Wednesday 15 August 1945 – a simple diary entry

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The war really is over at last after 5 days of uncertainty. 2000 American news service announced fact – 2100 notified from bn & 2200 heard it myself over the arty radio. So I am convinced this is really it. There is no feeling of excitement or thrill about it. Perhaps it is in the nature of an anti-climax.

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Bert Le-Merton was a 26-year-old mortarman in Borneo on Wednesday 15 August 1945 when news that the war was over came through.

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Exactly 75 years later, on Saturday 15 August 2020, Sergeant Bert is again thinking about his service – and walking a few extra miles in the name of service to today’s ANZACs.

Officially starting today, Bert is on a mission to walk 96km – the length of the Kokoda Track – raising funds for Soldier On’s new annual campaign, March On.

Now 101 years old, Bert is a keen walker, attributing his longevity to his philosophy of ‘just keep walking around the block’.

And that’s exactly what Bert intends to keep doing for at least 96km – and then some.

To support Sergeant Bert on his Kokoda-length march, please consider donating here – or, why not challenge Bert (and see if you can catch up with him) by registering for your own March On with Soldier On challenge here.

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