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Digging our Diggers….our “Sallyman’s” reflection

25 April 2012

The 25th April has long been an honoured date on the Australian calendar.  No doubt many of us have significant childhood memories of Anzac Day that have since permeated into our adult memories, perhaps even changing in their significance over the years.  The Salvation Army has a huge reputation amongst our defense force purely due to the dedication of our Sallyman and his readiness to serve a hot cup of tea or an ice cold “jube”.

As a young girl I remember watching the Anzac Day parade on television and seeing how many Salvation Army Bands and Timbrel Brigades I recognized.  I came to realize that Anzac Day wasn’t about bands that marched in the parade, but about the diggers, our brave men and women of the Australian Defense Force that have contributed to our safety and freedom as a nation. Having lived in the garrison city of Townsville, home of Lavarack Barracks (Australia’s largest military base) my awareness of our digger’s sacrifice has become even more finely tuned.

I recently spoke to Major Col Kingston (Red Shield Defense Services Senior Representative and Officer in Charge at Lavarack Barracks) and asked for his view of Anzac Day and his involvement on the day.

This year Col will be on duty early with a special parade on 24th April in remembrance of the Battle of Kapyong from the Korean War. Col is attached to the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR). This was the battalion that fought in the Battle of Kapyong 23rd and 24th April 1951. “With the Sydney based 3RAR having joined their Townsville based troops it is the first time this parade has taken place up here in the north, so we’re expecting about 5000 people to be there.” Col said.

On Anzac Day Col is representing the Padres at a 5.30am Dawn Service Parade at the barracks before heading off to one of the two 9.30am parades that take place every year in Townsville. Being a “Sallyman” for RSDS, Col will see to it that the three “Sallyman” trucks are armed and ready to serve refreshments to the troops before and after the parades as well as to the general public. 

A few years ago Col was deployed with his troops to East Timor. As a returned serviceman, Col now views Anzac Day from a different perspective. When asked what this significant day means to him there was an obvious pause. “For me it’s not so much a celebration but rather a time for remembrance, for those deployed that didn’t return.” he said. Col sadly knows all too well of the tragedy when troops don’t come home. Since last Anzac Day he recalls about six of our Aussie diggers deployed from Townsville who never returned. Given that his unit of 3RAR is preparing for deployment in a few weeks, honouring the fallen with reverent respect is all the more significant for Col.

So as you watch the parade on television, enjoy the marching bands, but take a moment to remember our “Diggers” from a bygone era as well as those here and now continuing on our heritage of mateship, pride and a great fighting spirit….with our “Sallyman” by their sides. 

Lest we forget.

Report by Major Carolyn Harmer

Comments

  1. David Jenkins
    David Jenkins

    Always topical, thanks you.

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