Learning more

About the Drysdale RSL

The Bellarine Peninsula has lost many young men to wars over the years and the Drysdale sub-branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) keeps their memory alive.

The Drysdale sub-branch started in 1952 and is supported by an enthusiastic women’s’ auxiliary. The sub-branch meets on the second Thursday of each month at 2.00pm at 13, Princes Street, Drysdale 3222. The meetings share the latest news about the RSL and events in the Drysdale and Clifton Springs area. After each meeting, there is afternoon tea and the bar opens for those fancying a beer and a chat.

The RSL was founded in 1916 to provide mateship and support to Australia’s veterans and their families and that mission evolves continually to meet the needs of each generation of servicemen and women. Membership of the RSL is also available to members of the emergency services (police, fire brigade, Country Fire Authority, ambulance, State Emergency Service).

Why do many people wear Poppies on remebrance day?

On Remembrance Day, many people pay respects to those affected by past and recent armed conflicts, and acknowledge the continuing effects on the veterans of those conflicts.

People show their respect in many ways; one common way is to wear a poppy. In recent years, people have worn red, white, black, and purple poppies, each paying respect to different groups:

• The common red poppy remembers the people who died during World War One and later conflicts.
• The white poppy remembers those who died in conflict, but emphasises an ultimate commitment to peace. Consequently, it is sometimes worn to remember conscientious objectors to specific conflicts.
• The black poppy remembers people of African, black and Caribbean descent who contributed in any way to World War One or any subsequent wars. In Australia, the black poppy also remembers Indigenous Australians' contribution to those wars.
• The purple poppy remembers the animals who have lost their lives during wars - for example, the many horses who died in the two World Wars.

What are the camouflage colors of australia's different armed forces?

Here are some of the colours on the uniforms of Australia's Armed Forces

1. Australian Multicam Camouflage is a multi-terrain capable camouflage for land close combat operations. In all other land operations and in field training, uniforms feature shades of green and khaki.
2. Air Force. In non-combat work, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations - shades of blue.
3. Royal Australian Navy. Shades of grey.

Relevant organisations

• The Drysdale RSL. drysdalersl@outlook. com P.O. Box 57, Drysdale 3222