Pozieres Commemoration Service
Saint Columba Uniting Church, Woollahra
Sunday 27 July 2008
The annual Pozieres Commemoration Service was held at Saint Columba Uniting Church, Woollahra on Sunday 27 July. Approximately 150 people attended this service in what had been the Presbyterian Chapel associated with Victoria Barracks. Special guests this year included members of the Association Des Anciens Combatants Francais (Association of French Veterans NSW).
The Minister Rev. Dr. Alan Russell entering Saint Columba Uniting Church through a guard of honour of members of the Association of the First Infantry Battalions and the Association Des Anciens Combatants Francais (Association of French Veterans NSW).
Photo: Rev. Dr. Alan Russell [Jim Munro]
The Colour Party of the RNSWR escorting the Queen’s and Regimental Colours of the First Battalion, to be laid upon the altar during the service.
The Act of Remembrance was held at the rear of the nave under an original cross from the graveyard of Pozieres and under the Union Jack, New Zealand, Australian, and First Battalion flags.
Photo: First Battalion Flags [Robyn Ward]
Photo: Pozieres Cross [Robyn Ward]
The Act of Remembrance was led by Brigadier Craig Williams with the Lament followed by the Last Post. The Last Post was sounded by Bugler Cpl. Crellin of the 15th Royal New South Wales Lancers.
The Ode was read by WO1 Trevor Logan RSM 1/19th RNSWR, Reveille sounded and the National Anthem played. 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 flag of the Association Des Anciens Combatants Francais (Association of French Veterans NSW) were returned.
Photo: First Battalion Flag being returned [Robyn Ward]
Photo: Roll of Honour [Robyn Ward]
Following conclusion of the service a fine morning tea was provided by members of the Saint Columba Uniting Church Congregation and many acquaintances were established or renewed.
Photo: Theodore Arfaras, President, Association Des Anciens Combatants Francais, George Brouet, President, Foundation France Libre, Major General Gordon Maitland AO OBE RFD ED Rtd, Russell Curley, President Families and Friends of the First AIF. [Alan Kitchen]
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FROMELLES IS NOT HONOURED ON THE NATIONAL OR ANY STATE MEMORIAL IN AUSTRALIA.
FFFAIF SUPPORTS ALL EFFORTS TO RECOGNISE FROMELLES ON OR AT THE NATIONAL AND ALL STATE MEMORIALS THAT PRESENTLY LIST BATTLES BY NAME.
FFFAIF Policy Statement
The Families and Friends of the First AIF believes that the Australian Government through the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs should commit the to re-burial of the “missing of Fromelles” with individual graves and headstones in a new Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Pheasant Wood after DNA testing.