The Townsville National Servicemen unveil 18 new plaques during touching memorial

They were only boys when they were called upon to serve their country, now their names will forever guard the city they called home. Read the touching stories from those who gathered to remember the fallen ‘Nashos’.

Hazel Scott lays a poppy for her husband Robert Collyns Scott who was a national serviceman in the Australian Army.

He was only 20 years old when he was called up to service and now, Roberts Collyns Scott’s name will forever face the picturesque ocean of the city he proudly called home.

On Monday morning, the Townsville National Servicemen held an emotional memorial service to unveil 18 new plaques honouring veterans who passed away in the past year.

Among those paying tribute was Hazel Scott, who laid a single red poppy on her husband’s plaque during what she described as a “beautiful” ceremony.

Surrounded by fellow widows, Ms Scott reflected on the legacy her husband leaves behind.

“We’ve got grandchildren and great grandchildren and they live here in Townsville and that gives them something to remember,” Ms Scott said.

“It’ll be there forever, nobody can ever take his name away.”

Robert Collyns Scott, second from the right, was called up for national service when he was just 20-years-old.

The Scotts shared more than 40 years together after first meeting in a Brisbane pub and though he rarely spoke of his service, Hazel remembered him for his dedication and hardworking nature.

His brother, who also served in the Australian Army, has his name inscribed on the Vietnam War Memorial.

Together, Ms Scott said, “they’re guarding the city”.

Among the crowd was also veteran Ron Woods who attended to remember one of his best mates, Victor Page.

The two met at Singleton Army base in 1967 after Mr Woods was called up and Mr Page volunteered to serve.

Mr Page was sent to Vietnam as a gunner in the Australian artillery and in May 1968 he was badly wounded after his gun was temporarily overrun by the enemy.

“The Americans patched up Vic then he was medevaced to Australia,” Mr Woods said.

Two other gunners were tragically killed and Mr Page sustained life changing injuries.

“Vic spent two years in Greenslopes and Yeronga Hospitals being repatriated, sadly he ended up a paraplegic and was confined to a wheelchair,” Mr Woods said.

“Vic’s outlook was strong and he embraced his misfortune with help from his loving girlfriend, later to become his wife.”

Mr Page died in July of 2017.

“He was a man of great integrity and always displayed a positive outlook,” Mr Woods said.

“He was revered by all who were fortunate enough to be his friend.”

National Servicemen's Association of Australia Townsville Sub Branch secretary Ian Kuhl (left) at National Servicemen's Memorial Park at Rowes Bay.

Also reflecting on the era of national service was Ian Kuhl, secretary of the National Servicemen’s Association Townsville Sub Branch.

Mr Kuhl was only 20-years-old when his birthday rang out over the national broadcast.

Though initially daunting, Mr Kuhl said he considered himself fortunate after building an impressive career as an officer in the army medical corps, where he remained for 21 years

“After my 18 months national service, I then stayed in the army because I looked at my position outside and I was offered a job of health officer, which involved barking dogs, long grass complaints, whinging neighbours or staying in the army,” he said.

The plaques are on display at National Servicemen’s Memorial Park at Rowes Bay and the National Servicemen’s Association Townsville Sub Branch meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 11am at the Townsville RSL.

Originally published as The Townsville National Servicemen unveil 18 new plaques during touching memorial