PRE-DAWN on Anzac Day saw around 200 Gloucester residents and visitors gather in the gloom before the Memorial Park clock tower to pay their respects to service men and women past and present.
Both the dawn service and the 11am main service were hosted by the Gloucester RSL sub-Branch, with Honorary Secretary John Salter officiating as MC at both.
Flynn Pryor, Isaac McKay, Bohdi Ashby and Aiden Blanchard, Air Force cadets from the 317 Squadron at Taree, formed the Catafalque Party at the dawn service while other cadets were the flag party.
Warrant Officer Mark Cooper, Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Transition Support Officer for the Department of Defence, addressed the attendees.
“One of the things that always amazes me on Anzac Day is the stories you hear about the ‘ordinary Australian’ who fought for this country and paid the ultimate price,” Mr Cooper said, highlighting the story of 18-year-old Edward “Teddy” Sheean.”
Teddy was a young gunnery sailor in WWII who, though wounded when his ship HMAS Armidale was torpedoed and bombed, strapped himself to the cannon at his action station and fired on Japanese aircraft to protect his shipmates who had been ordered to abandon ship.
Teddy died when the ship sank.
It wasn’t until 1920 that his actions were recognised as worthy of a posthumously-awarded Victoria Cross.
“I am sure we all tell a story similar to this,” concluded Warrant Officer Cooper.
The 11am main service also had a significant number of attendees, with a march departing ahead of time from Club Gloucester.
A contingent of soldiers from the School of Infantry, Singleton, led the march, followed by cadets from the RAAF 317 Squadron at Taree (AAFC).
Representatives from emergency services, service clubs, sports clubs, local schools, and veterans groups participated in the march.
Bucketts Radio 104.1FM broadcast the service live.
Soldiers from the School of Infantry at Singleton formed the Catafalque Party and the flag party.
Aidan Blanchard from the AAFC, the 2025 recipient of the sub-Branch’s Leadership Award, led the cadets who flanked the clock tower memorial throughout the service.
Gloucester High School Captains Blake Walker and Brodie Taylor addressed the gathering.
Blake spoke with pride about the military service of both his grandmother and great-grandmother.
He informed attendees that the 2026 Anzac Day theme “Women in the Service” recognises the women who chose duty over comfort, austerity over ease.
Brodie reminded attendees about the courage and resilience of the legendary Rats of Tobruk.
Commander Trevor Robertson, RAN, spoke about AE1 and AE2, the first submarines to be commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy.
“As the Royal Australian Navy celebrates its 125th anniversary, it is only fitting to look back on the extraordinary service of the Australian submarine AE2,” he said.
“AE2 occupies a unique place in Australia’s military history, especially for the notable role during the Gallipoli campaign.
“This submarine was the first Australian naval vessel to see combat during the campaign, earning it the name ‘Silent ANZAC’ for the courageous and steadfast efforts.”
Greg Goode from the sub-Branch encouraged locals to consult the Branch’s Facebook page and website to access and contribute information regarding local veterans.
As an example of local stories, Greg recounted the war service of Ronald Cecil Martin who trained for the Air Force as part of the Empire Training Scheme.
Ronald trained as a pilot.
On 25 February,1944, he flew to Germany as part of the Battle of Berlin but did not return, listed as killed in action.
He was 27.
Local country music singer Jessica Coombes delivered an emotional rendition of Travelling Soldier.
She also led in the singing of the National Anthem, reaching notes elusive to many.
While the piper played the bagpipes, wreaths and tributes were laid by representatives from service clubs, emergency services, sports clubs, schools, community groups, local businesses and individuals.
Following the service formalities, the attendees sang Happy Birthday to WWII navy veteran Allen ‘Toby’ Wilson, who has just turned 99.
Veterans and special guests later retired to Club Gloucester for lunch.
By Marilyn SANDERSON
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