Mild and still conditions set the scene for reflection at a brief but poignant Dawn Service in Leongatha, many people paying their respects.
Lieutenant Colonel (retired) John Blunt, a member of the Committee of Management for the Leongatha RSL, spoke of his great uncle George Collins who landed at Gallipoli on the first day of hostilities there, later serving in France.
While George made it home to Australia after the Great War, marrying and having a son, that son died as a prisoner of war in WWII.
“George, like many of his contemporaries, enlisted in the First Australian Imperial Force in September 1914; after initial training, George and his mates sailed on the first convoy that departed Australia in November 1914 and for many that was the last time they saw Australia,” Lieutenant Colonel Blunt said.
George’s 3rd Battalion served in many of the Gallipoli battles, including at Lone Pine.
The 3rd Battalion was later split, George being moved to the 55th Battalion which served on the Western Front at places including Fromelles, the Somme and Bullecourt.
He was eventually promoted to Warrant Officer, going on to receive a Meritorious Service Medal, one of only three awarded to the Battalion.
“His citation reads in part, ‘Under the most trying of weather conditions, you so controlled the preparation and forwarding of rations to the battalion in the front line that the spirits and morale of the men were always of the highest order, which contributed largely to the success of operations’,” Lieutenant Colonel Blunt said.
People were encouraged to remember the soldiers whose names are commemorated on the many memorials in cities and towns throughout Australia and overseas.
“We also remember those who have served and those who today are serving,” Lieutenant Colonel Blunt said.
Wreaths were laid and the Last Post rang out, the service soon at an end and attendees invited to enjoy a gunfire breakfast at Leongatha RSL.