Service remembers Milne Bay
MEMBERS of the 25th Battalion Association, relatives, and friends of veterans of the Battle of Milne Bay and invited guests attended a memorial service on Sunday, August 29, at the 25th Battalion monument in the Mother’s Memorial Park to mark the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay.
This ceremony recognises the contribution by the Darling Downs community and members of the 25th Battalion, the Darling Downs Regiment, during this critical phase in the War in the Pacific against Japan.
The 25th Battalion, The Darling Downs Regiment, was part of the Australian Forces at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, who during the period from August 25 to September 7, 1942 inflicted the first defeat on land of the Japanese Forces in World War 2.
The keynote address at the service was delivered by Lieutenant-Colonel Bryce Hertslet, Commanding Officer, 25th/49th Battalion, the Royal Queensland Regiment.
Wreaths were laid by Mayor Paul Antonio, Trevor Watts, MP, the association, other ex-service organisations from Toowoomba, and by relatives and friends of the veterans.
This service was preceded by a memorial service at St James Anglican Church.
The Regimental Colours of the 25th/49th Battalion were paraded in the church during the service.
The 25th Battalion Association thanks all who attended the commemorative service and acknowledges the Toowoomba Regional Council, 25th/49th Battalion, the Royal Queensland Regiment, Harlaxton RSL Band, and the Toowoomba Choral Society for their continued support for this commemorative service.