On Saturday 21st March 2015, Australia commemorated and welcomed the return of the troops that in the finest ANZAC tradition have for the past 13 years served in the “Slipper Operation” in Afghanistan, the longest tour of duty undertaken by Australia.
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This campaign was not a victory nor a defeat, over 33,000 men and women inclusive of the Defence Force personnel, Federal Police and Public Servants, served for Liberty, Truth and Honour. 41 Defence personnel were killed, with 260 wounded and two Australian civilians wounded.
Australia is proud and thankful that we have such wonderful men and women who serve this nation with their selflessness and their determination to do the job, and have left the new Afghanistan with hope for a more sustainable future, Australia has made a difference and the valour and courage of our Soldiers should be celebrated.
The Australians established a tenuous foothold on the steep slopes above the beach at ANZAC cove. During the early days of the campaign, the allies tried to break through Turkish lines, while the Turks tried to drive the allied troops off the peninsula. Attempts on both sides ended in failure and the ensuing stalemate continued for the remainder of 1915 The Battle of the “Nek “scheduled to commence at 4.30am on the 7th August was to be preceded by naval bombardment, but due to miss communications the attack was not launched at the scheduled time, giving the Turks ample time to prepare for the assault. The first and second wave of allied soldiers was cut to pieces by machine gun and heavy rifle fire. This was the ultimate tragedy of the “Nek”, that the attack was not halted after the first wave, as it was clear it was futile.
The Australians casualties from the 3rd Light Horse Brigade who took part in the attack, numbered 372; 154 out of the 8th Light Horse Regiment, and 80 out of the 10th Light Horse also died in the attack, the Turkish losses were negligible
The legend which emerged from Gallipoli was not a legend of sweeping military victories so much as triumphs against the odds, and of courage and ingenuity in adversity. It is a legend of mateship of free and independent spirits whose discipline derived less from military formalities and customs. And with this tradition the Australians have gone to war with ever since.
Private Roy Alexander McMillan aged 21 years 2 months, place of association “Rosebank” Eugowra, enlisted at Kensington NSW on the 25th September 1914 in the 3rd Battalion AIF, Private McMillan embarked on the 20th October, 1914 from Sydney aboard the HMAT “Euripides” A14, Private Roy McMillan was reported wound/missing in action on the 20th May 1915 at the attack on Lone Pine, a witness from the 3rd Battalion later reported that he tried to bind McMillan’s wounds, but the witness was later informed that Private McMillan was taken to the beach, and he had passed away. Following a Court of Enquiry dated Alexandria 20th October, 1916; the report reads “Previously reported “Missing”, now reported “Killed in Action” 21st May 1915 at Lone Pine, Gallipoli.
Lest We Forget
Jenny Weaver Publicity Officer Canowindra RSL Sub Branch