THOUGHTS ON ANZAC DAY

This old photo showing the unveiling of the Cenotaph at Kingston (on Anzac Day 1929) is a reminder that, although Norfolk Island has not been under direct enemy attack, war has played a very significant part in the history of the island people.

As far back as the beginning of the 20th century, a number of Norfolkers had enlisted with the Imperial Bushman Force to fight in the Boer War. Then when World War 1 broke out, like others around the world, they were very ready and willing to enlist to fight for King and Empire.
Seventy-seven Norfolk men enlisted with the Australian and New Zealand Forces, a number which represented more than half of all males on the island of suitable military age....a significantly higher percentage of the population than anywhere else in the Empire!! Their patriotism was also demonstrated in very generous donations and subscriptions to Patriotic Funds and War Loans...close to 2,400 pounds, which was a considerable amount from a 'subsistence' economy.

World War 2 saw the same courage and desire to defend the freedom of the region, and over 10% of the island's total population enlisted, and nine paid the supreme sacrifice in overseas service, a casualty rate that was more than double that of Australia per capita. Over 60 men also formed an infantry detachment that stayed to defend the island.
Norfolk Island paid the price with more than lives. Pressure from New Zealand and America led to the construction of the airfield, although Australia at first had not been keen on the idea. They said that it would need fewer defence force personnel to defend the island if it remained isolated. At the outbreak of war, Australia had, in fact, not considered it necessary to send anyone to help defend the island except a handful of men to protect the Cable Station.

The building of the airstrip had an enormous and far-reaching impact. Over one-eighth of the island became effectively "alienated" from normal agricultural and residential use, and many servicemen returned home after the war to find their homes and farms gone forever. As well as the loss of homes and property, the removal of the beautiful Pine Avenue also left a bitter taste.
The virtual quadrupling of the island's population placed enormous strain on the island's resources as food supplies and products such as passionfruit that would have otherwise been exported were allocated to help feed the defence personnel. Timber reserves were decimated, and rural areas became overrun with noxious weeds when the active labour force was absent in large numbers. Nevertheless, the Norfolkers were generous and hospitable to their military visitors.
A 20 bed hospital and many new roads were two of the better legacies of the War. Many may think the airstrip, which opened the island up to the rest of the world, may have been a mixed blessing!

Norfolkers have continued to serve in the defence forces, and have done so proudly. They cherish the ideal of freedom as much as anyone.
I cannot help wondering why Australia insists on nailing us down. Surely the goodwill, the co-operation and even the sacrifice that Norfolkers have shown over the years are enough to guarantee that they can rely on us and our friendship.