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Puckapunyal veterans gather for heartfelt Red Rooster reunion

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The table is set for Puckapunyal's 21 Construction Squadron at The Royal Hotel in Seymour. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale

Up the old red rooster and more piss” echoed across The Royal Hotel’s dining hall.

Men in blue were gathered with drinks in hand.

Members of Puckapunyal’s 21 Construction Squadron were back in their old stomping ground, The Royal Hotel, on Saturday, October 26.

This year, they had veterans coming not just from Victoria, but also Queensland and Tasmania.

The 21 Construction Squadron was a group of engineers that worked on explosives and built bridges and roads for the army, based in Seymour from the mid-1950s to the end of the 1980s.

The squadron was disbanded and integrated as the 17 Construction Squadron, then moved its base to Queensland.

This brought an important discussion on where to host the next Red Rooster reunion.

Veteran David Moore said they wanted to thank those who came from interstate in some way.

“We’re from Victoria, so it was easy for us to get here,” he said.

“We just want to repay the people interstate, and maybe rotate our function around them.”

Members who have contributed in the Squadron’s annual reunions were also recognised.

“We've had a lot of support from our administration people and the family help us pack all this stuff and sell and sales, so it’s been really good,” Mr Moore said.

“It’s been good feedback, and so we can’t ask for any more.

“The people who came up and presented them with the plaques, they started the Red Roosters Social Club, Bill and Betty and Phil and Audrey, and we’re followed with Joy, Karen ... Joy's lovely husband, Laurie, etc.”

Mr Moore also acknowledged their administration officer, Johnny Short, who couldn’t make it due to being in the hospital.

“Leave the nurses alone,” Mr Moore said with a laugh, when asked about his message to his friend who was unable to make it.

Here are more photos from Puckapunyal’s 21 Construction Squadron gathering.

Men in blue filled the Royal Hotel’s dining area. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale
‘Up the old red rooster and more piss’ is the motto the veterans live by. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale
The 21 Construction Squadron’s flag hangs high, overlooking the veterans. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale
Betty and Bill Thornley are recognised for their efforts in organising the Red Roosters’ reunions. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale
Phil and Audrey Evans and Betty and Bill Thornley were awarded with plaques and recognised at the reunion. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale
David Moore and Morrison Hussey recognised The Royal Hotel Owner Paul Lowe for hosting the reunion and supporting the Red Roosters. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale
Kathy and Bill Brown are in the organising committee of the 21 Construction Squadron’s reunion. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale
Bill Brown was the chosen one for the door prize. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale
Red Roosters’ door prizes can literally open doors. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale
Jack Bishop receives his “muscle tank top” back after it was borrowed by one of his fellow veterans. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale
David Moore and Terry Bain reminisce and remember their comrades at the reunion. Photo: Faith Macale Photo by Faith Macale