Newington boys past and present, staff, prep schools and parents gathered at Johnson Oval early morning last Tuesday 29 April 2013 to honour and commemorate the men and women who fought and died at Gallipoli.

It was a momentous occasion, attended by Old Boy and Officer of the Australian Army Major Ross Wehby who spoke to the solemn crowd gathered on Johnson bank about the character of the men who fought at Gallipoli and how their courage, perseverance, loyalty and determination came to define the spirit of Anzac. Major Wehby also drew attention to Newington College’s special place in Anzac history. More than 600 Newingtonians enlisted to serve in WW1 and 109 of those who fought did not return, he said.

As the College is celebrating it’s 150th birthday it was again a special occasion to pay respect to the Cadet Corps legacy and its place in Newington history. The Anzac Parade began with the standard drill procedures consistent with use in the Army over the years and which have been passed down from Britain during the Middles Ages. The ancient ritual of the presentation of Colours began after the cadets and official party had arrived on the parade ground. The significance of carrying Colours, similar to the bearing of totems and other sacred items was established during wartime when Colours were taken to the battlefield and considered a disgrace if lost.The presentation of Newington’s Colours was inaugurated 60 years ago in 1953.

The existing Colours were presented to the Cadet unit at the College’s centenary in 1963. On this occasion, 50 years later, Mr Ron Leckie (ON ’39) on behalf of the Old Boys Union oversaw the retirement of these Colours and the presentation of new Colours.

True to tradition, The Last Post and The Reveille were played at the conclusion of the Parade. The Last Post which symbolises the end of a soldier’s day allows a moment to remember those who may not have lived to see another. The Reveille on the other hand signifies the first call of soldier’s day – a reminder of a new dawn and powerful on occasions such as Newington’s Sesquicentenary Anzac Parade. This year, a bugle from the Western Front carried by the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Division was played by Dominic Longhurst. The Newington Band under Dr Luke Gilmour played Abide With Me as representatives of each Newington Campus laid wreaths on the war memorial.

Lest we forget.