The National Parade in Sydney on 6 July 2008 was a great success.  Even the weather was kind, the prospect of a certificate ensured numbers were up.  Assembly outside St Mary's cathedral was under the bright yellow banners of the Catholic World Youth Day Rally, to be held later in July.  Major General Warren Glenny AO, RFD, ED and Keith Payne VC inspected the assembled association members whilst Brigadier Philip Bridie inspected the Light Horse re-enactors and historic vehicles.  The reviewing dais was outside Parliament House where the reviewing officer Rear Admiral James Goldrick AM, CSC took the salute.  The celebration was closed by reading of a message of support from the Prime Minister by his representative Senator Mark Bishop.

Use the buttons below to view a slide show and video of the parade.

Reserve Forces Day Parkes NSW 5 July 2008

Reserve Forces Day 2008 was celebrated in Parkes on Saturday 5th July 2008 by a parade, commemoration service, fellowship and dinner.

The parade was held at the Cenotaph in Cooke Park, Parkes, and the people of Parkes invited to attend.

There were around 100 people who attended together with around 40 serving and ex-reservists, national servicemen and ex-service men and women. Ex-reservists travelled from Orange, Forbes, Dubbo and Narromine for the Parade.

This was a great roll up.

The Master of Ceremonies for the Commemoration Service was SGT Greg Godde, 11 Platoon, D Coy, 1/19 Battalion RNSWR and Mrs Dawn Fardell, State Member for Dubbo, gave the Prologue Address. This was followed by Cr George Pratt, an ex-reservist, who gave a Commemoration Address on behalf of the Mayor of Parkes. Bp Harry Westcott, a national serviceman, gave the Commemoration to the Fallen and the Benediction with Keith Mulhall, Parkes RSL President, citing the Solemn Act of Commemoration. The Last Post and Reveille was played by Bugler, Paul Dawson.

Following the Commemoration Service, the Parade adjourned to the Reserve Forces Depot in Parkes for fellowship, BBQ lunch and refreshments. Also invited to this function were the families of serving and ex-reservists, ex-service men and women, RSL Women’s Auxiliary and Torch Bearers for Legacy.

The fellowship and networking that followed was extremely successful and appreciated by all. Many friendships were made, renewed and cemented.

That night, around 20 ex-reservists stayed on for a spit roast dinner and continuing fellowship.

It is days like this that promote, far and wide, the recognition of the service performed by serving and ex-reservists and confirm the standing serving and ex-reservist have in their community.

Reserve Forces Day Horsham Victoria - Sunday 29 June 2008

The official RFD Parade was preceded by a display of 15 Tpt Sqn RACT vehicles and a WW2 Jeep on Saturday 28th at the Horsham Plaza Shopping Centre.

The Sunday turned out to be wet and cold, however this did not deter the large crowd in attendance to view the march led by the Horsham City Pipe Band and participating in the following Commemorative/Service and display at the Sawyer Park Memorial on the banks of the Wimmera River.

In attendance were the Mayor of the Rural City of Horsham the Member for Lowan Mr H. Delahunty MP who was also the guest speaker together with Mr J. Forrest MP the Federal Member for Mallee The march consisted of the City Pipe Band, 15 Tpt Sqn RACT, 422 Sqn Air Force Cadets and Ex CMF/NS/ members in uniform followed by Vietnam Veterans, ex members of the CMF/NS/RSL ,4th Light Horse Troop followed by modern vehicles as operated by 15 Tpt Sqn RACT and historical military vehicles which included WW2 Jeeps, Austin Champs, Ferret Scout Cars, Stuart Tank, Bren Gun Carriers, Harley Davidson M/cycles, various Trucks etc

Seven original 1948 enlistees were in attendance at the Service together with descendants of Col James Lawson DSO of the charge of Beersheba fame.

Following the Service a Drill Display was given by members of 422 Sqn Air Force Cadets and a Mounted Musical Ride and “Skill at Arms” display was undertaken by the 4th Light Horse Troop.

To finish the day an RFD Official Luncheon and display of military memorabilia was held at the Horsham RSL.

Maj Jim Amos RFD ED (Ret) Chairman Horsham RFDC

Manning Muster Sunday 29th June 2008

The Riverina Parade 29 June 2008

The Riverina RFD Commemoration on Sun 29 June was a resounding success, with over 250 marchers & almost 400 at the Service, a remarkable increase on 2007.

The weather was fine & the day flowed without mishap, enjoyed by all with most stating intention to return in 2009, the event enjoyed much appreciated support from Ex Reservists, NSAA Sub Branches from Eurobodalla-far Sth Coast, Queanbeyan-Canberra & Wagga Wagga, Vietnam Vets Assoc's, Tumut & Wagga Wagga RSL Sub Branches, Army & Air Force Cadets plus Rep's from Legacy, DRSC, Permanent ADF Navy, Army & RAAF, The Mayor & Local State & Federal MP's, with FLTLT Paul Fernon (RAAFAR) delivering a very informative & exceptional public address.

