Corowa RSL Sub-Branch

03/06/2026

As the 6 of June fastly apporaches there is a significant event that takes place that will forever stay in our minds.
Australian defence personnel were involved in D-Day operations. Of some 2,000 airmen, around 500 sailors and about 12 soldiers, 14 were killed on D-Day (6 June).
Many other Australian airmen died. Planning for the beach landings was one of the many challenges that the allied forces faced.
Early on 6 June 1944, thousands of British, Canadian, French and US paratroopers landed at Normandy. They aimed to secure the Allied flanks and destroy enemy artillery positions. They also wanted to seize and hold vital points until infantry and armoured divisions arrive.

LEST WE FORGET

DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) (2026 ), Australians at D-Day and beyond in World War II, DVA Anzac Portal, accessed 3 June 2026, https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/ww2/where/europe/d-day-1944-onwards

Planning the beach landings Map of Allied Invasion Force

03/06/2026

There is a lot going on this month in Corowa and the surrounds there is plenty to keep up busy. Check out the below flyer for futher details.

02/06/2026

Come and join us for the next General Meeting Thursday 10 June in the Lone Pine Room at 5:30pm.
I look forward to seeing you there.

29/05/2026

Some great new programs for our veterans to help inprove your physical heatlh and wellbeing please check your eligibility using the QR code.

29/05/2026

We're proud to support Peta, a local veteran who's providing the opportunity to undertake free facilitated Mental Health First Aid courses in June.
These are in person, on site at Wodonga RSL and available for the veteran community.
Course One: Wed 3rd Jun & Thurs 4th Jun.
Course Two: Wed 10th Jun & Thurs 11th Jun.
If you are interested in learning more about the course, or registering, please contact Peta via email: [email protected]

20/05/2026

We had a great day today at the Owl's Eye Military Museum, plenty of old memorabillia and some very unusual items that certainly take you back to memory lane. I have added some photos for those who were unable to attend, it was great to catch up with our volunteers to celebrate their success.
It is a tucked away little gem if you are ever interested to popping in to have a chat our host certainly has stories for each piece, if you had a couple of days I still dont think that this would be enough time.

14/05/2026

Today we were lucky enough to attend the unveiling of the memorial statue of Private Richard Norden VC recipient, the Battle of Coral-Balmoral the moving gallery takes you to a place of reflection and the acknowledgement of the heroic actions of this remarkable man. Thje place of commemoration stands opposite of the Gundagai Services club for all visitors to share. We travelled today with students from the Corowa High School and a retired Major Liz Thompson who now educates children on the signifance of remembering our history. I hope you enjoy our photos.

30/04/2026

Today marks 85 years since the formation of the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS).

Initially trained in signalling, the first WRANS members were employed as wireless operators and telegraphists. As the war progressed, their contribution grew to include administration, recruitment, mechanics, education and more.

More than 3,000 WRANS members enlisted during the Second World War, with a peak strength of 2,600 women making up around 10 per cent of Australia's naval complement.

Disbanded after the Second World War in 1948, the WRANS was reinstituted in 1951 and continued until 1985, when its personnel were incorporated into the Royal Australian Navy.

These images pair wartime photographs with studio portraits made in 2016 for the project 'Reflections - Honouring our World War Two Veterans'.

Featured here are Alison Laura Armstrong, who served as WR/505 WRAN Telegraphist Alison Francis; Joan Ellen Olson, who served as WR/46 Petty Officer WRAN Telegraphist Joan Dixon; and Betty Janice Stokes, who served as WR/2238 WRAN Supply Assistant Betty Oxenham.

Did you know someone who served in the WRANS? Share their story in the comments below. 💬

22/04/2026

To all Service and Ex Service Women
Thank you all for your service

18/04/2026