Anzac Day 2018: National Ceremony, R.J.K Semple OAM BEM
Good morning to all on parade.
Thank you, Dr Brendan Nelson AO and the Council of the War Memorial for the invitation to attend the 2018 Anzac Day National Ceremony at this magnificent war memorial in Canberra.
It is an extraordinary experience to gather with National Leaders, Service Personnel, Families and Visitors at this 'Hallowed Place' to reflect on the significance of tremendous sacrifices made embracing the Anzac story and beyond.
Having served as an 'original' in the 2/12th Australian Field Regiment, 9th Australian Division, during World War II in all of its campaigns - 'Middle East' 'New Guinea' and Borneo - over five years, presented many challenges to mind and body which required a special type of mateship, discipline and motivation to achieve aims and objectives.
Quite often in times of stress in action, a reflection on the example and determination set by our Anzac forefathers provided the inspiration to go that extra yard and achieve the desired result.
I believe there are more 'Victoria Cross' winners resting below the sea - and land – and also in the air than ever walked Earth's surface. They are in God's care.
In an endeavour to perhaps more fully express some personal feelings, may I take the liberty of presenting these thoughts whilst relaxing at home post World War II, under title: “The Value of Product Knowledge Gained World War II, 1939-1945.”
The anxiety and fear factor which generally preceded most new combat encounters was noticeably overcome as experience increased with each engagement.
I vividly recall the strength, loyalty and faith experienced on occasions at El Alamein… Coming under German Stuka Dive Bombing, and periodic shelling of the gun position by enemy counter battery artillery fire, we would take refuge in the skinny slit trenches, adjacent to the gun pit, holding hands across the shoulders and muttering, “If this is it we all go together.” Such was the spirit within the gun crew.
These same characters have also engraved their names on the back of my old violin, which was part of our entertainment material in the gun pit, or on the tractor, cared for by the driver. It is here with me in Canberra for Dr Brendan Nelson and his team to view. The skill level of the owner has waned somewhat over the 76 years since El Alamein.
Appreciation of mateship, reliability and unquestioned trust in each other seemed to characterise the overall casual nature of the Australian make up, and was certainly experienced with my unit and the Division as a whole throughout the war.
These dualities and feelings were of great assistance in designing life after the war, and in the following rehabilitation process. To experience by circumstance, and not by design, something money could not buy, something which could not be artificially created, and certainly one of the reasons why we want to get together as often as possible, in the bond of special comradeship, centered on a cause which had a focus for a particular reason, is good for the soul, and l believe rewarding to the inner person. l am sure when we pause and reflect from time to time, about why we come together, it has a great deal to do with circumstances and mateship.
To conclude: may l humbly say Anzac Day remains sacred to all of us.
Let us continue to make reference to the past, but go forward into the future with honour and courage.