Lest we Forget

I find it so heartening that Anzac Day resonates with so many Australians still today.

For me, the day serves as a reminder of the horror and futility of war but also of the strength, courage and sacrifice of young Australians.

Our national identity was largely formed through the actions of our country men and women during World War I. The strengths and virtues that our ancestors displayed during the conflict still resonate with us today; mateship, endurance, courage and our sense of humour.

Anzac Cove; we visited in 2007. What an amazing experience it was...

 I've also forged a deeper connection with World War I history and commemorations since learning of my husband's family history; his great grandfather and great uncle both fought in the Great War (and both were fortunate enough to come home).

Rupert Anstice Rafferty (Jason's great uncle) was a commanding officer with the 10th Battalion and he landed his men on the shores of Anzac Cove on 25th April 1915. Together with his men, he launched up the steep cliffs of the Peninsula on that first morning. He survived and was eventually evacuated with all other men that were lucky enough to still be alive, on 19th December 1915. He then went on to fight on the Western Front.

Leighton Dunbar Rafferty (Jason's great grandfather) was also involved on the Western Front; he had the unfortunate experience of being in Fromelles on 19th and 20th July 1916. He fought, was wounded and was then evacuated to London.  He eventually made it home to country Victoria, but was so affected by his experiences that he sadly took his own life a few years later, leaving behind his wife and young children.  There is no greater reminder of the horror of war.



We visited all the battlegrounds that Rupert and Leighton fought at; this is the Australian Memorial at Fromelles.

Lest we Forget.