Scone RSL Sub-Branch Turns 100

WHEN the soldiers of World War One returned from war they returned as different people, who had endured the horrors of war, lost childhood mates and would carry with them the burden of their service for the rest of their years.

Most would not talk about the war, no doubt because they wanted to leave it behind and shield their loved ones from the weight of their experiences.

From this the Scone Returned Services League sub-branch was born; a place for those who had served to come together and spend time with their mates who understood.

Back LR-: Paddy Wilson, Greg Newling, Val Quinnell, George Clementson, John Brooks, Robert Goodworth, Bruce Brown, Anne Hutchinson and Trish Ferguson. Front L-R: John Baker, Craig Murphy, Dr John Paradice and Dave Spencer.

On Friday night the legacy of Scone men and women who returned from WWI and established the sub-branch was honoured, with local soldiers from WWII and Vietnam gathered in the spirit of the founding members, to remember, to honour and to support.

The address was given by Major Alan Lynch from the Singleton army base who talked about the importance of the sub-branch today and how the spirit of our military has remained true to the values of the first ANZAC’s.

“100 years of service to the region and the nation is significant and coincides with the centenary of Armistice,”said Major Lynch.

“Veterans of all ages need assistance and all come together; the RSL sub-branch is imperative for that support network,” he said.

Major Lynch spoke of his own extensive experience in the army, deployments, his pride to see his sons follow in his footsteps and the high calibre of soldiers coming through the Australian Army ranks trained in Singleton.

“They will stand the test and have been passing those tests,” he said.

“Today’s men and women are as good as the guys we’ve been honouring today from 100 years ago,” he said.

“It is in their DNA, not just as Australian soldiers, but as Australians,” Major Alan Lynch said.

Val Quinell, president of the Scone sub-branch said there were more than 30 members and they are encouraging younger people who have served to be involved and keep the sub-branch strong for the benefit of all returned service people in our community.