Jill L'Estrange, President of the Headland Preservation Group, and other Group members were present at the recent special ceremony to honour Australia's at the Parade Ground, Georges Heights.
1 Commando Company is famous for its leadership in operations like the Battle of Long Tan in the Vietnam War. The unit's outstanding service and the part Mosman played in their history was recognised by the erection of a permanent memorial plaque on the parade ground.
The 1 Commando Company was formed in 1955 and headquartered at Georges Heights, Mosman. More than 4,000 men from all walks of life volunteered to train to serve our country in this Special Forces Unit until the year 2000. They undertook gruelling specialist training to qualify to wear the signature green beret.
The Head of Defence, Lt General Ken Gillespie, AC DSC CSM and the Australian War Memorial Director, Matt Anderson PSM, were in attendance.
ABOVE: Alan Miles OAM and Jill L’Estrange, HPG President, at the 1 Commando Memorial Ceremony at George’s Heights. Image: Julie Goodsir
Commando veteran Allan Miles OAM gave Jill L'Estrange special recognition, thanks, and congratulations. The guest speaker, Mr Mark Skipper, son of the unit's second commanding officer 1959-1962, Major Jack Skipper MC, also thanked Jill L'Estrange and the Headland Preservation Group "for the work they have done on behalf of the unit and for their tireless efforts, which largely go unthanked."
At the ceremony's finale, Allan Miles presented Jill with a bouquet of flowers as a mark of appreciation for her support over many years.
Images from the event
Images: Michael Mangold