YARRA JUNCTION ANZAC DAY SERVICE, 25/4/09

Address by Amelia McRorie and Bradley Woods,

Year 12 Students, Upper Yarra Secondary College.

Amelia:

Good morning, my name is Amelia McRorie.  Brad Woods and I are current year 12 students, we are school captains of Upper Yarra Secondary College for 2009.  It is a privilege to be invited here today to speak about our appreciation for the sacrifices made by Australian war veterans and the values their sacrifice enshrines in our community today.  

As young Australians, it is difficult for us to comprehend the horrors experienced and the sacrifice made by so many Anzac’s.  Today is a day for all Australian’s, young and old, to remember and commemorate the bravery of our fellow country-men as they fought to preserve our freedom.

Mateship, determination, endurance, sacrifice and courage were qualities seen within Anzac’s such as the Australian light horse men.  These qualities now underpin the Australian national identity which has been perfectly captured by Peter Dodds McCormick in his writing of the first lines of the National anthem:

“Australians all let us rejoice,

For we are young and free”

We are free because of the hardship faced by our ANZAC’s.  We are free because of the dedication of these troops.  We are free because of their bravery.  We are free because of them. 

Brad:

The light horse men also fought for our freedom.  The light horse men were brave mounted troops, enlisted from all over Australia, who served during the Second Boer War and World War One.  Whilst researching the achievements of the light horsemen, we found an account of one sixteen year old’s experience of which we would like to share with you today.

Harold Thomas Wickham was born in 1901, and came from country Victoria.  At the age of 16 he was a lean and wiry teenager, described as a level headed and capable bushman, handy with a rifle and a natural with horses.  As he followed the progress of the war, Harry is quoted saying “this is for me”.  He was aware of the dangers ahead, knowing there were great risks involved.  Like many ANZACS before and after him, he was under age and enlisted without his parents’ knowledge or consent.

Harry was first assigned to the 13^th light horse regiment but was later moved to the 4^th.  He thrived in training and displayed the natural attributes of a born soldier.  On the 22^nd of June 1917, Harry left for Egypt.  On the afternoon of October 28, 1917 his regiment was sent to fight at Beersheba, which turned out to be the most successful cavalry charge of World War I.  Harry’s regiment silently rode through the night to conceal the dust, and attempted to rest during the day.  On the morning of the 31^st they found themselves on the border of Beersheba, aiming to capture the valuable water supply found within the town.  The 4^th and its sister regiment the 12^th were held in reserve.  As the battle raged, the regiments watched as the shadows lengthened and the chance of victory began to disappear.  This thought shook Harry.

Amelia:

Eventually the squadron sergeant major galloped along the front of the troops and said “were gonna charge Beersheba mate!”.  As the enemy adjusted the range of their guns in preparation to engage with the Australian horsemen, they charged.  The enemy was taken off guard, but shortly after, shrapnel rounds blasted towards the horsemen.  Harry bravely readied himself as he approached the curtain of fire where a mixture of fear, excitement, panic and glee overcame him.  Shortly the inevitable occurred, and Harry was shot to the ground.  As he glanced to his legs he lapsed into unconsciousness.  Upon waking a fellow Horse men sat next to him saying “We took the town Harry, and the blokes and horses are enjoying a good drink".  Sadly Harry had died by morning and was buried at a war cemetery at Beersheba.

Brad:

This story was eye-opening to Amelia and I as we now realise the difficult circumstances all Australians, even as young as ourselves, had to face.  Although we feel a connection with Harry due to our similar age, it is still difficult for us to comprehend the atrocities of war. 

The Light horse men’s acts of mateship, determination, endurance, sacrifice and courage helped contribute to the development of the Australian identity.  Stories such as Harry’s will forever be passed down through generations and continue to capture the imagination of many.  For the sake of the future of this great country we need to carry the spirit of the ANZACs with us always as we continue to build a better Australia for our future.

Amelia:

To all our servicemen, we are proud of what you’ve done for us.  Parade yourselves confident in the knowledge that your deeds are appreciated by the Australians for whom you served.  To all present today and especially those affected by recent tragic events, you too have helped continue the proud tradition of mateship and courage in the face of adversity.

Lest we forget.