The Dawn ServiceThe Dawn Service observed on ANZAC Day has its origins in an operational routine which is still performed by the Australian Army today.

The half light of dawn can play tricks on one’s eyes. The half hour before dawn, with its grey and misty shadows, became one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were therefore woken before dawn, so by the time first light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert and manning their weapons. This was and is still known as “stand-to”. The operation was also repeated at sunset.

After World War I, returned soldiers sought the comradeship they felt in those quiet, peaceful moments before dawn. With symbolic links to the dawn landing at Gallipoli, a dawn stand-to or ceremony became a common form of ANZAC Day remembrance during the 1920s. The first official dawn service was held at the Sydney Cenotaph in 1927.

PoppiesRed poppies were the first signs of life in the fields of northern France and Belgium after World War I. Arising from the blood drenched ground, bright red poppies grew where four years of war led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, including 45,000 Australians.

The poppy has enabled Australians to show they have not forgotten the 102,846 Australian servicemen and women who have given their lives in wars and conflicts during the past 100 years.

RosemaryThe Ancient Greeks believed that rosemary made their memories stronger.

This idea continues today as people wear sprigs of rosemary symbolising remembrance for those who have died in war.

ANZAC Day ServicesFor information on ANZAC Day services in your area ring your local council.

The OdeThey shall grow not old as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun And in the morning, We will remember them.

The Last PostThe Last Post historically has been used to signify the end of the day.

It is played during commemorative ceremonies to serve as a tribute to the dead.

Minutes SilenceOne (or two) minutes silence is held to reflect on the significance of the day and as a sign of respect.

Reveille and RouseIn major ceremonies, the Last Post is normally followed by Rouse except at the Dawn Service when Reveille is played. Historically Reveille woke the soldiers at dawn.

Contact DetailsThe Office of Rowan Ramsey MP Federal Member for Grey 104 Ellen Street, PO Box 296 Port Pirie SA 5540 Ph (08)8633 1744 Fax (08)8633 1749 45a Playford Avenue Whyalla SA 5600 Ph (08)8645 4255 Fax (08)8645 5933 Email rowan.ramsey.mp@aph.gov.au www.rowanramsey.com.au

For The FallenWith proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children

England mourns for her dead across the sea, Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,

Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,

There is music in the midst of desolation And glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow,

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again, They sit no more at familiar tables of home,

They have no lot in our labour of the daytime, They sleep beyond England’s foam.

But where our desires and hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,

To the innermost heart of their own land they are known.

As the stars are known to the night. As the stars shall be bright when we are dust, Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,

As the stars that are stary in the time of our darkness, To the end, to the end, they remain.

In 1914 Laurence Binyon wrote For the Fallen in honour of the many British troops who had already lost their lives on the

Western Front of World War I. The fourth verse of the poem has long been used as a tribute to all casualties of war regardless of

nation. It is known as the “Ode of Remembrance”.

The ANZAC BiscuitPreviously known as an ANZAC wafer or ANZAC tile, the ANZAC biscuit we know and love today is a far cry from what the ANZACs ate one hundred years ago. The ANZAC biscuit was originally intended as a bread substitute for soldiers fighting in hostile conditions. The biscuit was made to have long shelf life, meaning it was notoriously hard; in fact, they often adopted the affectionate nickname of ‘bullet-proof ’ biscuits!

Ingredients: • 1 cup of traditional rolled oats • 1 cup of sifted plain flour • 1 cup of caster sugar • ¾ cup of desiccated coconut • 125 grams of butter • 1 tablespoon of golden syrup • 2 tablespoons of boiling water • 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda

Directions: Combine rolled oats, sifted plain flour, caster sugar and desiccated coconut in a bowl.

Heat butter and golden syrup over a low heat until butter is melted.

Mix boiling water with bicarbonate soda and add to the butter mixture.

Stir into the dry ingredients.

Form the mixture into balls on a greased oven tray.

Press the balls flat and bake in a slow oven (150°) for twenty minutes or until golden brown.

Loosen the biscuits while still warm.

Allow to cool on tray.

ANZAC TRADITIONS ANZAC DAYTraditions and Symbols

Photo Right: Informal portrait of Private Dennis O’Grady of Whyalla, SA, on a grassy bank in Korea May 1953 as he reclines in the spring sunshine and writes a letter home.

