We haven't been to Gallipoli but have been to the Western Front in 2012. The terrain around Ypres etc so flat, it's emotional imagining how they were sitting ducks jumping out of trenches running into machine gun fire positioned on the top of slightly undulating hills. The commanders were bloody minded butchers to send them over.Nice thread Wendog.
Important day that I hope doesn’t dissipate over time now not many if any diggers are left.
I’ll never forget the experience of Anzac Day at Gallipoli where you can truly appreciate the horror that our boys would’ve endured and how they eventually fought back and gained the upper hand. Inspiring.
Thank you for this great thread "Kennel Addict", Love the banner as well, I'm sure we all share your sentiment on this great day of remembrance, Well I know I sure do.
My late grandfather was an orderly on a hospital ship, evacuating the troops off the Gallipoli beachhead. On his return to Sydney, he was presented with a chicken feather by a woman in the street, because he was wearing civilian clothing. The presentation of a white feather was an insult, suggesting you were safe at home while their loved ones were away fighting.Nice thread Wendog.
Important day that I hope doesn’t dissipate over time now not many if any diggers are left.
I’ll never forget the experience of Anzac Day at Gallipoli where you can truly appreciate the horror that our boys would’ve endured and how they eventually fought back and gained the upper hand. Inspiring.
Thanks for your sharing your story Chris. The sort of sacrifices like those of your family members are largely why we live the way we live today.My late grandfather was an orderly on a hospital ship, evacuating the troops off the Gallipoli beachhead. On his return to Sydney, he was presented with a chicken feather by a woman in the street, because he was wearing civilian clothing. The presentation of a white feather was an insult, suggesting you were safe at home while their loved ones were away fighting.
He enlisted, and was sent to Egypt for training, then to the Somme, where he was in the mud and blood for over a year. He was part of the big push at the Somme, where he had his leg blown off by a German shell. He had a wooden leg for the rest of his life. He passed away from a heart attack 70 years ago, when I was just one year old.
Grandad was a Brand, his father married into the Bond family. He's buried in St.Saviours cemetery where our older generations are buried. They were the earliest settlers, and had a farm at what is now Punchbowl which was, back then, part of Belmore. Bond's farm is still remembered by Bonds Road, which ran down to it.
So, I have long ties to this area.
My father was a commando, behind Japanese lines in New Guinea. Living in the jungle was something he wouldn't talk about for many years. He saw too many atrocities to really ever get over it.
I flew the flag for them both - as I do every year.
Great memories and stories Chris, from brave menMy late grandfather was an orderly on a hospital ship, evacuating the troops off the Gallipoli beachhead. On his return to Sydney, he was presented with a chicken feather by a woman in the street, because he was wearing civilian clothing. The presentation of a white feather was an insult, suggesting you were safe at home while their loved ones were away fighting.
He enlisted, and was sent to Egypt for training, then to the Somme, where he was in the mud and blood for over a year. He was part of the big push at the Somme, where he had his leg blown off by a German shell. He had a wooden leg for the rest of his life. He passed away from a heart attack 70 years ago, when I was just one year old.
Grandad was a Brand, his father married into the Bond family. He's buried in St.Saviours cemetery where our older generations are buried. They were the earliest settlers, and had a farm at what is now Punchbowl which was, back then, part of Belmore. Bond's farm is still remembered by Bonds Road, which ran down to it.
So, I have long ties to this area.
My father was a commando, behind Japanese lines in New Guinea. Living in the jungle was something he wouldn't talk about for many years. He saw too many atrocities to really ever get over it.
I flew the flag for them both - as I do every year.
You mentioned St Saviour's, Punchbowl. My mother's uncle was a VC awardee and was married there in 1920.My late grandfather was an orderly on a hospital ship, evacuating the troops off the Gallipoli beachhead. On his return to Sydney, he was presented with a chicken feather by a woman in the street, because he was wearing civilian clothing. The presentation of a white feather was an insult, suggesting you were safe at home while their loved ones were away fighting.
He enlisted, and was sent to Egypt for training, then to the Somme, where he was in the mud and blood for over a year. He was part of the big push at the Somme, where he had his leg blown off by a German shell. He had a wooden leg for the rest of his life. He passed away from a heart attack 70 years ago, when I was just one year old.
Grandad was a Brand, his father married into the Bond family. He's buried in St.Saviours cemetery where our older generations are buried. They were the earliest settlers, and had a farm at what is now Punchbowl which was, back then, part of Belmore. Bond's farm is still remembered by Bonds Road, which ran down to it.
So, I have long ties to this area.
My father was a commando, behind Japanese lines in New Guinea. Living in the jungle was something he wouldn't talk about for many years. He saw too many atrocities to really ever get over it.
I flew the flag for them both - as I do every year.
It is now a pioneer site. The cemetery is worth a look, there are some interesting graves, but they mean more if you know the history of the families. BTW: my great, great, great uncle - James Bond, is buried there.You mentioned St Saviour's, Punchbowl. My mother's uncle was a VC awardee and was married there in 1920.
Fantastic! I see Wayne Bennett's brothers were playing for us.How cool is this.. The team sheet from our very first match VS Bears on Anzac Day in 1935..
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