POZIERES COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE 2013
(Story and photos by FFFAIF Vice President Jim Munro)
The annual Commemorative Service for the Battle of Pozieres was held at Saint Columba Church, Woollahra on Sunday 21 July 2013. The band of The Scots College Pipes and Drums heralded the start of the service as they marched down Ocean/Forth Street towards the church. Lieutenant-Colonel Terry Betts Commanding Officer of 1/19 Royal New South Wales Regiment, took the salute.
Photo: The Scots College Pipes and Drums as Lieutenant-Colonel Terry Betts Commanding Officer of 1/19 Royal New South Wales Regiment takes the salute accompanied by Rev. Dr. Alan Russell,
More than 110 people attended the service including Members of the Association of the First Infantry Battalions and Association Des Anciens Combatants Francais (Association of French Veterans NSW).
Photo: The Queen’s and Regimental Colours of the First Battalion entering the church carried by the Colour Party of the RNSWR
The standards were received at the altar by Rev. Dr. Alan Russell, who conducted the Service along with Rev Brian Jago.
Photo: The Queen’s and Regimental Colours of the First Battalion laid upon the altar during the service along with the Australian and 1st Bn Association flags
Beneath the Pozieres Cross and the original 1st Bn Colours, The Last Post was played by Bugler Ms Jean Hope and The Ode was recited by WO1 Nathan Ahearn RSM 1/19th RNSWR. The Lament was followed by Reveille being sounded.
Photo: The Pozieres Cross and 1st Battalion AIF flags
The French National Anthem was sung by Tanith Bryce and pianist Mme Giselle Hoarau accompanied the singing of the Australian National Anthem.
Rev Dr Alan Russell reflected on the passing of Major-General Sandy Pearson AO, DSO, OBE, MC (Retd) during the year.
At the conclusion of the Service the Queen’s and Regimental Colours of the First Battalion were returned to the Colour Party of the RNSWR and the First Battalion Flag and Australian flags were returned.
Photo: At the conclusion of the Service the Queen’s and Regimental Colours of the First Battalion were returned to the Colour Party of the RNSWR by Rev. Russell
Following the Service, there was an opportunity to reflect on the memory of those who lost their lives at Pozieres on 23 July 1916. On display was the photo of an unidentified Digger who members of the Congregation seek to be able to reunite with his relatives. 
Photo: The Soldier on the Wall
Lest We Forget