Marking wartime heroes’ bravery
BRAVERY – it is a quality synonymous with Australian servicemen and women, and Cairns has been touched by their daring and fortitude.
Trinity Beach was used as a training ground during World War II. Australian and British commandos of the Z Special Unit rehearsed for the operation that would see a refitted fishing boat, the MV Krait, sail from Thursday Island and anchor outside Singapore.
From the Krait, six men paddled collapsible canoes 50km to the harbour and planted limpet mines on Japanese ships. Seven vessels were destroyed.
The bravery of these men 75 years ago was commemorated at the Cairns RSL last month, when a scale replica of the Krait was unveiled at the RSL museum on the Esplanade.
In 1918 Tablelands son Harry Dalziel received the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Battle of Hamel.
Dalziel was born in Irvinebank and was a railway employee when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces early in the Great War.
He saw action at Gallipoli before going to the Western Front in France.
Dalziel’s heroism in taking out a German sniper nest and fighting on while seriously wounded earned him the VC at the age of 25.
The Bravery Anzac collectable coin is available with a token from today’s Cairns Post for $3. A new coin will be released each day leading to November 11, commemorating a quality displayed by Australian servicemen and women.