ANZAC DAY 2023
Cooler but fine and windy weather made for more comfortable marching conditions for our Brisbane Anzac Day march this year, a sharp contrast to last year’s rain sodden affair. Although Army preceded Navy and Air Force and we were number 38 to march off, it was an extremely slow start.
About 20 members and friends made up our marching contingent with another four with carers riding in the jeeps. Although we marched without music, friendly observers remarked how well we looked particularly as we passed the King George Square saluting platform.
President Phil Ainsworth lead the group followed by flag bearers Peter Rogers ( the younger) carrying the Australian flag, Kieran Nelson with the PNG flag and Mike Griffin with Regiment’s flag. The NGVR/PNGVR Banner bearers were Ian Thompson and Gil Harvey-Hall. Given the windy conditions, the flag and banner carriers did a remarkable job, thank you.
Following the march, we immediately moved to the usual watering hole, the Stock Exchange Hotel for our Reunion. Thirty-eight members and friends were in attendance to enjoy the camaraderie and finger food. Phil Ainsworth was asked and he gave a briefing about the recent finding of the MV Montevideo Maru by the Silent World Foundation Team in the Fugro Equator ship in the South China Sea about 100km north-west of the northern tip of Luzon Island, Philippines. Phil, a member of this team received daily briefings from Andrea Williams who was on the ship at the time of the find.
Overall, it was a very pleasant day. Thank you to Colin Gould and Paul Brown for arranging the day, with a special thank you to Paul Brown for his multiple tasking on the day when Colin was unable to attend.
Brisbane before the march. Gerry McGrade, Ian Thompson, Charles Blake and his sons, Glen O'Brien, Martin O'Sullivan, John McGrath, Phil Ainsworth, Gil Harvey-Hall, Kevin Shorthouse, Mal Zimmerman, Simon Hui, Robert Jackway-Koomans, Ken Duus, Charles Blake's father and Ken Duus's grandfather were both NGVR/ANGAU)
Simon Hui, Kevin Shorthouse
Waiting for the Jeep. Doug Ng, Roy Edward, Paul Brown.
As he was needed to supervise the PNGVR Jeep group Paul was not able to march with the main body.
As he was needed to supervise the PNGVR Jeep group Paul was not able to march with the main body.
About to march off. Mike Griffin Assn flag, Kieran Nelson PNG flag, Peter Rogers (the younger) Australian Flag.
Passing ANZAC Square.. Banner bearers Ian Thompson and Gil Harvey-Hall struggling with the banner in a strong wind.
Terri Ng, Paul Brown, Doug Ng in Jeep
Ian Thompson, John McGrath, Doug Ng, Phil Ainsworth, Glen O'Brien at the reception.
Terri Ng, Sarah Weight, Doug Ng, Wendi Ng, Fran Ng.
Paul Brown reading the list of the Departed Comrades prior to proposing his toast.
Robert Jackway-Koomans, his family, Mike Griffin
Roy Edward, his son and grandson.
Simon Hui, Gerry McGrade, Dr. Georgia Phillips, Joyce McGrade, Charles Blake, Tina Vetada.
Kristoff Janezic (Gil's son in law), Gil Harvey-Hall, Mal Zimmerman, Marie Zimmerman.
Fran Ng, Ian Thompson, John McGrath, Doug Ng, Glen O'Brien.
Noel Kenna at Warrnambool, Vic.
Above and below. Karl Aschhoff conducting the ANZAC Day service at his nursing home in Charleville, Qld.
Dawn Service Bomana Cemetery, Port Moresby, PNG.
Above and below - Dawn Service Rabaul PNG.
Above - Tobuan (Tolai spiritual person) laying wreath at Rabaul
Below - Rabaul locals laying flowers
Below - Rabaul locals laying flowers
Organisers and Officials after the Dawn Service in Rabaul.