ANZAC DAY 2026

Reports from the Day

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES, 2026

How fitting that this was published on Anzac Day. Please read the article about 458er the late Don Bitmead and family.

And this report from Stephen Bruce: Dear 458 Family, It was truly inspiring to gather together for this year's Anzac Day March in Sydney, especially for those of us who travelled to Malta last October. Sharing those meaningful experiences, which are so deeply etched in our hearts and minds as descendants of those who served in 458 Squadron during World War II, was a source of pride and unity for us all. 

 A special welcome goes to the Aitken Family John, Liz, Felicity, and Joshua who joined our march and function for the first time this year. We hope they will continue to be part of our family as we honour the remarkable service of our relatives. We also express our heartfelt appreciation to Steve Chapman and his family for their ongoing commitment, making the annual journey from Tasmania to be with us. Their presence and enthusiasm at our traditional gathering spot, The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, as always adds to the camaraderie of the day. 

 Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a memorable event. The stories and memories shared among us passed down from veterans and family members , are always a highlight, reminding us of the enduring bonds we cherish as a group. 

 I am pleased to share some updates with you. The Australian High Commission in Malta has notified us that our specially commissioned quilt from Aussie Quilts will soon be presented to Air Wing Commander Colonel Nicholas Grech, in recognition of the outstanding support he and his subordinates provided during our visit. This presentation will be made by His Excellency Matt Skelly; we will keep you informed once a date is confirmed. 

 Additionally, as mentioned at our function, the Maltese Tourist Authority commissioned a story about our commemorative events at Luqa Airfield last year. This story was broadcast by news.com.au on Anzac Day, and you can view the full article under the travel stories section on their website. See the article which includes the website link above. 

I thought I would share a touching story that beautifully illustrates the respect and shared heritage within our group. On Anzac Day 2025, at 10:00am, Peter Williams (grandson of L.J. (Sam) and Maisie Barlow) boarded a train at Cherrybrook Metro Station, proudly wearing their grandfather's medals. At Chatswood Station, Tim Colclough, also wearing the same medals, joined the train. They engaged in conversation before both alighted at Martin Place. Only upon arriving under our banner did they realize their common bond as both were honoring their grandfathers’ service in 458 Squadron. Such moments remind us of the profound connections that unite us. 

Each of you plays a vital role in keeping our heritage alive. We appreciate your involvement and encourage you to continue sharing your stories and reflections, which make our annual gatherings so meaningful. We look forward to continuing these traditions together and honoring the legacy of the 458 Squadron.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, 2026

With brilliant blue skies greeting us on a classic autumn day, ten of us marched to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Earlier some of us attended the 5.30 am Dawn Service. One of the many highlights on this day was thinking about the very significant anniversaries this year: 85 years since formation of our Squadron in 1941, our Presidents Charles and Bill both turned 104 recently! Within the hour after completing our march, Victoria Flight President, Roland Orchard opened the meeting and called for a minute’s silence in remembrance of recently passed Veterans, widows & members of 458 Squadron. He then recited the ode. Lest we Forget.

Twelve of us attended the Annual General Meeting afterwards. The previous year in review is recorded in the minutes along with our plans for the coming year. Included with the AGM report is the Senior VP report and the meeting agenda.

ABC TV covered the entire march. We appear close to 1 hour 47 mins for about 60 seconds in total. The solo Roulette flyover is in that timeslot. See the coverage at this youtube link.  The Shrine of Remembrance also covered the March at this youtube webpage link , we appear at 1 hour 54 mins 10 secs for about 40 seconds in total. The flyover is at 1 hr: 50 mins 55 sec

For those on Facebook please see the nice Anzac Day reports/posts detailed at our 458 Fb page  (note this Fb link is also shown below Contact Us - the menu which is on  the left side of every web-page)

ANZAC DAY 2025

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, 2025

On a near humid 23 degree C day (with rain in the forecast during the afternoon), sixteen of us marched to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Earlier some of us attended the 5.30 am Dawn Service. One of the many highlights on this day was thinking about the very significant anniversaries this year: 110 years since the Gallipoli landings in World War 1 and 80 years since the end of World War 2. Within the hour after completing our march, Victoria Flight President, Roland Orchard opened the meeting and called for a minute’s silence in remembrance of recently passed Veterans, widows & members of 458 Squadron. He then recited the ode. Lest we Forget.

Eight of us attended the Annual General Meeting afterwards. The previous year in review is recorded in the minutes along with our plans for the coming year. Included with the AGM report is the Senior VP report and its addendum.

ABC TV covered the entire march. There is a glimpse of us at 2 hour 9 mins, then we appear close to 2 hour 9 mins 30 sec for about 30 seconds in total. The Roulettes flyover is at 1 hour 59 mins 30 sec : all at this youtube webpage link

ANZAC DAY 2024

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, 2024

On a crisp and rain free autumn day, 12 of us marched to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Earlier some of us attended the 5.30 am Dawn Service. One of the many highlights on this day was thinking about our “new found” Co-President Bert and our recent meeting (23/3) with him : 99 years young Warrant Officer Bert (John) O'Leary who resides in Frankston South. He served with the Squadron at Gibraltar. Another was having Rob Forgan join us from Mt. Gambier. It was also fitting that 460 SQN was marching behind us as they were formed out of 458 SQN. Within the hour after completing our march, Victoria Flight President, Roland Orchard opened the meeting and called for a minute’s silence in remembrance of recently passed Veterans, widows & members of 458 Squadron. He then recited the ode. Lest we Forget.

