ANZAC Day
College ANZAC Day Commemoration Ceremony
This morning, the College held its ANZAC Day Commemoration, with a special focus on reflecting on the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.
Commemoration Address - Korean War
This year's commemorative poster acknowledges and remembers the 75th anniversary of Australian Service in the Korean War. Australian personnel served in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953. The poster incorporates the numerous branches of the Defence force. The Australian Army is represented by 3 members of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR). The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is represented by a Gloster Meteor jet of No 77 Squadron. The 'Battle' Class Destroyer HMAS Tobruk represents the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) operations. The operating theatre annexe at the British Commonwealth General Military Hospital represents the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC).
Between 1945 and 1948, the Korean peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel into 2 occupation zones. The zone occupied by the United States became the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The Soviet-occupied zone became the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).
On 25 June 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea. They planned to capture Seoul and unite the peninsula under a communist regime. This act was the culmination of tensions that had been building since the end of World War II. The United Nations (UN) reacted quickly, asking its members to help repel the North Korean attack. Australia was one of 21 nations to offer military support.
In 1950, many Australians were serving in Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF). Some of these personnel were redeployed to South Korea. Over 3 years, more than 17,000 personnel from Australia’s 3 armed services (Navy, Army, Air Force) served in the Korean War.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was involved from the start. HMAS Shoalhaven and HMAS Bataan were committed just days after the war began. HMAS Sydney arrived in October. The ships' crews provided naval gunfire support, carrier screening and evacuation missions throughout the war. RAN ships were also involved in the landing and evacuation at Inchon and operations at Chinnampo and the Han River estuary.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was involved from the start, too. No 77 Squadron was deployed to South Korea within a week of the invasion. Flying Mustangs and, later, Meteor jets, the squadron provided close air support for UN ground forces. The RAAF also provided crews and aircraft for medical evacuation flights between Korea and Japan.
Three battalions of The Royal Australian Regiment served as part of Commonwealth formations in South Korea.
The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), arrived in Pusan in September 1950. It included K-Force volunteers from Australia. 3RAR participated in the advance across the 38th parallel in October 1950 and the retreat in November, when China entered the war. The battalion was also involved in Australia’s best-known land actions, at Kapyong in April 1950 and Maryang San in October 1951.
The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) arrived in South Korea in April 1952. The troops undertook patrols and operations against enemy positions.
In April 1953, the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) replaced 1RAR. The unit was also patrolling no-man’s-land, particularly north of UN lines.
The static nature of the war made life monotonous for troops. The climate compounded their frustrations. The soldiers experienced freezing winters, extreme heat, high humidity and heavy rainfall in summer.
During the Korean War, 153 Australian nurses served. They were members of the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service (RAAFNS) and the Royal Australian Army Nursing Service (RAANS).
Thank you to our musicians for contributing to the commemoration and Mrs Butler & Luke Davies for preparing them. A special thanks also goes to our Captains - Jacob Hill and Bonnie Clark, and our Vice Captains, Gideon Marr-Grogan and Esther Cummins, for leading the Commemoration.
All students are encouraged to represent the College by participating in one of the ANZAC Day marches on April 25th, held in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, or Laurieton. To register your attendance, please click on the Google link below.


























ANZAC March Community Marches and Ceremonies 2025
On Thursday, 10th April, we will hold our College’s Anzac Day commemoration. We hold this special event on this, the last day of the term for students as a precursor to the community commemorations. We have a tradition at the College where we support three local community Commemorations. We typically have outstanding attendance from our students.
ANZAC Day (25th April) is the last Friday of the upcoming holidays.
The three marches and meeting places for our students are as follows:
- Port Macquarie - Thai House Restaurant (formerly Thai Tastic), corner Horton and William Streets 9:30 am
- Wauchope - RSL Club, Young Street at 10:15 am
- Laurieton - United Services Club, Seymour Street at 10:00 am
Dress - Please note that students are asked to wear their full "white" uniform and bring their College hat or cap. Shirts should be tucked for this occasion. Senior students are to wear the College tie. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle on the day. We ask that students remain for the duration of the ceremony.
If your child is able to join one of our school groups at one of the three venues, please complete this Google Form.
Jason Warneken, Leader of HSIE
Matthew Bushe, Assistant Principal-Mission