The small Norfolk Island community had the highest head of enlistment per ratio in the Commonwealth. Despite difficulty with transportation to & from Norfolk Island nine men departed for the Boer War, 81 of a possible 160 men joined the Australian and New Zealand military for WWI, 280 of a possible 365 men plus eight women joined the Australian and New Zealand military for WWII, our Islanders continued participation with Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, Gulf, Kuwait, Somalia, Afghanistan, East Timor, and other United Nations peace keeping forces.
Our Norfolk Island population dealt with the resulting casualties of war, the prisoners of war, the missing in war, the injuries from war, and adjustment disorders. Norfolk Island detached military personnel were decorated and the Norfolk Island Infantry Detachment assigned to protecting its’ shores were mentioned and recognised for appropriate military service, we are indebted to these men and woman who fought for the freedom we have today.
The Norfolk Island RSL Sub-Branch was reformed late in 1945 when Norfolk Island personnel began to return to home from WWII. In 1950 the Sub-Branch members raised 50 pounds to purchase a half-acre plot for the sole purpose of building the Norfolk Island RSL Sub-Branch Club. Just as important during this period the RSL Women’s Auxiliary was formed to primarily support the Sub-Branch and widows of the Sub-Branch. ANZAC Day 1951 was a very memorable occasion at the new Club.
The Club House is open seven days per week with our bistro serving casual lunches from Wednesday to Friday, and off the menu dinner six days, with Sunday being roast dinner night, we offer regular live entertainment, club raffles, big screen sports and great collection of war time memorabilia. We welcome all visitors, RSL and RSA members, and do specialized packages for visiting RSL and RSA groups. The Club can cater for up to 250 people for functions and conferences and have a great calendar of events for 2015.
For further information contact rslclub@ni.net.nf find us on facebook or trip advisor.
1 Comment
keen to drag the wife there and enjoy your beer and mateship