Helpful Links: The Australian War Memorial - www.awm.gov.au The Department of Veteran’s Affairs - www.dva.gov.au RSL Virtual War Memorial - https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au

Please contact Rowan Ramsey’s office for more copies of this publication.

Authorised by Rowan Ramsey MP 104 Ellen Street Port Pirie 5540 Printed by Automatic Print 77 Esmond Road Port Pirie SA 5540

A newsletter from Rowan Ramsey MP

Photo Above: Rowan pictured with Hughie Benson and SA RSL President Tim Hanna at a commemorative service in Kadina.

Photo Above: Wimereux, France. c. 1916. Two nursing sisters from No 2 Australian General Hospital at the entrance to the nurses’ dugout.

ANZAC DAY 2016

1916 Private Ray James Calliss Flower32nd Battalion - a farmer from Burra

Rowan’s Message

Photo Left: The grave of 6324 Private (Pte) John Saddington Sage, 27th Battalion, of Port Lincoln, SA, killed in action (KIA) at Morlancourt Court 8 August 1918, in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery.

Sometimes we question why Australia is involved in wars on the other side of the world. The latest ISIS bombings in Belgium provide the answer to that question. Today more than ever, conflicts and battle fronts have the ability to transport themselves to any part of the world. Whether Australians are attacked in Bali, Sydney or Melbourne it is essential that we meet the challenge at its source.

That has always been the case and is why Australia has always supported democracy and freedom and is prepared to meet those who would destroy us on their own turf. We are as indebted to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us and our way of life at this very minute, as those who have preceded them.

The years from 2014-18 mark 100 year anniversaries of the battles of WWI, so once again this year in this publication I have provided more in depth material describing the events of 1916, perhaps the darkest days of the war.

ANZAC Day continues to grow in importance every year and presents an opportunity to teach another generation of the sacrifices made for them by those who have gone before. More than just honouring our fallen and returned soldiers and remembering their sacrifice, it is a timely call to learn from history and ensure global conflagrations like the two World Wars never occur again.

Photo Front Page: Studio portrait of 4523 Private (Pte) Ray James Calliss Flower, 32nd Battalion. A farmer from Burra, South Australia, prior to enlistment, he embarked with the 12th Reinforcements from Adelaide aboard HMAT Berrima on 16 December 1916 for Devonport, England. After training in England he proceeded to join his battalion on the Western Front near St Omer, France, in August 1917. Pte Flower was wounded in action on 6 July 1918 near Albert, France, and died of these injuries later that day. He is buried in the Vignacourt, British Cemetery, France. He was aged 26 years.

Photo Below: Australian troops on their way to the front line passing along the track from Bellewaarde Lake and Chateau Wood to Westhoek. Note the debris on both sides of the road and the muddy condition of the road.

World War IIIn 1939 Germany invaded Poland. In response, the British Commonwealth and France declared war on Germany. Over the course of the war almost one million Australians enlisted. Over 30,000 were taken prisoner and over 39,000 died.

Australian military units fought primarily in Europe, North Africa and the South West Pacific. In effect, Australia fought two wars, one against Germany and Italy as part of

the British Commonwealth’s war effort and the other against Japan in alliance with the United States and Britain. Australians were involved in many of the iconic battles of WWII and instrumental in helping to stop the Japanese invasion and Rommel’s advance into North Africa.

Photo Above: Studio portrait of PA555 Able Seaman (AB) Alfred William Vowles. Originally from Port Pirie, SA, AB Vowles enlisted on 4 September 1939 and following his training, was posted to HMAS Penguin II. Whilst serving in England he was attached to the Merchant Navy and was killed during an air raid at Barrow-in-Furness, England on 5 May 1941 and was buried in the Barrow-in Furness Cemetery.

The Korean War (1950-1953)Following the end of World War II, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel between the United States and the Soviet Union. Tensions rose between the communist regime in the north and the government supported by the United States in the south. 21 nations responded to counter the

attack. 17,164 Australians served in the Korean War. Australian casualties number more than 1,500, of whom 340 died.

