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2/17 Battalion, Royal NSW Regiment Depot, 2 Suakin St, Pymble, NSW

The Memorial

The concrete cylinder, which forms the focal point of the Memorial, was one of those used as a Tank Stop at the battle of Gemas.

It remained at the side of the road, until found in 1970 by Major Ken G. MALLINSON ED, a former member of 30 Inf. Bn CMF, at that time, serving with the 1 Bn Royal Australian Regiment. 1 R.A.R. undertook the recovery of the cylinder and, subsequently, forwarded it to 17 Royal New South Wales Regiment as a War relic. They included with the cylinder a bronze plaque briefly recording its significance.

The 17 Royal New South Wales Regiment was formerly the 17 Bn CMF, which had absorbed the 30 Bn, The New South Wales Scottish Regiment CMF. An Infantry Company in Black Watch Kilt, “A” Coy, is maintained still by 17 R.N.S.W.R. in honour of 30 Bn.

The 17 Royal New South Wales Regiment has revered the traditions of all past Regiments, which carried the colours of the 30 Bn and decided that the concrete cylinder should be mounted by the flagpole on its Parade Ground, in a suitable setting.

The 17 Royal New South Wales Regiment organised all the arrangements and the construction in setting up the Memorial.

The 5 Palms, set in a semi-circle around the Memorial, were provided by our Association and represent the five Companies of 2/30 Bn A.I.F. They were supplied by NX27140 - Cpl. Henry Leonard (Baldy or Len) BARNES - HQ Company, Carrier Platoon, and came from his coconut plantation, "Utopia" at Bramston Beach, QLD (between Innisfail and Cairns).

Ku-ring-gai Municipal Council provided the second Brass Plaque for the Memorial Stone and helped with advice and assistance to the 17 R.N.S.W.R. in the construction and setting up of the Memorial.

The Official Consecration and Unveiling of the Memorial was held on 17 Jan 1971, when our then Patron, Brigadier Sir. Frederick G. Galleghan DSO OBE ISO ED, who died later in that year on 20th April., performed the Unveiling.

(Source: 2/30 Battalion Archives)

Changi Cup

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Last updated 29/08/2022