Anzac Day, Brisbane. 1995.
Once again Brisbane turned on a beautiful sunny day for the occasion of Anzac Day. At the assembly area we saw what has become the usual excitement of old friends seeing each other for the first time in a year or sometimes many years. This year we were fortunate enough to have obtained the services of the 9th Battalion Royal Queensland Regiment band of pipes and drums thanks to George Badgajluk.
Our contingent was ably led once again by Colonel Harry Green, followed by the Flag Party, Banner and main then came a Dodge, vintage World War II Troop carrying truck, acquired for the occasion by Alastair Martin. This mode of transport was used to convey some of the elderly N.G V.R members who would have found the length of the march a little bit difficult. As the contingent passed the Dodge at the transport area waiting to join us, Jack Goad and his mates had smiles from "ear to ear". I think the Dodge either brought back a few memories of yesteryear or they must have seen something to draw their attention among our members m marching past.
After the march a small wreath laying ceremony was held in the Hall of Memories at the N.G.V.R. Plaque, dedicated to our fallen. Tom Lega MM. and Jack Goad had the honour of laying this year's wreath. With formalities completed for the time being it was down to the Stock Exchange Hotel five minutes away, to get down to the social part of the day, to enjoy finger foods and light refreshments. The 9 RQR Band also joined us for a short while.
A display of NGVR and PNGVR memorabilia due to the dedication of John Holland was available for viewing. lt was of an excellent standard and I would like to thank John on behalf of the Committee and Members for all the work and thought that had gone Into the display. It was extremely interesting and you could almost see the NGVR members with their brains ticking over remembering when and where. John has agreed to present a similar display next year with different material for viewing. It ls pleasing to see that the wives and children showed great interest in the display and asked many questions of the Unit's activities, this also would help them understand Dad's life as a soldier.
Our hosts looked after us extremely well with the food and service being plentiful to everyone's satisfaction. On thanking the staff at the conclusion of the day we were congratulated on the standard of our behaviour with no drunks to report once again. I feel we have found a "home" for Anzac Day. Throughout the reception there were the various toasts, The Queen, Anzacs and of course the Regiment. These were followed by a speech by Colonel Green and a quick meeting to discuss the Association's constitutional amendments. As the day drew on, it was noticeable that the members were staying longer and as usual everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and some so much that it was early evening before they left.
In conclusion, our host looking after us so well, no other rowdy functions in the same rooms, and asking the opinions of other Members we have decided to hold our plaque dedication to the Montevideo Maru and next years Anzac Day functions at the same venue. Thanks go to the interstate and overseas members who, some at great expense, showed their dedication in making the journey to Brisbane for the occasion.
(By) JOE FISK
Our contingent was ably led once again by Colonel Harry Green, followed by the Flag Party, Banner and main then came a Dodge, vintage World War II Troop carrying truck, acquired for the occasion by Alastair Martin. This mode of transport was used to convey some of the elderly N.G V.R members who would have found the length of the march a little bit difficult. As the contingent passed the Dodge at the transport area waiting to join us, Jack Goad and his mates had smiles from "ear to ear". I think the Dodge either brought back a few memories of yesteryear or they must have seen something to draw their attention among our members m marching past.
After the march a small wreath laying ceremony was held in the Hall of Memories at the N.G.V.R. Plaque, dedicated to our fallen. Tom Lega MM. and Jack Goad had the honour of laying this year's wreath. With formalities completed for the time being it was down to the Stock Exchange Hotel five minutes away, to get down to the social part of the day, to enjoy finger foods and light refreshments. The 9 RQR Band also joined us for a short while.
A display of NGVR and PNGVR memorabilia due to the dedication of John Holland was available for viewing. lt was of an excellent standard and I would like to thank John on behalf of the Committee and Members for all the work and thought that had gone Into the display. It was extremely interesting and you could almost see the NGVR members with their brains ticking over remembering when and where. John has agreed to present a similar display next year with different material for viewing. It ls pleasing to see that the wives and children showed great interest in the display and asked many questions of the Unit's activities, this also would help them understand Dad's life as a soldier.
Our hosts looked after us extremely well with the food and service being plentiful to everyone's satisfaction. On thanking the staff at the conclusion of the day we were congratulated on the standard of our behaviour with no drunks to report once again. I feel we have found a "home" for Anzac Day. Throughout the reception there were the various toasts, The Queen, Anzacs and of course the Regiment. These were followed by a speech by Colonel Green and a quick meeting to discuss the Association's constitutional amendments. As the day drew on, it was noticeable that the members were staying longer and as usual everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and some so much that it was early evening before they left.
In conclusion, our host looking after us so well, no other rowdy functions in the same rooms, and asking the opinions of other Members we have decided to hold our plaque dedication to the Montevideo Maru and next years Anzac Day functions at the same venue. Thanks go to the interstate and overseas members who, some at great expense, showed their dedication in making the journey to Brisbane for the occasion.
(By) JOE FISK
Before the march. Col. Harry Green, Col. Mal Bishop.
Bob Harvey-Hall, Tom Lega MM (NGVR/ANGAU), Peter Harbeck.
The March. Col Harry Green leading followed by Sir Denis Buchanan (Patron).
Patron Sir Denis Buchanan, Australian flag - Colin Gould, Association flag - Simon Hui, PNG flag - ?.
Association members during the march
John Holland pushing his father Frank Holland MBE in the wheelchair, Ken MacGowan.
Alan Bell and his family in the Hall of Memories with a wreath for the Service.
President Harry Green addressing those at the reception.
The Piper at the reception
Above. Stan Gould
Below. Association members - father and son. Colin Gould and Stan Gould.
Below. Association members - father and son. Colin Gould and Stan Gould.
A group at the reunion. Sir Denis Buchanan, Joe Fisk, Harry Green, ?, Martin O'Sullivan, Mr & Mrs Barry Beaman.
Phil Ainsworth, Bruce Johnson, Kel Williams, Ivan Old, ? , Alan Bell, Colin Gould.
Simon Hui,? , Ralph Seeto, Karl Aschhoff.
Phil Ainsworth, Bruce Johnson, Kel Williams, Ivan Old.
