May Newsletter
Ashfield RSL Sub-Branch Anzac Sunday (Sunday 24 April 2005)
Twenty members of the Association participated in the Sunday memorial service at Ashfield Park and then after the service formed up behind the Association’s Banner to march back to the RSL Club.
Serving members of the 3 Tpt Coy RACT provided the catafalque party.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Association, by our patron, LTCOL Michael Miller, and for 3 Tpt Coy RACT by the OC MAJ James Beaton.
After the march the members of the Association and 3 Tpt Coy RACT, adjourned to the RSL Club to enjoy food and liquid nutriment for several hours, which was provided by the club.
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| Anzac Day (Monday 25 April 2004) |  |
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On the following day twenty members of the Association once again formed up behind the banner but this time for the Sydney Anzac Day march. As on the previous day the Association Banner was proudly carried by two students from Ashfield Boys’ High School.
The association again looked
quite conspicuous with most members wearing the RAASC or RACT Tie and
displaying on their blazers the RAASC or RACT Pocket.
At the completion of the march members quickly moved to the Shark Hotel,
in Liverpool Street, Sydney for the annual reunion, along with other Units
of the Corps. A number of members joined us throughout the day with most
departing around 1800Hrs.
On behalf of the committee I would like to thank all those members who attended both days, especially those members from outer metropolitan areas and interstate.
The photos of Anzac Day 2005 as shown are courtesy of Ian “Cleo” Cleland.
Our next get together will be Reserve Forces Day on the 3rd July 2005, I urge all members who can, to attend this event. The parade this year will celebrate and acknowledge three significant occasions:
· 90th Anniversary of
the Gilgandra Coo-ee Recruiting March
· 90th Anniversary of the formation of the 2nd Division on 26 July
1915
· 50th Anniversary of the formation of 1 Commando Company on 1
July 1955
The 2nd Division will be given
pride of place and lead the Army section for the march in the following
order:
HQ 2 DIV
2 Div non Bde units & Assns
HQ 5 Bde
5 Bde unit & Assns.
HQ 8 Bde
8 Bde unit & Assns.
Following the Division, other
units will be in Corps and unit seniority order of precedence.
The Association will be marching behind 5 Bde.
The Association will be located on the western side of College Street
near St Mary’s Cathedral, with the banner in place at 1045Hrs and
members forming up behind the Banner at 1100hrs, march off will be between
1145 - 1200hrs.
As for last years march, Public Transport (Government Buses and trains) is free for participants in this year’s march, providing you are wearing beret/medals. Train travel covers areas from Scone in the north, to Moss Vale in the southwest, to Lithgow in the west and to Nowra in the south.
Members, who would normally use private bus companies, will need to check if free travel is available with that particular bus company. In previous years the travel has been free.
Suggested dress is, navy blue jacket, grey trousers, and beret and for those who have them, RAASC/RACT Corps tie.
After the march the Association
will meet at The New South Wales Leagues Club in Phillip Street along
with 12 Coy.
We have included in this “Newsletter” communication received from 2 Div. giving a brief history of the Division. and a list of activities planned for the 90th Anniversary. If any member would like to attend the 90th Anniversary Parade at Victoria Barracks on the 30th July 2005 please contact, LTCOL Ian Lalas (Mob 0438 261 546 or 02 9349 0302) direct so that he can arrange entrée cards.
The Association also received a letter of thanks from Sabin Zahirovic the School Captain of Ashfield Boys’ High, who was one of our Banner carriers on Anzac Day. This letter has been included and is indeed gratifying to read.
Kevin Connelly.
From the Desk of the Secretary/Treasurer.
The new membership year starts on July 1 (i.e. Membership Year 2005/2006). If you are not sure wether you are financial or not or in advance please contact me by e-mail or phone.
Remember if you have an e-mail address and wish to receive the newsletter by e-mail please let me know as this does help us to reduce our administration costs.
Subscriptions and donations from April 2005 to June 2005 are acknowledged from the following:-
K Connelly, A Curry, J Dewar, J Dilosa, R Duggan, G English, W C (John) Hill, B Howard, T Maling, R McCardell, G Marshall, B Martin, G Martin, M Miller, K O’Brien, P Pether, P Poole, P Rider, L Roche, R Ross, D Smith, H Thorley, J Walsh, J Waugh, , D Willey.
There has been no further correspondence or press releases since our last
newsletter regarding the new Australian Defence Medal but we will inform
you of any new developments.
Gary Smith.
