Newsletter for the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton - Issue No.: 782 Issue Date: 29 Apr, 2024

Epi Potaka  included Paul Watmon and Ian Herberle, president of the Geraldton RSL.

Paul Watmon is 16yo, and a student at Geraldton Grammar School. Originally from Uganda, Paul has settled into the Australian way of life, and has particular interest in Anzac Day and its significance. He is a member of the local Airforce Cadets and plans to join the Airforce after leaving school. He has been selected as one of the students to undertake a pilgrimage visit to Hellfire Pass.

Although very nervous, young Paul conveyed his admiration for what the soldiers endured as POWs on the Thai-Burma railway. He wants to try to feel what they went through by visiting the sites  where worked and died on the railway construction.

Ian Herberle explained that four students have been selected. For their interview they were asked to research Weary Dunlop’s story and what it meant to them. (He was an army surgeon who saved a lot of lives on the railway) While on tour, the students will be required to keep a diary and subsequently speak of their experiences to schools and to Rotary meetings.

The RSL is looking for ongoing sponsorship of this project to make it an annual event, at least for the next five years. The story of Hellfire Pass and the suffering endured on the Thai-Burma railway is effectively the “Gallipoli” of the Second World War.  It costs about $2.5K to send each student. They are sent over with Carers to assist them, who pay their own way. The RSL wants a higher profile in promoting this and is looking to partner with Rotary to achieve this.

Ian and Paul were thanked by PP Laurie Dines who expressed our anticipation of hearing of their experiences when they return.