Presidents Report:

Thank you to all who helped make it a reflective, meaningful, solemn Anzac Eve service. Well done.

I have included a copy of my Anzac eve address presented on 24th April 2012 at Flagstaff Hill. Given the opportunity, I would like to do similar profiles for Max Rhodes, John O'Hara and Don Hill at future Anzac Eve or Vietnam Veterans Day service.

My thought is that we should honour the service and sacrifice of these men, not only as names on the Roll of Honour, but by knowing something of their history.

The Copeman Family

Address given by Peter Mitchell at Flagstaff Hill Wollongong, on the 24th April 2012Anzac Eve Service 6.30 pm.

“On Anzac Day, we remember the men and women who died in all wars; and we remember those who served in all wars. Today, especially we remember the Copeman family and their war service.

Cecil Edward Copeman was born in 1890. At the age of 24, Cecil left work as a labourer, and enlisted in the Army during WW I. Regimental No 1901 Private Copeman sailed to France on the HMAT “Kyarra” as a reinforcement for the 25th Infantry Battalion. While in France in 1916, Cecil was wounded twice; he returned to Australia on 3rd July 1919.

On 8th December 1919, James Copeman, son of Cecil Copeman was born in Ballina. Like his father, James enlisted in the Army, and came to serve in WW II. As a Corporal in 2/3 Battalion, James Copeman was awarded the Military Medal in 1941 “for conspicuous gallantry and devotion in the Middle East”.

In 1945, NX4545 James Copeman was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was serving in the South West Pacific. Here, he was awarded the Military Cross for “gallant and distinguished service”.

Major Copeman survived WW II, and died on King Island Tasmania last year aged 93.

Russell James Copeman was born on 24th January 1947 at Narellan NSW. The son of Major Copeman and grandson of Pte Copeman, Russell was to follow in the footsteps of his father and his grandfather.

Russell was a greenkeeper at the Bellambi Bowling club before enlisting in the Army in 1964. Posted to South Vietnam, 215989 Trooper Russell Copeman served with 3rd Special Air Service Squadron [SAS]. On 18th January 1967, aged 19, Copeman was shot at Phuoc Tuy, suffered multiple internal wounds. He was evacuated to Australia, but died on 10th April 1967. Russell Copeman is one of four Vietnam Veterans on our Roll of Honour [former soldiers from the Illawarra].

 Tomorrow, on King Island, Mrs Copeman and her daughter Anne, will be remembering the service and sacrifice of her family members.

We honour the service of Copemans in three wars. Today, in Australia, we often take for granted the peace and freedom that we enjoy. For me, every day is a bonus as I look at the memorials and names listed behind me……the sacrifice!

Our freedom and peace today in Wollongong costs us so little, because it cost others so much! With pride and thanksgiving, we remember the sacrifice!”

Peter Mitchell.
President.