45th Btn Plaque unveiled

45^th Battalion Commemorative Plaque

Photo: 45^th Battalion Commemorative Plaque

On Saturday 7 November 2009 a Commemorative Plaque to recognise the sacrifice and service of the members of the 45^th Infantry Battalion was unveiled at Mortdale Memorial Park, Boundary Road Mortdale in front of a crowd of over 100 people.

The Catafalque and Colour Party for the ceremony were members of the 233 Regional Cadet Unit – St George. The Australian Army Band provided the music for the occasion. Members of the Association Des Anciens Combattants Francais were also present at the service.

Photo: 233 Regional Cadet Unit – St George
provided the Catafalque and Colour Party

The Memorial Plaque was arranged by the 45^th Battalion Association, The St George Regiment with the assistance of the Hurstville City Council and Mortdale RSL Sub-Branch and financed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Photo: The Address by Councillor Philip Sansom, Mayor of Hurstville with Master of Ceremonies WO1 Wally Thompson OAM (Rtd), 45^th Battalion Association

The Plaque was unveiled by Major General R. Sharp. 

During the service Theodore Arfaras, representing the President of the Association Des Anciens Combattants Francais presented the 45^th Battalion Association with a World War 1 1914 French Army Helmet, in original condition. Mr Arfaras said “this helmet displays the grenade and anchor which means it was worn by a member of the colonial armies of France also known by the nickname the Black Force of General Mangin. I thought it was right that the Aussies have a memento of this day as a token of gratitude from the French ….. this helmet was an appropriate one’.

Photo: 1914 French Army Helmet

FFFAIF was represented by its President Russell Curley with Vice President Jim Munro, Secretary Chris Munro, Membership Secretary Alan Kitchen and Members Sean McManus and John Minehan in attendance.

Photo: FFFAIF President Russell Curley laid a wreath
on behalf of FFFAIF Members

Photo: Master of Ceremonies WO1 Wally Thompson OAM (Rtd),
45^th Battalion Association

Photo: Members of 45^th Battalion Association

Photo: Representatives of the Association Des Anciens Combattants Francais and the Australian Army soldiers who accepted custody of the 1914 French Army Helmet

Photo: Commemorative Certificate
produced by 45^th Battalion Association

If you are interested in finding out more about the 45^th Battalion Association  please contact the Association’s Secretary:
The Secretary
45th Battalion
P.O. Box 292
Rozelle
NSW 2039

The photos of the service were taken by FFFAIF member Chris Munro.

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF applauds the joint Australian–UK decision, announced by The Hon Greg Combet AM MP and the Hon Kevan Jones MP, to conduct a full DNA testing program on the remains of Australian and British soldiers found in mass graves at Pheasant Wood (Fromelles), and for their continuing commitment to identify as many of the fallen as is possible. We also thank the Australian, UK and French governments for affording dignified individual reburials for these soldiers, buried by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916, in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery presently under construction at Fromelles.