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2006 SYDNEY ANZAC DAY
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Words seem inadequate to fully describe what an absolutely fantastic time everyone had at the inaugural
Sydney Anzac Day RLI re-union.
Revelries commenced approximately 0930 when the first few RLI arrived at the RV point in Hunter St.
(outside the Grand Hotel) and as each new ouen arrived, it was time for a new round of drinks.
As you may be able to tell from the following photos, the pre-march catch-up period with old comrades-in-arms
outside the Grand Hotel was great fun. Interestingly, during this period a number of chaps from nearby Aussie
Contingents came up to have a yarn and state the high regard they held for the RLI. There was even an invitation
extended by members of the Australian Army Commando Association for the RLI to join them for post march drinks!
Because this was the first time that the Rhodesian Ex-Services Contingent had such a large RLI participation
(the RESC have been marching since the early 80’s), the RLI were given the honour of making up the first few ranks
of the contingent and calling the time. It was a grand sight to see so many RLI green berets together & again marching on parade.
As the form-up time for the Rhodesian Contingent was 1230, it goes without saying that by then, everyone was in very fine fettle.
Despite the number of beers we all had under our belts, old disciplines are hard to totally forget and so,
taking into account the passage of years, the RLI standard of marching & general drill was all executed at a
very respectable standard.
Mind you, before commencing the march we were reminded on a number of occasions by the non-RLI component of
the Rhodesian contingent that the march was done at normal speed, not RLI pace!
No doubt some of the more cynical amongst us might believe that the slower than normal pace was the main reason we
were able to put in such a respectable performance - I know it certainly did not hinder!
True to old RLI form, when it became apparent there was going to be a couple of minutes delay before the Rhodesian
Contingent stepped off, an RLI small raiding party was dispatched back into the Grand to secure a parting round of beers.
Perhaps the Grand should be nick-named the Coq Dor?
Immediately after the end of the march, all adjourned to the nearby City of Sydney RSL Club where the Rhodesian Ex-Services
committee had organized a slap-up lunch.
Around 1600 and after most of the non-RLI chaps had called it a day, the RLI bunch decided that it was time to relocate and
so, off we went to a nearby pub where, we had an open invitation to meet up with a group of Aussie Vietnam Veterans however,
by about 1900 the big day started to tell on most of us and chaps began peeling off to return to their respective digs whilst,
some die-hards carried on a bit longer.
It is no doubt reflective of the years that have passed that, all RLI were content to maintain a jovial atmosphere & despite
the amount of beers consumed, conducted themselves with the utmost decorum in keeping with the usual Aussie traditions for Anzac day.
Whilst on the subject of Anzac Day traditions, which is all about Remembrance, it was wonderful to finally have an occasion
where we could remember our war dead, those who have passed since, and reflect on the outstanding accomplishments of the RLI
during it’s brief but eventful history.
The day was so enjoyable that most have already advised they will attend again next year and indeed, it is hoped that our
experience will encourage others to attend the 2007 Anzac Day (25th April) and make it an even greater success. To this end,
a register has already been set up to keep track of persons who would like to be kept informed of arrangements for the 2007 do.
To get placed on the register, all you need to do is click on the following email address and title your email RLI – 2007,
ozemedic@bigpond.net.au
This opportunity is taken to thank the following ouens who went to so great effort to make it to the reunion: Paddy Windrum
(Spt Cdo) who flew in at 0630 that morning from the UK, John Kirkman (3 Cdo) who flew in from Perth, WA, and, Marshall Ross
(1 Cdo) who flew in from Townsville, QLD.
Other RLI who attended were:
Kev Casey (Spt Cdo), Andy Evans, (2 Cdo), Bobby Graves (1 & Spt Cdo), Sean Kelly, Bruce McGregor (BG/MT), ??? Scott,
Tony Young (Spt Cdo).
Flushed with success, or something !
The Beer Quality Control Team
Ah, here comes the next round
Kev bemused at only holding one beer.
Is that one of our ouens laying down there?
Wish I had gone for a piss before forming-up
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