Female veterans of the Australian Defence Force say it is common for them to be challenged at memorial services like Anzac Day by people who doubt whether they are actually entitled to wear their medals on the left-hand side.
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“War medals may only be worn on the left breast by the persons upon whom they were conferred,” the RSL website explains. “The honour afforded remains with the individual and does not pass to a widow, parent, son or relative when the recipient is dead ... Family members may wear their forebears’ medals on the right breast, which indicates that they are not their own.”
Some female veterans have given up participating in marches, because they get questioned about whose medals they are wearing or are even told they should move them to the right-hand side.
To bring this issue out into the open, for Anzac Day 2018 female veterans will march in a group as part of an initiative called ‘By the Left’.
The title is a play on words that highlights the significance of veterans wearing their medal(s) on the left side, while incorporating a military marching word of command.
Lieutenant Colonel Susan Lumsdaine (Ret’d) is one of six female members of the Bellinger River RSL Sub-Branch.
She spent 20 years in the Australian Defence Force, initially as an Army Reserve Nursing Officer and later as a doctor in the Regular Army and Medical Corps, before retiring in 2016.
She has experience of people assuming her medals are not her own.
“I’ve been asked about my medals,” she said. “The commonest assumption is that they belong to my father and I’ve got them on the wrong side. I have considered wearing my father’s medals as well as my own, but my children have that privilege on Anzac Day.”
Together with two local currently serving female officers, Lieutenant Colonel Lumsdaine and the other female veterans will be leading the Anzac Day march in Bellingen this year in support of ‘By the Left’.
“I am sure there are other female veterans in this community and I am hoping that this publicity will prompt them to contact me and hopefully march with us on the 25th,” Susan said.
“The term veteran applies to anyone who has served in the Australian Defence Force, regardless of their employment category (i.e. full-time or part-time) or whether or not they deployed on operations.
“Past (and probably still some current) perception has been that a veteran is someone who has deployed overseas on operations.
“The nature of ADF service is unique and presents its own challenges to work and family life and ADF members who serve at home in Australia while others deploy are vitally important in supporting overseas operations. All past ADF personnel are considered veterans.”
Susan Lumsdaine’s mobile number 0414 355 248 and her email address is Bellinger-RiverSB@rslnsw.org.au
Bellingen Anzac Day services
Dawn Service – commences at 5.30am, with people asked to arrive 10 minutes prior. It will be followed by breakfast in St Margaret's Church Hall, all welcome.
Main Service – commences at the War Memorial once all marchers have arrived and are in position. Anyone marching needs to assemble in Church St near the BCU at 8.45am for a 9am step off. There will be an opportunity for people to lay wreaths at the Memorial during the service.
Janene Carey
Janene Carey is the senior journalist for the Bellingen Shire Courier-Sun
Janene Carey is the senior journalist for the Bellingen Shire Courier-Sun
