‘Priceless’ Gallipoli flag returned

The first flag carried ashore at Gallipoli by Australian troops during the ill-fated landings in 1915 has been anonymously returned, safe and sound.

The Flag of the 9th Battalion was found Friday morning in the ANZAC House building reception area, wrapped in brown paper. It had been missing for 11 days.

As reported in last week’s City News, the priceless artefact was stolen from ANZAC House. It was being kept there while upgrades to the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park are completed.

“It appears to be undamaged. We know nothing more than that,” said NSW State President of the RSL, Don Rowe. “We are just thankful that whoever took the flag has had the commonsense and decency to return this priceless piece of military history.”