Flag carried at Gallipoli stolen

Jason[98.EL] · 06-08-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

The first flag carried ashore by Australian troops at Gallipoli in World War I has been stolen from the NSW RSL's Sydney office.

How do you feel about the theft? What does it say about the state of security surrounding significant Australian military objects? Tell us what you think.

State RSL president Don Rowe said staff noticed the flag missing from Anzac House Castlereagh St, in Sydney's CBD, on Monday.

It was in storage with other memorabilia at the RSL's headquarters while renovations were carried out on the war memorial in Hyde Park, where it is usually on show.

Mr Rowe said the flag was taken ashore by Australian troops of the 9th battalion, 3rd brigade, at Gallipoli and carried throughout the campaign from 1915.

The flag bears the signatures of several historical figures including Albert Windsor who became King George VI.

While the flag has been valued for insurance it is the sentimental value that means the most, Mr Rowe said.

"You can't put a value on it. It's historical as well as sentimental, something that's irreplaceable," he told AAP on Thursday.

"And it's really got no value to the person who took it because no one will want to buy it. No one will want to touch it because... the word's out that it's been taken.

"It's significant to the nation not to an individual." Police have been notified and a list of people who had access to the storage area has been compiled.

Mr Rowe said the person who has the flag can return it to Anzac House or any RSL branch.

"I hope they've got a guilty conscience and return it because a lot of cases people just don't know what it is. They just think `oh, that looks good, I'll take it'," he said.

"And they don't realise what it actually means."

I THINK THIS IS BLOODY DISCUSTING

AndrewR_AUII · 06-08-2009, 01:34 PM

This really sums up why this country is in the mess it is.... no respect.

Rodp · 06-08-2009, 02:19 PM

That's a pretty low, brainless act. Many died under that flag and some numbnuts is just going to walk in and half-inch it... for what purpose?

deesun · 06-08-2009, 02:21 PM

What do people think when they do such a thing. Like was said it has no value as no one will touch it with a barge pole.

EFPWR · 06-08-2009, 04:23 PM

This sickens me. Very greatly. Very low act indeed.

Feathers · 06-08-2009, 04:25 PM

"a list of people who had access to the storage area has been compiled."
At least there is a greater chance of the person who took it being found than if it was somewhere that the public could get hold of it.

Pinch · 06-08-2009, 07:52 PM

Can't put in words here what I really think.

What a disrespect to all those who fought under it.

Rooster · 06-08-2009, 08:03 PM

............. work the bolt forward ................... take up pressure on fore finger ............. breathe ........... squeeze

**DJR-351** · 06-08-2009, 08:23 PM

My grandfather, amongst other things, had all his medals stolen and a French flag given to him by a French General during the battle for the Somme in WW1....

They eventually found the bastards that stole them and he got his medals back, but the flag was tossed out of their car as being worthless and never seen again....

As far as my Grandfather was concerned the loss of the flag was more precious to him than the medals and it broke his heart, it was the only time i ever saw the tough bastard cry....

They got community service....

sarrge2001 · 06-08-2009, 08:34 PM

That news report should be sent as an email in the same way as those "don't buy petrol on thursday" emails spread.

That way, someone may actually see the flag and recognise it for what it really is - a National Treasure - and report its location!!!

MethodX · 06-08-2009, 09:22 PM

Quite a low act.
Out of curiosity which version of the flag was it?
The red one?

platinumXR · 07-08-2009, 08:09 AM

Let's hope the person(s) responsible realize it's not a shabby old flag in storage that no one will miss, and just take it back.

LTDHO · 07-08-2009, 08:39 AM

These people need to be hung up on a pole, then beaten with bats.

Lowest scum on the planet and to not desearve any oxygen.

calais · 07-08-2009, 11:40 AM

When these low lives are caught, they should sent to the Defence Force Correctional Establishment, for a long stint of getting set straight by the Military they have just desecrated. (For those who dont know, Its the Jail that military personnel are sent to when sentenced by Military courts and tribunals. And is by reputation a very very hard place to survive in).

uranium_death · 07-08-2009, 12:49 PM

Shows the lack of respect people have for their country now.
While people went to war for their country, we have kiddies now growing up with safety and security given due to the efforts of generations past.
Where their ancestors had to work and toil to earn a meal at the table (which they were thankful for), people grow up with a sytem to catch them and to ensure that they will be looked after.

Those people value nothing but themselves, which is sad, because they are worth nothing.

Kaan · 07-08-2009, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTDHO

These people need to be hung up on a pole, then beaten with bats.

Lowest scum on the planet and to not desearve any oxygen.

I agree with you. We lost 250000 brave soldiers in that d-day from both sides. I am Aussie with Turkish background. This is a very low act and whoever done it, don't deserve to live

paule11 · 07-08-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uranium_death

Shows the lack of respect people have for their country now.
While people went to war for their country, we have kiddies now growing up with safety and security given due to the efforts of generations past.
Where their ancestors had to work and toil to earn a meal at the table (which they were thankful for), people grow up with a sytem to catch them and to ensure that they will be looked after.

Those people value nothing but themselves, which is sad, because they are worth nothing.

couldnt say it better

Nappa · 07-08-2009, 03:12 PM

"A moth-eaten rag on a worm-eaten pole,
It does not look likely to stir a man's Sole,
'Tis the deeds that were done 'neath the moth-eaten rag,
When the pole was a staff, and the rag was a flag."

Rob · 07-08-2009, 03:24 PM

No tears from me if the people who stole it suffer at the hands of vigilantes.

Keepleft · 07-08-2009, 04:20 PM

Yup, makes you mad eh?!

Spitfire 6.2 · 07-08-2009, 04:34 PM

This is the flag that was stolen.

**Papa Smurf** · 07-08-2009, 07:56 PM

What a puerile act perpetrated by a person with no respect for country or lineage.
One would hope that all the publicity will eat into this persons mind and never stop annoying them until the pennant is returned to it's rightful place.

Wally · 07-08-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaan

I agree with you. We lost 250000 brave soldiers in that d-day from both sides. I am Aussie with Turkish background. This is a very low act and whoever done it, don't deserve to live

No doubt some person or people who think it's their self appointed duty to protest at something or other.

A good slapping should sought them out when they are found (unless it's the Queenslanders stealing it back, in which case we'll defend our sovereignty)

Bossxr8 · 08-08-2009, 02:33 PM

Are they 100% sure that it just wasn't misplaced? A storage area could be quite large and things are likely to be misplaced. Hopefully thats all it is. If someone actually went out of their way to steal it, especially if they know what it is, is just discraceful.

JG66ME · 08-08-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooster

............. work the bolt forward ................... take up pressure on fore finger ............. breathe ........... squeeze

AND APPLY RULE NUMBER .303!

dave_vic_ozz · 09-08-2009, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaan

I agree with you. We lost 250000 brave soldiers in that d-day from both sides. I am Aussie with Turkish background. This is a very low act and whoever done it, don't deserve to live

KAAN,

I have been to Turkey and to Gallipoli to see the ANZAC Cove and the battle fields.

The thing that struck me was the Turks have no grudge. We did invade but the respect given to Australians was the highest anyone could receive. I understand your passion. You cop it twice.

At that place Turks and Aussies stand as one. I cannot explain it but Ataturk who lead the Turks on the day said it like this.

“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives; You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom
and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.” 1934 ATATÜRK

That is why we need to find this symbol of freedom.

**Papa Smurf** · 09-08-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_vic_ozz

“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives; You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom
and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.” 1934 ATATÜRK

That is why we need to find this symbol of freedom.

What a wonderful thing to write about a perceived enemy. I too hope that the pennant is returned pronto.