Commonwealth conference

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Winnipeg is hosting a conference of the Royal Commonwealth Society this weekend. The events kicked off last night (Thursday, May 28, 2015) with a reception at Manitoba’s Government House, hosted by the Lt. Governor. Here are some photos from the event last night.

: Government House – the residence of the Lt. Gov.

: Members and guests of the Royal Commonwealth Society were in attendance, including members of the DUCW.

: His Honour Philip S. Lee, Lt. Gov. of Manitoba.

: Murray Burt, President of the Manitoba Branch of the Commonwealth Society, and active member of the DUCW .

: The buffet dinner was enjoyed by all.

: DUCW members Jenny Gates, Gordon Keatch and Liz Hydesmith congratulate His Honour Philip S. Lee at one of his final formal functions at Government House.

(photos by Brian Hydesmith)

Yarn May 2015

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The May 2015 issue of The Southern Yarn is available for pick-up! We have all the details of upcoming events and a report on our successful Anzac Day ceremony.

(Erratum: we said the July pool party was on Saturday the 18th, but in fact it the following day, Sunday the 19th of July. Sorry for any confusion.)

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Gallipoli Facts: Lt. Gen. Birdwood, swimmer

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Lieutenant General Sir William Birdwood, the commander of the Anzac Corps, swimming in the nude at Anzac Cove. Birdwood’s headquarters were in Anzac Gully directly in the hills behind Anzac Cove and ‘Birdie’ regularly went for a swim amongst the other soldiers. This photo appeared in the Australian press and led to an increase in Birdwood’s parcel mail from that country. The story goes that when he excitedly opened these parcels anticipating perhaps a cake or chocolates instead they contained bathing trunks from shocked readers! [AWM G00401, more online]

Read more on Birdwood in the April issue of The Southern Yarn.

ANZAC 100 photos

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Our ANZAC Day centenary event on Saturday, April 25th, 2015 was both well attended and well received. Here are some photos from the day.

: The main part of the room for the ceremony

: DUCW President Peter Munn

: DUCW members Ian Bowering (seated) and Liz Hydesmith (right).

: His Honour, Manitoba’s Lt. Gov. Philip Lee

: Representing the Australian Navy, Lieutenant Andrew Serchen stands at attention.

: Lt. Gov. Phillip Lee

: Minister Deanne Crothers

: Colonel Eric Charron, 2nd Air Division

: Lt. Col. Andrews and Chief Warrant Officer Harry, from 435 Squadron, 17 Wing

: RCMP Chief Superintendant Scott Kolody, Col. Charron and Lt. Col Andrews

: Our parade marshall Gordon Keatch

: Our bugler, Petty Officer, 2nd Class, James McKee, Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

: Our bugler, Petty Officer, 2nd Class, James McKee, Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

: Our bugler, Petty Officer, 2nd Class, James McKee, Royal Canadian Navy Reserve

: Turkish Counsellor Hakan Cengiz lays a wreath at the cenotaph.

: Anzac Day event coordinator Liz Hydesmith led the placing of poppies.

: Panelists Dr. Jim Ferguson, Warren Otto, Chris Young and Capt. Emmanuel Goffi

: Counsellor Hakan Cengiz, representing the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey

: Counsellor Hakan Cengiz, representing the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey

Anzac Day centenary commemoration – thank you!

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More than 200 people attended our largest ever commemoration of Anzac Day on its centenary yesterday. The Down Under Club of Winnipeg would like to thank all those who attended and contributed to the success of our event.

Many dignitaries, cadets, veterans, club members and interested people from the community participated in a ceremony, followed by an afternoon tea and panel presentation by four speakers on the topic of Lest We Forget Our First World War Mates.

We will share further details on yesterday’s Anzac event on this site.