It was a bright sunny Anzac Day this year and on arrival at the meeting point a couple of Venturers volunteered to help set up the battalion banner. The cadets from Hurlstone Agricultural High School were there waiting for us and eager to march. It was great to have the cadets initiate contact with association, after a period of COVID-19 restrictions, and volunteer to accompany us at this year’s march.
We must thank staff member Vivienne from the school, who was in charge of the cadets on the day and who made the initial contact. One of the cadets and the grandson of battalion member, Ted Colenso, held the banner and the other cadets marched alongside holding the guy ropes.
A total of 33 people marched behind the banner this year, made up of the family members and a few members of the cadets’ families. It was so nice to meet the cadets’ parents who proudly marched along with our group. Also five of six siblings (and some of their children and grandchildren), marched behind the battalion banner remembering our father, Battalion member Merv Blyth, and his brother Arthur (Tas or Snow as he was known).
Large crowds lined the streets this year and they all gave lots of applause and waves. There were also many bands playing and we commented that they made it very easy to keep in step.
After the march we made our way to Club York to gather for our traditional luncheon. 39 people attended this year and we must thank Julie and her team who catered for us at the club. It was good to see some old faces return to the luncheon as well as a few new faces and their families.
Rashid spoke on behalf of the Hurlstone cadets and gave a very funny, entertaining and enlightening insight into the history of the cadet corps at the school.
There was a display of battalion memorabilia and the cadets were particularly interested in the Gurkha knife and the Japanese officer’s sword which was handed to Major Doug Okey after the Japanese surrender.
A search of the internet to find more information about the knife revealed it was known as a kukri. It is a short sword with a distinct recurve in its blade and originated in Nepal. It served multiple purposes as a melee weapon and also as a regular cutting tool.
The cadets chatted with our guests at the luncheon and were very interested in finding out the history of the 2/18th Battalion AIF. They are keen to volunteer with us again next year and carry on the tradition of the ANZAC Day march.
Overall, it was a great day to get together, commemorate and remember the sacrifices made by those brave men of the 2/18th Battalion AIF.
218battalion.org.au 