BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
Each afternoon at 16:30hrs, the Australian War Memorial conducts a short, solemn ceremony to remember an individual whose name appears on the Roll of Honour, which names almost 103,000 Australians who lost their lives as a result of service. Led by a Master of Ceremonies from among Memorial staff, the centrepiece of the Last Post Ceremony involves a current member of the Australian Defence Force telling the story of an Australian who lost their life as a result of service; the Ode of Remembrance is recited, and public wreath-layings take place before the ceremony ends with the playing of the Last Post. Australia’s Federation Guard regularly provide a polished ceremonial presence.
The ACT Division of the Air Force Association supports this commemoration, laying wreathes for members of the Australian Flying Corps or Royal Australian Air Force (including the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) and Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF)).
Each month, the Vice-President of the ACT Division calls for wreath-laying volunteers, and is soon over-subscribed with those eager to be involved. There are about six to eight ceremonies each month at which an AFA member has the opportunity to lay a special wreath in the form of a RAAF roundel.
I personally find it an honour to pay respect to our colleagues: our brothers and sisters of the AFC and RAAF who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation. It is a particular honour when family members are present, which gives us an opportunity to show gratitude for the service of their relative.
While volunteers are usually drawn from the ACT Division, all members of the Air Force Association are welcome; we encourage you to volunteer to lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial’s Last Post Ceremony, which takes place 364 days per year.
It will take nearly 300 years to read the story of every person listed on the Roll of Honour.
Story – Wing Commander Michael Garside Vice-President ACT Division of the Air Force Association
Images – Group Captain Mac Cottrell DFC OAM (retired), secretary of the ACT Division of the Air Force Association Laying the AFA wreath at the Last Post Ceremony commemorating Flight Lieutenant Rex Victor Skinner.
The Air Force Association Wreath.
Photos by Marcus Fillinger. Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial
