First Gallipoli flag stolen
The theft of a priceless piece of Australian history has cast a pall over the renovations of the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park.
The first flag to be carried ashore by Australian troops during the infamous Gallipoli landings on April 24, 1915 has been stolen from ANZAC House. Staff discovered the loss last Monday, but as yet it is unclear when the artefact was taken.
The flag originally belonged to the 9th Battalion, 3rd Brigade, and was temporarily being stored at ANZAC House while upgrades to the Memorial are completed. NSW State President of the RSL, Don Rowe, said it was clear the flag had not simply been misplaced. “The flag had been framed along with relevant documents, and staff discovered the frame had been opened and the flag removed,” he said.
Mr Rowe said the flag had sentimental and historical value, and described it as “irreplaceable”. It includes the signatures of Albert Windsor, Duke of York (later King George VI); Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester; and Lieutenant-General Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement.
Police have been notified and forensic investigators have taken fingerprints from the flag’s mounting and frame. If people have any information of the whereabouts of the flag, they are urged to contact their RSL State Branch or nearest RSL Club.
