Taking Time to Remember at Mercy Place Mandurah

More than 100 years since the end of the First World War, Mercy Place Mandurah residents and staff will remember members of the armed forces who served and died in the line of duty, ahead of Remembrance Day on Thursday, 11 November.

Now aged 82, Alistair Dowsett (pictured), will be one of the attendees at the not-for-profit home’s commemorative ceremony, and will take the opportunity to reflect on his 30 years’ service in the Royal Australian Navy.

Born in 1939 in New Guinea, Mr Dowsett grew up in Geelong and enrolled in the Navy cadets during his time at Geelong Grammar School.  He went on to join the Royal Australian Navy in 1956 as a 17-year-old recruit, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer by the time he was 28 years old.

“For one year in 1956, I trained aboard the HMAS Cerebus,” says Mr Dowsett, who married his wife, Jan, in 1968, and today they are still together at Mercy Place Mandurah.

“I had 12 deployments on different ships during the 50s and 60s taking in countries including Vietnam, Borneo, Philippines, Hong Kong and New Guinea. During that time, I supervised 120 engineers, and co-ordinated their training, leave and organised welfare arrangements.

“I had an incredible career with the Navy and was honoured to receive 12 medals during my service.”

Mercy Place Mandurah Service Manager, Simone Baxter, said Remembrance Day was an important and emotional day for many residents.

“Every year Mercy Place Mandurah acknowledges the exceptional contribution of all Australian servicemen and women during our Remembrance Day ceremony, and in particular it’s a time for us to reflect on the bravery and selflessness of our residents, many of whom lived through World War II and also, like Alistair, served their country,” she said.

“Indeed, our Remembrance Day commemorations enable many of our residents to reflect on the war years, reminisce about that time whether they were an adult or a child, and also remember those who lost their lives. It’s an important day for all of us.”

Residents at Mercy Place Mandurah will commemorate Remembrance Day by holding a small service within the home, and observing the traditional minute’s silence at 11 AM on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

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