Bentleigh RSL Visit by Grade 4

21 February 2012 | General Interest

Last week we were very lucky to be invited to an information session at our local RSL. We learnt that the RSL was first formed in 1916 by men who returned from war. It has nearly been 100 years since the RSL began in Australia. The Bentleigh RSL was started in 1932. They used to meet at the old movie theatre before they built their first building in 1952. The motto of the RSL is “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” The RSL often brings people and their families to activities they have during the year. They also look after the elderly in homes.

We listened to a talk given by Graham Malloch. Graham is 91 years old. He told us that he joined the army when he was 19. He signed up 10 days before the war started and he turned 25 3 days after the war ended.

Graham never believed in war and still doesn’t. He received 5 medals for service during World War 2. He worked as a signal man laying down communication lines in New Guinea. He was really interesting to listen to.

We also met a lovely lady called Edith, she was a nurse during World War 2. She didn’t travel overseas she stayed in Melbourne to pack supplies. Edith showed us around the RSL.

She showed us some of the medals people had received and the supplies they used during the war. There were guns, grenades and old uniforms.

Grade 4

Bentleigh RSL