Albany services remember Charge of Beersheba and ongoing contributions of nurses
Stuart McGuckinAlbany Advertiser
The Australian and New Zealand flags fly high above Albany’s Desert Mounted Corps Memorial during the Charge of Beersheba service. Credit: Stuart McGuckin
Two important services were conducted by the RSL Albany sub-branch at the weekend in remembrance of the Charge of Beersheba and the continuing contribution and sacrifices made by nurses.
Saturday’s Charge of Beersheba Service marked 106 years since the last successful horse-led cavalry charge was carried out by members of the 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade.
A small crowd gathered at Albany’s Desert Mounted Corps Memorial at the top of Mt Clarence for the service.
Members of Albany’s 10th Light Horse Troop — including Maxine Brown, Jonathan Lamprell-Jarrett and Chantelle Hartney — played key roles in the service, which RSL service director Michael Tugwell described as “their service”.
As he delivered the prayer, Reverend John Abraham made reference to the current and ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, which is being fought in a similar region to the Battle of Beersheba.
Read more...
During her keynote address, historian Sue Lefroy asked what it meant for the battle to be labelled a key point in the British campaign against the Ottoman Empire in World War I.
Many wreaths were laid at the base of the memorial, including by new Albany Mayor Greg Stocks and recently appointed Albany RSL sub-branch president Rex Hendriks.
The catafalque party was made up of members of the Albany 505 Army Cadet unit, and members of Albany’s 10th Light Horse Troop served as flag orderlies.
The Nurses Memorial Service on Sunday was moved from the Nurses Memorial Garden on Proudlove Parade to the Albany RSL headquarters on Stirling Terrace because of concerns about wet weather.
The service is held annually to remember the contributions of nurses within and beyond the armed services.
It included a keynote address by registered nurse and first aid trainer Heather Malacari, with wreaths laid by community members representing different groups.
Reverend Helen Barnard led the service in prayer and benediction.
10th Light Horse Albany Troop flag orderly Brett Ward at the Charge of Beersheba service Credit: Stuart McGuckin
Albany RSL service director Michael Tugwell Credit: Stuart McGuckin
Reverend John Abrahahm leads the Charge of Beersheba service in prayer Credit: Stuart McGuckin
The Australian flag flys high above Albany's Desert Mounted Corps Memorial during the Charge of Beersheba service. Credit: Stuart McGuckin
City of Albany Band's Cynthia van Dongen at the Charge of Beersheba service Credit: Stuart McGuckin
10th Light Horse Canning Troop James Pfaff at the Charge of Beersheba service Credit: Stuart McGuckin
10th Light Horse Albany Troop Chantelle Hartney at the Charge of Beersheba service Credit: Stuart McGuckin
Albany Mayor Greg Stocks and RSL president Rex Hendriks lay wreaths at the Charge of Beersheba Service Credit: Stuart McGuckin
The 505 Army Cadet unit form catafalque party fall out at the end of the Charge of Beersheba Service, Credit: Stuart McGuckin
Denise Fetherstonhaugh lays a wreath at the Charge of Beershea service Credit: Stuart McGuckin
Albany's Charge of Beersheba service marked 106 years since the last succesful cavalry charge involving horses. Credit: Stuart McGuckin
10th Light Horse Albany Troop Jonathon Lamprell-Jarrett at the Charge of Beersheba service Credit: Stuart McGuckin
10th Light Horse Albany Troop Maxine Brown at the Charge of Beersheba service Credit: Stuart McGuckin
Albany historian Sue Lefroy welcomes the crowd to the Nurses Memorial Service. Credit: Lex Porebski - Gasgaslex Photos
Juniper Moignard at the Nurses Memorial Service Credit: Lex Porebski - Gasgaslex Photos
Reverend Helen Barnard Credit: Lex Porebski - Gasgaslex Photos
The Nurses Memorial Service was moved indoors to Albany RSL's headquarters on Stirling Terrace due to inclement weather. Credit: Lex Porebski - Gasgaslex Photos
T.S. Vancouver cadet Danica Winkelaar prepares to lay a wreath a the Nurses Memorial Service Credit: Lex Porebski - Gasgaslex Photos
