This week we are sharing with you some of our collection from the Quilpie Shire Military History Museum. This museum was set up by the community in 2015. While we are closed at the moment, we look forward to welcoming you back in 2021, so you can immerse yourself further into our story!
These boots are made for walking……
I bet these boots have seen some miles in their lifetime – Imagine the stories they could tell if they could talk! These are Ankle boots (AB) and Gaiters, they were issued during the 1960’s to the early 1970’s. Soldiers were issued two pairs of boots and one pair of gaiters. One pair of boots were used for ceremonial purposes and the other pair for general duties, i.e. field exercises and normal daily duties. These Ankle Boots and Gaiters were kindly donated by Ian Haycock to the Quilpie Shire Military History Museum.
The rising sun….
There have been seven versions of the Australian Army Rising Sun. The first pattern was developed in 1902. The Rising Sun badges pictured above are the 3rd version. This pattern evolved in May 1904.
This version included Australian Commonwealth Military Forces inscribed in the scroll and was worn through both World Wars. This pattern badge formed the base for all future general service badges. Information sourced from Australian Army (www.army.gov.au).
These Rising Sun badges have been kindly donated by Janelle Cassol to the Quilpie Shire Military History Museum.
The significance of the red poppy…..
The red poppy came into significance following the First World War and soon became accepted as the flower of remembrance throughout allied nations. So why the red poppy?
The red poppy were among the first plants to spring up across the battlefields of northern France and Belgium.
The red poppies pictured are dated from the 1960’s and were used for ANZAC/Remembrance services. They are currently on loan from Janet Foley as part of the display at the Quilpie Shire Military History Museum.
Now lets invoke the Anzac Spirit…….
The residents of the Quilpie Shire have always commemorated with a community march and then a service at the Shire Hall. This event generally attracts hundreds of people including our local school students, residents and visitors. This photo was from commemoration service in 2019. So, while we cannot physically gather together in 2020 – there are many ways we can still commemorate.
Visit the Australian War Memorial website www.awn.gov.au or RSL Queensland www.rslqld.org for some ideas about how you can honour the Anzac memory.
We at the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre have pledged our support to the RSL. They are asking Australians to stand in your driveway, on your balcony or in your living room to remember all those who have served and sacrificed. To pledge your participation, visit https://rslqld.org/Whats-On/ANZAC-Day
Remember to #ANZACATHOME this Anzac Day and invoke the Anzac Spirit……
“In uncertain times, the qualities evoked by our ANZAC spirit – ingenuity, humour, endurance, courage and mateship are more important than ever” RSL Queensland (www.reslqld.org)
Lest we Forget.
