Pictured is Albert Crosthwaite, one of the last remaining World War II veterans in Corowa. Mr Crosthwaite was part of the Navy and set out for Japan in 1945 on the supplies ship, Birchgrove Park which took 600 troops to Japan. Mr Crosthwaite is pictured with his proud daughter Cr Gail Law and son Arthur Crosthwaite who joined the Army in the Vietnam War.
In the early hours of a crisp Autumn morning, more than 300 residents gathered at the Corowa Monument for the largest Anzac Day Dawn Service in three years.
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The strong turnout for the 6.00am service set the tone for the day as Anzac Day commemorations returned in full across the country following two years of COVID-19 upheaval.
Corowa Pony Club members representing the Australian Light Horse.
RSL Sub-branch president Martin Magill and Captain Katrina Ryan, Royal Australian Navy leading the parade up Sanger Street.
The parade up Sanger Street was well attended leading to the 11.00am Commemoration Service at the iconic Corowa Monument, which marks 100 years since it’s instalment this year in September 2022.
An estimated crowd of 600 people gathered to remember the tragedy of war on the 107th anniversary of the first Anzacs landing at Gallipoli.
“It is a pleasure to see so many here at the main service today to help us honour those who served our country, who returned and did not return,” Corowa RSL Sub-Branch President Martin Magill said in his opening address.
Crowd numbers were up after two years of COVID-19 disruptions.
The service was conducted by Corowa High School with Lachlan McKenzie as the Master of Ceremonies, Rebecca Carroll delivering the Prologue, and Carter Read and Clancy Tomlinson delivering the Anzac Day Oration.
Members of the NSW Police force and NSW Ambulance place a wreath on the Monument.
“We gather here today to remember the sacrifice of our servicemen and women. They are the men and women who were willing to believe in something greater than themselves,” Rebecca Carroll said.
The Anzac Day address was delivered by Captain Katrina Ryan, Royal Australian Navy who travelled from Canberra with her family to be part of Corowa’s commemoration.
“While we can never forget the service and the sacrifice on the Gallipoli Peninsular and the Western Front over a century ago, we also today remember the events of the second World War which much of the conflict was not on the other side of the world but in and around our country,” Captain Ryan said.
Corowa Girl Guides pay their respects.
“In the last 75 years we recall additional wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations both near and far away from home.
“Each of us a here for a slightly different reason and all through a lens in which we view remembrance.”
Following the Anzac Day Address was the presentation of floral wreaths.
Renowned Corowa Bugler Joanne Howe sounded ‘The Last Post’ followed by a Minute’s Silence and the ‘Reveille’. Flag Marshal Daryl Martin lowered the Australian flag to half-mast as a sign of remembrance.
Corowa RSL Sub-branch vice president Daryl Martin pictured with a member of the catafalque party.
Members of the Sing Australia Choir performed ‘The Recessional’, ‘Abide by Me’ and the National Anthem throughout the ceremony.
Father John McGrath delivered the Benediction while reflecting on two significant members of the community who passed in the last 12 months.
“I’ve sat here before with Philip Scott and Ken King. Philip Scott was the President of the RSL Club and an extraordinary man who did a lot for the community.
“The other person is Ken King who has attended more of these Anzac Day services than most of us. Ken was with the Occupational Forces and was the most faithful of people in the RSL movement.
“I remember both those great men of our community.”
Nancy and Leonara Naughtin place a wreath on the Corowa Monument on behalf of the Pony Club.
President Martin Magill thanked the community for their attendance in his closing address as well as the community groups who assisted with the success of the day.
The catafalque party pictured after the commemoration service.
In Howlong, the dawn service crowd exceeded last year’s numbers. The beautiful morning was reflective as Tony Smith played the haunting sounds of the bugle.
Wreaths were laid by Beryl Smith on behalf of the Howlong RSL and Brocklesby Chapter. The NSW Rural Fire Service Southern Border Team and the Howlong Rural Fire Service also laid wreaths at this service.
The main day service in Howlong also drew a large crowd. Tony again displayed his skill with the bugle.
The march was led by Doug Pressnell who was presented with a certificate in honour of his 75 years as a member of the RSL.
A large crowd gathered in Howlong to commemorate the fallen.
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