THE NINETEENTH anniversary of Reserve Forces Day was commemorated in Brisbane on Saturday, July 1, with a Recognition Ceremony and Wreath Laying in Anzac Square.

The first ceremony to recognise the contribution made to the defence of the Australian nation by the Militia — a military force that is raised from within the civilian population to supplement a regular army in conflict or an emergency — was instigated in 1998 by a committee under the chairmanship of LtCol George Hulse.

This year, more than 100 former and serving members of the three services of the Australian Defence Force, international visitors including a French Reserve Unit from New Caledonia under the Command of Docteur Christian Airault, President de l’ANM ONM-NC, plus Cadets from the three services, and civilians commemorated the day organised by the Reserve Forces Day Committee headed by Captain R W G Hume (R).

Parade Commander was Squadron Leader Dennis Deering KSJ (R).

Cadets from the Naval Training Ship, Vengeance ANC, 12 Army Cadet Unit AAC and 219 (City of Brisbane) Squadron also participated in the ceremony.

The Catafalque Party was drawn from the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, the Army Reserve and the Royal Australian Air Force Reserve.

The Lawrie Young Concert Band of Brisbane provided the music.

Principal Guest was Commander Robert Horsnell CSC RANR, representing the Chief of Navy, who remains an active member of the Reserve, is semi-retired and he and his wife list themselves as Grey Nomads.

In his address to the Parade, Commander Horsnell initially recognised the efforts of LtCol Hulse, noting that “19 years on, this day is still alive and well.”

He said that as he and his wife travel Australia, they stop in country towns and villages and pay their respects at local War Memorials. “It saddens me to see the number of personnel whose names are inscribed on those memorials,” he said. “It seems that there is no corner of this country that has not been affected by the horror of war.

“In particular, my heart goes out to those communities where I see a surname repeated two or three times. I can’t even begin to comprehend the enormity of the grief those families and communities must have suffered,” he noted.

“I dare say some of the families may never have recovered.

“While we will always remember the fallen, we must also keep in our hearts their families. Lest We Forget.”

He continued: “Today we recognise the contribution made by our Reserve Force personnel — both past and present — and it is a long and distinguished contribution made by over one-and-a-quarter million Australians.”

Commander Horsnell asked those to remember that Reservists, in their many guises, served long before the nation had regular permanent forces.

Members of the Brisbane branch of the 31st Infantry Battalion Association at the Reserves Forces Day Recognition Ceremony: Ray Fogg, Tony Wadeson, Mick James, Rod Golding, Alex Garland (president of National Servicemen’s Association of Queensland), Doug Moffett, Eugene Farrell and LtCol Mick Byrne.

“Their service goes as far back as 1794 when 1,500 volunteers were raised to maintain order on Norfolk Island; from 1863 to 1864 when 2,500 personnel were sent to New Zealand to participate in the Waikato War; through the Boer War and to the catastrophes of the twentieth century.

“The long-awaited peace dividend failed to materialise at the end of the Cold War, and the world was plunged into another period of uncertainty leading to the ongoing war on terror.

“Our Reserves were and are still there,” he said.

“Not only are they there for high-end warfare, but their contribution covers the entire spectrum of conflict, from humanitarian aid and disaster relief to constabulary operations, border security — the list goes on.

“They are an integral and essential part of the Australian Defence Force — and never more so than today.

“Our Reservists have been there on every occasion, are still there either in front line combat units or direct support to operations, and they will continue to be there — simply because, that is what they choose to do.

“They stand-up when called, and get the job done,” Commander Horsnell emphasised.

“And in recognition of that service and commitment, I extend my thanks on behalf of the Australian nation to those of you who have served in the Australian Defence Reserves, and those currently serving.”

He continued: “Of course, for our Reservists to be able to focus on their mission, they must be supported by their immediate and extended families, and their employers. In recognising the service of our Reserve Forces, we must also recognise the support and sacrifice of those in the background.

“Put simply, without your support, without the flexibility, commitment and understanding, I doubt if our Reserve Forces would be as capable and proficient as they are today.”

