WORLD War II veteran Cyril Blackmore was recently honoured in front of his friends and peers when he was awarded his RSL life membership badge.
Cyril was presented with the award by president Bob Sandow at the 101st Mount Gambier Community RSL luncheon.
Mr Sandow said it was a great opportunity to honour the 93-year-old for his continued service to the Mount Gambier community.
“He has been a member of the RSL since 1945 when he joined in Port MacDonnell and over the years he has been a mentor for me and many people like me,” Mr Sandow said.
“When we have had issues at the RSL, Cyril was one of the first to say – ‘I do not have much money, but I can do this for you’ – and we value people like that.”
At the July luncheon, the proud World War II veteran spoke of his time serving his country in various theatres of the campaigns throughout the islands around Bougainville.
Despite receiving gunshot wounds towards the end of the war in 1945, Cyril survived, returning home to the Mount Gambier district and settling into farming.
Independent Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell said it was amazing to hear his story at the event.
“He enlisted aged 18 and found himself departing for Townsville on the navy merchant ship Duntroon,” Mr Bell said.
“Cyril is a fantastic member of our community – and a great friend of mine – who through his service to our county, should be very proud.
“I think it is a fitting tribute for Cyril to be recognised as an RSL life member.”
While Cyril’s efforts on the frontline are well documented, the citation for his life membership mainly focused on his contributions to the community.
He was heavily involved in the Mount Gambier Apex Club and helped establish two Rotary clubs, which remain successful today.
“He was recognised by Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow and received four sapphire pins five years after the third club was established,” Mr Sandow said.
When asked to define Cyril in a few words, Mr Sandow said the answer was simple.
“He is RSL, he is community,” Mr Sandow said.
Cyril was the third World War II veteran to receive RSL life membership in the last 12 months after Jack Hopgood and Charlie Miller were also honoured for their service to the community.
WAR VETERAN: Cyril Blackmore is the third World War II veteran to be honoured with RSL life membership in the past 12 months.
