Exploring History at the RSL

My Year 10 Humanities class has been studying WW2 and on Friday 28 August we visited the Mount Evelyn RSL and were hosted by the President of this sub-branch, Matt Crymble and Secretary and bagpiper, Ian Townsley, both Veterans. Our first overarching question was: how do we commemorate war? Related to this was an opportunity to examine how the Anzac Spirit has shaped Australian culture. The second was how we can be a good neighbour – not just in preventing conflict but in the pursuit of peace.

In relation to the latter question, students reflected on the experience to share with you (see below) or wrote letters to two past MECS students, who are currently serving with the Australian Armed Forces: Max Dempsey and Gideon Armstrong. This was an exercise in us being a good neighbour in a personal manner.

In relation to the former question, it was put to us by Matt, in the form of an Ancient Roman idiom, “if you seek peace, prepare for war”. The point being military force as deterrence has been effective in likely preventing some conflicts. (It is from the second half of this saying that a common 19mm bullet cartridge, ‘parabellum’, is named.) We reflected in class on Jesus’ call to “turn the other cheek” (cf. Matthew 5:38-45a, 48) – a vulnerable yet intimate act of inviting hospitality, in the form of a kiss - immediately after receiving a slap.

Doug Allison

Secondary Teacher & Humanities Faculty Leader

Student Reflections:

On Friday the 28th of August, we went to Mount Evelyn RSL, which stands for Returned and Services League. A place where war veterans can connect and share moments with their community. We heard from 2 veterans, Matt and Ian. They shared their stories, knowledge and perspectives. I learnt about Australia's war history, including the wars no one remembers, like the Malayan Emergency. We also learnt that Ian would love a bag piper to hand the baton on to for commemorate events.

Bethany R

My Humanities class recently went to the Mount Evelyn RSL. At the RSL we learnt about the challenges Matt and Ian faced when they were our age. It was very interesting to hear their personal stories about how Matt joined the navy and went overseas to serve. It was great to see his grandfather’s medals from the First World War and how Ian served in the Malayan Emergency and faced challenges as a Commando. I deeply appreciate their efforts in helping our country fight back then. They showed us a room filled with drawings that captured the spare moments of time soldiers had, and items from both World Wars and since. There were a few different pictures that had been drawn whilst one of the soldiers had been captured. It was super-intriguing to know the backstory behind those drawings but also the other items and medals in the room. 

Zara E

Reflecting on the excursion to Mount Evelyn RSL, I found myself wondering why soldiers decided to enlist, and how they overcome their morals in terms of the acts of killing and harming others. Hearing the stories from the speakers made me deeply consider the lengths that many soldiers had to go to to protect their country and allies. I would like to further research the reasons why some were prohibited from going to war, as well as how Australian businesses and systems were impacted by the lack of personnel during wartimes.

Isy M

On Friday 28 August, we went to the Mount Evelyn RSL, and it was a truly valuable experience where we got to learn more about our country’s past and the dense history. It made me feel more gratitude towards the people who served and fought for our country. Overall, it was a really interesting day, and we learnt heaps!

Olivia B

Our visit to the Mount Evelyn RSL was very interesting to see firsthand what it was like to be in the Australian Army. It gave us a unique perspective that I did not originally think about. It was fascinating to look at the artifacts and old photo memories. 

Caden J

On the 28th August our Year 10 History class went to the Mount Evelyn RSL. It was a very beneficial experience for us. Matt and Ian taught us all about Australian history in World War 2, showed us around the RSL hall which was filled with memories and artifacts, and told us about their experiences and family stories from war.

Emma L

Going to the RSL for our WW2 Humanities class was very informational. I enjoyed learning about the personal stories of our hosts. How Matt served in the Navy since he was 15 and how Ian was 17 when he enlisted in the Special Forces. I can appreciate their efforts for our country after I have heard and spoken to prior Veterans of war. I also valued looking at drawings from WW2 done by soldiers with little materials. It shows how even at low moments in life the soldiers could still grasp some enjoyment and make the most of their time serving for Australia.

Ella T