ANZAC Day commemoration 2015
What a wonderful tribute the men, women and young people of Underbool/Linga District paid to those who fought for our country 100 years ago.
Gathering at the south gates of the Underbool Primary School in the dawn of a rainy morning, 
and no one complaining of the rain, the large group of approximately 85 people with umbrellas aloft marched along Monash Avenue. Some elderly citizens who were unable to march, followed in cars. Monash Ave is named after one of the most distinguished Australian Military leaders in World War 1, Sir John Monash. The march ended at the Memorial Gates at Outen Park so named after Roy Outen, who is believed to be the first soldier from Underbool to have died in the First World War, aged 19.
Allan points to Roy's name on the
VC Corner Memorial, France
At the Memorial Gates and Underbool/Linga Memorial Hall, more people were waiting to join in the commemoration, making an amazing crowd of about 120.
The large gathering witnessed the raising and then the lowering to half-mast, of the Australian flag by Colin Lockett at the Memorial Gates. The gates had previously been decorated with red poppies made by the local Planned Activities Group and a wreath made by children from the Early Learning Centre.
All then proceeded to the Underbool/Linga Memorial Hall for the main ceremony.
Frances Lynch, President of the Underbool Progress Group welcomed all to the special Service of Remembrance of those who have given war service for our country in previous years and those still serving today.
Thoughts were turned to war time scenes by the reading of the well known poem “In Flanders Fields” by Rosemary Jackson and by listening to a poignant excerpt from a letter Janet Lynch’s grandfather wrote home to his four year old daughter only a week before he was killed in World War 1.
Allan Lynch presented pictures and spoke of his visit to the Western Front of France and Belgium.
The efforts of Australian soldiers in WW1 are still very much remembered by communities such as Fromelles and Villers-Bretonneux. Allan intends to investigate more war time history when he revisit sites this year.
Councillor Greg Brown was called upon to lay the Wreath on behalf of the Mildura Rural City Council and Eileen Kilpatrick and Jack Lockett brought forward a wreath on behalf of the local community. Other members of the community were then given the opportunity to lay their wreaths.
A Roll of Honour of World War 1 residents of Underbool and Linga who saw active service in 1914 – 1918 was then delivered by Nita Wandel. As each name was read, a sprig of rosemary tied with red ribbon was placed on a table under the appropriate Honour Board by Kathy Jackson. In the event of there still being relatives of that particular soldier in the district, then those relatives came forward and placed the rosemary sprigs. This included the Lynch, McVicar, Mossop and Sharp families from Underbool Honour Board and the Beasley, Bunstun, and Lockett families from Linga Honour Board. There were 43 residents from Underbool and 30 residents from Linga known to have been on active service from 1914 – 1918.
All present then stood for the Ode, the Last Post and One Minute’s Silence, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The silence in the Hall during the service was evidence of the enormous respect for those who fought for our country.
A superb display of local memorabilia generated much interest and included family soldier war histories, photos, newspaper cuttings, huge bullet shells, a gas mask, an army saddle, medals, army uniforms, an officer’s sword and large (original) Red Cross recruitment posters.
Many of those present also enjoyed a delicious cooked breakfast together. All agreed it had been a wonderful Anzac commemoration.
The wreaths and rosemary sprigs were later placed at the Outen Park Memorial Gates.
Lest we forget.
25 Apr 2015 Notice
Assemble by 6.45AM at top of school oval on Monash Ave. Procession (you can march or drive) to leave at 6.50AM sharp, and move west along Monash Ave to Outen Park Memorial Gates. 7.00AM Short service of Remembrance at Outen Park. The service will continue at the Underbool Linga Hall including speakers, followed by a hot breakfast ($5 per head), some memorabilia/ pictures on display. If you have some memorabilia to display, please bring this to the Hall on Friday night at 7.pm.
We encourage relatives/descendants of those from Underbool and District (Linga) who served in the First World War to attend.
It would be appreciated for catering purposes if you could let organisers know if you will be attending. All welcome.
Further details: Contact Fran Lynch 0409 509 463, Joan Willsmore 0427 946 310.