Former Soaks Fullback Wins Victoria Cross

[mudskipper]

for those of you doing the Sydney Canberra TWF road trip... If you drive will likely notice the VC rest areas along the Hume and Federal Highways on the way to Canberra and the Australian War Memorial.

Victoria Cross Rest Areas and Memorial Parks dedicated to Australian Victoria Cross winners from WWII and the Vietnam War have been established along the Remembrance Driveway.



http://www.remembrancedriveway.org.a...SydneyCanberra

The Australian War Memorial
The Hall of Valour honours those Australians who have received the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery in time of war. Ninety-seven Australians have won the Victoria Cross. Amid great battles and the movements of armies, the exploits of courageous individuals have always provided inspiration. The Hall of Valour recognises the deeds of ordinary Australians under the extraordinary conditions of war.

[The InnFORCEr]

Thanks for that.

This link will take you to a new site where you can sourse relatives WW1 service records and create and upload your own scrapbook of photos etc to be added to the official collection.

www.mappingouranzacs.naa.gov.au


I have started my Great Grandfathers called - CPL J.E Andrews.

It's here http://www.mappingouranzacs.naa.gov....x?ID=911046631

[blueandblack]

whats this "win" rubbish? 'Earnt' is the proper term, imho.

[mudskipper]

Yes win is not really the right word but I copied of their web-site...their terms...most VC recipients are killed in their act of bravery...

Trooper Donaldson was lucky he was a fullback and not a forward or he wouldn't have covered that 80m so quickly...

[AndyS]

If they haven't before, I'd encourage anyone doing Canberra this year to check out the war memorial. Some collection of medals, and some awesome stories that go along with them....

[Lonzy]

My brother is heading of to boot camp on the 23rd Feb ... hope he is half as good as this guy!

[.X.]

whats this "win" rubbish? 'Earnt' is the proper term, imho.

A fair point Mr Blue, but I bet if you could go back in time and talk to these guys not one of them would have said that that morning when they woke up they were going out and getting themselves a VC.

These are just ordinary guys doing extra-ordinary deeds. and the majority of them - would be doing it to protect or rescue their mates. They didnt think about it, they just did it.

Its not a "win", its not an "earnt" either - its just a recognition of an incredible act well above and beyond the call of duty and more often then not, with complete disreguard for their own personal safety.

[Fullback]

There were great statements during question time in the Federal Parliment today. I'll try and find the full documents when they're uploaded so I can put a link to them.

6 TROOPER MARK DONALDSON VC—STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Mr Rudd (Prime Minister), on indulgence, made a statement in relation to Trooper Mark Donaldson VC, 2:26:10 PM.

Mr Turnbull (Leader of the Opposition), on indulgence, also made a statement on the matter, 2:29:38 PM.

DRAFT HOUSE MINUTES No. 70 Tuesday, 3 February 2009

[jargan83]

I don't know it it has been mentioned on this site, but Trooper Donaldson donated his VC to the Australian War Museum shortley after recieving it, it will be on display from the end of the month

[The InnFORCEr]

We'll check it out when we are there in a few weeks

[jargan83]

Victoria Cross hero Trooper Mark Donaldson loans medal

By Brad Watts

January 22, 2009 06:00am

AUSTRALIAN Victoria Cross hero Trooper Mark Donaldson has agreed to loan his gallantry award to the Australian War Memorial.

Trooper Donaldson, who was the first Australian to receive the coveted award in almost 40 years last week, will donate his VC to be displayed in the museum’s new Conflicts ,1945 to today galleries.

The VC is expected to be on display from late February.

The Director of the Australian War Memorial Steve Gower saluted the loan as a wonderful gesture for all Australians.

“Loaning his Victoria Cross to the Australian War Memorial so soon after its presentation is an incredibly generous offer and we are delighted to accept his Victoria Cross and place it on public exhibition,” Mr Gower said.

“The Victoria Cross is awarded only for the highest acts of valour in wartime, and I am sure many Australians will want to view the medal and learn more about Mark Donaldson’s inspiring bravery and selfless service.’’

When Trooper Donaldson’s Victoria Cross goes on display, there will be a total of 60 Australian and two British Victoria Crosses displayed at the Australian War Memorial.

This will be the largest public collection in the world.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegrap...001021,00.html

[Fullback]

There were great statements during question time in the Federal Parliment today. I'll try and find the full documents when they're uploaded so I can put a link to them.

6 TROOPER MARK DONALDSON VC—STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Mr Rudd (Prime Minister), on indulgence, made a statement in relation to Trooper Mark Donaldson VC, 2:26:10 PM.

Mr Turnbull (Leader of the Opposition), on indulgence, also made a statement on the matter, 2:29:38 PM.

DRAFT HOUSE MINUTES No. 70 Tuesday, 3 February 2009

I have found the Hansard.PDF for 03/02/09.

The "Question agreed to. TROOPER MARK DONALDSON VC" starts in the right hand column on page 4. (Page 20 if using thumbnails)

Hansard (03/02/09)

[.X.]

For those that are interested - On Channel 9 tonight. 60 Minutes has interviews with Australia's VC recipients.

[Burgs]

While topical, Trooper Donaldson lead the Perth ANZAC Parade for those who were unaware.