Wanganui R.SA Dawn Parade

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 99, 28 April 1941, Page 2

Wanganui R.SA Dawn Parade

I WOOD VILLE MEMBERS ATTEND i _____ | In the crisp frost of the very early j hours of Anzac morning a little party of Woodville R.S.A. members, Messrs. Paddy, Seed, L. Hurley and Beaney, set , out to attend the dawn parade of the j Wanganui association. Arriving in the 1 vicinity of 5 a.m., the party found the * “fatigue squad” already on the job. To the amusement and banter of the assembling Anzacs, Mr. Paddy, in true soldier style, busily engaged himself by the wayside preparing a cup of tea. Unobtrusively and almost unobserved, the ranks fell in and, led by & standardbearer and surpliced padre, marched to the Cenotaph. Perfectly timed, and in quiet solemnity, a most impressive service followed, the first part of which terminated with the placing of a wreath and the “Last . Post.” After the act of dedication and prayers exactly as dawn was breaking, , the buglars turned to the east and , sounded the “Reveille,” which, with , the National Anthem, completed this I little parade of remembrance, j Back at the R.B.A. rooms a very wel- , come ‘ ‘ rum issue ’ ’ awaited the parade ,aud the old spirit of Anzac was soon j manifest, past experiences were related, , friendships renewed, and last but by no •means least, Wanganui welcomed its | first war casualty, an old Anzac, back | from Egypt. Private Harwood brought i back personal messages from old com- | rades and was chaired in the true Anzac manner. I The "Woodville party then left lor Okoia, where, over the breakfast tabl# of yet another Digger, more friendships were made and renewed. After a very pleasant trip the party , arrived back in time to attend tho Woodville parade: