Day 26 - Quiddy’s link to the ANZACs

Today was very special as we headed inland from Bateman’s Bay, specifically to visit the National War Memorial in Canberra. This was Quiddy’s idea as he has been keen to visit Canberra and in particular the war memorial.

Just recently Quiddy learnt of his great great uncle, Lister Beryl Foreman who fought with the 37th Australian Infantry Battalion, in France and Belgium during WW1. Lister was killed in action by an artillery blast on the 4th of October 1917, whilst fighting at Ypres in Belgium. He was 26 years old. 

Christopher was very moved to find his great great uncle’s name on the remeberance wall of the memorial.  He left a poppy, respectfully bowed his head and reflected in silence with his own thoughts. If was very moving to witness. From the questions this experience illicited from Quiddy, I am certain this will be a great inspiration for him to learn more about the ANZACs ahead of his school study trip to Europe where he will visit many of the WW1 and WW2 battle fields and the Menin Gate Memorial In Belgium where his great great uncle is memorialised. 

We then enjoyed the amazing exhibits and diaramas on display, only to realsise that two and a half hours simply isn’t enough time. We only got thru the WW1 and WW2 displays so have decided to go back again tomorrow to see the Vietnam war and more recent middle eastern conflict displays. 

This place is an absolute must see when in Canberra.  And if you have already been, like I had a few times, know that it seems to always be changing and updating as there was so much there I had not experienced before.