The Naval  Association     of  Australia

VA034 Tuesday 3 May 2005

AUSTRALIAN VETERANS LEAVE FOR VE DAY COMMEMORATIONS

A group of 17 veterans and one war widow will leave today for France to represent Australia at Victory in Europe commemorations.

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, De-Anne Kelly, said the mission group was formally farewelled by the Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, at a special ceremony at Victoria Barracks in Sydney today.

Mrs Kelly said 8 May 2005 marked the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

"The Australian mission party honours the members of the three armed services who fought in the European, Atlantic, North African and Middle East theatres of the war, " Mrs Kelly said.

"More than 100 000 Australians served in these theatres and of these more than 11 500 lost their lives and 8000 were taken prisoner of war.

"The 18 members of the mission group represent those who served and died during the war as well as those who returned and live with the memories of their service.

"The delegation will be accompanied by the National President of the RSL, Major General Bill Crews, and the National President of the Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council, Rear Admiral Ian Crawford."

Mrs Kelly said the mission members would represent the Australian veteran community at the international VE Day commemorations in Paris on 8 May.

"The mission party will also visit Adelaide Cemetery near Amiens where Australians killed in World War I are buried and from where the Unknown Australian Soldier was exhumed before being laid to rest at the Australian War Memorial. In addition they will visit the Australian Corps Memorial at Le Hamel, as well as other wartime memorials and sites from both world wars that hold a special significance for Australia," she said.

"Through commemorative missions such as this, the Australian Government aims to help Australians better understand the experiences of those who have served our nation in war and their place in our history.

"I know for the veterans this mission will be a special visit to honour fallen comrades, remember mates and pay tribute to all those who served Australia."

Media contact: Craig Clarke 0417 889 423

Editor's note: List of veteran representatives follows.


Victory in Europe commemorative mission 2005

Veteran representatives

John (Jack) Bedford Army NSW
Francis (Jim) Cahir RAAF VIC
Bevan Christensen Army Qld
Julian Clint Army ACT
John Firth Army NSW
John (Jack) Godson RAN SA
Roy Heron Army WA
Reginald Hogan RAN VIC
David Jennings RAAF Tas
James Jennison RAAF NSW
Una Keast Army NSW
Graham Mann RAN VIC
Dudley Marrows RAAF VIC
Geoffrey Pazzi Army Qld
Norman (Jeff) Robinson RAAF NSW
Maxwell Shean RAN WA
Iris (Pat) Smith War widow Qld
Walter Smith RAAF ACT

Invited Guests

Major General Bill Crews (Retd)
National President
Returned & Services League of Australia

Rear Admiral Ian Crawford RAN (Retd)
National President
Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council

Main Notice Board | National Council | National President | State/Sub Sections|NAA News| White Ensign Magazine | History | Ship Association News | Pension / DVA News | Navy / Defence News | Reunions/Special Events | History | Links | Contact Us | JOIN | Home | Webmaster |

© The Naval Association of Australia