Veterans pass on Aussie history

Students at New South Wales’ Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School received a history lesson from World War II veterans when they visited RSL Care Darlington residential care community’s Avenue of Honour at Banora Point in NSW last Friday.

Four veterans and RSL Care residents who contributed to the extensive display of wartime memorabilia gave the Year 10 students a personal account of their experiences of war, and the sacrifice of Australian men and women who had lost their lives in service.

RSL Care chief executive, Craig Mills, said residents and staff were supportive of the opportunity to help educate children about Australia’s history, and were proud to share their experiences.

“Every day our staff and volunteers are inspired by the stories and experiences of residents within our care,” Mr Mills said.

“For residents to share their stories with Australia’s younger generation, and for our younger generation to hear their accounts first-hand, is a special occasion, and a learning opportunity RSL Care is proud to support. 

“It’s important we all know and always remember the sacrifice our veterans made,” he added.

Pictured are students from Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School with RSL Care chief executive, Mr Mills, and RSL Care resident and WWII Veteran, John Evans Read. 

Lindisfarne’s head of social sciences, Bryson Coverdale, said the study of Australia’s military involvement through the 20th Century to the present was a core focus of students’ Australian history studies.

“For our students, being able to talk with veterans here at RSL Darlington, is invaluable, and passes forward the valuable oral history of our community’s war-time experiences,” he said.

“The photographs in RSL Care’s Avenue of Honour provides a striking visual history and example for our students of those young men and women whose military service has enabled us to enjoy the freedoms we do today.”

In addition to speaking with veterans, students also toured Darlington’s Avenue of Honour – a display of wartime memorabilia comprising photos, service records, newspaper articles, medals, uniforms and various items that diggers carried such as drink bottles and lighters.