4 Fd Regt (SVN) Old Boys Newsletter - December 2020 Edition

Lessons never to be ignored On this very special day when flags fly and bugles cry Stirred are reflections of desperate bloody conflicts gone by Faint echoes of proud, defiant songs which helped us bind Images of final farewells where forced smiles masked troubled minds Sweet memories of those who stepped forward to answer the call Once more are our vows never to forget such brave spirits who gave all Today lessons of war inked in books are rarely read Etched walls of stone salute our dead New names added when Mars creates another cruel season Familiar sobs from a new grieving generation seeking reason Official speeches are often prepared by unknown scribes at public cost Forgotten are warnings that precious freedom is slowly being lost When will we learn that the price of peace is to be prepared for war? Not huffing and puffing or meek excuses and shrugging what for? In our new found space age, distance and time from threat is now naught We must shed blinkers; and quicken needs for readiness to be sought If we remain meek, and shun threats to our way of life; far away or within Then brace for terrible turmoil which apathy and political neglect will bring. Lest we forget. George Mansford © October 2020 The following came from Ian Ahearn (Current President of the RAAHC and former GPO of 102 Bty back in October this year. Reports from the Harbour Trust staff are that there is a reasonable amount of ash litter on the AMW and that the fires got very close, but on initial inspection the Walk is undamaged. The Harbour Trust staff have been proactive in contacting me, two phone calls and two emails, including instructions on how to organise an inspection, through the rangers. Sydney has had rain overnight for the last two nights, so that may assist with washing away some of the ash.