COMMUNITIES across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston have honoured the sacrifices of fallen Australian soldiers during Remembrance Day services on 11 November. Hundreds observed a minute’s silence at 11am as this year marked the 106th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World World I, with locals paying their respects at a series of ceremonies.
In Mornington, a large crowd, many of whom wore red poppies pinned to their chests, gathered at the Mornington and District Memorial Park, which included schools and community groups laying wreaths. Unfortunately, the Mornington RSL Sub-Branch officially closed its doors and ceased its operations last month after a decline in membership meant the club was no longer financially viable, with its out-going committee hosting its final Remembrance Day ceremony. A decision to wind up the Mornington RSL Sub-Branch was made at a meeting on October 12.
However, Frankston RSL Sub-Branch president Kevin Hillier confirmed Frankston RSL would continue all future Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services in Mornington and Frankston, as well as supporting all veterans, and conducting Anzac Day and Remembrance Day appeals, which “goes back into the service community”. “It was only decided last month; they (Mornington RSL) had a meeting to hand in their charter,” Hillier said. “We’ve got all the well-being and advocacy at our club; we’re neighbours, so we’re about looking after each other.”
Hillier said this years’ service at the Frankston War Memorial, located in Beauty Park, saw a record crowd attendance of about 300 people. The ceremony featured a rendition of the Australian National Anthem, a catafalque party dismount by Air Force cadets, and a wreath laying ceremony (which saw seven schools and the Frankston SES participate), as well as a sounding of the Last Post.
Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea was among the dignitaries’ present including Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke, City of Frankston CEO Phil Cantillon, and Victoria Police Inspector Melissa Rogers.
Hillier delivered a speech at the service, honouring those who lost their lives in battle. He made a particular reference to Victoria Cross recipient and Lieutenant George Mawby (Morby) Ingram, who lived in Hastings until his death on 1 July 1961, aged 72 after suffering from heart disease. “While Ingram is not mentioned on our memorial here, his remains are interred in the Frankston Memorial Cemetery, and we thank him for his service,” Hillier said.
Born in Bendigo, Ingram joined the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force in 1914 for service in New Guinea, before later enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force. He served in France in 1917 and was awarded the Military Medal for his work near Bapaume two months later. Ingram’s battalion was involved in the last Australian infantry action of the war during an attack on Montbrehain, France on 5 October 1918.
Despite coming under heavy fire, Ingram rushed an enemy post and captured nine machine-guns, killing 42 of the enemy in the process. “He rushed another fortification and overcame serious resistance. Twice more that day he displayed courage and leadership in the capture of enemy posts and the taking of sixty-two prisoners,” Hillier said.
A ceremony was also held at the Rosebud RSL Memorial with more than 200 people paying their tributes.
Rosebud RSL president Bruce Turner reminded the gathering that “Australians all let us rejoice, for we are one and free”, which he told The News was “very important today considering what’s happening in the Middle East that we maintain our freedom and never forget those who gave us that freedom”.
At the end of the service, the club distributed $34,000 worth of scholarships to local schools and presented Nepean MP Sam Groth with an honorary membership of the Rosebud RSL.
First published in the Mornington News – 19 November 2024
