by Ian Dimmock
Busy time for sub-branch
Old Bar RSL Sub-branch had a busy time in the prelude to Anzac Day. Some members took part in the Old Bar Public School Anzac commemoration ceremony, as they do every year.
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Their April meeting saw the preparations for the events of Tuesday finalised. Last Thursday, members attended Estia in Taree to conduct an Anzac event there. This is also an annual commitment by our members.
Anzac Sunday was observed last Sunday at Our Lady of Fatima church. This saw the result of the purple poppy project on display for the first time. Purple poppy wreaths were displayed, along with a number of red poppies.
Anzac Sunday address
By Ian Dimmock
Anzac Day traditionally commemorates the landing of Australian and NZ troops on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915. Following WWII, Anzac Day has been accepted as commemorating all service men and women who fought in all wars, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice. Today, I would like to focus briefly on a service not always recognised in relation to wartime, the Merchant Navy.
Merchant ships were designed to carry cargo, not as warships, and were particularly vulnerable to torpedo and air attack. Their role in supply was, however, crucial. Wars would have ground to a halt but for merchant ships carrying troops and vital cargo.
Merchant seamen had little chance of rescue or survival should their ship be sunk.
In both world wars, the merchant fleet was placed under the control of the government.
On September 3, 1939, just eight hours after Britain had declared war on Germany, the unarmed passenger ship SS Athenia, with 1103 passengers and crew sailing from Britain to Canada, was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the North Atlantic. 93 passengers died along with 19 crew, one being an Australian.
One of the worst of many war crimes committed by the Japanese Navy involved the sinking of the brightly illuminated Australian Hospital ship, 'Centaur' off the coast east of Brisbane in May 1943. It was crewed by Australian merchant navy seamen. It sank in three minutes with massive casualties, including 11 of the 12 nurses on board.
About 50 merchant ships were attacked off the coast of Australia and many young Australians enlisted on foreign flagged ships.
At the end of World War II, the British and Australian governments issued campaign medals in a like manner to the military.
The casualty rate for combined allied navy, army and air force during World War II was 1 in 28. For the Merchant Navy, it was 1 in 9. The reason being that not all military personnel went to front line positions, however, all merchant seamen were potentially in harm's way every time they put to sea.
Craft at Old Bar
Term 2 commences on Wednesday, May 3 at the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, Hall Street, Old Bar, 11am – 2pm. Our first workshop is a pleated coat-hanger. Wilma will lead us through the steps of what is both pretty and practical and would make a beautiful gift for a special occasion. Requirements are a wooden coat-hanger, ball of wool, knitting needles, 3 metres of eyelet lace (white, fringed with colour) and wadding.
Our workshop for May 17 sees Joy demonstrating a set of beads to fasten to the coat-hanger centre which will really set it off. For requirements check out our information in this column next fortnight.
Craft at Old Bar is open to all ladies. You do not need to participate in a workshop, you are most welcome to bring along your own current craft project, or do nothing and just come along and enjoy yourself. You will need to bring your lunch ( tea and coffee are provided ) and your craft kit. Further information available from 6553 2500 or 0415 785 608.
Probus Club of Old Bar
The Probus Club of Old Bar Beach meets at Club Old Bar on the fourth Thursday of each month at 10am for a general meeting, friendship/fellowship, morning tea and to hear a guest speaker. Regular weekly activities of our club include a Wednesday morning walking group and a ten-pin bowling group that bowls on Thursdays in Taree. A picnic day is held each month and we also have a diners’ club that visits a different local restaurant each month. Other social activities are also arranged.
Our club encourages membership of both men and women who are welcome to come along as guests to a meeting with a view to possibly joining us as a member. For further information please contact Rita on 6553 7711.