A group of almost 200 local residents and school children gathered at the Bombala Cenotaph for the traditional Remembrance Day service, with local RSL Sub-Branch President, Rob Letts giving welcome.

Mr Letts opened with mention of Australia’s very first involvement in war, and while acknowledging the centenary of WWI, pointed out that the commemoration is inclusive of all conflicts in which Australians have served.

Mr Letts also pointed out that today our men and women still serve at war and in peacekeeping operations around the world.

Reverend Judy Holdsworth offered the reflection of the ceremony, urging the gathering to take the opportunity of November 11 to reflect on peace.

Mr Letts gave the prologue, choosing to focus on the first combat action of Australians in WWI, which took place at Bita Paka on the island of New Britain in September of 1914.

The target was an important wireless station used by a German fleet believed to be working in the area, posing a threat to Australia’s trade routes and other interests.

Mr Letts described the first loss of Australian life at Kabakaul where snipers waited in the trees and shot two sailors. A captain from the medical corps went to their aid.

“Having treated their wounds Captain Pockley gave his Red Cross armband to Leading Stoker Ember as a means of protecting that sailor and the two wounded sailors from further enemy fire while evacuating the wounded. It was to be a gallant and fatal gesture. In the ensuing fighting Captain Pockley was seriously wounded by sniper fire,” Mr Letts said.

He explained that Pockley had later died, as had one of the injured sailors he had tried to save.

“We remember these sailors today. They together with other soldiers and airmen and women have in the past and continue to serve our nation in peace and war,” Mr Letts said.

This led to the wreath laying ceremony, with a large number of community groups and individuals presenting flowers to honour and remember those who have given their lives in service.

With the Sub-Branch itself, Bombala Council, local schools and many others following this tradition, it was then time for Bombala High School President, Ebony Ingram to make the Remembrance Day Address.

Ebony gave a personal feel to the address by telling of three local Murphy boys who went to fight in World War I, reading an excerpt of the letters Willie sent back home, and revealing that two of the brothers never returned.

“How can we today possibly understand the extent of these losses? It was men like these who gave their lives so that we could live as we do today, without fear, without needless deaths in unimaginable numbers,” Ebony said.

“As a young person today, I find it difficult to fathom the extremities of the conditions that the brave Anzacs like the Murphy’s endured throughout the campaigns, however today I will remember and make recognition of Australia’s and Bombala heroes.”

After Ebony’s moving words, the ceremony officially commemorated the fallen through the sounding of the Last Post, a two minute silence, the recitation of The Ode by Tayla Ventry and Baidon Sten of the St Joseph’s Primary School, and the playing of Reveille.

The final prayer and blessing by Rev Holdsworth brought the ceremony to its conclusion, with the Rotary Community Choir leading the gathering in the National Anthem as Mr Letts invited all to gather again in peace for the Commemoration of Anzac Day in 2015.

Cr Dianne Hampshire presented a wreath on behalf of the Bombala Council.

Bombala RSL Sub-Branch President, Rob Letts led the November 11 service, with Rev Judy Holdsworth offering the reflection, prayers and final blessing.  

Bombala High’s Ebony Ingram gave the Remembrance Day Address.