Defence

Army

Service to the nation

 

By Brian Hickey

The Australian Army has a long and proud history of military service dating back over 104 years. During this time hundreds of thousands of ordinary Australians have fought and many have died on battlefields all over the world. The history of the Australian Defence Force is indelibly linked to the history of this country and the Australian public continues to recognise the contribution of our veterans and of our service men and women.

Remembering the sacrifice and service of military personnel past and present is also an important part of Army life. The success of today's soldiers is built on the deeds of those that have served before them. All soldiers, regardless of where or how they serve the nation, deserve recognition for their everyday courage and dedication.

The men and women of the 2nd Division, based in Sydney and with units all around the country, recently commemorated 90 years of continuous service to the nation with a variety of activities around the country.

The 2nd Division contains the bulk of Australia's Reserve combat soldiers, with its members drawn from nearly every State and Territory.

One of the major activities to commemorate this historic occasion was a parade with over 350 soldiers from 2nd Division parading the Army Banner, all Corps Banners, and all the Divisional Guidons and Colours at Sydney's Victoria Barracks on July 30. The Minister for Defence, along with hundreds of spectators, turned out to honour the 2nd Division. It was a moving occasion and showed the depth of respect that Australian people have for their soldiers.

Major General Paul Irving, current Commander of 2nd Division and himself a Reservist, said at the parade that the Division has played a vital role in safeguarding Australia's interests and has served with distinction throughout its 90 year history.

Since its establishment in 1915, members of 2nd Division have served in every major theatre of operation, from Gallipoli to the Middle East. The Division was formed in Egypt on 26 July 1915 and served with distinction in Gallipoli and on the battlefields of France and Belgium, with its contribution resulting in the award of 13 Victoria Crosses.

The 2nd Division was the first Australian Division in action on the Western Front at Pozieres in 1916 and also played a major role in the 'Advance to Victory' in 1918. It was the last Australian Division to be withdrawn from the front line, just five weeks before the end of the war.

In World War II, two of 2nd Division's Brigades served in New Guinea and the South West Pacific respectively.

The Division also commemorated its 90th Anniversary by paying tribute to soldiers who have died defending Australia during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier in Sydney on 26 July. The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Ms De-Anne Kelly, joined Major General Irving at the solemn ceremony.

Continuing the commemorations, each Brigade within the Division planted a seedling from a pine cone collected from Lone Pine in Gallipoli. The planting of seedlings coincided with an Australia-wide initiative to plant seedlings in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our nation.

The parade and other activities not only paid tribute to those that had served before it, but it also highlighted the efforts of today's reservists, who proudly carry on the tradition of service to Australia.

"Army Reservists are an important part of the modern Army and make a significant contribution to the defence and security of our nation. The Army Reserve is a vital component of overall land force capability and they will be asked to undertake a broader range of tasks in the future," Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, says.

Reserve service is an increasingly important part of today's Defence Force. Reserves have made significant contributions to all recent major operations, including those to Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor, the Solomon Islands and the Tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia. In fact, Reservists were among the first military personnel on the ground to assist the people of Aceh and the surrounding areas, providing clean water, medical attention for the injured and assistance with the massive cleanup operation.

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