8. The Collie-Cardiff RSL

The Collie-Cardiff Sub Branch - Serving the Collie Community for 100 years.

Saluting their Service - Grahame Old

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For more than a hundred years the Returned and Services League (RSL) has ensured that adequate care, advocacy, and financial assistance is provided to past and present members of the Australian Defence Force, this remains as relevant today as it was in 1916.

The Beginning of the RSL

Returned Soldiers associations were first formed in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria as early as 1915. Clubrooms provided by the public were used as meeting places for invalided soldiers from Gallipoli. They became a gathering place for discussion on serious wounds and health problems because of war service, and the lack of Government repatriation support and medical services. In 1916 it was realised that without unity between the four states little would be achieved. Meetings were held between the states and an agreement reached on the formation of an Australia-wide Returned Soldiers Association. A provisional constitution and statement of aims and objectives was drawn up in Melbourne in June 1916, and in September 1916 the RSL commenced operation. Tasmania joined the league in 1917 and the strong Western Australian Association joined in 1918. Originally called the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial league of Australia (RSSILA), the names were changed in 1940 to add the word ‘Airman’s’ and again in 1965 to the Returned Services league of Australia (RSL). In 1983, to cater for a wider membership the name was changed to Returned & Services League of Australia which remains today. (this last name change reflects the fact that membership is now open to all ex-service personnel regardless of active service status).

Membership

RSL Sub Branches are an exclusive club, full membership cannot be bought but rather is earned by service in the Defence Force of Australia or associated allied countries. Following WW1 and WW2 RSL membership numbers swelled, many towns in Australia had a Sub Branch. The RSL was a powerful body with political influence, it was said that both Commonwealth and State governments sought RSL advice before making important decisions.

Prior to 1983 full membership of the RSL was open only to those with active service in a designated conflict zone. As WW1 and WW2 numbers declined, some Sub Branches closed their doors, it was recognised that without a change to membership requirements many more would follow. The constitution was then changed to open service membership to all those that had served in the defence forces, regardless of active service status. In addition, the category of affiliate membership was introduced, opening membership to family members of service personnel and also to state bodies such as Police and Ambulance.

Collie-Cardiff RSL Sub Branch

The Collie Sub Branch of the RSL was first formed in 1918 and the Cardiff Sub Branch followed in 1919. In 1957 the Cardiff Sub Branch closed and a new charter was raised for Collie-Cardiff RSL Sub Branch. The centenary of the Sub Branch in Collie was reached in 2018 representing 100 years of service to the Collie community. At the annual RSL congress meeting in Perth in 2019, the Collie-Cardiff Sub Branch was presented with a framed 100 Year Service Certificate in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the charter of the Collie RSL Sub Branch on the 8th day of June 1918. This certificate is proudly displayed at the club premises.

The RSL Badge-Design

The RSL badge represents a readiness at all times to serve Queen and country and former comrades. The badge cannot be purchased and can only be worn by those that have served their country. The badge is the shape of a shield, where the crown is symbolic of our loyalty to our monarch, our nation and the RSL. The shield is symbolic of the protection which the RSL provides for its members, widows, orphans and dependents of those that have paid the supreme sacrifice. The figures in the centre of the badge represent Australia’s youthful forces and the comradery which existed during war service and now continues among members of the league. Within the badge the colour red represents the blood-tie of war that exists between comrades. White stands for purity of motive in joining the league - to render service without personal gain or ambition. Blue indicates a willingness to render that support to a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The sprigs of Wattle represent Australia, whilst the Rose, Leek, Thistle and Shamrock represent our ties to England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The badge as a whole is symbolic of the ideals of freedom, Justice and democracy.

Following changes to the league in 1990, the present Returned and Services League badge was introduced. Within the centre circle now march a sailor, soldier, airman and servicewoman, with their arms linked in comradery.

The RSL Motto

At National Congress in 1923 The NSW branch moved that the motto for the league be ‘The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance’, which was accepted and has been the league motto ever since. It could be argued that the motto is even more relevant today than in 1923.

Aims and Objectives of the League

Although the wording of the aims and objectives of the league have altered over the years the intent has always remained the same. The RSL's mission is to;

• To ensure that programs are in place for the well-being, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-serving Defence Force members and their dependents; and promote Government and community awareness of the need for a secure, stable and progressive Australia.

• To perpetuate the close ties of friendship created by a mutual service in the Australian Defence Force or allied forces, to maintain a proper standard of dignity and honour among all past and present members of the Defence Force and to set an example of public spirit and noble hearted endeavour.

• To preserve the memory and records of those who suffered and died for Australia.

• To promote loyalty to the nation, and to guard the good name and preserve the interests and standing of members of the Defence Force.

Preserving the memory and records of those that have died and those that have served Australia

The Collie-Cardiff RSL Sub Branch prides itself in its tireless efforts to ensure ‘Collie Boys’ from all wars are remembered, those that died, and those that served and returned. The Sub Branch conducts annual commemoration services for the Collie community on both ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. In addition the Sub Branch ensures accurate records are kept for all those Collie soldiers that have served the nation. In this digital age these records are now kept on an interactive computer based touch screen. Visitors to the RSL can view service history information on all ‘Collie Boys’. In addition old Nominal and Honour Rolls for Collie and Surrounding Districts have been reprinted and reframed and are proudly displayed on the walls of the RSL premises.

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WW1 Roll

The WW1 roll is the original roll dating back to the 1920s, it was reframed in 2013 along with the updated rolls for WW2, Korea and Vietnam.

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Roll of Honour – All Wars

The Roll of Honour lists those Collie servicemen who died whilst on active service during the WW1, WW2, Korean and Vietnam wars.

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The Employees of the Collie Coal Company Ltd – Nominal/Honour Roll

At the outbreak of WW1 Collie had several small coal companies each working underground mines. The management and workshop of the Collie Coal Company Ltd honoured its workers who enlisted with this roll. The 100 yr old Roll features a finely crafted beaten copper sheet fixed to a wooden backing with brass name plaques. The names of employees who enlisted during WW2 were added to two outside wings of the roll post WW2. The terrible high casualty rate of WW1 can be seen from this roll. Of the 38 employees who embarked for overseas service during WW1, 15 died whilst on active service.

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