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Gong for
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diggers |
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A commemorative Chinese bell was unveiled in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and struck by Commander 1 Div Maj-Gen Ash Power and 1 Sig Regt 2IC workshops Lt Michael Chen on March 11. Cast in China, the bronze bell is inscribed with the English and Chinese words of courage and loyalty, an Australian coat of arms and tri-service insignia. Soldiers with Chinese heritage have a proud history in the Army. Pte Caleb Shang became the most highly decorated Chinese-Australian soldier because of his actions in the Somme. Tpr Billy Sing, known as the Assassin, was a sniper on the battlefields of Gallipoli, credited with more than 150 kills. An observation tower in Iraq was named after him. Maj-Gen Power cited examples of outstanding service from Chinese-Australian diggers. He said the bell represented a Chinese-Australian connection that was alive and well in the ADF. “The great achievements of past, present, and I’m sure future, Chinese-Australians serving in the ADF remind all that the iconic Australian legend – the digger – transcends the difference ethnic backgrounds in our community,” Maj-Gen Power said. Lt Chen’s family moved to Australia from China when he was six. He joined the Army last year and said he was not aware of Pte Shang and Tpr Sing’s stories. “It made me proud to hear stories of their bravery because of my Chinese background. They were Australians, but recognised because of their heritage and had this at heart which is a good thing,” Lt Chen said. “A commemorative bell in Chinatown is a good way to recognise serving Chinese-Australians.” |
