OPINION
So many feel-good stories abound around this time of year as we commemorate our Diggers on Anzac Day.
It's a wonderful reminder of the tenacity, valour and unity that they represent qualities that resonate deeply despite the passing of the years.
On the 83rd Anniversary of the Siege of Tobruk, the Descendants of the Rats of Tobruk Australia Association have unearthed eight World War II servicemen previously absent from the Siege of Tobruk's honour roll.
The research led by Deb Goodwin and Sue Trewartha will ensure that their courage and sacrifice have been rightfully acknowledged.
The discovery brings due recognition to the servicemen of the 2/1st Survey Regiment RAA, Sound Ranging Battery, and their integral roles in the Siege of Tobruk at a pivotal moment in the war.
Months of rigorous exploration of war diaries led to the discovery.
The association found their living relatives to honour the men with a commemorative Rats of Tobruk tribute.
This breakthrough is a victory for historical truth and homage to those who served with distinction.
It has been confirmed that these men from the 2/1st Survey Regiment RAA, Sound Ranging Battery were indeed in Tobruk at the time.
They were: Sgt Ian Leslie Braid VX42526, Sgt Edmund Frank Spreadborough VX43014, Sgt Jack Bonnel Donaldson VX18690, Bombardier Persse Sailsbury Rainsford NX29331 Lance Bombardier Vernon William Hercus VX41153 and Lance Bombardier Douglas Patrick Lampe DX601.
4th Durham Survey Regiment war diary records also unveiled the names of Batman, General Albert Victor Godwin VX789 and Lt Col Bruce Klein NX4 who accompanied the six men from the 2/1st Survey Regiment to Tobruk and remained until late August 1941.
Dr Karl James from the Australian War Museum confirmed the discovery.
"You have certainly done an impressive amount of detective work to identify the names of these eight men," he said.
The association (www.ratsoftobruk.com.au) is committed to preserving the legacy of the Rats of Tobruk and honouring the heroics of these men so they will never be forgotten.
- Therese Murray is features editor of The Senior, Australia's leading newspaper for over-55s. Read it online: thesenior.com.au
Day for Diggers or footy?
Some food for thought about Anzac Day from a Monash University expert on sport and Aussie culture.
Or should that be "culcha"?
In the lead-up to Anzac Day on Thursday, Dr Tom Heenan, lecturer, Sport and Australian Studies in the Monash Intercultural Lab, Faculty of Arts, was available to media to discuss the legacy of the day and its current meaning within Australian culture, particularly the wide world of sport.
I found his comments rather interesting so wanted to share them with you.
"Anzac was dead in the 1960s," he said.
"It was bolstered by a new nationalism and rising anti-Britishness in the 1980s, but in Melbourne it was the introduction in the 1990s of the Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon that sparked the real revival.
"The day is less about the Diggers and more about the football.
"More people know the words of the Collingwood and Essendon theme songs than have heard the Last Post or the Reveille.
"Lest we forget the Diggers, or have they been forgotten by 2.30pm as the players burst through the banners."
It's about the Diggers for me.
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
