WESTERN AUSTRALIAN BRANCH ACTIVITIES

ANZAC Day Display

On ANZAC Day 2007 the MHSA (WA Branch) assisted the City of Fremantle’s ANZAC Day Commemorations with a display of military memorabilia at the prestigious Fremantle Town Hall located in the heart of Fremantle. The Fremantle area itself is very well known for its rich colonial and military history and the Town Hall proved to be a fantastic venue. 

(Note: the very same Fremantle town hall was the scene of a major address to returning troops and former soldiers by none other than General Sir William Birdwood (later Field Marshal), Lieutenant General John Monash and Lieutenant Colonel Harry Murray as forces returned after WW1. Apparently it was a mighty show - packed to the rafters, overflowing and standing room only!).  

The MHSA display of artifacts spanned a number of years from the Lancashire Fusiliers’ from the 1800’s (and their heroic landing around the corner from ANZAC Cove on W beach, that morning earning them no less than six Victoria Crosses “before breakfast”), through to items from our Australian current day armed forces from not only the two world wars but right through to those troops currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Other ANZAC Day exhibitors included a large collection of various photographs and historical information from the RAAF Heritage Museum. Attracting extra attention was a special hand crafted scene depicting Anzac Cove constructed by students from the John Curtin College of The Arts. Another highlight worthy of mention was the amazing display of Fremantle WW1 Soldiers photographs and dossiers put together by West Australian and local author Andrew Pittaway all of which is very soon to feature in his forthcoming book “Soldiers of Fremantle”.

Overall the MHSA  involvement was a huge success, providing an educational and informative experience to the community. We estimate more than one thousand people, including veterans passed through the exhibition. Special thanks must go to Pat and Allison Hall, Rhonda and Doug Grande, Paul Hamilton, Gary Kalem, Ian Gill and Steve Daniher for making their private collections and time available. The MHSA (WA Branch)  look forward to assisting the City of Fremantle again in helping keep the spirits of all those who serve and sacrifice alive.

Page last updated on: 17/08/07

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