On June 15, 1941, the 2/30 Australian Infantry Battalion Eighth Division AIF marched through Orange before leaving for overseas service and, exactly 80 years on, that event was commemorated at Robertson Park.
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On Tuesday morning a small group of 2/30 Battalion Association members gathered together and unveiled a new plaque in honour of the march.
The former plaque has deteriorated over time and a ceremony was held to unveil the new one, fixed to the same memorial stone in the south-eastern corner of Robertson Park.
Alongside sits a golden elm, Lady G's tree, which was planted by members of the Battalion Association at a dedication ceremony on November 23 in 1991.
Led by Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Galleghan, the almost 1000-strong battalion marched from Bathurst to Orange as a training exercise in the middle of winter, camping at Blayney along the way.
As reported at the time, more than 10,000 people paid tribute to the battalion in what was then the largest military demonstration in the city's history.
Historian Euan Greer, who's father was a member of the 2/30, helped unveil the new plaque on Tuesday along with Orange mayor Reg Kidd.
"It's so important to continue remember the bravery and courage of the members of 2/30," Cr Kidd said.
"To see a thousand soldiers, full-armed, march into town would have made a huge impression on the local community during the war and brought the war effort home to them."
"It was good to spend time with members of the 2/30 Association, to hear their stories again and remember these elements of our local history."
The military exploits of the 2/30 took shape when they set off by troop ship from Perth bound for the Middle East. Enroute they were diverted to Singapore.
After fighting to defend the city, the local troops were on-hand for the surrender and spent the war in the notorious Changi prison of war camp.
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