Rose Bay RSL unveils memorabilia cabinets
August 15 marked the 64th anniversary of VP day, the day World War II came to an end with the surrender of Japan. It also proved the perfect occasion for Rose Bay RSL club to unveil its Victoria Cross Walkway, an exclusive collection of memorabilia donated by current and retired members of the Armed Forces.
One of the most unique pieces in the display is a summer ceremonial jacket belonging to retired Vice Admiral David Leach, the only one of its kind on display in the clubs around Australia.
VA Leach – whose achievements during his 43 years in the Australian Navy include captaining HMAS Perth under fire during the Vietnam War in 1968 as well as being made Chief of Naval Staff in 1982 – is the club’s patron and was on hand to declare the exhibit officially open.
Also included in the collection is an “Over the Top” whistle, used for signalling the start of battles during WWI, a Japanese Marine helmet and a selection of medals and war memorabilia from WWI to the current conflict in Afghanistan.
The committee in charge of the display has vowed to regularly refresh the contents of the cabinets by rotating the memorabilia and to bring to public attention military engagements and sacrifices in the form of short stories and photos that will be continually updated.
Many veterans are now in the later stages of their extraordinary lives, and this display gives them the opportunity to pass their stories down through the generations so their efforts in serving their country will not be forgotten.
– By Morgan Calton
