Such a waste

In a corner of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra lies a lifeboat that was recovered in the lee of the cliffs at Gallipoli. It a relic now, a rusted, worn out cutter that was used by the army during the Dardanelles campaign to ferry soldiers from the troop ships to the beach at Anzac Cove.

The critical damage to its hull is undisguised, the bullet holes are many and of a large caliber. And if you stand there quietly you will be left with the overwhelming impression that for some of the young, enthusiastic, and fearful men that were aboard this boat on that early morning of April 25, 1915 the damage to them would, as it was to the lifeboat, have been fatal.

On this year’s anniversary, 100 years since the end of World War I we were asked again to celebrate these men and to honour them for their sacrifice and achievement.

In the years after the war Australia struggled to cope with the needs of its crippled, former soldiers and the wider community found itself profoundly distressed and embittered by guilt and loss.

In response memorials and cenotpahs were constructed and now these are all that remain which mark the trauma and grief of an entire Australian generation. It certainly took just as much courage to nurture a veteran’s recovery, wounded or not, in the years after the war as it took for those men to face the bullets and shells of the enemy.

The truth is that the landing at Gallipoli, and the subsequent campaigns in Egypt and France were a catastrophe. None of our communities were untouched by loss of those actions. Australia paid in blood and treasure a price for which was utterly disproportionate to its size and we are still, all these years later, trying to justify.

We never ask ourselves how much more Australia may have achieved had these men and women been allowed to live out their lives in peace.

We should be angry that these young, inexperienced soldiers were deployed with such utter contempt by other unapologetic, incompetent men who had no connection or stake in Australia. We should be utterly appalled that there has never been an apology from Britain, or even an acknowledgement of the wars complete military ineptitude.

There were moments of heroism, bravery, resilience and achievement. Our soldiers were brave, of that there is no doubt.

But this 100th anniversary of the end of World War One should be viewed with sadness and anger.

It was an ill-conceived involvement that scarred this country for many years afterward and led to a prolonged period of social and economic depression. There was a loss of faith, a loss of hope and it was, without doubt, a waste of everyone’s time.

Duncan Wade, Hallora A brick to the dishonest person who picked up an envelope with my bankbook and money which I dropped while getting out of my car at my house last Thursday morning. I have security camera footage which I will take to the police if you don’t return this. Please be honest.

Bricks to the person who stole heartworm tablets from the package in Coles supermarket, Warragul. With other shoppers nearby and cameras everywhere you are either brave or stupid. If you can’t afford the medication maybe you can’t afford the dog.

A big bouquet to the two women who helped me in Smith St, Warragul on November 7 to get to my appointment and for carrying heavy bags for me.

A bouquet to the lady who donated two wigs to Red Cross for cancer patients. These have been given to the oncology department at West Gippsland Hospital who are very grateful. Many thanks.

Bouquets to all the faithful volunteers who braved wintry conditions and venues to sell poppies for Remembrance Day. I found all of them so cheerful and friendly. Thank You

Bouquets to all those responsible for the historical photos and information which have popped up around the Warragul CBD. They provide insights into the pioneers who shaped the town and how our streets and buildings developed. Much appreciated.

Bouquets to the Warragul Municipal Band who teamed with acrobats and musicians from Cultural Infusion to present three wonderful performances of the Armistice Living Tribute Show in Civic Park recently. It was a privilege to be there to hear the music and see the performance narrative which focussed on Australian army stretcher bearers/musicians.

Bouquet to the semi driver who stopped outside the Longwarry pub during the service on Sunday at 11am. And another bouquet for him also turning off his engine. Such a simple and humble mark of respect did not go unnoticed.

Bouquets to the Warragul Theatre Co for A Night To Remember at our new arts centre. Absolutely wonderful show and very professional. It was a night to remember.