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2/30th Battalion march through Orange

Route of the march: assembled at Forest road, marched up Peisley Street, and swung into Summer Street, Orange, NSW.

The 2/30th Battalion marched through the City of Orange, on 15th June 1941, led by their C.O., Lieutenant Colonel "Black Jack" Galleghan. Below is how the march was reported in the local Orange newspaper, the next day:

Triumphant A.I.F. march into Orange

Crowded Streets

Tumultuous welcome

Will return this morning

Headed by steel-helmeted despatch riders and a Bren gun carrier, nearly 1,000 A.I.F. men from the Bathurst military camp made a triumphant entry into Orange yesterday afternoon, to the accompaniment of cheering from densely crowded and beflagged streets.

It was the greatest military demonstration ever staged in Orange. More than 10,000 people paid tribute to the tough, young fighting men who that day had carried out manoeuvres in full battle dress.

They had come across country, from Blayney, where they had camped the previous night.

From the assembly point, beyond the railway yards, the soldiers

THEY TALKED ABOUT THESE . .

That band! How everyone in Orange praised those A.I.F. musicians who played the men into town yesterday.

It was wonderful . . . especially when the strains of "Waltzing Matilda" echoed through Summer Street.

"Did you have afternoon tea?" one Digger was asked.

"Yes, it was grand. It made me feel homesick."

The Orange police force was paid high tributes by the mayor, and officers. Inspector Kemp was personally thanked for his co-operation, and was asked to convey appreciation to his men. They did a fine job . . .  with courtesy and a smile.

marched along Forest road, Peisley Street, and swung into Summer Street.

As they headed west, their band - and what a wonderful combination it

was - played music that stirred the thousands who marked every step of the khaki-clad men.

And behind them came huge military vehicles.

At the Robertson Park saluting base, the mayor (Dr. Matthews) took the salute. Standing beside him was Col. Max Shepherd.

Thousands of eyes were turned to the base as the men swung by. Cheers echoed in the pulsating streets, while from buildings fluttered gaily-colored flags.

From countless windows, on the awnings over the footpaths, stood groups of people. Every vantage point was taken.

And, as they came on and on, foot-falls of those sun-tanned young Australians seemed to echo a prayer in the hearts of those who watched.

There was snap, perfect military precision in their marching. There was strength, determination and courage personified.

The men were scheduled to arrive here at 2.30. They were here, and the last vehicle passed the Anson and Summer Streets intersection as the town clock struck three.

By that time, hundreds of men had swung along, between the thousands of people, and their vehicles, had manoeuvred for arrival at the various billets.

On arrival at their destination, the A.I.F. men were escorted to their billets by members of the Orange Volunteer Defence Corps. There they were met by committees of ladies, who had prepared for them afternoon tea.

From the moment they had had refreshments, Orange was theirs.

Orange people gave up their town for the men who had inspired admiration by their wonderful display that afternoon.

The A.I.F. men stayed in Orange overnight, and this morning at 9 o'clock will assemble at Summer and Hill Streets intersection for their return to Bathurst.

With their band leading, the marchers will head east and cross the railway line.

The mayor introduced Col. Galleghan to the committees of ladies who had prepared afternoon tea, and he paid them high tribute for their manner of reception of the men.

"Orange has been wonderful. We shall never forget this town or it's people," added Col. Galleghan.

Brigadier Marshall was also here, but did not arrive until later in the afternoon.

"I want to give high praise to the people of Orange. Their response has been magnificent," said the mayor. "I am appreciative of the manner in which they cooperated with the police in keeping a route

GRIM DAYS AHEAD OF THEM

As the khaki ranks swung past the Forest Road petrol depots and down into Peisley Street, many people, from cars and nearby residences, watched them.

Momentarily, there was no cheering, no clapping - but a glance along the line of spectators revealed serious faces, and some moist eyes, as the watchers no doubt realised that this was no manoeuvre, but a movement designed to strengthen those lads for the strenuous and dangerous days ahead.

And, as the last of them passed along, a thin whispering sigh was heard, as someone murmured: "The pity of it."

 

clear for the marchers. To the ladies I tender my deepest appreciation, and those sentiments also apply to the work of the V.D.C. In fact, everyone who associated themselves with the movement worked so splendidly that Orange gave a welcome of which I, as Mayor am justly proud."

Diggers who made themselves known were Drivers Turick, Muspraft, Crooks, W.F. Crofts, Gardiner, and Roberson.

WHEN DIGGERS CAME

Snow Battles in Orange

Fun in the Streets

 

Snow battles were staged in Orange streets last night by men of the A.I.F. who marched from Bathurst into town yesterday afternoon.

A truckload of frozen snow, from the slopes of Mount Canobolas, was dumped in small heaps at several; sections of the streets.

Snowballs whizzed in may directions.

People stood in the streets and watched the men at play. Stray snowballs hit some of the spectators, but everyone joined in the fun.

Two officers of the Orange police force had narrow escapes from flying snow.

"It was all fun. The men were a well- behaved lot," declared one of the policemen.

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Last updated 29/08/2022