RSL WA Mount Hawthorn Sub-Branch

06/05/2026

Did you know Australia sent soldiers to Britain to cut timber for the war effort - and that on their way home, some 600 of them marched through Times Square? 🪵🪓

This photograph shows Australian foresters from the 3rd Forestry Company in New York on 30 September 1943, while returning from service in Britain.

According to newspaper reports, Australian and New Zealand forestry troops marched down Broadway to City Hall for a civic luncheon, escorted by bands and more than 500 police.

They were treated to a New York Yankees v Chicago White Sox baseball game, a dinner at the 7th Regiment Armory, and visits to Wall Street, the Stage Door Canteen musical, and the Ice Capades at Madison Square Garden.

The Newcastle Sun reported that it was the first time in 25 years that Australian soldiers had marched in New York. Later accounts suggested that this may have been the first time since independence that armed foreign soldiers had been allowed to march in an American city.

The Sun reported that one of the strongest impressions New York left on the men was the blaze of electric lights and neon signs after wartime blackout conditions in Britain.

06/05/2026

Vietnam veteran John O'Halloran has received Australia's third-highest military honour, the Medal of Gallantry, at a ceremony at Government House in Perth.

STORY: https://ab.co/4f4p4mB

Mr O'Halloran was 21 when he led a fixed bayonet charge against a Vietcong jungle stronghold during Operation Bribie, almost 60 years ago.

WA Governor Chris Dawson said Mr O'Halloran, as a second lieutenant, led his platoon in a "fierce firefight, outnumbered against a dangerous and well-armed foe in the jungle of Vietnam".

"John gave the last order in our storied military history for an Australian body of soldiers facing overwhelming odds to fix their bayonets and charge forward, on foot, under fire," Mr Dawson said.

"In John's own words: 'We landed at half past three in the afternoon, by four o'clock I had six dead and 12 wounded.'"

Mr Dawson said Mr O'Halloran's men became the most decorated Australian platoon to serve in Vietnam.

Mr O'Halloran was given a standing ovation after receiving his medal.

04/05/2026

During the week leading up to ANZAC Day 2026, Compass Group Australia held a special ANZAC Service on their premises for their employees. Our Sub-Branch President, Trevor Stiles, was invited to attend and spoke briefly to those assembled. Wreaths were laid, the Ode was recited, national anthems sung and ANZAC biscuits enjoyed. Over the years, we've sent representatives to local schools and aged care centres for ANZAC Day, but this service at Compass Group's premises seems to have broken new ground! We hope it's the start of an ongoing tradition for future years. Well done to Nathan Hicks, who co-ordinated this event. Photos courtesy of Danielle Blanch, Marketing Specialist – Recruitment, Compass Group Australia. Many thanks!

25/04/2026

25/04/2026

A few more photos of the ANZAC Day March & Service at Axford Park today. Thank you to the wonderful Mt Hawthorn community for turning out to pay their respects to those who served Australia in conflicts around the world over 100+ years. Lest we forget.

25/04/2026

Nathan Hicks was a very busy man today, drumming at the Kings Park Dawn Service. Then he dashed out to Mt Hawthorn where he carried the flag for our March to Axford Park. Uniform was immaculate, Nathan! Well done...

25/04/2026

A beautiful sunny morning for our ANZAC Day Service in Axford Park today. The local community turned out in strength and their generous support of the sausage sizzle resulted in $3002 in donations which will be used for the welfare of our veterans. Thanks to our guest speaker, RAAF Flight Lieutenant Jean-Pierre Schroeder, who spoke on the WW2 bombing of Darwin and other places in WA, NT & Qld. A BIG thank-you to the City of Vincent for their incredible support every year for the Axford Park ANZAC Service - we couldn't do it without your help.

18/04/2026

14/04/2026

This image comes from the City of Vincent Library and Local History Centre. It shows a group of WW1 soldiers in uniform at Lark Hill, England in July 1917. Some of the hats have the familiar upturned brim but others don't. Local man, Charles Gobby, is holding the cat in the front row.

Join us at Axford Park on Saturday 25 April to remember all those men and women who died or were injured serving our country in wars spanning the years 1914 to the present time.

Lest we forget.

10/04/2026

Every year, Government House pays its own tribute to our ANZAC heroes with a stunning display of hand-crafted, crocheted poppies made and displayed by volunteers from the RSL WA.
Those volunteers – now affectionately known as the “Poppy Ladies” – have again dedicated their time and skill to display thousands of handmade, knitted, and crocheted poppies in a stunning commemorative installation.
They represent the blood-red flowers which grew on the devastated battlefields of Flanders during World War I.
More than one hundred years on they now symbolise the ultimate sacrifice of those who died in service – and are a visible show of support for living veterans and their families.
Among the red poppies are purple crocheted poppies to represent animals.
Display will be open to the public - please check Government House website for further details.