For the last decade, Junee has hosted the pilgrimage of World War II veterans. But no longer.
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Described as ‘the forgotten force’, the former servicemen of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) are determined to carry on the legacy of their fallen allies with an annual service at Junee’s cenotaph.
Since 2008, they have travelled from all over to be in Junee at the end of October.
When the service begins at 10am on October 25, it will be their last.
“We’re all getting up in age, most of us are over 90 now,” said Harry Fennell, formerly of the HMAS Warramunga.
“We just can’t keep going on forever, now is a good time to wind up.”
After suffering the sudden loss of their president, Jack Oborne of the Hayfield Battery, last December the group decided it was time to close the chapter.
“Losing Jack was a great loss to us, he was a wonderful man,” said Mr Fennell.
Joining leagues of British, New Zealander, American and Indian troops, the Australian branch was tasked with rebuilding surrendered Japan in the wake of the atomic bombs that leveled Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
They cleared unexploded bombs and weaponry, located missing soldiers, and rebuilt the country. But though defeated, the nation they occupied remained hostile.
Many continue to suffer poor health, owing to the effects of the nuclear explosion that confronted their arrival in Japan.
Joe Mercieca served in the RAAF in Vietnam. Though he was not a part of the Commonwealth forces in Japan, he has continually joined their commemoration.
“It’s the end of an era and it’s sad these great blokes never got the recognition they deserve,” Mr Mercieca said.
“They’re the forgotten force, they fought over 70 years ago and they’re still fighting for recognition. That’s why I join them, as long as we continue to talk about them, they won’t be forgotten.”
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It is expected that up to 65 servicemen and their families will be in attendance. But they once numbered 17000 servicemen and 222 nurses.
Overall 40,000 Commonwealth troops entered Japan after the explosion.
Each year, the event is organised by Junee resident and 5th battalion Vietnam veteran John Curtis.
But as one who has relived war’s post-traumatic horrors for more than half-a-century, Mr Curtis recognises it as his duty.
“I’ve continued doing it [because] I enjoy it. They’re a nice bunch, but apart from that it’s important to remember what they did,” he said.
“All the BCOF men and women want is recognition of their Japan Service, which is not too much to ask. Is it?"
To close the group officially, an incoming president will be elected on Wednesday October 24 at the group’s formal dinner at Junee’s Ex-Servicemen’s Memorial Club.
Kevin Cordell of the 76 Battalion of BCOF will serve as their final leader.
“It means we will no longer have an official reunion. But it doesn’t mean we’ll not meet again. We’re always going to be in touch and looking out for each other,” said Harry Fennell.
The British Commonwealth Occupation Force members served in Japan from 1945 until 1952.
Their final commemoration will take place at the Junee cenotaph from 10am on Thursday October 25.
