This is the 13th Len Hall Game and the club is proud once more to recognise our Australian War Veterans, the men and women who served their country fearlessly and courageously and we remember the sacrifice of those who did not return from war.
The Len Hall Game is named in honour of WA’s last Gallipoli veteran Len Hall, 1897-1999, a member of the 10th Light Horse Regiment and one of the last men to leave Gallipoli. Len enlisted in August 1914 and saw service at Gallipoli and in the Middle East at Beersheeba. Len was born in May 1897 just one day after the very first VFL football match. In this year’s ceremony, we will pay special tribute to legacy of Len Hall as well as the 10th Light Horse Regiment.
The 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment AIF was the only AIF light horse regiment recruited in Western Australia during the First World War.
The regiment was raised in October 1914 when it became apparent that Western Australia could provide more than a single squadron of mounted soldiers. The regiment joined the 3rd Light Horse Brigade in Egypt and served dismounted at Gallipoli. The regiment’s most famous actions were the charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915, and Hill 60 on 29–30 August.
After the withdrawal from Gallipoli in December 1915 the regiment was bought up to strength and reorganised. With the rest of the Australian light horse they defended Egypt from the Ottoman Army advancing on the Suez Canal. Through 1916 they drove the Turks across the deserts of Sinai, participating in the battles of Romani and Magdhaba.
In 1917 they were part of the Desert Column that advanced into Palestine. The regiment participated in the bloody battles to break the Gaza–Beersheba line and helped capture Jerusalem. They participated in the Es Salt Raid in May 1918. In August they were one of the regiments re-equipped with swords and rifle boots, and retrained to take a more orthodox cavalry role. In their new role they took part in the rout of the Ottoman army in the Jordan Valley, a campaign the light horse referred to as “The Great Ride”. In September the 10th was the first formed regiment to enter Damascus.
Turkey surrendered on 30 October 1918. After the end of the war, elements of the regiment saw action in putting down the Egyptian uprising of 1919. They were finally disbanded in 1920.
The ANZAC Day commemorative service will follow. The ceremony will start with the Ode, read by Mr Arthur Tims, then the playing of The Last Post. The Last Post and Reveille will be played today by Chief Petty Officer Musician Ted Taite on bugle.
After the playing of the Last Post, everyone will observe a minute’s silence that will be followed by Reveille, then the National Anthem.
The Flame of Remembrance will also be lit in honour of those service men and women who can no longer be with us. The coin toss will be done by a member of Len Hall’s family.
The Len Hall Game ceremony begins at 6:20pm sharp and concludes with the National Anthem just before bouncedown.
The award winning ceremonies have become a tradition for the club ensuring the spirit of Lest We Forget carries on.
The 13th annual Len Hall Game order of proceedings:
6.20pm Two drummer to centre of ground
6.22pm The Light Horse Brigade will be recognised with a tributary video.
6.23pm Veterans march with flags and member of the Light Horse Brigade are recognised.
6.24pm Lighting of the Flame of Remembrance
6.27pm Veteran march concludes
6.29pm Geelong enters and runs through banner
6.32pm Fremantle enters and runs through banner
6.36pm The Navy Band March
6.37pm Players and umpires line up on the sides of the centre square facing flame
6.37pm Veterans and cadets line up in front of race
6.38pm The Ode, recited by Mr Arthur Timms
They shall not grow old, as we that are left to grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
6.39pm Last Post- performed by Ted Taite
The Last Post historically has been used to signify the end of the day. It is played during commemorative ceremonies to serve as a tribute to the dead.
6.40pm One minute silence
One minutes silence is held to reflect on the significance of the day and a sign of respect.
6.41pm Reveille- performed by Ted Taite
In major ceremonies, the Last Post is normally followed by Rouse except at the Dawn Service when the Reveille is played. Historically, Reveille woke the soldiers at dawn.
6.42pm National Anthem ‘Advance Australia Fair’
‘Advance Australia Fair' is the national anthem of Australia. A revised version of a late nineteenth century patriotic song, it was officially declared the national anthem on 19 April 1984.
‘Advance Australia Fair’
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
6.43pm Coin toss by Karen Hall (a member of Len Hall’s family)
6.45pm Bouncedown
Lest We Forget.
