Anzac Day 2022: HMAS Manoora squadron’s last man marching cheered on by Avoca locals

Part of a dwindling band of national treasures who have lived through our darkest chapters, WWII veteran Jack Bartlett is determined to never stop marching to honour his fallen friends.

He’s part of a dwindling band of national treasures who have lived through Australia’s darkest chapters and World War Two veteran Jack Bartlett is determined to never stop marching to honour his fallen friends.

Mr Bartlett, 98, will be the only veteran from the HMAS Manoora squadron to march on Monday for Anzac Day because the others have passed away and his only remaining peer is in hospital.

The Avoca Beach local has attended every Anzac Day march since the end of the Second World War but after the onset of the Covid pandemic, he began marching down his street instead – to a crowd of cheering neighbours, family, and friends.

“(The march is) most important. I’m afraid we are a dying race. All those coming on behind, Korea, Vietnam, East Timor, Middle East, Afghanistan, they look up to us old fellas to show the way,” he said.

“This year in my squadron there are only two of us left. We got a message the other day that the other old fella left had fallen over and was in hospital. I’m the only walking person that belongs to the Manoora squadron.”

98-year-old World War II veteran Jack Bartlett will be walking down his street in Avoca Beach on Anzac Day supported by family and neighbours. Picture: David Swift

Mr Bartlett fought under the HMAS Manoora squadron in the Second World War.

As a young man, Mr Bartlett was a mine disposal specialist for the Royal Australian Navy during the war and also part of the gunnery team on an Australian destroyer.

When the pandemic made it too risky for Mr Bartlett to attend the Sydney march, daughter Narelle asked locals to come cheer him on – and hundreds showed up.

Jack’s grandson Mitchell says he's inspired by his grandfather’s commitment to the Anzac tradition.

“I used to go down (to Sydney) until this virus struck. I never missed an Anzac march in Sydney. When I couldn’t go down, we held this, and we thought only two, three people would come. But we had a few hundred. It’s nice to be recognised,” he said.

Grandson Mitchell Goldfinch will be among the crowds tomorrow cheering on his Pa along with fiancee Alicia, and their four kids and one grandchild.

“It’s quite inspiration to be able to watch him at this age to carry on the Anzac tradition,” he said.

Fiancee Alicia added: “His memory is absolutely amazing; you cannot fault his stories of war and his recount of those times … We all wear medals that he has passed onto us and proudly wear them on Anzac Day to support him and acknowledge his sacrifices for this country.”

The Avoca Beach Rural Fire Brigade will also be lending a hand with captain Kurt Pressley saying the event brought the community together.

“It was a huge event last year and this year it will be even bigger. Jack loved it … Our plan is to go down there and see how we can help the family.”

Avoca local Rachel Barnes has never met Mr Bartlett but received a letter in the mail telling her about the march.

“I live in Avoca and received a letter in my letter box. My great grandfather was part of the Anzacs. I’m going to go this year, it’s just gorgeous what he does,” she said.

“As a community if we can all make it a big celebration for him that’d be awesome.”

Mr Bartlett’s 5-year-old neighbour, also named Jack, loves sharing cake with the war veteran. Picture: David Swift

Mr Bartlett will also be cheered on by his neighbour’s young children, namesake Jack Bunker and Will Bradshaw, who are enamoured by his stories of war.

Mr Bartlett said he had been asked to speak at “Jack Junior’s” preschool as well as his great grandson’s preschool to keep the Anzac spirit alive.

“I’m invited to their preschool where I give a speech on the meaning of Anzac and I reiterate to them, that they are our future,” he said.

Six-year-old Will said he loves “seeing the medals” on their neighbour while five-year-old Jack enjoys “sharing a bit of cake” with “Jack senior”.

The community will gather for the march at the top of Chaplain Crescent from 10am.