30 April 2023
Members of Army's 7th Brigade conducted an Anzac Day service for a noted retired soldier at Emmaus Village Residential Aged Care Community in Brisbane.
Warrant Officer Class One (WO1, retd) Allan Forsyth is a legendary name within Defence. He served in Vietnam and East Timor during his 33 years in Army, the majority of which was spent in the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), rising to be the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).
He later became the inaugural RSM of 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, when the unit was re-assigned to Special Operations.
Professionalism and innovation throughout his service were his hallmark, especially in regard to enabling new and developing capabilities.
He was renowned throughout his career for his dedication and fitness, gaining a reputation as one of the quickest and strongest soldiers in the Army despite his short stature.
He remained active post-service when he moved into adventure training instruction. Throughout his service and time as an instructor, he completed the Kokoda Track on 96 occasions.
WO1 Forsyth has struggled with health issues that leave him with limited mobility or ability to speak, but his friends and family said they could tell he enjoyed the Anzac Day ceremony.
Captain (retd) John Mounsey served with WO1 Forsyth in the SASR, then reconnected after their retirement, and said the Anzac Day service was special to them.
“He enjoyed today. Sometimes you just get that feeling he knows what’s going on because he gives a big smile, and it really makes your day,” Captain Mounsey said.
“I have morning tea with him and Marnie [his wife] every Tuesday, and it’s awesome to help out a mate – and that’s what we do, help our mates.”
Captain Mounsey said Anzac Day was an emotional time for veterans, and he was grateful to 7th Brigade for attending to the service.
Australian Army Chaplain Michael Pocklington said he was proud to be part of it and help pay respect to those who had served before him.
“Coming here to serve so many older Australians whose family members have been in wars, who may have served themselves, it’s one of the great things to do as a chaplain,” he said.
“When I was a young corporal I actually got to meet WO1 Forsyth, and his name around circles at that time was legendary, so it was great to be able to give back in a way now.”