Navy People: ANZAC Day in France

16 March 2010

On 25 April this year, Charleville’s Glen Brassington will not be having a quiet barbecue with his parents Ann and Barry. Instead the former bar manager at the Warrego Club will be part of the Australian official contingent at the Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux in France.

A famous World War I battle around Villers-Bretonneux in 1918 broke the back of the German Army. The German chief of staff, General Ludendorf, called it the German Army’s blackest day. Australian diggers, commanded by Australian General Sir John Monash, won the victory and shortened the First World War. Even now the school-children at Villers-Bretonneux are taught to ‘Remember the Australians’.

“I spent my first 23 years in Charleville but in 2004 I felt like a lifestyle change, something outside the box,” said Glen. “I joined the Navy, served in the Middle East, and now I’m promoted to Able Seaman and a qualified Bosun’s Mate — which means ropes and guns!

“I volunteered for Australia’s Federation Guard in June 2009 and I’ve been all round Australia, but this will be my first overseas trip.

“On ANZAC Day I’ll be a member of the Catafalque Party. When we march on and guard the tomb I’ll be thinking of all of the servicemen who died, and about how their own families felt about them not coming home. It will be a moving moment.

“And I’ll be home afterwards as soon as I can to show Mum and Dad the photographs.”