As the sun rose across Macquarie Island, Australian, New Zealand and British expeditioners braved the near freezing temperatures to hold a dawn service to commemorate Anzac Day.
Like the rest of the country, Macca holds Anzac Day as a hugely important event, unlike the rest of the country though we were able to gather to commemorate our past and present servicemen and women.
Our day started with the traditional Dawn Service with a wreath laying and some very powerful poems and speeches from members of our group. The playing of the Last Post was followed by two minute’s silence, then Reveille and the National Anthem allowed the station community to reflect on the sacrifices of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force. This was followed by a gunfire breakfast of rum, porridge, bacon and egg rolls, Anzac biscuits and then a few hours of personal reflection.
As the afternoon continued on, the mood began to lighten with the crew moving inside to throw a lamb on the spit, a keg of Guinness tapped, our own band Doc and the Degenerates performing, progressive ping pong and plenty of two-up were enjoyed by all.
Our current crew has links to all three services, every state and territory and New Zealand as well as family ties to current and former Military Personnel. At Macca the Defence Forces are represented by:
ARMY
Lance Corporal James Terry Patrol 2IC for NORFORCE (Army Reserve 2015- Present)
Infantry Sergeant Chris Howard (Army Reserve 1983–2010)
AIR FORCE
Corporal Motor Transport Fitter William Seal (Air Force 1990–2003)
Aircraftman Motor Transport Driver George Brettingham-Moore (Air Force Reserve 2004–2009)
NAVY
Leading Seaman Electronics Technician Troy Henderson (Navy 2006–2013, Navy Reserves 2013- Present)
It is because of the commitment of our servicemen and women that we have the many opportunities we do, including the ability to live and work in a place like Macquarie Island. All of us here at Macca would like to thank all current and former serving members for everything they have done for our Nation.
Lest We Forget
Troy Henderson
