It’s 110 years since the start of the First World War, in what was Australia’s deadliest conflict.
Since that time, our nation sacrificed more than 103,000 of our best and brightest in the defence of freedom and liberty. The Great War, as it was termed, saw four years of continuous fighting, the guns of the Western Front fell silent on November 11, 1918.
A healthy crowd gathered at the Barham Cenotaph as Barham RSL President Bill O’Malley led the service.
“The First World War was, in its time, the most destructive conflict yet experienced by humanity,” began Bill as he stood under the warm November sun.
“When it began in 1914, few imagined the course that it would take, or foresaw the terrible toll from a population of just under 5 million.
“More than 400,000 Australians enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, the AIF, and more than 330,000 served overseas. For most, this meant Gallipoli, the Middle East, or the war’s main theatre at war, the Western Front in France and Belgium.
“More than 60,000 Australians lost their lives, a devastating toll for a small country, yet they were relatively few around the world. Some 10 million military personnel died in what was then called the Great War.”
After a timely reminder to why we gather, the Barham Community Choir, joined by students of the Barham Public School, performed Abide with Me, one of four musical numbers.
The wreath laying then began with Adrian Peel laying the 1914-18 cross, followed by representatives from the Koondrook and Barham RSL, Jason Wallace on behalf of cluBarham, Dan Lake and Ella Hall for Barham High School, Eliza and Hugo for Barham Public School and Lillian Murray on behalf of Ian Murray.
At the National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, the Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston AC RAN laid a wreath in memory of more than 103,000 Australians who gave their lives in service to our nation, and those who were left with the scars of war.
“On Remembrance Day, we honour all Australians who have defended our nation and pay our respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Admiral Johnston said.
“The true cost of war is human: loved ones who would never return home, grieving families left in mourning, and veterans who would wear the physical and psychological scars of conflict for the rest of their lives.
“Today, we take a moment to reflect on their sacrifice, and their courage and commitment.”
There are more than 2,500 Australian Defence Force members currently deployed on operations overseas and within Australia, actively protecting Australia and our region.
See the feature, ‘Fitting Tribute for Squadron Leader Pickes’ and all the Remembrance Day coverage and pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 14 November 2024.
