Monthly Archives: August 2025

31st/42nd Battalion The Royal Queensland Regiment Annual Commemorative Church Service

The commemorative Church Service for the 31st/42nd Battalion The Royal Queensland Regiment (The Kennedy Regiment) was held on Sunday 17th August 2025. This year it coincided with the 80th Anniversary of the end of the Pacific War (WWII) as a part of the VP80 Celebration.

The service at St. James  Cathedral, Townsville, was attended by Her Excellency The Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland together with other Dignitaries, Current Members of the Services, Veterans, Association Members of both 31st and 42nd Battalion Associations and Members of the General Public.

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Her Excellency The Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM

Governor of Queensland with Regimental Bugler

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The Governor of Queensland with Battalion Association Members

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BRIG Pearce Comd 11 Bde Delivering a Reading at Service

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LTCOL (Retd) Chris Cummings Delivering Reflections Address

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Association Members Gathering around the Colours at Conclusion of the Service

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Brisbane Branch President Tony Wadeson Being Presented with Association Life Membership

By Her Excellency The Honourable Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM Governor of Queensland

(L to R) Tony Wadeson, COL (Retd) Greg Stokie RFD, Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM

 

Wreaths Laid during Service

Final Comments and Thanks on Behalf of 31st Bn Association from LTCOL (Retd) Paul Ellems:
The 31st Bn Association thanks are extended to the CO and RSM of 31/42 Bn. The Battalion’s support adds a huge extra dimension to the Commemoration particularly with the display of the 31/42 Bn Colours.
The presence of the 11 Brigade Commander, BRIG Peace, also demonstrated a huge commitment, and respect, to the service and ex-service 31/42 community. 
The Reflections Address by Chris Cummins enlightened many of the congregation in the history of, and the impact of, the military in Australia and North Queensland. 
I received a number of compliments regarding his speech.

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