Red poppy coin released to honour lost diggers



I will be looking about for a few of these coins.  Perhaps one can be used for a competition prize...

 

 

By Andree Withey 

Updated Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:37pm AEDT

A special $2 coin bearing a red poppy has been produced to commemorate the wartime sacrifice of Australian service personnel.

 

It is the first coloured coin produced by the Australian Mint and only 500,000 being made. The red poppy coin is being distributed by the RSL for a donation of about $10. There will also be a non-coloured version and both are legal tender.

Pax's Dad

My Dad emigrated to Australia when he was 17 - assisted by the Big Brother foundation who paid for his travel across the waves and arranged for his first job in the Bush.

When he turned 18 he was required - as were all Australian males at the time - to join the Australian Army under the National Service Act (1951).  They were required to attend 99 days of full time training and then two years in the Australian Citizens Military Forces (rather like the Reserve forces or National Guard requirements of today).

My Dad has the best memories of this time - and he found me the below photo taken of him and some of his platoon. 2nd Lighthorse Division

My Dad is the tall one - 3rd from the right.

Photo was taken at the Holsworthy Army Barracks - 1951.

Love you Dad :)

Pax is perplexed

... does THIS look to be a good thing to have?

Would *YOU* take it with you Downrange for fun and amusement?

IF yes - please to leave a message at the Sign of the Pax and let me know

Can be obtained HERE

The Meepings gets a Mascot!

I would like to introduce you to my new Blog Mascot - Digs the Digger Bear

Recognise the badges?

Your very own Digger can be found here

Digs is wearing the uniform of the World War 1 Australian army.  Including the famous "Rising Sun" lapel and hat badges.  He is also wearing my Australian/American friendship badge; and my Soldiers' Angel badge - both seemed to feel right to add to his uniform.

This is the very same style of uniform that my Great-Grandfather wore when he proudly marched off to war.  Sadly he did not return to Sunny Australia - he lies in an unknown grave far from our shores.

A "Digger" was a nickname for the ANZAC troops - begun during WW1.  There are many & varied explanations on what it means (see HERE for more details)

Digs and I will be heading off on a few photographic adventures in the upcoming months.  Starting with the Douglas MacArthur Museum - right here in Sunny Queensland.  Hopefully the Curators won't mind me bringing my Teddy in for a photo op.