MOTH’s honour fallen soldiers of the past
MOTH members, together with their families and friends, enjoyed an evening of socialising and good food
The Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) honoured fallen soldiers who died during the Battle of El Alamein, in a remembrance parade on Saturday, November 5, at the Monte Stanco Shellhole.
MOTH members, together with their families and friends, enjoyed an evening of socialising and good food. They also celebrated the 70th birthday of Monte Stanco Shellhole, by having a special cake baked for the event.
The battle of El Alamein began on October 23, 1942 when Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Montgomery launched the largest artillery barrage ever seen in desert war at 9.40pm on October 23, 1942. Ever since, it is considered as the turning point in World War II when the Allied Forces won its first decisive victory over the Nazis and Axis Forces.
“The battle raged for 13 days, and on November 2, the Allied Forces fired another tremendous barrage of artillery, marking the last phase of the ferocious fight. More than 800 artillery pieces opened fire, lighting up the night sky and signifying the start of the Allied offence. The battle continued for four-and-a-half hours before enemy lines crumbled, leaving them no option other than to retreat.”
The Monte Stanco shellhole was founded in 1946 at the Coronation Masonic Lodge in Harding Street. The Newcastle Municipality initially leased the old Armoury in Hardwick Street, before later donating it to MOTH.
“The name Monte Stanco means sleeping or quiet mountain, which the members thought would be a fitting name for the shellhole,” said MOTH Adjudant, Bim Phillpott.