Commander Horsnell then turned to the future, noting in particular the Cadets in attendance.

“To you junior member of the Reserve, I’d like to say that by becoming a Reservist, you have taken a huge step into a bigger world — a world of service, of sacrifice, and of discipline.

“You have joined something much bigger than yourself — an institution that is, I would argue, the greatest and most respected in Australia — the Australian Defence Force.

“It has never been a better time to have taken that step,” he advised.

“Why? There are opportunities to serve locally and abroad in a huge variety of trades and profession — with more being added as technology and threats change.”

He highlighted cyber defence as being a topical and perfect example.

“There are any number of ways your service can be structured to align with your civilian employment commitments. The training will be at no cost.

“You are more closely aligned and integrated with permanent forces than ever before — providing opportunities for sharing of knowledge, skills and experiences. Support for you, your family and employer will be there. The list goes on.

“All you have to do is decide what you want to do — just do it,” Commander Horsnell advised.

“I urge you to look at our Reserve Force’s history. Look at it and learn from the extraordinary leaders that have come from it — General Monash of Gallipoli and France fame in World War I, LtCol Honner of the 39^th Battalion on the Kokoda Track, as just two of many examples.

“You are now part of an extraordinary group of people with a long, proud and distinguished history of service.

“Follow their lead and step up. I congratulate you on your decision.

“Now it’s up to you!”

The ceremony continued with a wreath-laying, Cadets were called-on to recite The Ode, and was followed by the National Anthems of France and Australia.

During the service, Cadets also read messages from the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, and Prime Minster, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull (see below).

Commemorating Reserve Forces Day 2017

AS A PRELUDE to Reserve Forces Day in Brisbane, a Cocktails Evening was held on Friday, June 30, in the Combined Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess at Victoria Barracks, featuring Military-Style entertainment.

The event concluded with a lowering of the Flag accompanied by a Naval Hymn in an harmonised adaption of the Sunset ceremony.

Officer-in-Charge was Chief Petty Officer Ken Browning, and Naval personnel officiating at the Flag Lowering were Petty Officer Joe Lee (facing camera) and Petty Officer Lloyd Dannanberg

Ceremonial Commander was Colonel George Kearney (R), Immediate Past Colonel Commandant of the Australian Army Psychology Corps.

The cocktail reception has become a popular prelude to Reserve Forces Day in Brisbane, with previous events having been held at the Brisbane Maritime Museum and RAAF Amberley.

THE ROLE of the Reserve Forces within the Australian Military will be commemorated on Saturday, July 1, 2017.

In Brisbane on Friday night (June 30) the traditional Cocktail Party will be held in the Combined Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess at Victoria Barracks, Petrie Terrace, Brisbane.

Previous events have been held at the Brisbane Maritime Museum and RAAF Amberley.

This years Cocktail Party will feature traditional Military style entertainment, commencing at 1800 hours through till 2000 hours.

Generous finger food will be served during the evening, and each ticket holder will receive three free bar drinks. A cash bar will also be operating for when the ticket limit expires.

Dress for Military personnel is Service Dress with medals; for civilians it is Lounge Suit/After Five wear with medals.

Tickets are still available for this All Ranks event: contact Tony Wadeson (Secretary, Brisbane branch, 31^st Infantry Battalion Association) by emailing wadesonriver@aapt.net.au.

A bus will be travelling to Victoria Barracks from Kedron-Wavell RSL. Details can be obtained from Tony Wadeson.

The following morning (Saturday) a Memorial Ceremony will begin in Anzac Square, Brisbane, at 1000 hours. We require a good turn-out of members to maintain the Association’s reputation for having the highest numbers on parade. Afterwards we plan to adjourn over the road to our usual haunt to discuss the event.

Following are letters from Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Photo courtesy Felix Reitano, Ingham.

A MOVING Commemorative Service on the 75^th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea was held in Cardwell on Sunday, April 30, 2017, with a large crowd in attendance at Coral Sea Park.

Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, said he was delighted to see a large crowd of locals and visitors gather in Cardwell to show their respect and mark the important 75^th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

“It has an honour to have senior US diplomats James Carouso and Valerie Fowler in attendance, along with 93-year-old USS Lexington and Coral Sea battle veteran, Cecil Wiswell (pictured)” he said.

“A special mention must be made of Anne Mealing and Noeline Byrne, who have both made such a significant and long term commitment to this annual memorial service in Cardwell”.

Mr Cripps expressed his gratitude to all those who turned out to march in the parade, and those volunteers who helped to set-up shelter and provide catering for the community to enjoy the day in Coral Sea Park.

A special event was held at the Cardwell Community Hall on Saturday night before the 2017 Battle of the Coral Sea service in recognition of the historic 75^thanniversary.

THE FOUNDATIONS of Anzac Day were revealed on the Anzac Centenary Queensland Facebook site, especially to members of the 31^st Battalion and its predecessors.

Apparently, Canon David John Garland is referred to as the ‘architect’ of the Anzac Day activities, originally being tasked in this role by a committee formed in Brisbane in January 1916 to look at commemorating war casualties.

What is not generally known is that Canon Garland was a member of the Kennedy Regiment (the forerunner of the 31st Battalion) in 1905. In a previous edition of “Crossed Boomerangs,” produced by Bob Burla, a photo appeared of the Officers in 1905 that includes Canon Garland (middle row, on right), who was stationed in Townsville for a few years after transferring from Perth.

Two other former officers of the 31^st Battalion on the committee were Lt Eustace Murphy (back row, second from left) and Captain and Brevet Major Frederick William Toll (middle row, left).

This information adds to the extensive and proud history of the 31^st Battalion that has been accumulated over more than a century.

Anzac Day — Brisbane Branch

A ceremony was held at the Memorial of the 2/31st at South Bank before Brisbane’s Anzac March.

A fine body of men assembled for the Brisbane march.

Anzac Day — Ingham Branch

Ingham branch president, Felix Reitano, has noted that the local Dawn Service was the biggest he has ever seen.”

Ingham branch member, 98-year-old Vic Huddy, is assisted from his transport by the Commander of 8 Platoon, C Company, 1 RAR.

WHEN the French Foreign Legion flagged its place in military history at the Battle of Cameron on April 30, 1863, it created a permanent narrative that is read annually before the troops of the elite French unit on the date that marks the battle’s anniversary — and Legion Day.

The ‘Story Of Cameron’ is an epic version of a battle between the Foreign Legion and the liberal troops of the Mexican Government, during the French expedition into Mexico. It has become legend in French military history.

Secretary of the Brisbane Branch of the 31st Infantry Battalion Association, Tony Wadeson, and his wife Ronda, lay a wreath at the cenotaph. Ronda’s uncle and Tony’s relation were both killed in the first Battle of Bullecort on April 11, 1917.

On Sunday, April 30, 2017, amidst a mix of uniforms, headwear and accoutrements from fields of warfare past relative to the nations of Australia and France, a Commemoration was held at the Geebung Zillmere Bald Hills Aspley sub-branch to honour not only the 154^th anniversary of Cameron Day, but the first and second Battles of Bullecort on the Western Front in World War I.

Guests of Honour were State President of the RSL Queensland, Stewart Cameron, and President of the French Foreign Legion Association, Jose Calvo; host was the President of the GZBHA RSL Branch, Gary Lancaster.

Camerone Day is the most important event of the Legion Etranger, as it best represents the fighting spirit of these men. The wooden prosthetic hand of Captain Danjou is brought-out for display and veneration in special ceremonies at the Legion headquarters at Aubagne, France. On that day, Officers prepare the coffee for their men to celebrate the one they didn’t have time to drink before the battle.

Captain Jean Danjou is a renowned leader in the annals of French military history. He was born in Chalabre, enrolled in the Ecole Speciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr — the foremost French military academy — and graduated from the Academy at the age of 20.

The story began when the French Army beseiged Puebla. The mission of the Legion was to ensure the circulation and safety of the convoys for 120kms.

