Lifesavers pay respect to wartime heroes

Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club had 292 of its members serve in the world wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45, and recently present-day members paid their respect to past colleagues and all Australian soldiers who fought and died defending the nation.

At the club’s annual Anzac memorial service, president Rod Harvey told the gathering that 10 of 82 members who fought in the First World War lay fallen and never returned, while 14 of the 210 members who served in the World War II lost their lives.

Captain Jacob Waks laid a wreath in memory of the servicemen, placing it on the wall inside the clubhouse and between the memorial boards that record the bravery of the club’s wartime heroes.

The club’s Junior Activities [nippers] Committee president, Ian Cumming, who is a colonel with the Australian Army and based at Victoria Barracks in Paddington, recited the ode for the fallen to close the service.

Bondi lifesavers also attended the dawn service outside North Bondi RSL Club on Anzac Day.

A long tradition with Bondi lifesavers has been to take along with them to Anzac services the club flag as a symbol of remembrance to all servicemen.

In addition to Colonel Cumming, the Bondi club has a naval commander among its members and a former club member is presently serving with the Australian Army.

Past club members who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving their country included John F Cox, who died in Japanese captivity on the Burma-Thai railway during World War II. His surfboard is proudly mounted in the clubhouse and the names of past winners of the John F Cox Memorial Shield are engraved on it.