General News
16 November, 2024
Veterans' Voices: Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day, owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War, to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.
The day is also marked by war remembrances in several other non-Commonwealth countries. In most countries, Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 to recall the end of First World War hostilities, which ceased 'at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month' in 1918, following an armistice signed between representatives of Germany and the Entente that morning.
The First World War formally ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.
Australia has been involved in many wars, and we reflect on some of these events throughout November:
1 November 1914 – First AIF sails: The first Australian and New Zealand contingent departs from Albany, Western Australia, bound for Egypt. Only one in three of those who sailed in the first convoy would return physically unscathed at the end of the First World War.
1 November 1945 – Australia ratifies United Nations Charter: Australia played a leading role in forming the United Nations, a reflection of its commitment to the ideals for which the Allies fought in the Second World War.
1 November 1951 – No. 77 Squadron awarded South Korean Presidential citation: No. 77 Squadron, RAAF, receives a Republic of South Korea Presidential Citation for its early and effective ground-support role in Korea.
1 November 1989 – National Army Memorial dedicated: The National Army Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra, is dedicated by Governor-General Bill Hayden to commemorate the service of Australians in the Australian Army across all wars.
2 November 1942 – Kokoda airstrip re-occupied: The capture of Kokoda, New Guinea, and its airstrip enabled the Australian advance across the Owen Stanley Range to continue.
3 November 1918 – Armistice with Austria-Hungary signed: With Turkey having already signed an armistice, Germany is left to confront the Allies alone in the final days of the war.
4 November 1944 – Jacquinot Bay: Troops of the 6th Brigade land at Jacquinot Bay, New Britain, establishing a base for Australian operations against the Japanese.
5 November 1950 – Battle of Pakchon, Korea: The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, successfully assaults and holds critical hill features near Pakchon against heavy North Korean and Chinese resistance.
6 November 1971 – HMAS Sydney [III] at Vung Tau: HMAS Sydney embarks the final Australian Army units from Vietnam at Vung Tau.
7 November 1917 – Third Battle of Gaza: Following the advance at Beersheba, British Empire forces, including the Australian Light Horse, push toward Jerusalem.
8 November 1944 – “G for George” arrives at Amberley: This Lancaster bomber, which survived 89 operations with No. 460 Squadron RAAF, arrives after a war loan campaign and is now on display at the Memorial in Anzac Hall.
9 November 1914 – HMAS Sydney [I] destroys SMS Emden: HMAS Sydney engages and destroys the German cruiser Emden, protecting the first convoy carrying Australian troops to Egypt.
10 November 1942 – Japanese forced from Oivi: Australian troops drive Japanese forces back from Oivi in New Guinea, pursuing them down the northern face of the Owen Stanley Range.
10 November 1964 – Selective conscription introduced: The Australian government introduces selective conscription for 20-year-old males, leading to 15,381 young Australians serving in Vietnam.
11 November 1918 – Germany signs armistice: Germany signs an armistice, ending fighting on the Western Front and bringing the First World War to a close.
11 November 1941 – Opening of the Australian War Memorial: The memorial, initially dedicated to the First World War dead, opens as Australia is already two years into the Second World War.
12 November 1940 – HMAS Sydney [II] in action at Strait of Otranto: HMAS Sydney becomes the most celebrated ship in the RAN after successfully engaging the Italian navy in the Mediterranean.
13 November 1965 – Warrant Officer Kevin Wheatley, VC: Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin “Dasher” Wheatley, of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, is posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for heroism in the Tra Bong Valley.
18 November 1916 – Somme campaign ends: After four months and over 1.2 million casualties, the Somme offensive is called off by General Douglas Haig.
19 November 1941 – HMAS Sydney [II] sunk: HMAS Sydney is lost with all 645 crew members in a sudden encounter with the German raider Kormoran off Western Australia.
23 November 1901 – Lieutenant L.C. Maygar, VC: Lieutenant Leslie Maygar, of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles, earns the Victoria Cross at Geelhoutboom, Natal, for his bravery in rescuing a fallen comrade.
27 November 1939 – Inauguration of the Empire Air Training Scheme: Over 37,000 Australian airmen train under this program in Australia, Canada, and Rhodesia, one of the Commonwealth’s greatest wartime achievements.
29 November 1950 – Teadong River crossing secured: The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, secures the Teadong River ferry crossing in Korea, one of only two north-south roads available for the retreating US Eighth Army.
LEST WE FORGET
With Thanks by Ray Harris, Horsham RSL Military History and Heritage Centre