Twelve of us attended the Annual General Meeting afterwards. The previous year in review is recorded in the minutes along with our plans for the coming year. Included with the AGM report is its addendum showing the Senior VP report.

ABC TV covered the entire march. We first appear at 1 hour 55 mins 32 sec and then at numerous times up to 1 hour 56 mins 7 secs and also at 2 hrs and 11 sec for four seconds during the Roulettes flyover, at this youtube webpage link

ANZAC DAY 2023

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, 2023

You couldn't ask for a better day, 10 of us marched to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Earlier some of us attended the 6 am Dawn Service. One of the many highlights was again having Squadron Leader Matthew Wuillemin, grandson of 458 Veteran: Warrant Officer Mervyn Lee leading our march. It was also fitting that 460 SQN was marching behind us as they were formed out of 458 SQN. Within the hour after completing our march, Victoria Flight President, Roland Orchard opened the meeting and called for a minute’s silence in remembrance of recently passed Veterans, widows & members of 458 Squadron. He then recited the ode. Lest we Forget.

Eleven of us attended the Annual General Meeting afterwards. The previous year in review is recorded in the minutes along with our plans for the coming year. 

ABC TV covered the entire march. We first appear at 1 hour 51 mins 25 sec and then at numerous times up to 1 hour 52 mins 45 secs at this youtube webpage link

ANZAC DAY 2022

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, 2022

On a near perfect Melbourne autumn day, 18 of us marched to the Shrine of Remembrance. This year we returned to normal and even marched a block further with our starting point at Swanston Street/Collins Street. Earlier some of us attended the 6 am Dawn Service. One of the many highlights was again having current serving Air Force Squadron Leader Matthew Wuillemin, grandson of 458 Veteran: Warrant Officer Mervyn Lee leading our march. Thirteen of us attended the Annual General Meeting afterwards. The previous year in review is recorded in the minutes. We are happy to have Chris Wurr, son of Flying Officer Lisle Wurr, helping find another embroider for our popular memorabilia items. 

ABC TV covered the entire march. We first appear at 2 hours 3 mins 21 sec and then at numerous times up to 2 hours 4 mins 38 secs at this youtube webpage link  

ANZAC DAY 2021

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, 2021

On a fine Melbourne autumn day, 9 of us marched to the Shrine of Remembrance. It was great to be marching again after last year’s cancellation due to covid-19. This year numbers had been limited to 5,000 (which was later revised to 8,000 very close to the day) in an abundance of caution (some say misuse of power; there are zero cases of covid at this time) by the Labor state government. This over-restrictive approach kept numbers away (and possibly in protest).

Two of the many highlights were having Flight Lieutenant Matthew Wuillemin, grandson of 458 Veteran: Warrant Officer Mervyn Lee marching with us. And Vayle Hallam, daughter of Fl Lt Roy Montrowe who served with 148 Squadron RAF - 458 aircrews were detached to 148 RAF in 1942 at Kabrit, Egypt for a number of months. Nine of us attended the Annual General Meeting.

ABC TV covered the entire march. We appear at 28 mins 35 sec at the youtube webpage link: https://youtu.be/h973RfSeZis 

ANZAC Day 2020

This year provided an entirely unique commemorative experience as we tuned into televised Commemoration Services and honoured our Veterans at dawn (and throughout the day) from our own driveways or balconies (see photos). At this time we extend best wishes to all worldwide for continued safety, happy health and a speedy return to normal living and the security it provides. When we meet again for Anzac Day 2021 (or sooner) we will all share our stories and experiences.

An overview Finance and Victoria Flight President's Reports (hover your curser over and click on link for report) of activities has been prepared to update you on some highlights of the past year. It is informative of some of the many functions of the Association such as the Newsletter, the website, memorabilia, grants received, new hardware purchases, etc. Best wishes to all. 

Anzac Day 2019

Reports from the Day

Stay tuned as reports and photos come in for this year.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA. 2019

On a magnificent Melbourne autumn day, 19 of us plus 5 Air Force Cadets (from Squadrons 403, 404, 405, 416 and 417) marched to the Shrine of Remembrance. The Spirit of Anzac remains alive and well, displayed by the number of people lining the march acknowledging our forebears for their service and sacrifice. This is deeply heartwarming. Another of the many highlights was having Barry Laming, grandson of 458 Veteran, Ernie Laming marching with us. 13 of us attended the Annual General Meeting (click on the link to read it). Read about Squadron Leader Chris Baker, the grandson of 458er Jack Baker, flying and training other pilots on the RAAF's top of the line Joint Striker Fighter F35 aircraft!

ABC TV covered the entire march. We appear at 2 hr 4 mins 52 sec at the abc iview Melbourne webpage link.

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES 2018

Our Squadron President, Keith Cousins leads us again this year. Smiling and waving to the crowd, Keith is the same age as the RAAF!

ABC TV covered the entire march. We appear at just after 1 hr 32 mins from commencement at the abc iview Sydney webpage link.

ANZAC COVE MEMORIAL, GALLIPOLI, TURKEY 2015

A very special occasion on the ANZAC CENTENARY. Adam Bruce, the son of Stephen (NSW Secretary) laying a wreath on behalf of 458 Squadron. Lest We Forget.  

Adelaide, South Australia

A report about Anzac Day this year will be in the next Newsletter.

We are pleased to show you what the march is like in our great city of Adelaide. This presentation comes from 2003 and goes for nearly 2 hours 30 minutes. Our Veterans appear at 1 hour, 26 minutes.