Students examine Anzac spirit

Darcy Deefholts, Grafton High School

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australian involvement in the Vietnam War, Darcy Deefholts reflected on that period of Australia’s military history.

To illustrate how the soldiers in Vietnam continued the Anzac Legend, Darcy recounted the story posthumous Victoria Cross recipient Kevin ‘Dasher’ Wheatley.

Darcy recounted the bravery and sacrifice of Warrant Officer Wheatley during fighting near the village of Tra Bong on November 13 1965, when his platoon engaged a large contingent of the enemy.

During the fighting another Warrant Officer, Ron Swanton, was severely wounded, but Wheatley chose to remain with his mortally wounded mate rather than leave him and killed while defending him.

He said this example of supreme sacrifice showed the selfless spirit to look after your mates before yourself was always strong.

“It’s a legacy for us to follow,” Darcy said.

Lynai Cotterill, McAuley Catholic College

In early 1942, just weeks after Japanese planes had destroyed Pearl Harbour, World War II came to Australia when 240 enemy planes, in two waves, bombed Darwin, hit ships, hospitals, port facilities and other targets.

In all 243 people died and more than 400 were injured in that first attack.

Lynai said the attack brought home to Australians that the distance and isolation that had once made us safe, was no longer a protection.

The war had come to our doorstep.

She said the people of Darwin and the Australian troops stationed there showed remarkable bravery and tenacity as more Japanese attacks came in the ensuing weeks as Australians feared an invasion force was coming.