Bill was a sad casualty

PRESIDENT of the Ballina Australian Flying Corps and Royal Air Force Association, Dick Wills, was "honoured" to give the commemoration address at the Ex-Services Home's Anzac Day ceremony this week.

In his speech, he highlighted the importance of taking care of our veterans, by telling the story of William "Billy" Sing, a sniper during the Gallipoli campaign.

Sing became a famous war hero because of his success as a sniper in the face of adversity. He had been shot twice and suffered shrapnel wounds and numerous diseases.

But after being discharged, Sing "went from hero to zero", Mr Wills said, and was largely forgotten.

In 1943 Sing died alone and poor in a room in a boarding house in Brisbane.

"But he was an Anzac. He was a casualty of war," Mr Wills said.

Anzac Day is a time to remember all those who have served in wars and battles to defend Australia.

RSL LifeCare director Bob Crosthwaite said many sacrifices had been made.

"Let us mourn with pride, but let us also remember with equal pride those who served and still live," he said.