ANZAC DAY 2026
‘THE COMMITMENT AND SACRIFICE OF THE ANZACs, INCLUDING AUSTRALIAN RIFLE CLUB MEMBERS DURING THE GREAT WAR’
by Bruce A. R. Scott, CSC, OAM, ADC
Bomana War Cemetery, PNG (photograph taken by the author on 2 July 2025)
On this 2026 ANZAC Day let us honour the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice, acknowledging over 100 years of Australian and New Zealanders who served, suffered, and died in conflicts. Let us emphasise that this day is not a celebration of war, but a time to reflect on courage, the “mateship” of ANZAC, and the responsibility to remember their stories, including those of rifle club members who fought and died for their country.
As we gather on 25 April 2026, maybe in the stillness of dawn, just as those brave soldiers did on the beaches of Gallipoli over a century ago, let us reflect on our proud nation’s history. We honour the more than 2 million Australians who have worn our uniform, and to remember the more than 100,000 who never returned.
The “ANZAC Legend” was forged in 1915—a story of courage, resilience, and mateship that still defines us today. Yet, as we look around wherever we are on 25 April, we are not just remembering a distant war. We are acknowledging generations of Australians who, since then, have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, often bearing burdens that we can only imagine.
We acknowledge the role played, after war was declared, by many members of the rifle clubs across Australia at the time. Australian rifle shooters willingly and in large numbers answered the ‘call to arms’ eagerly volunteering to do their duty and in so doing were actively involved in ‘defining our great nation’.
We recall all rifle club members who died during the Great War. One such member was Captain Alfred John Shout VC, MC, MID, a New Zealander by birth, who fought with the British in South Africa and died as a member of the AIF at Gallipoli. Captain Shout, a former member of the Sydney based Australian Rifle Regiment Rifle Club (ARR RC), is likely Australia’s most highly decorated rifle club member.
Additionally, we recognise that the price of our freedom is often paid by our service personnel and their families. In 2026, as our world continues to change, the values of the ANZACs—mateship, endurance, and initiative—are as vital as ever.
Saturday 25 April 2026 is a day for reflection, for gratitude, and for ensuring that the stories of our veterans and their sacrifices are passed on to the next generation. It is a collective commitment that we, as a nation, will always remember.
To those who served and to those who continue to serve, members of the National Rifle Association of Australia say thank you. Your sacrifice is not in vain, and your legacy endures.
Lest We Forget.
Alfred Shout VC, MC, MID – Member of ARR RC
Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial Collection https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P11036537
Alfred Shout epitomised the legend of Anzac. He was born in New Zealand in 1881. During the Boer War, Shout served with the Border Horse and Cape Field Artillery. In 1905 he settled in Australia with his wife and daughter. He was a carpenter and joiner in Sydney and served part-time as an officer in the local militia force. He joined the AIF as soon as war was declared and was a foundation officer of the 1st Battalion. He took part in the landing on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, and was awarded the Military Cross and Mentioned in Despatches for his actions over the next few weeks.
On 6 August the AIF attacked at Lone Pine. During three days of bitter fighting Shout became one of seven Australians to be awarded the Victoria Cross there. He took part in the initial assault and over the next days was conspicuous in defending captured positions. On 9 August Shout charged down an enemy trench, killing eight Turks with bombs and wounding others. Later that day he simultaneously lit three bombs as a prelude to a final dash. The third exploded prematurely, causing horrendous injuries. Shout remained cheerful as he was evacuated to the rear, but died on a hospital ship two days later. He was buried at sea, and his Victoria Cross was gazetted two months later.
For years Shout s Victoria Cross was the only Gallipoli one not held by the Memorial. It was added to the collection in 2006 and displayed in the Hall of Valour with the other six Lone Pine Victoria Crosses.
Citation (abridged):
On the morning of 9th August, 1915, with a small party, Captain Shout charged down trenches strongly occupied by the enemy, and personally threw four bombs among them, killing eight and routing the remainder. In the afternoon he captured a further length of trench and continued personally to bomb the enemy at close range, under very heavy fire, until he was severely wounded, losing his right hand and left eye. He succumbed to his injuries.
