NSW: RSL delighted Gallipoli flag returned

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2009
NSW: RSL delighted Gallipoli flag returned

By Lisa Martin

SYDNEY, Aug 14 AAP - A historic Gallipoli banner stolen from Anzac House in Sydney
has been anonymously returned 10 days after it was taken.

The 94-year-old hand-made banner belonging to the Australian Imperial Forces 9th Battalion,
3rd Brigade was handed in undamaged to a ground-floor office at Anzac House on Friday
morning.

It was the first flag carried ashore by diggers at Gallipoli.

NSW RSL president Don Rowe said it was a great relief to get it back.

"It's restored our faith in human nature," he told AAP. "We're delighted."

Mr Rowe said the banner was mysteriously returned between 10.30am and 11am (AEST).

"The building's concierge had gone off to do something and was away for about 10 minutes,"

he said.

"There was a parcel on the desk when he came back."

Mr Rowe said the banner was undamaged and would return to public display at the end of October.

"It's something Australians should have the opportunity to see, to appreciate what
the 9th Battalion went through," he said.

He thanked police and the media for their efforts to help recover the flag.

AAP lm/evt/jhp/mn

KEYWORD: FLAG UPDATE

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