Battle of Bita Paka Commemorative Broadcast 2020
Shrine of Remembrance
Voiceover: Welcome to the Shrine of Remembrance's Commemorative Broadcast for those who served at the Battle of Bita Paka. A service would have been held today on the 106th anniversary of the battle to honour those who took part. Due to Stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions, we bring you this commemorative broadcast so that the service and sacrifice of thousands is still remembered.
The Battle of Bita Paka took place on 11 September 1914, on the island of New Britain. This, the first Australian action of the First World War. The outbreak of the First World War saw the quick formation of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force. Their first targets were German bases in the Pacific, including the wireless station at Bita Paka. This battle also saw the first Australian fatal casualties of the First World War. The first of more than 60,000 killed in a four-year conflict.
The Shrine's Books of Remembrance record the names of Victorians who served in the First World War. The Shrine itself was born out of the love and grief of those who were left behind when their sons never returned. We will remember them.
Guard Commander: Shrine Guard, slow march.
[Shrine Guard march into position beside the Stone of Remembrance]
[Shrine Guard present arms and lays a wreath]
Voiceover: They have no grave but the cruel sea; No flowers lay at their head. A rusting hulk is their tombstone, afast on the ocean bed.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.
[Shrine Guard present arms]
Bugler: [The Last Post]
[Shrine Guard slope arms]
Voiceover: Lest we forget.
Bugler: [Reveille]
[Shrine Guard present arms]
[Australian National Anthem]
[Shrine Guard slope arms]
Guard Commander: Shrine Guard, about turn. Quick march
[Shrine Guard turn and march out of frame]
Voiceover: Thank you for joining us in remembrance of those who have served and sacrificed.
[End of Transcript]
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