Scotch ’ s traditional commemoration of Anzac Day moves online
AN ANZAC DAY ASSEMBLY WITH A DIFFERENCE
FLETCHER JOHNSTONE ( PREFECT ) AND WILL DIXON ( SCHOOL CAPTAIN ) IN FRONT OF MEMORIAL HALL .
In a year of many firsts , Scotch ’ s traditional Assembly commemorating Anzac Day moved to an online setting , broadcast live to boys and staff . The Assembly included a reflection from the Principal and the Chaplain , The Last Post and Reveille played by Mr David Musk , and the Ode to the Fallen read by Scotch ’ s oldest known living Old Boy , Rev Bill Morgan (’ 34 ).
As part of the Assembly , I read the story of Old Scotch Collegian , Stan Neale , School Captain in 1912 , taken from The Scotch Collegian at the time , which is included below :
‘ Stan Neale attended Scotch from 1906-1912 . He had an outstanding sporting record , and his debut in cricket as a member of the 1st XI was in 1908 as the wicketkeeper . In 1911 he was made School Prefect and gained a place in the 1st XVIII . In 1912 he was appointed by Mr Littlejohn as School Captain and was also Captain of Cricket and Captain of Football that year .
‘ Stan Neale was one of the first to join the Australian Army in August 1914 and soon gained the rank of corporal and then sergeant . He took part in the landing at Gallipoli and in July 1915 he wrote a letter which was published in the Collegian :
“ Scotch has given its fair share in this frightful war . Poor old Keith McIllwraith was killed on the first day . He and I were close friends all through training . Keith was a fine chap and liked by all of us .
“ Smithy was wounded at Cape Helles , but is getting along finely . George Carson received a hit in the foot – nothing serious . Kirkland got one through the shoulder – it could have been a frightful wound , but he is back with us again . Clive Brownell was also killed the first day – he was another fine chap gone from us .
“ Tell Mr Littlejohn his boys are doing their bit , and that we often speak of those great school days .”
‘ Stan Neale survived five months at Gallipoli without a scratch or illness . He was later transferred to France and by 1916 was promoted to Captain .
‘ In September 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross – the citation said he “ worked unceasingly , at times under intense shell fire , setting a fine example of courage and unselfishness .”
‘ On September 29th 1918 , six weeks before the armistice , he died from wounds received in battle when his unit came under fire from enemy artillery and machine guns – he was 25 years of age . Stan Neale ’ s name is recorded on the Honour Roll of our War Dead along with the names of Keith McIllwraith and Clive Brownell .’
In a time of hardship for so many across the community , the Assembly was a timely reminder for boys of the true sacrifice made by those who have come before us in conflicts throughout history , allowing boys to pause their online studies and take time to reflect .
While we were unable to commemorate the occasion physically in Memorial Hall , the legacy of Scotch boys and staff who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to lead the lives we live today , continues to burn strongly .
Lest We Forget . WILL DIXON – SCHOOL CAPTAIN www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 17