In South Australia, a 101-year-old World War II veteran, Lyall Ellers, prepares to participate in an Anzac Day dawn service, marking a poignant moment 80 years post-war. Ellers, who enlisted in the Air Force in 1942 alongside his brother, will parade alone along North Terrace, as he is the last surviving member of his unit. He reflects, “Everyone else marches, so I march,” recognising the importance of carrying on the tradition, despite the absence of fellow marchers.
His military service was marked by challenging experiences, including living in tents for four years and enduring crash landings while training. Tragically, his brother Fred passed away before their training was completed. After the war, he shifted careers from the tumultuous roar of airplanes to the intricate artistry of opal cutting, skillfully revealing the beauty within stones. Maintaining an active lifestyle, he enjoys lawn bowls, which he credits for keeping him vibrant and engaged.
Ian Smith from the Returned and Services League (RSL) expressed the significance of the upcoming commemoration, highlighting that 80 years is a remarkable milestone that reflects the dwindling number of World War II veterans. He emphasised the need to honour those who served and to remember the values for which they fought.
As Ellers prepares for the solemn remembrance, he stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of those who served in a defining era of history.