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On Tuesday – Anzac Day – Ron Walesby will shed a few tears. It’s his tradition.
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As one of Port Macquarie’s oldest surviving World War II veterans, Ron says Anzac Day brings home the reality of war, the loss of close friends and a strengthening view that we should take more pride in being Australian.
While he’s proud of his service to his country, he says there is no glory in war.
“Anzac Day is a time to reflect on your achievements and the regrets that you still nurse for the rest of your life,” he said.
Ron served five years with the air force flying maritime surveillance, convoy escorts and anti-submarine operations.
When he enlisted, his closest buddy was Phil Sanger. The pair became inseparable. They completed an initial 21 week camp before undertaking several other courses together. They, and everyone else in their training group, became firm friends and deep bonds and friendships were formed.
With their training on home soil complete, the group – about 80 personnel – were earmarked to travel to Rhodesia to continue their training. However, Japan entered the war with the bombing of Pearl Harbour and they were promptly reassigned to other duties waiting for further orders.
“In those days, training was undertaken in Rhodesia, Canada and Australia. Phil wanted to fly fighters so he eventually went off to Canada while I had wanted to fly heavy bombers and remained in Australia,” Ron said.
“So off Phil went and while I missed out on going to Canada, I was eventually sent to a navigation and reconnaissance school.
“But we kept closely in contact through many letters. We continued to correspond very regularly until one day a letter marked returned to sender on airboard instructions arrived. I meant only one thing.
“I was truly shattered and never got over that.
“There is never an Anzac Day that goes by where I don’t shed a tear for Phil. There were also other fellows (close friends) who didn’t come home too.”
Ron said Anzac Day is a time when the enormity of war and the huge responsibility placed on young soldiers is brought home.
There is never an Anzac Day that goes by where I don’t shed a tear for Phil and the other fellows on the courses we were on.
- Ron Walesby
“I look at the fine young cadets and young service men and women who proudly wear their uniform on Anzac Day and remember that when I joined up, we were not that much older than these same people,” he added.
As the ranks of ex service men and women continue to thin out, Ron praised the involvement of school children, and community groups in marching.
He says Anzac Day provides the perfect opportunity to review our history and to re-emphasise the Australian identity.
“I think service certainly leaves an indelible mark on you. It engenders pride, promotes discipline and self discipline while uniting the country.
“I’d also support national service such as the case in Switzerland and other countries.”
Ron first marched in Anzac Day as an 11 year old and will attend the Port Macquarie service.
His book, Like Snow On The Desert, was written a few years ago and is available locally.
He will celebrate his 100th birthday in February 2018.