The Reserve Forces Day Council Tasmania is pleased to announcethat His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia has agreed to accept the position of national Patron-in-Chief forthe Reserve Forces Day Council of Australia.

In a recent letter to the council His Excellency states, “Reservists are a vital part of Australia’s long and distinguished military history”. He further states, “Reserve Forces Day is an important day in our national calendar, an opportunity for all Australians to give thanks for the outstanding service of our Reservists”. In his letter he “commends the work of the Reserve Forces Day Council in ensuring that the service and sacrifice of our Reservists continues to be recognised and honoured”.

Reserve forces day parade will take place in Hobart on 6th July at Franklin Wharf at 12noon sharp. Marchers are invited to form up in Mawson’s place at 11.30am. Family, friends and the general public are invited to attend and view the parade. Media are also invited to attend. There will be a static heritage vehicle display and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque remembering the over 1000 Tasmanian volunteers whom embarked for Europe during WW1 on 20th October 1914.

BACKGROUND

Volunteers under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC formed the Reserve Forces Day Council in NSW in 1998. The inaugural National Chairman was the late Sir Roden Cutler VC AK KCMG KCVO CBE. After 15 years Sir Laurence has now retired and from the 1 February 2013 the National and New South Wales Chairman is the Honourable Tim Fischer AC.

The Council in all states consists of serving and former members of the Services who give of their time voluntarily to manage the Reserve Forces Day activities. The inaugural Reserve Forces Day celebrated the 50th anniversary of the reforming of the Citizen Military Forces after World War II on 1 July 1948 .

The objective of the day is to raise the profile of the Navy, Army and Air Force Reserve Forces, to recognise serving and former Reservists and to thank families and employers for their support. In 1998 12 cities throughout the nation held parades with 22,000 serving and former members taking part. Such was the success of the 1998 event that parades and celebrations are now run annually throughout Australia. Many new Unit Associations were formed and existing Associations have enjoyed increases in their membership. The Unit Associations and their members still support the Australian Defence Force family and although they are no longer serving are keen to support the current Units. This year 20 cities will conduct parades and celebrations throughout Australia. In 2012 Hobart won “Best City” for its parade beating out all other Australian cities that year.

THE THEME FOR 2014

Each year we establish a theme relative to ADF events and the involvement of Tasmanians. This year will be unique and very exciting. We are going to remember the departure of the first Tasmanian troops to Europe for WW1 from the docks at Hobart on 20th October 1914.

The Tasmanian quota in the 1st AIF departed from Ocean Pier in Hobart aboard Transport ships Geelong and Katuna, 39 Officers and 996 other ranks departed for Europe. During the first world war the Tasmanian 12th and 40th Battalions were raised as part of the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) and served with outstanding distinction in Gallipoli and other European Theatres. 400 did not return. Their sacrifice earned the two Battalions three Theatre Honours and 25 Battle Honours.

The 12th/40th Battalion, The Royal Tasmania Regiment (12/40 RTR) is now an Australian Army Reserve battalion and holds more Battle and Theatre honours than any other unit in the Australian Army . These are all displayed on their Queen’s and Regimental Colours.

In 1948 Ocean Pier burned down. The brass plaque below which was attached to the pier in honour of the departed troops was lost. As a tribute to those brave Tasmanians the Reserve Forces Day Council will replace the plaque as a permanent reminder of the part our state played in the Great War.

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Denis Bignold, Peter Bignold, Doug Wyatt, Reserve Forces Day, July 1