In April 1951, Chinese forces attacked the Kapyong Valley forcing South Korea and New Zealand forces into retreat. Australians were amongst the forces ordered to halt the attack. After a night of fierce fighting, during which their positions were overrun, the Australians recaptured their positions and stalled the Chinese advance. 32 Australian lives were lost and 53 were wounded.

Photo Above: South Australian soldier, 41825 Private (Pte) William James Henderson, of Kadina, SA, scrambles up an ice covered Korean hill side during a battle exercise near the truce line. Pte Henderson joined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in Korea.

Photo Below: Supermarine Walrus Amphibian Aircraft of No 276 (Air Sea Rescue) Squadron RAF. Initial RAAF order was for 24 known as Seagull V, later supplemented during WWII by a further 37 which retained RAAF serial numbers and designation Walrus. slang name: “Shagbat”.

50th Anniversary of Long TanAugust 18th is recognised as Vietnam Veterans Day commemorating Australia’s thirteen year involvement in the Vietnam War. The observance on this date evolved from the battle of Long Tan, a famous victory against the odds by Australian diggers. A little

like Gallipoli, this one battle has become a focal point for the nation to remember our entire commitment.

In the months leading up to August 1966, Australia had established its combat military base at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province, 100 kms SE of Saigon in the heart of hostile territory. During the night of the 16/17th August, the base had been heavily shelled from the edge of the Long Tan rubber plantation about 2km away by the 2,500 strong Viet Cong 275th Regiment. Twenty four Australians were injured that night, one of whom died later. Following retaliatory shelling the Viet Cong fell back and on the morning of the 17th, B Company, 6th Battalion RAR embarked to find the immediate area vacated.

108 men from D Company took over about midday on the 18th and after an initial skirmish they were pinned down by heavy fire. Heavy rain set in and the Viet Cong with a vastly superior force attempted to surround them. After a few hours, ammunition was low when two UH-1B Iroquois (Huey helicopters) from 9 Squadron RAAF managed to drop new supplies. D Company held off the might of the whole Viet Cong Regiment for many more hours until reinforcements fought their way from Nui Dat to support them. They secured the immediate area allowing for the evacuation of casualties by helicopter. With insufficient forces to pursue the Viet Cong, the next few days were spent clearing the immediate area. It was then, the enormity of the victory was realised. 18 Australian soldiers lost their lives, 24 were wounded and at least 245 Viet Cong lost their lives. The battle cemented Australia’s position in the province which was not seriously challenged again.

Photo Above: South Vietnam. 1969-01-22. Private Danny Grimes of Whyalla, SA, with his rifle ready for action while crossing a stream during a patrol in the jungle. He is a member of D Company, 9th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (9RAR), which was taking part in Operation Goodwood, a reconnaissance-in-force in the north west of Phuoc Tuy Province.

Other WarsAs ANZAC Day approaches, we also remember all wars where Australians have served. Previous to WWI we had sent forces to the Boer War and after, to the other major conflagration of the century WWII. Since that time we have been called to action in Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea,

Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and we have recently returned to Iraq again. We have also called on our military to provide stability in places as diverse as Indonesia, The Middle East, Solomon Islands, East Timor and Sudan to name but a few. At every turn our forces have served with distinction.Photo Above: New Guinea. 8 November 1943. Members of a Papuan Infantry Unit at a forward post. Lieutenant F. L. Lucas of Streaky Bay, SA, checks maps of the area before setting out on patrol with the Papuan scouts. Australian War Memorial Negative Number 016077.

Australia’s role in FAMOUS CONFLICTS LOCAL SERVICEMANA MESSAGE from Rowan Ramsey MPPrivate Sidney KingPrivate Sidney Peter King was a typical young farmer from Koolywurtie on the Yorke Peninsula when at 23 years of age he enlisted for the First World War.

On April 4th 1916 this young man embarked on an adventure which he meticulously documented in handwritten diaries (pictured below) telling his firsthand experiences of life on the front and three years and 182 days of active service.

Last year, the centenary of the Anzac Gallipoli landings, historian Dr Don Longo released his insightful book of Sidney King’s diaries made available by his grand-daughter Sandra Klopp and with the support of the Ardrossan sub branch of the RSL.

Sidney was a stretcher bearer tasked with bringing wounded diggers back to safety and medical treatment. That he survived the war at all is remarkable. That he was able to re-adapt to civilian life and live a fully active farming life, is even more remarkable.

