Above: Members of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment patrol the streets of Baghdad in their Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV). The 2nd Cavalry
Regiment operated in Iraq as part of the Australian Security Detachment (SECDET). The role of SECDET is to provide security protection to Australian diplomats
and Defence Force personnel serving in Iraq. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment operated in the Middle East as part of the Australian Defence Force’s commitment to the
coalition forces assembled to enforce Iraq’s compliance with its international obligations to disarm.