I took the shots in this collage during the memorial to those who fell in Gallipoli on ANZAC Day. This is especially for Margo @777margo and all my friends down under.
Top from left to right:
Tombstone of Capt. Hutchinson Booth (British); tombstone of Lance Corp. Keith Booker (Australian); my brother (without moustache) with the colours of K.O.M.R.; row of tombs each carrying 3 names of persons buried in them; Gunner J.R. Lindley (Tasmanian).
Bottom row: the Maltese president, Her Exc. Marie Louise Coleiro who was the first to place a wreath on the monument – she was followed by representatives of all the foreign embassies in Malta and by other individuals; detachment of AFM (Armed Forces of Malta) buglers in ceremonial army uniform and piper who played the Last Post.
Something about the K.O.M.R. It started as a Territorial Infantry Regiment in 1932, taking over from a previous regiment. During the Second World War it was expanded to four battalions, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 10th, and all rendered sterling service. The Regiment was given the battle honour “Malta 1940 - 1942” and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II also granted the regiment the unique privilege of carrying the George Cross on the Regimental Colours. The Regiment was disbanded in 1972. My elder brother, Joe, joined the regiment when he was 16 years old – at the time it was already on part-time week-ends, serving as a possible back-up force. When the regiment was completely disbanded he held the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. Old timers like my brothers have kept the flame of the regiment alive by forming an association which meets regularly and takes part in ceremonies like this one.
Joke: An old veteran was walking into a grocery store when the cashier said sir you barracks’ door is open. He paid no attention to her because he didnt know what she was talking about. He saw this man stocking the shelves, told the man what the cashier said and asked what she meant. The man replied that his fly was open. After shopping he went back to the same cashier and said “mam you told me my barracks door was open. While you were looking did you see a marine standing at attention? “No sir” she said “I saw only an old retired veteran”.
Thank you very much for looking and for the lovely comments and the fav's on yesterday's picture.
Wonderful collage and most interesting information. The Unit I commanded was disbanded at the end of the Vietnam War and we formed an Association in 1992 holding reunions every two years.
Very interesting to learn about how this day is marked in other parts of the world. Thank you for the images of the day and also the commentaries; a fitting tribute and very well done.
