Sydney March
For the first time in a number of years, the threat of rain hung over the Anzac Day march. The sudden downpour, sprinkle or the coolness of the day did not deter the marchers or those watching. Some of the bands supporting the marchers swung by up to three times. They marched in dry kit, with rain dripping from their tunics and uniforms and playing from under plastic ponchos.
The Sydney march drew a large crowd. Bathurst Street was lined 4-5 deep on both sides from 0930 until the march marshals came through with the final group in the march, the relatives of ex-servicemen.
The gunners were spread throughout. ‘A’ Fd Bty Association, marching with the post-WW2 RAA contingent, provided the link from the 1870s to the present. Following the national flags and the banners representing the WW1 formations, marched the WW2 unit members and in many cases their relatives, providing assistance to the marchers and carrying many of the banners. Equally well represented were banner bearers provided by cadet units and community groups such as scouts, guides and other groups.
Woolooware High School Band led the parade followed by the motor cycle police and the RSL taxis carrying those who are no longer agile enough to march. The NSW Department of Education & Training’s Millennium Marching Band was one of the groups to complete the circuit three times.
Scots College Pipes and Drums preceded the national flag bearers that were followed by the NSW Mounted Police and the memorial horses.
The Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AO CVO, our association’s patron, with her ADCs followed the police guard. The march commander and the RSL group was supported by the RAN Band.
Cadets carried the Flags representing the Corps, Divisions and HQs of WW1 Formations.
A guard from RAEME (Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) paraded their colours. These soldiers keep the artillery’s vehicles and guns operating.
