ANZAC Day Protocols

[Deleted member 29185]

Not exactly AFF material, but I do have to travel to partake.

Please indulge me, as I do know we have a number of (ex)servicemen and women here on AFF and I'd like to ask advice.

I'm an ex-serviceman (peacetime only, no active duty, thank God) and I have been a member of the catafalque party and honour guard to a number of services, including ANZAC services, when of course I was in full dress uniform. Since I re-joined civvy street, I have attended almost every ANZAC service, but in civilian attire rather than uniform.

This year however, I am fortunate enough to be, for the first time in my life, in Port Moresby for ANZAC day. I have visited Bomana cemetery many times, but this year will be the first which coincides with ANZAC day. It is also the first ANZAC day that I'm a member of the wider Sauga Tribe (individually via a Buna clan). Buna saw some of the fiercest fighting of the PNG campaign and the well-known photo of the Sauga tribesman (Raphael Oimbari) helping the wounded Aussie soldier (Cpl Dick Whittington) was taken on the clan lands, of which I'm now a member.

I feel very humbled this year, to be able to attend the Bomana dawn service (Bomana is the largest war cemetery in the Pacific) and I was wondering about the appropriateness (or not) of attending in either my RAAF hat and coat (forget the strides, there's absolutely no hope) or even just carrying my hat. Can anyone offer advice as to the protocol involved with that? I have no medals but do have all the '80's insignia.

 

[DC3]

.... I feel very humbled this year, to be able to attend the Bomana dawn service (Bomana is the largest war cemetery in the Pacific) and I was wondering about the appropriateness (or not) of attending in either my RAAF hat and coat (forget the strides, there's absolutely no hope) or even just carrying my hat. Can anyone offer advice as to the protocol involved with that? I have no medals but do have all the '80's insignia.

It's great to hear that you attend the ANZAC services.

At risk of being shot down, the hat can be a tricky issue, if not in full uniform. I see them carried/held as a mark of respect. I have also seen the hat worn, with no other part of the uniform, but I'm not sure on the actual protocol. I know what I prefer to see but that is coloured by my old lessons in wearing of "mixed dress".

Perhaps someone from the RSL could provide proper advice.

And again, you are a credit for attending the services.

 

[Matt_01]

It has been a while since I left the ARA, I was commissioned and I have led honour guards at ANZAC Day services. Personally, I would not even consider showing up to an ANZAC Day Dawn Service in mixed dress, I have seen people do this and get why they do it.

I still attend Dawn Services and most of the Ex Officers and Servicemen that I know attend in just a suit and tie, and if they have them pin on the the clinkers and swishers, if not it does not matter. Dress standards for Anzac Day are inculcated as a cadet at Duntroon and it is something that I have not strayed from.

If you have concerns on what is appropriative I would suggest you contact the RSL for advice also there are government published handbooks (or was 25 years back) that detail all official protocols and suggested forms of dress.

On a personal note I envy the situation you face.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Yes, I'll contact the RSL today and check, but thinking about it overnight, carrying the hat under the left arm may be best. (I tried the jacket and it too turned out to be a resounding "no way")!

 

[Major]

Forget the jacket but wear the hat if you wish. I normally wear my Association cap, mainly to protect me from more sun damage.

A lot of our members wear their old beret and look quite smart (when worn correctly)

I imagine it will become very hot after the sun comes up so any form of head dress would not be out of place

I have been to Bomana before but not for a dawn service. It should be a moving experience.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Thanks Major. I do have to work on ANZAC day (not a PNG holiday) so I'll likely be in meetings before it gets too hot, but not a bad idea as I do tend to burn in the tropical sun! I haven't seen my beret for many years, so if anything, it'd be the dress blues, hat.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Quick update. The RSL has advised me that wearing the dress blues hat with civvies is perfectly acceptable as far far as the RSL is concerned.

I've bought my poppy and rising sun lapel pin and ready to go.

Trouble is, my head is bigger as well (no surprise according to +1), so hat under the left arm may end up being the most acceptable!

 

[DC3]

.... Trouble is, my head is bigger as well ....

A good haircut may fix that.

 

[Denali]

Not having any experience, Im guessing the locals would be happy to have you there, respecting their involvement as well.

Enjoy the day as well.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

A good haircut may fix that.

I'm more thinking about my recent beard! From memory, RAAF'ies are not allowed beards ...

Not having any experience, Im guessing the locals would be happy to have you there, respecting their involvement as well. Enjoy the day as well.

I'm so looking forward to it. I have the feeling I'll be somewhat teary as Bomana is a moving place when you're there by yourself, let alone at an ANZAC ceremony. I just hope I can hold it together. I would really prefer not to be a blithering mess (well no more than usual, at least). There are many heroic ghosts watching!

The reality is, that Bomana is one of the most tranquil places that I have had the pleasure of visiting. It is genuinely a real credit to the Aussie authorities and the PNG custodians, as to just how immaculate the place is kept!

Brigade Hill - Kokoda Track





Bomana War Cemetery (I'm on the far right, +1 is centre)




"At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We shall remember them"

(sunset from the furthest point south that the Japanese forces took during those fateful months ... the view from the near perfect, Ioribaiwa Village)

 

[Mick1969]

i have attended the ceremony in Lae which must also be credited, the cemetery is thoroughly maintained.

As a former service member (RAAF) and non-warlike service, for myself I would not wear any part of uniform with civilian dress, however, this is of course a personal choice. I also have numerous medals which I chose not to wear to these ceremonies, mine are not for military service.

From my limited experience, PNG ceremonies are a laid back yet solemn affair.

 

[reflector]

I can confirm that if you were an active or reserve member, that mixing of uniforms with civilian attire is not permitted. You however do not it into either of these categories. My advice would be to give due consideration to your service history, and the setting. I think your idea of having your cap under your arm is a fine and appropriate idea.

As a side note, you mentioned you had no medals. If you completed 4 years or a lesser initial enlistment period, you may be eligible for the Australian defence medal. Eligibility was backdated to service post 1945 when it was created in 2006.