The Commander, Colonel Jeanningros, learned on April 29, 1863, that a large convoy carrying three million in cash, siege equipment and ammunition was on its way to Puebla.

Captain Danjou, his adjutant-majorm decided to send a company to meet the convoy. The third company of the Foreign Regiment was designated — but there were no officers available. Captain Danjou himself took command; sub-lieutenants Maudet (standard bearer) and Vilian (payor) joined him voluntarily.

On April 30, at 0100hrs, the company with a strength of three officers and 62 men, set out. They had travelled about 20kms when, at 7am, they stopped at Palo Verde to make coffee. At that moment, the Mexican force of 2,000 (800 cavalry and 1,200 infantry) appeared, and fighting began immediately. Captain Danjou ordered that a square be formed and, while withdrawing, successfully repulsed several cavalry charges — and inflicting severe losses on the enemy.

A 94-year-old Rat of Tobruk addressed the Commemoration lunch.

They retreated to the nearby Hacienda Cameron, an inn protected by a three metre high wall.

Captain Danjou’s plan was to create a diversion for the enemy forces to prevent attacks on the approaching convoy.

While the men were hastily organised the defence of the inn, a Mexican officer — asserting his great superiority — summoned Captain Danjou to surrender.

He replied: “We have cartridges, and we will not surrender.”

Then, raising his hand, Captain Danjou swore to defend to the death — and caused his men to take the same oath. It was then 10am.

Until 6pm, the 60 men who had not eaten or drank since the day before, and despite the extreme heat, hunger and thirst, resisted the 2,000 Mexicans.

At noon, Captain Danjou was killed with a bullet to the chest. At 2pm, Second-Lieutenant Vilain was felled by a bullet to the front. At the same time, the Mexican colonel succeeded in setting fire to the inn.

Despite the heat and smoke that increased their suffering, the Legionnaires stood their ground, though many were wounded. By 5pm, with Second-Lieutenant Maudet in command of only 12 men still able to fight, the Mexican colonel assembled his men and told them of the shame they would bear if they could not bring-down that handful of brave men.

(The words were recorded by a Legionnaire who understood the Spanish language).

The Mexican strategy was to make a general assault on the breaches that they had succeeded in opening — but not before Colonel Milan send another call for Lieutenant Maudet to surrender. This offer was repulsed with due contempt.

The final assault began. Soon, there were only five men with Maudet — Corporal Maine, Legionnaires Catteau, Wensel, Constantine and Leonhard — and each had one cartridge left.

They stand with fixed bayonets, in a corner of the courtyard, they back against a wall, and they face their enemy.

On command, they each discharged their last round at point-blank range and bayonet-charged the enemy. Lieutenant Maudet and two Legionnaires were beaten to death. Maine and his two comrades were about to be massacred — when a Mexican officer intervened and saved them.

“Rendez-vous!” he shouted. “We will surrender if you promise to raise and care for our wounded — and if you leave us weapons.” They stood alone — their bayonets trained on the enemy.

The Mexican officer replied: “Nothing is denied to men like you!”

Declaring his admiration for their courage, the Mexican officer spared the surviving men and allowed them to form an honour guard for the body of Captain Danjou. They were later released and repatriated to France. Captain Jean Danjou was buried in Cameron on May 3, 1863.

Captain Danjou’s men maintained their oath to the end. For 11 hours they resisted 2,000 enemy — killing 300 and wounding just as many. Through their sacrifice, they fulfilled the mission entrusted upon them — saving the convoy.

The Emperor Napoleon III decided that the name ‘Cameron’ should be inscribed on the flag of the Foreign Regiment, and that the names of Danjou, Vilain and Maudet be engraved in gold letters on the walls of ‘The Invalides’ in Paris

Additionally, a monument was erected in 1892 on the site of the battle. It carried the inscription (written in Latin):

They were here less than sixty
Opposed to an entiry army,
His mass crushed them.

Life rather than courage
Abandoned these French soldiers — April 30, 1863.
To their memory, the country raised this monument.”

