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
Photos
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