The Diggers Living History Group: Rufford 18th and 19th September 2010

Being a Home Front themed event, the Diggers Living History Group chose to represent the Coast Watchers. This scenario represents a location on the extreme top of Northern Queensland in Australia. The Coast Wathers monitored enemy naval and air activity. The Coast Watchers were made up of civilians, reserve and regular Australian Army personnel.

About Us

We are a group portraying aspects of the Australian Army during World War I and II. We have portrayed Australian Soldiers (Diggers) in the Western Desert (1940-1943), Australian Defence Volunteers and during the Kokoda campaign. In 2012 we are also portraying 24th Battalion AIF.

The 24th Battalion was formed in May 1915 at Broadmeadows Camp in Victoria. It sailed shortly afterwards from Melbourne for further training in Egypt then went on to Gallipoli. From there it went via Egypt to France, taking part in its first major offensive around Pozières and Mouquet Farm in July and August 1916. In May 1917 the battalion participated in the second battle of Bullecourt. It was involved for only a single day, the 3rd May, but suffered almost 80 per cent casualties. It helped turn back the April 1918 German offensive and participated in the battles of Hamel amd Amiens. At Mont St Quentin the 24th played a major role by recapturing the main German strong point atop the summit on 1 September. The battalion’s last battles were at Beaurevoir on 3 October and Montbrehain on 5 October. It left the front on the 6th October 1918 and was disbanded in 1919. Later it reformed as part of the CMF and in 1939 the 24th Battalion was merged with the 39th Battalion, which saw service on the Kokoda track.

Sources: 24th Battalion http://www.awm.gov.au and 24th Battalion (Australia) Wikipedia

Formed in 2009. We are members of AFRA.

Regards John, Barry, Colin, Rod, Rob, James, Andy and friends.

Rufford 18th and 19th September 2010

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