Review of the 9 RAR National 42nd Anniversary Reunion and Commemoration
Tuesday 10th to Sunday 15th November 2009

PRESIDENTS REPORT 9 RAR REUNION BRISBANE 2009 - Barry Stalder

The 2009 42nd Anniversary Reunion held in Brisbane has just come to a successful conclusion. I feel I must make a few comments and thank those responsible for making it an enjoyable week. Firstly, I sincerely thank Margaret Morrison, Maj Gen David Morrison, Peter Cosgrove, John Essex-Clark and Brian Vickery; their presence made it extra special and everyone was delighted to see them. A personal highlight for me was the Memorial Service held at the National Memorial Walk and to have John Essex-Clark the last C.O. of 9 RAR read “The Ode” was a particularly nice touch.
As you are aware organising such a large event takes exceptional skill and management and to all of the Qld Committee involved ‘thanks very much’ with special mentions to Wayne Woodcroft, Dan Penman and Don Gow. I must publicly thank Greg Decker whose ‘devotion to duty’ was beyond the call. Next, to the C.O and RSM and ALL members of 8/9 RAR, gents, a heartfelt thank you, it did an old soldier's heart good and almost brought a tear to the eye to see you lining the side of the road taking the salute as we marched past on our way to the commencement of the Memorial Service. To the RAR Asssociation Qld, thanks for such a spiritual venue, the National Memorial Walk and your assistance. There are countless numbers who aided us over the time in organising the Reunion, you know who you are, thanks people.
I firmly believe the success or not of an event relies on the enjoyment felt by those attending, this could easily be observed and we have many photos to prove it. Constructive criticism is welcomed and this will be passed on to the NSW Branch to assist them as they are in charge of the next Reunion in 2012. In closing I would like to say a big thank you to all the wives and partners, they were extremely important and our visitors seemed impressed by their willingness to help where possible. Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year to all, stay safe, look forward to seeing you in 2010 and of course in NSW for the next Reunion. Regards, Barry.

REPORT FROM REUNION CHAIRMAN – Wayne Woodcroft

Hi 9 RAR Members, well after 2 years of planning it’s all over, it’s a bit of an anti-climax not having to worry whether we’ve forgotten something or not. I must say what a fun Reunion, the atmosphere throughout the 6 days was one of relaxed enjoyment. Gallipoli Barracks are still talking about the number of people that attended the Memorial Service. It was a great feeling to be marching as a unit again after all these years (there was over 200 marched). We were lucky in that we had the much appreciated help from the 8/9 RAR Assoc, the men of 8/9th Battalion RAR and other members of Gallipolli Barracks.
I would like to thank all of the ex-members of 9 RAR who took the time to participate and make the Reunion the success that it was. Regards, Wayne.

REPORT ON 9 RAR MUSEUM COLLECTION - Dan Penman

Following the Memorial Service, the 9 RAR Museum Collection was officially opened by John Essex-Clark and the months of planning made for a very emotive display. From many comments, one of the main attractions was the captured weapons, these are currently held in trust by the Ninth Battalions Association. The other main interest was the comparison of the equipment that the modern soldier has to carry against what we carried 42 years ago. Everyone's comment was how do they carry this weight.

A large heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who placed a contribution into the Donation Box - $1,050.00 was collected with many large notes in the box. A special thank you to Richard Starkins (Melbourne) for $300.00 and to the Morrison family for $50.00.
During the Reunion, C Company members raised some money for their funds but have now decided to donate the proceeds to the Museum - a grand total of $380.00. Well done men and thank you.
You can be assured that the money will be put to very good use to ensure that the 9 RAR Museum Collection will be preserved and and maintained for future reference. These funds will allow us to present the history of the Battalion in a professional way to both our members and, where appropriate, the current members of the Regiment at Enoggera.
A special thank you to the committee members for assisting to present the display so professionally. Cheers Dan

Attached is the address given by MAJGEN David Morrison, Commander Forces Command at the 9 RAR Memorial Service on 13 November 2009 at the RAR National Memorial Walk, Enoggera.

Extract......"The sacrifice and the courage shown by 9 RAR is part of the fabric of this great institution, the Australian Army.  The names on the role of honour mark the passing of men who “died with their faces to the foe”.  They are remembered here in a memorial service that builds on the private grief of those who knew them as fathers, sons, brothers and mates.  Some memories are not for easy sharing, but ceremonies such as this are events where the private and communal remembrance honour their sacrifice and affirm our humanity."

To read the full speech (PDF Copy) click on speech>>

Attached is the address given by Brigadier John Essex-Clark DSM (Retd) at the 9 RAR Reunion Dinner at the Hilton on Saturday 14 November 2009.

Extract........"As one final bonding gesture. Will all of us who served together at Enoggera, please stand, and let’s give a big ‘NINER’ for all those ‘nar’mers’ who preceeded us ‘post-nar’mers, and recognise them for setting us up as a fighting and ‘combat-blooded’ battalion:
‘six, seven, eight ........ “NINER!” "

To read the full speech (PDF Copy) click on speech>>