The Premier of New South Wales, the Hon Barry O’Farrell MP launched Reserve Forces Day 2012 at Parliament House, Sydney on Saturday 26 November 2011. The launch was spectacular and moving, The Premier standing near where Sir William Lyne would have when he announced New South Wales would send troops to the Boer War in 1899.

The day started ominously, usually sunny Sydney was not so. It was raining heavily, and had done so for days. There were thoughts of cancelling the parade of Boer War descendants, and unit standards from Hyde Park North to Parliament House when the sky cleared, sun came out and temperature seemed to rise by 10 degrees. Some put it all down to the presence of Captain Fred Nile ED (Ret’d) and his reputed capacity to commune with the almighty, the rest just considered the force was strong near John Moore.

A great parade and ceremony followed. Please click on the thumbnails to access video of the parade and speeches.

The parade from Hyde Park North to Parliament House Sir Laurence Street and Lieutenant Colonel John Moore open proceedings. Senator Mark Thistlethwaite delivers the Prime Minister's message. The Hon Barry O'Farrell MP, Premier of NSW launches Reserve Forces Day 2012. Colonel John Haynes introduces the Boer War theme. Keith Anderson recites the Lancers' Revellie by AB Patterson.

Please select the image to your left to hear PTE Elizabeth Smith sing "Soldiers of the Queen" accompanied by MUSN Tom Urquhart on the piano.

Rehearsal for the National and NSW Launch

On Sat 12 Nov 11 the rehearsal for the National and NSW Launch was held in Hyde Park North and Parliament House. We were very pleased with the number on parade.

A special presentation was made during morning tea of two RAAF Standards as well as the white carriers and carry bag donated by the City of Sydney.

Councilor Shayne Mallard represented the Lord Mayor of Sydney. Councilor Mallard has been a great supporter of RFD. He is a Councilor in the South Sydney Council and was responsible for having the Minister of Defence at the time appearing on our TV CSA.

• The first Standard presented by the Councilor, represents No 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron RAAF, formerly a Citizen Air Force Squadron formed in 1936. The Squadron protected the Sydney area should there be war. Upon the outbreak of WWII, the Squadron served with distinction in the Pacific and a courageous pilot was awarded the Victoria Cross for Valour. The Squadron’s last flight, in 1956, flew over Sydney in a flight of eight Meteor aircraft and bid farewell as it returned to RAAF Base Richmond to continue to proudly serve as a non flying Squadron.
   
• The second Standard presented by the Councilor, represents those members who served as National Servicemen in the RAAF and for all other RAAF members to rally behind.

The Parade Commander LTCOL Wayne Butler and the OIC Standard Party Capt Michael Carrodus presented the RFDC Recognition badges to the qualified Standard Bearers and asked them to wear them at the Launch so that they are readily recognised and thanked by the VIPs. The members have been awarded a the Badge after achieving the performance level required. The badges are also awarded in recognition of the commitment, dedication and extra time they contribute to successful parades and launches.

Comemorating the Boer War 1899 - 1902

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. FIND OUT MORE about the Boer War.

Mouse-over images for details.