ANZAC SPIRIT UNDAUNTED
The rain did not deter those who came to the Gunning Anzac Day commemoration to honour the sacrifices of the Great War and all other conflicts that secured the freedoms we enjoy today.
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After the Gunning dawn service, New Zealand born Ana Kopua (now a district resident) recorded her pride in both her Maori grandfathers who had fought alongside their Australian brothers. This is a timely reminder that NZ makes up a vital part of the potent ANZAC symbol.
Former and serving members of the armed forces, relatives marching in memory of loved ones, Gunning and Dalton Public Schools students and pupils from Trinity Catholic College formed the parade.
A sea of umbrellas greeted the marchers, a colourful contrast to the more sombre ceremony of remembrance and gratitude.
ABIDE WITH ME
The Reverend Haydn Swinbourn noted in introducing the first hymn “Abide with Me” that at the very first Anzac commemoration in 1917, there was no music but when a lone voice started singing this moving hymn, those assembled soon added their own voices.
Wreaths were laid by school representatives, Councillor John Searl, Mrs Anita Simmons, Mr Graeme McKeown and members of the public.
100 years ago the two battles of Bullecourt were waged taking over 20,000 allied lives including district men: Clarence Bush, Rupert Fisher, William Meldrum and Aubrey Donald Old.
BOOK LAUNCHED
During the ceremony, Mr John Shaw OAM launched “From the Bush to the Battle – Gunning District and the Great War”, a new book by Terry O’Neill with a foreword by Dr Brendan Nelson AO, Director of the Australian War Memorial.
O’Neill’s great-uncle was Private E H J Ravaillion, named on the Cenotaph. On behalf of his daughter Mavis Viner and great nieces Kathlean Thomas and Terry O’Neill who attended the Gunning ceremony, his granddaughter Marilyn Scott laid a wreath. Mrs Viner wore the sash of the 53rd Battalion, AIF in memory of her father.
The handsome volume is the result of years of research by Terry O’Neill who has childhood connections to Gunning. The author gratefully acknowledges those who assisted her research including Trevor Lawton, Lance Cooke and Dave Findlay.
Terry O’Neill shared some stories from her book at the Q&A session in Gunning Courthouse and later over lunch at the Old Coach House Stables. To purchase the book, please contact Terry O’Neill at intwitch1@gmail.com or enquire from Historical Society 4845 1809.