Since then, when Mexican troops passed in front of the monument, they presented arms.

The original monument has since been abandoned, and another built. It was officially inaugurated in 1963 on the centenary of the Battle of Cameron, and carries the inscription written in French:

They were here less than sixty
Opposed to an entire army.
His mass crushed them.
Life rather than courage
Abandoned these French soldiers.

Lunch en Francaise

Following the ceremony, a lunch was held within the GZBHA RSL Club, where the food and entertainment was decidedly French.

During the speeches, mention was made of the 42^nd Battalion and its feats on the Western Front, where is earned the nomenclature of “the Australian Black Watch.”

In recently times, the 31^st Battalion has been combined to form the 31/42 Battalion of the Royal Queensland Regiment.

Seven members plus three wives of the 31^st Infantry Battalion Association attended the commemoration service and lunch.

Pictured below are some interesting aspects of French life that confronted our members.

Reserve Forces Day:

GOLD COAST: Currumbin RSL Cenotaph: Sunday, June 25 — 1000 hours

BRISBANE: Anzac Square: Saturday, July 1 — 1000 hours

IPSWICH: The Railway Workshops Museum, North Street, North Ipswich: Sunday, July 2 — 1000 hours

Brisbane Branch AGM:

GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL (under Central Station on Ann Street): March 14 — 1130 hours

Anzac Day — Tuesday, April 25:

BRISBANE:

TOWNSVILLE:

INGHAM:

CHARTERS TOWERS:

AS VISITORS to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra are bid farewell at the end of each day, they are welcomed to take part in the Last Post Ceremony.

The ceremony begins with the singing of the Australian National Anthem, followed by the poignant strains of a Lament, played by a piper. Visitors are invited to lay wreaths and floral tributes beside the Pool of Reflection.

The Roll of Honour in the Cloisters lists the names of more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations over more than a century. At each ceremony the story behind one of these names will be told. The Ode is then recited, and the ceremony ends with the sounding of the Last Post.

Pierre Seillier with Major Stephen Ward (former RSM Army) at the 99th commemoration of they Battle of Fromelles on July 19, 2015. With them is Pierre’s daughter, Charlotte.

On Friday, December 2, 2015, the Last Post Ceremony honoured the memory of Lieutenant Ernest William Spreadborough (location 119 in the Commemorative Area of the War Memorial), a member of the 31^st Battalion AIF that sailed on board A62 HMAT Wandilla enroute to Egypt.

A photo of the Battalion officers was taken at sea circa November 1915 (https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/A03377/).

Lt Spreadborough lived in Warwick, Queensland, and was killed in action at Fromelles, France, on July 19, 1916.

The Last Post Ceremony is broadcast live daily via webcam on the Memorial’s website from 4.55 pm AEDT.

The Ceremony is proudly supported by the RSL & Services Clubs Association, RSL Victoria and RSL Queensland.

The attached artwork was created by Pierre Seillier, a resident of Fromelles and an Honorary Member of the 31^st Infantry Battalion Association.

He was nominated to receive the Award by the Brisbane Branch for his efforts in fostering a link of friendship between Australian and France, and is instrumental in the organisation of the annual Anzac Day ceremony that is attracts many visitors from Australia.

Pierre is a former Staff Sergeant (Quartermaster) in the French Army, is involved in recording and maintaining the history of World War I on the Western Front and disseminating it to tour groups, and is extremely proud of his links to the 31^st Battalion.

Pictured below: The professionalism of the Perth Hills and Wheatbelt Band (WA) was on display in Fromelles in July 2015 where members entertained a large group of dignitaries, local community members and visitors from Britain and Australia.

ON THE 130^th anniversary of the proclamation of the Kennedy Regiment, a Commemorative Service was held at St James Cathedral, Townsville, yesterday (October 16).

The Queen’s and Regimental Colours of both the 31^st and 42^nd Battalions were marched into the Church in front of a packed congregation.

The Reflections Address was delivered by Major John Lavery OAM, manager of the Army Museum North Queensland.

MORE TO COME.