Reports indicate Wagga's the largest RFD event in Southern NSW/ACT!

The informal luncheon at the Riverina Australian Footbal Club proved to be pleasant & much cameraderie enjoyed with the "Original 48'ers" sharing lunch with the Mayor.

Overall a magnificent recognition for Serving & Ex Reservists from the City of Wagga Wagga.

Please use the button below for a slide sho of the parade.

Ben Davey
Chairman

Brisbane and Ipswich Activities

1. The first event on the 2008 calendar for Reserve Forces Day was the all ranks tri- service Reserve Forces Dinner Dance held on the evening of Friday the 27th of June at the Riverside Receptions Centre, New Farm. Over 150 personal attended the dinner including visitors from New Caledonia and New Zealand. The dinner guests were entertained by the Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery (32 strong) for the entire evening.

2. On Saturday the 28th of June, Ipswich City Council, in conjunction with the Reserve Forces Day Committee held the inaugural Reserve Forces Day Recognition Ceremony in RSL Park in Ipswich. Australian reservists were joined by reserves from New Caledonia and New Zealand in this short but moving ceremony. The guest speaker at the ceremony was the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Paul Pisasale who spoke of the close connections between the City of Ipswich and the Defence Force including Reserves.

3. The annual Reserve Forces Day Parade through the streets of Brisbane was held on Sunday 29 June, on a bright sunny day with Her Excellency, the Governor of Queensland, Ms Quentin Bryce AC taking the salute. Some 2000 serving, and former reservists, cadets and national servicemen took part. Our New Zealand and French Reservist visitors headed the Parade. There was an enthusiastic crowd lining Adelaide St which was particularly heavy around the saluting base in King George Square. Her Excellency gave a moving address to the guests at the Civic Reception following the Parade.

4. The Chief Justice of Queensland, the Hon Paul to Jersey, hosted the inaugural Jack Lawrence Kelly Memorial Lecture in the Banco Court of the Supreme Court complex on George Street on the evening of Monday 30 June. The lecture commemorates a lifetime of service to the law and to the military by Major General J. L. Kelly CBE RFD, who was the Judge Advocate General, Army, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Over 150 judges, barristers and solicitors, including the Judge Advocate General of the Australian Defence Force, Major General Richard Tracey, attended. The lecture, on the topic of “Military Commissions” was presented by Justice George Fryberg, himself a retired reservist.

5. Large numbers of commuters making their way to Central Station stopped to watch the Reserve Forces Day Recognition Ceremony, in Anzac Square, on the evening of Tuesday, 1 July. The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery, and the National Servicemen’s Memorial Pipes and Drums provided appropriate music. The guest speaker was Justice J. A. Logan RFD of the Federal Court of Australia.

Messages of Support

Presentation of Standards

Community Service Announcements 2008

SITREP 2 - 21 Feb 2008 Looking for the First of a Million

"ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION!"
"All Eyes Focus on the Following Important Reserve Forces Day Council's,"
SITREP 2 - 21 FEB 2008
It's ON...NATIONAL RESERVE FORCES DAY PARADE SUNDAY 6 JUL 08
Looking for the First of a Million

Were you among the very first of the million Australians to join the part-time Armed Services when they were resurrected following World War 2? The search is on for those people who were at the forefront of the recruiting line-ups throughout the land for the Citizen Military Forces (CMF Army), and Citizen Air Force (RAAF) in 1948 and the RAN Reserve in 1950.

The Reserve Forces Day Council is preparing to publish a colour booklet commemorating that momentous occasion 60 years ago when the part-time Navy, Army and Air Force came into being after the mass reduction in forces size at the end of World War 2. These men and women - the originals of 1948 and 1950 - will be specially recognised at this year's Reserve Forces Day Parades and ceremonies scheduled for early July. Some of the earliest veterans have already come to the fore and provided the booklet's author - David Cooper (02) 9144 2867 - with invaluable material in the form of photographs and memories of those nostalgic times in the uniforms of Australia, half a century and a decade ago. Mr Cooper is looking for more material for the booklet. The plan is for the booklet to be distributed to this year's marchers and sent to libraries.

The Reserve Forces Day Parades in the capital cities of Australia and major regional centres will be led by these "originals" who voluntarily surrendered their weekends and leisure time - some of them after have served up to five years full-time during World War 2 - to rebuild Australia’s defences in the event of the Cold War spilling over to full blown armed conflict.

Their patriotic behaviour later inspired hundreds of thousands of Australians over the decades to follow their paths into a part-time military career, whilst maintaining a position in the civil workforce. Indeed, today's Reservists in the three services are enhancing Australia’s Defence capability through their overseas postings, where they are "in harm's way" round the clock. Together with National Service trainees, the number of Reservists who have joined up since 1 July 1948 is approaching a million and growing daily. Record numbers are expected to turn out for the Diamond Jubilee ceremonies this year to remember old mates as well as the foundation, or resurrection - of their old Navy, Army and Air Force units. To mark the occasion, The Reserve Forces Day Council is producing a Diamond Jubilee certificate to distribute to the marchers, but the will only be available to persons who register with one of the 50 Unit Associations in NSW and other states. These Unit Associations are keen to hear from former comrades, or anyone interested in membership, irrespective of former Corps, Ship or Squadron affiliations. The message is - make contact, register and join the march.

