Commemorations, Meetings & Events
ANZAC Day
On the 11th of September 1914, during Australia’s first military operation as a nation- at the Battle of Pita Paka (now known as Rabaul), the Australian War Memorial lists Captain Brian Pockley and Able Seaman William Williams as the first to be killed that day and are recognized as the first Australians to lose their lives in World War 1. Read more. However, since 1916 the 25 April, a year after the landing of Australian troops at what is now known as ANZAC Cove, this day has been marked as a national day of remembrance. Read more. The Anzac Day Tradition | Australian War Memorial (awm.gov.au)
Today the tradition of ANZAC Day continues to stop the nation to reflect and commemorate all those men and women who have served and are serving in our Defence forces. We remember and salute those who have lost their lives, who were wounded or maimed and those who have returned unscathed from all theatres of conflict, including peacekeeping activities.
RSL has been the traditional custodian of ANZAC Day and on the 25th of April each year.
The Gloucester RSL sub-Branch host activities to commemorate the day including:
- A Dawn Service commencing at 5:30am at the Gloucester Memorial Clock Tower.
(download commemoration program here). The Dawn Service is followed by wreath laying at:- The Uniting Church, Hume Street;
- The Gloucester Cemetery Memorial Wall; and
- The Gloucester Historical Society.
- A Parade commencing at the front of Club Gloucester, Denison Street. Assembly time 10:15am to step off at 10:30am proceeding along Church Street and up Hume Street to the Gloucester Memorial Clock Tower.
- An 11:00am Commemoration Service at the Gloucester Memorial Clock Tower.
Remembrance Day
At 5:00am on the 11th of November 1918, on a railway carriage in the forest of Compiegne, France the Generals met and the Armistice was signed. To come into effect at 11:00am that day the guns of the western front fell silent ending 4 long years of fighting that we know as World War 1.
On the 4th of November 1918- just eight days before the Armistice, the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company prosecuted a hazardous attack across the Sambe-Oise Canal in France. Corporal Albert Davey and sappers Arthur Johnson and Charles Barrett were likely the last Australians to die on the western front in this attack.
As a mark of respect to our service men and women, Australians are encouraged to pause at 11am to observe one minute’s silence and remember those who died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.
Each year the Gloucester RSL sub-Branch holds commemorates by hosting a Service commencing at 10:40am at the Gloucester Memorial Clock Tower.
Other Commemorations
Other Commemorations of note that are held at the Gloucester Memorial Clocktower include:
VIETNAM VETERANS DAY (1962-1973)
More than 50,000 Australian personnel served in Vietnam. Of these, 2398 were wounded and 521 killed. While not an annual event in Gloucester, when held this commemoration is on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on the 18th of August 1966. The commemoration is hosted by the sub-Branch and will be advertised in advance.
MIDDLE EAST AREA OF OPERATIONS (Iraq 1990-1991 & 2003-2011, Afghanistan 2001-2021)
26,000 Australians served in Afghanistan suffering casualties of 41 killed, and 261 wounded. While not an annual event, when held it is on the official day Australian forces withdrew from Afghanistan on the 18th of September 2021. The sub-Branch’s first commemoration was held one year later. Commemoration services for this event will be advertised in advance.
Monthly Meetings
On the 2nd Thursday of each month (excluding January) commencing at 2:00 pm the sub-Branch holds a monthly meeting. These are usually followed by light refreshments. All veterans, (not just sub-Branch members) are welcome to attend. These are held upstairs in the Games Room at Club Gloucester, 32 Denison Street. Meetings are followed by light refreshments.
Other Events
Sports & Recreation Events are held throughout the year, either by our sub-Branch or by invitation with other sub-Branches within the Lower North Coast District. These will be advertised on the news bar or follow us on Facebook for information. Click here for current calendar.
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