As the first light of dawn breaks across the horizon on April 25 in Murchison, retired Major Peter Shearer, 77, will be among those gathered in quiet remembrance for Anzac Day.
In those moments where time stands still, and the weight of history presses down upon attendees, Major Shearer will pause in silence beside his loving family and reflect.
“I’ll be thinking of all those who have given their life for Australia over many wars, not just since the first war but prior to that as well,” he said.
“From the Boer War and wars in Africa where Australians contributed but probably more so then on behalf of Mother England, but I am thinking about them all.
“Those who have not just given their life but carried the scars of it and their families as well. Families carry the wounds, and they carry a burden, too.
“Over the many conflicts from way back then to the current day, from anyone who is serving, suffered, lost friends, relations, mates. That minute is probably not long enough.”
Major Shearer is one of five children born in Scotsburn near Buninyong into a dairy farming family to parents Robert and Jean Shearer.
After gaining his school leaving certificate in 1964 from what is now known as Ballarat College, Major Shearer’s first job was as a clerk with the Ballarat Water Commission.
However, after enjoying three years in an Army Cadet Unit through high school and being inspired by his mother, who served in World War II from 1942 to 1945, he enlisted in the Australian Army a year later.
“My mum had a brief period where she worked in the army, and I think it was work that she enjoyed, but she never spoke much about it,” he said.
“In fact, in those days, they were sworn to secrecy basically with their work.
“I enlisted a few months before the national service came in, and people were actively being trained. I was in Kapooka in May 1965, was allocated to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, and trained as an operator of keyboard and radio at the School of Signals. I was 19 years old.”
In 1965, Major Shearer was relocated to Balcombe on the Mornington Peninsula, followed by a posting to the 2 Signal Regiment at Watsonia.
Then known as a ‘Signalman Shearer’, he was trained for operational deployment and, in 1966, arrived in Saigon, South Vietnam.
“I was young and still pretty naive about things and the rest of the world,” he said.
“We were dispersed among a number of hotels that the Americans had taken over called bachelor enlisted quarters. I worked as an operator with the 145 Signal Squadron, and the evening shift was generally pretty hectic from a traffic viewpoint. There were always several messages coming in and out.
“Being in Vietnam broadened my view and outlook of the world. Returning home to Australia and not being accepted in the community was difficult, and not being recognised officially with the welcome home parade until 10 years later was hard.
“But I think I was able to compartmentalise some of those things I saw and felt and just keep them locked away so I could carry on with the rest of my life. I wouldn’t have stayed in the military for as long as I did if I couldn’t do that and keep looking forward rather than looking back. You must stay positive and look to the future, not the past.”
Looking to the future is precisely what Major Shearer did when he returned to Australia.
He took further trade and leadership courses and was promoted to staff sergeant in 1972. He was appointed the rank of lieutenant to quartermaster to captain and then as staff officer grade 3 by 1978.
Major Shearer gained his majority in 1984 and commanded two specialist independent signals squadrons. He was second in command of the School of Signals and spent three years attached to the Royal Malaysian School of Signals as an instructor.
He was a training adviser to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals under the director of signals and was the project officer for a review of all trades within the corps.
Transferring to Active Reserve in 1988, Major Shearer contributed to the development of army capability until retirement from uniformed service in 2002, after serving for 37 years, at age 55.
However, Major Shearer then gained immediate employment as a defence civilian at the equivalent level.
He assisted in co-ordinating the Australian Army’s participation in the development of the ‘Five Eyes’ alliance between United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in the ABCA Armies Program.
Major Shearer officially retired from the Department of Defence in March 2014 and today enjoys the quiet and peaceful life at Waranga Shores beside his wife, Gloria.
“I have one daughter, one son and five grandchildren that keep me busy,” he said.
“Gloria and I enjoy travelling but will probably concentrate a little more now on seeing a bit more of Australia while we can.
“My past will always be in the back of my mind, and Anzac Day means a lot to me. It is a day to reflect and give thanks for what others have done prior and what people are continuing to do today.
“A chance to carry on the traditions, look after each other, work together for a common cause and do the best for Australia.”
Retired Major Peter Shearer will also be the guest speaker at this year’s Anzac Day Ceremony in Toolamba at 10am, following Murchison’s dawn service.