By Cam Lucadou-Wells
It was like meeting military royalty in the vaunted vaults of the Shrine of Remembrance on 22 March.
At a fund-raising night for Berwick author Michael Madden’s ambitious book project The Victoria Cross: Australia Remembers, the crimson-ribboned VC featured prominently both on page, canvas and gleaming in replica.
Mr Madden’s grandly designed book will recognise Australia’s 100 VC recipients, telling the story of the people behind the medal and their extraordinary acts of valour.
One of his interviewees was Doug Baird, father of the late Corporal Cameron Baird – who was posthumously awarded Australia’s 100th Victoria Cross in 2014.
At the night, a proud Mr Baird said it was important to promote Mr Madden’s book for its educational value for younger generations.
“It’s showing them the people who have done extraordinary things for our country. They are prepared to sacrifice their life for what they believe in.”
Mr Baird is determined to continue his son’s good work, which included numerous fund-raising deeds for charity.
He spruiks a charity Cam’s Cause – formed by former teachers and school friends of his son.
It raises funds to support the Commando Welfare Trust and supports returned servicepeople in his son’s 2nd Commando Regiment.
The charity has adopted Corporal Baird’s motto ‘Aspire to Inspire’.
Funds go towards accommodation and equipment such as fishing rods and surfboards at wellness camps for returned Australian commandos. It also provides professional help at the camps.
Mr Baird was planning a trip to visit homeless ex-soldiers on the banks of the Murray River in coming days.
“When we think of the homeless, it’s amazing that these include ex-soldiers in far-flung areas of Australia living in squalor and on river banks.
“Some of these guys can be on the aggro side, so we make them a meal, a coffee and encourage them to seek help.”
At the soiree, VC recipient Keith Payne told of the royal treatment that Victoria Cross recipients receive from the Royal Family in the UK, and how touched he is by strangers who shake his hand and thank him for his service.
Acclaimed artist George Petrou was there, flanked by his vibrant portraits of prominent Australian servicemen.
The portraits included VC recipients Keith Payne, Cameron Baird and Albert Jacka.
Faye Axford, of Endeavour Hills, attended after reading a recent story on Mr Madden’s book in Star News.
Ms Axford has rare bloodlines as a relative to two Australian VC recipients – great-niece of Thomas Axford and great-niece by marriage to Albert Jacka.
She has recently been interviewed for Mr Madden’s book to talk about her heroic ancestors.
On 22 March, an overcome Ms Axford was presented with replicas of her great-uncle Thomas’ medals by Mr Madden, and chatted at length with Mr Payne – who knew her illustrious ancestor well.
Next year, she plans to tour Le Hamel, in Somme, the scene of Lance Corporal Axford’s awarded heroism, exactly 100 years after the event.
“I’m just so proud to be an Axford,” she said.
Also at the event, journalist Ross Coulthard at length retold the story of discovering the significant WWI photographic portraits of the ‘Lost Diggers of Vignacourt’ in a French village attic.
Anyone who can help with information for Michael Madden’s book, can call him on 0418 900 204 or email michael@berwickmilitarymedals.com.au.
