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In honour and memory of the 23,000 Reservists who fought in the Boer War 1899- 1092 , the Governor-General has approved a Commemorative Certificate to be awarded to serving and former members who take part in Reserve Forces Day celebrations in 2012 - the 110th Anniversary of the end of the war. Close to 1,000 were killed in the war.

The certificate will be signed by Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO and the National and NSW Chairman of the Reserve Forces Day Council Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC. The design will be different to past designs and will capture the era and heraldry of the Boer War and current Reservists.

Nominations will only be accepted from Unit Associations. If you are not in an Associations see the button on the left of this screen to ASSOCIATIONS.

Serving Reservists are encouraged to attend. Check out the Community Service Announcements on this site CLICK HERE.

2012 - Commemorating the Boer War

In 2012, Reserve Forces Day comemorates the 110^th anniversary of the treaty signing to end the Second Boer War at Tshwane (Pretoria) on 31 May 1902.

The Boer War saw the deployment of 1,600 Australian Cavalry, Mounted Infantry (some infantry were sent but quickly mounted), Artillery, Medical and specialist troops from all Australian states, almost all were serving part-time soldiers and had the bush skills needed to sway this conflict.  At Belmont on 19 November 1899 the New South Wales Lancers became the first Australians in combat, and at Sunnyside on 1 January 1900 Trooper Victor Jones of the Queensland Mounted Infantry became the first Australian to die in battle.  516 young Australians lost their lives, Six Australian soldiers were awarded VC's and three of our nurses were awarded Royal Red Cross. Our soldiers were dying when our nation was formed. We should never forget them.

Mouse-over images for details.

We will also recognise Reservists in the three services and those who are currently serving overseas.

Register your Interest to March If you are interested in taking part in Reserve Forces day 2012, use the button to the left to register your interest. You will receive updates about the parades in your state.

The objective of the Reserve Forces Day is to raise the profile of the Navy, Army and Air Force Reserve, to recognise former and serving Reservists (including those who served in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF), and Citizen Air Force (CAF)) and to thank partners and employers for their support.

Reserve Forces Day is celebrated across Australia and is the annual recognition for serving and former members, the 1.25M Australians who have served in the nation's Reserve Forces. These public parades would not be possible without the wonderful support of our sponsors.

Volunteers under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC formed the Reserve Forces Day Council in NSW in 1998. The inaugural National Chairman was the late Sir Roden Cutler VC AK KCMG KCVO CBE. Sir Laurence is now the National and New South Wales Chairman.

The Council is made up in the main of former members of the Navy, Army and Air Force who give of their time voluntarily to run the Reserve Forces Day activities. The inaugural Reserve Forces Day in 1998 celebrated the 50th anniversary of the reforming of the Citizen Military Forces after World War II on 1 July 1948 and Reserve service. The date of the first of July was chosen as the official date of Reserve Forces Day with the celebrations being held on that day or the weekend before or following that date.

The first parade was held on Wednesday the first of July 1998 with 8,000 serving and former members marching along George Street Sydney, in total 12 cities throughout the nation held parades with 22,000 serving and former members taking part with present and former equipment. It was such a success that many new Unit Associations were formed and existing Associations had increases in their membership. The Unit Associations and their members still see themselves as part of the Australian Defence Force family and although they are no longer serving are keen to support the current unit and their members. Such was the success of the 1998 event that parades and celebrations are now run annually throughout Australia.

By 2010, 20 parades and celebrations were held throughout Australia including 7 in NSW.

2010 Parade Video Available for Purchase

The 2010 National (Sydney) Reserve Forces Day Parade Video is now available for purchase. A steal at $25. Click Here to visit our online shop.

RFDC Dress and Ceremonial Standards

Click Here to download the Reserve Forces Day Council Dress and Ceremonial Standards Manual (460 kb .pdf file). This manual is designed to give associations an indication of what is required to win a council award.

Click Here to download the details of standards drill, a handout for standards bearers

Reservists and former Reservists of Australia, this is your site. If you have information that needs to be published, or comments on this site please do not hesitate to contact the Webmaster.