At times Sidney’s reflections seem almost detached from the sheer horror of the war. Perhaps it was his form of defence against the insanity that surrounded him. At other times his observations on the sheer ordinariness of everyday life is quite striking as his celebration of beautiful weather, the sighting of a bird or a farmer’s crop. Remarkably through the war he was able to stay in touch with his brother and many other soldiers he had known from YP and surrounds.

He was an active member of the battalion band and when the war was at lower ebb or being rested from the front lines provided entertainment to the troops.

His diaries include “digger slang” of the day and the common use of Australian vernacular that we have left behind with words such as ‘bonza’ and ‘slashing’ used to describe events and people around him. The diaries provide one man’s account of heroism, self-sacrifice, death, rats and comradeship in those weary months and years in the fields of France.

In short, Private Sidney King was a spiffing bloke and we are grateful for his bonza diaries.

Copies of the book are available from the Ardrossan RSL or Meg’s Bookstores.

1916

This year marks the 100 year anniversary of the first horrific WWI battles on the Western Front. Following defeat on the shores of ANZAC Cove, Australian troops had been strongly reinforced and increased from two divisions to five (around 15,000 men each). The 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th divisions were sent directly to the Western Front, the 3rd to London (joining the battles in December). By mid-June our troops had already lost 600 men, but all hell was about to break loose.

1916 was marked by the trench grid-lock which has become known as the ‘Battle of the Somme’ and July saw Australian troops exposed to the full force of war in the heart of the battle at Fromelles. On July 19th the 5th division alone suffered 5553 casualties. Brigadier General Pompey Elliot said, “Practically all my best officers. The Anzac men who helped build up my brigade are dead. I presume there was some plan in the attack, but it is difficult to know what it was”.

In late July the 1st Division had a victory at Pozieres, but within a week had suffered 5,000 casualties. Next was the 2nd Division who had replaced the 1st and the carnage continued, another 7,000 casualties. The 4th Division was then drawn in. In total, over 42 days of fighting, Australia suffered 23,000 casualties including 6,800 dead. Five Victoria Crosses were awarded.

Back in Australia there were fierce debates surrounding attempts by Labor Prime Minister Billy Hughes to introduce conscription. Hughes did not get his way, resigned from Labor and formed a coalition government.

As a freezing wet winter set in, the 5th division joined the battle and by Christmas the 3rd division which had been stationed in London was brought in. Many believe that 1916 was the worst year of the war, when the task seemed its most hopeless and Allied losses were enormous. 1917 was little better, but marked the beginning of the end with the entry of the US into the war.

Photo Above: Unidentified men of the 5th Division partaking in cigarettes and resting by the side of the Montauban road, near Mametz, while enroute to the trenches. Most of the men are wearing sheepskin jackets and woollen gloves and are carrying full kit and .303 Lee Enfield rifles.

Syria and IraqThe disaster of the Middle East continues and the collapse of authority following the ‘Arab Spring’, has led to the rise of Islamist terrorist organisations like ISIS, accompanied by their mindless violence, cruelty and most disturbingly, world-wide recruitment to their miserable cause.

We cannot ignore the flagrant attacks on western democratic nations like the US, France, Germany and Britain. These have had serious reverberations here in Australia, not just with the Bali bombings of 2002 and 2005, the Lindt Café, Endeavour Hills or the Melbourne attempt on a policeman’s life, but also with the many planned attacks our security forces have thwarted.

So now once again our young men and women are protecting us with their effort in Iraq and Syria, supporting the US led International task force. We have more than 700 personnel on the ground supporting six FA 18 Hornets, a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.

The combined effort is having success and drying up ISIS’s supply of international recruits. They must be defeated and we will have to be ever more vigilant as terrorists seek to abandon their countries in favour of ours.Photo Above: Members of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment patrol the streets of Baghdad in their Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV). The 2nd Cavalry Regiment operated in Iraq as part of the Australian Security Detachment (SECDET). The role of SECDET is to provide security protection to Australian diplomats and Defence Force personnel serving in Iraq. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment operated in the Middle East as part of the Australian Defence Force’s commitment to the coalition forces assembled to enforce Iraq’s compliance with its international obligations to disarm.