Community & Business
3 August, 2025
RSL remembers veterans of the Forgotten War
The Pittsworth RSL Sub-Branch held a ceremony on 27th July at the Soldiers Memorial School of Arts, for Korean Veterans’ Day.
At 11am, RSL President Allan Petersen called the Pittsworth Cadets 19ACU Catafalque party to assemble.
Last Sunday marked 75 years since armistice was signed to end the fighting in Korea.
“We take a moment to remember one of our local identities Allen Bruce Masterton, also known by his nickname “Nipper”, who lost his life while serving in Korea,” Mr Petersen said.
“We also pay respects to all ex-servicemen and women, to those who are in active service today, for their selfless contribution and their service in making this country what it is today.”
Mal Norris CFC recited a poem, followed by a prayer.
RSL Vice President and Secretary, Mike Vogler, gave the address.
“The Korean War is often referred to as the Forgotten War in Australia, as the returning veterans did not receive the same level of recognition as those from previous conflicts,” Mr Vogler said.
“Unfortunately, this continues to this very day.
“The Korean War began on 25 June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea.
“The UN Security Council declared North Korea the aggressor and Australia was one of 21 UN members to send troops to assist South Korea.
“This day is a time to remember the 18,000 Australians who served in this war: 340 lost their lives, over 1216 were wounded and 29 became prisoners of war,” Mr Vogler said.
“More than 150 Australian nursing sisters served in Korea and Japan, treating the wounded and the sick.
“A. B. Masterton from Pittsworth lost his life and is honoured on our wall here...
“QX25532 Allen Bruce Masterton was an ancestor of the Faux family.”
Masterton was affectionately known as Nipper, owing to his five foot one inch height.
He died in Japan at the age of thirty, in 1953.
“Take this opportunity to remember those who served with Warrant Officer Allen Bruce Masterton, those before him and those after him, right up to this present day,” Mr Vogler said.
People in attendance were encouraged to spend a moment at the memorial to observe Masterton’s name on the honour board.
Wreaths were laid by Darryl Walker (Pittsworth RSL) and Melanie Greenwood (19ACU).
The Ode was recited by Neville Cullen, and Cadet Ashford McEwan played the Last Post followed by a minute’s silence.
Tony and Carol McEwan led the singing of the Australian, New Zealand and British National Anthems.
Mr Peterson instructed the Catafalque party to dismount and the ceremony came to a close.
Attendees were invited inside to view the RSL rooms.
A relative of fallen veteran Allen Bruce Masterton was in attendance.
