“A thousand sail of the line may ride in perfect security” Governor Phillip declared of Sydney Cove. But what of the brave men who fought to secure that very security? We stand before 16WW a building connected to the legacy of the 16th Battalion Royal Western Australia Regiment.
The 16th Battalion a unit forged in the fires of the First World War. Its history is one of courage and sacrifice. Initially formed in 1914 the battalion saw action at Gallipoli. They also fought on the Western Front in France and Belgium.
Imagine the mud and the blood the fear and the grit. These men from Western Australia and South Australia faced unimaginable horrors. They fought in battles like Pozières Mouquet Farm and Bullecourt. Their casualties were staggering 1127 killed and 1955 wounded. Three Victoria Crosses a testament to their extraordinary bravery.
The 16th Battalion wasn’t only a First World War story. Re-formed during the inter-war years it participated in the New Britain Campaign of World War II. This time against the Japanese. Their losses were far fewer but still meaningful.
After the war the battalion continued to evolve. It became part of the Royal Western Australia Regiment. Today the 16th RWAR stands ready to serve. It has contributed troops to conflicts across the globe. From border protection to operations in East Timor Afghanistan and Iraq.
This building 16WW holds a piece of that enduring legacy. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made. It is a tribute to the service and devotion of the men of the 16th Battalion. Let us remember their names and their stories. Remember their courage. The 16th RWAR continues the fight for peace and security today just as the men of the 16th Battalion did in past wars. Their spirit lives on. The legacy of the 16th Battalion continues to inspire.