Light horsemen pay homage to 100 years of sacrifice and service

Members of the Kelmscott-Pinjarra 10th Light Horse Memorial Troop were on hand at Parliament House today when Premier Mark McGowan and Veterans Issues Minister Peter Tinley presented the Returned and Services League (RSL) WA with a $298,850 cheque.

The Lotterywest grant will fund a suite of events across the State to honour the service and sacrifice of Western Australians during and since World War One. The events will help celebrate the Centenary of the Armistice that ended World War One on November 11, 1918.

Cathran Forbes and Phillip Dennis, respectively mounted on VonRoy and Indi A Bay, had ancestors who served in Australia’s light horse cavalry. Cathran’s great uncle fought with the 8th Light Horse and members of Phillip’s family fought with the 4th Light Horse. They will be assisted by another member of the troop, Kelvin Liddiard OAM.

Mervyn Wilson and Jack Matthews founded the 10th Light Horse Memorial Troop in 2002 and regularly share stories of the light horse’s important heritage at schools, shows and other special events.

The RSLWA’s planned events to commemorate the Centenary of Armistice will specifically acknowledge all those who served in World War One, and will help remember the service of Western Australians in all wars and peacekeeping commitments since.

Key events in the public program of events and activities in Perth and regional WA include:

• A commemorative installation of 62,000 hand knitted poppies in Kings Park;
• A military gun salute along the Swan River foreshore; and
• An Armistice Centenary picnic and concert at Government House.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

“Today’s grant to the RSLWA is a key element in the State’s recognition of the Centenary of Armistice. The planned program of events offer us all a unique opportunity to get involved and participate in a truly historic occasion.

“The ceremonial gun salute and celebrations at Government House will recognise that while November 11 will be a day of solemn commemoration, there is also much to be celebrated in marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.”

Comments attributed to Veterans Issues Minister Peter Tinley:

“The devastation caused by World War One cannot be overstated. Nearly 330,000 Australians embarked for service overseas – 62,000 of them subsequently died on active service.

“Of the 1914 population of men in WA, the war claimed almost one in 25. The installation of 62,000 hand knitted poppies at Kings Park will be a powerful visual reminder of Australia’s loss and help us all to never forget the sacrifice of our servicemen and women.”

Premier’s office – 6552 5000

Veterans Issues Minister’s office – 6552 5300

Image captured by Cassidy Mosconi