Apart from the usual great times seeing old mates and enjoying the after march reunion, you will receive a copy of the booklet and a Diamond Jubilee certificate as worthwhile keepsakes. A list of these Unit Associations for both Reserve and National Service organisations and their contact details are on the Associations Pages.

If you have stories for the booklet contact David Cooper (02) 9144 2867 - and please be quick or Noel Christensen RFDC Media and PR on 0422 082 469.

National Launch Sydney 1 December 2007

Reserve Forces Day 2008, the occasion when the Nation will recognise the military service of 1.25 million part-time soldiers since 1948, was launched nationally during a parade and ceremony at Victoria Barracks, Paddington, on Saturday 1st of December 2007

The Deputy Chief of Army, Major General John Cantwell, AO on behalf of the Chief of Defence Force, reviewed a ceremonial parade of past, present and future Reservists of the three services before officially launching of preparations for a range of Australia-wide street parades and ceremonies to mark Reserve Forces Day 2008, next July. It will be 10 years since our Inaugural celebrations and parades were held throughout Australia in 1998.

The impressive Victoria Barracks parade ground was the setting for a unique gathering of Australians in uniform remembering 60 years since the re-raising of Reserves on July 1, 1948, a date which saw the rebirth of the pre-war Militia as the CMF (Citizen Military Forces) and part time units of the Navy and RAAF. The famous Army units that were re-raised throughout Australia on that date will be celebrating their 60th birthday in 2008. On the re-raising thousands of WWII soldiers joined up to serve again many wanting to serve with their war time officers and NCOs.

20 Tri-service Unit Associations paraded their colourful cherished banners. See below for the list of Associations that took part. Brass and bagpipe bands of the famous Royal NSW Lancers and Australian Scottish Regiments and 60 Australian flags were proudly marched onto the parade ground through the Barrack’s historic main sandstone archway, borne by youthful members of the Air Force Cadets and Australian Air League.

They were joined on parade by serving Reservists, some of whom have served, or are serving, full-time with the Navy, Army and Air Force in Australia and around the globe, where our men and women in uniform are defending democracy and peace.

Also marched onto the grassy parade ground was a contingent of uniformed veterans - who represented those men and women who volunteered in 1948 for part-time Australian military service three years after World War 2 ended, at the time when mounting international tension became a national threat. They carried y the famous .303 Lee Enfield rifles used for over 50 years by the forces.

The parade and the Reserve Forces Day 2008 launch ceremony was hosted by the Honourable Sir Laurence Street, AC KCMG QC, former Chief Justice and Lieutenant Governor of NSW, and the National and State Chairman of the Reserve Forces Day Council.

Reserve Forces Day 2008 will comprise street marches in all states and territories and some large rural cities in NSW, Victoria and Queensland in early of July. As well as celebrating the 60th anniversary of the re-raising of the Citizen Military Forces now Army Reserve and the part time forces of the Navy and Air Force the year will also acknowledge how Reserve Forces enhance Australia’s Defence Capability. Four current Reserve Officers were on parade and spoke of the contribution they make and recent overseas deployments.

A big thank you to the following Association banner parties that took part in the Launch and the order they marched in. The video of the Launch shows how proud the members were of their effort. Excuse the abbreviations:

Naval Reserve, 1/15 RNSWL, 12/16 HRL, 7 Fd Regt, 18 LAA, 23 Fd Regt, RAE Sappers, 21 Construction Regt, Commando, 17 Bn, 30 Bn, 45 Bn, 3 Tpt Sqn, RAEME, WRAAC, NSAA, RHKR, Int Corps, Ordnance and 5 Fd Amb.

Photos Ron Weewan, video Warren Page.

Your webmaster was not present.  He was involved with a number of other former regular and reserve officers and senior NCOs in a planning weekend for an event that makes many military exercises seem pale by comparison.  In April 2008, Colonel Graham Fleeton (Chair of the Defence Reserves Association NSW Branch) is conducting a tour of the battlefields of the the Western Front in France and Belgium, centring on Villers-Bretonneux where on 25 April 1918, Australian troops turned back the final German thrust.  The tour will involve 700 and involve a Dawn Service at the Australian Memorial Villers-Bretonneux on 25 April 2008 (90 years on).  

The tour is nominally full, but there are reserve places available, and a follow-up tour planned for Armistice Day (11 November 2008) for those who miss out.  Every guide is researching every battle in detail to ensure the tour is memorable for all.  You can find out about the tours by visiting  www.militaryhistorytours.com.au .