It was 11am on November 11, 1918, when fighting ceased, ending the hostilities of World War 1.
To honour such a significant moment, physical training instructors from 23 Squadron, RAAF Base Amberley, devised a workout of the day, inviting all Amberley-based units to compete in a variety of exercises.
Completed in teams of four, all exercise repetitions added up to 1111, symbolising Remembrance Day.
Corporal Alex Hobday, a 23 Squadron physical training instructor, was thrilled with the turnout for the event, which was the first of its kind held at Amberley.
“This event brought together aviators and soldiers based at Amberley to pay our respects to our fallen brothers and sisters in arms,” Corporal Hobday said.
“Teams of four competed in a range of exercises, including burpees, squats, sled drags and a run around the track.
“In between exercises we paused for a minute of silence to remember and honour those who have come before us.
“It was great seeing so many units getting together, taking part in physical fitness, meeting new people and working together as a team – teamwork being at the core of what we do in the ADF.”
Competition winners were determined as the fastest to complete all exercise repetitions, with the Army’s 9 Force Support Battalion taking out first place, followed by teams from Air Force’s 23 and 6 Squadrons, in second and third place respectively.
Winning-team captain Captain Andrew Castle, of 9 Force Support Battalion, was grateful that such an event was held at RAAF Base Amberley in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.
“It’s an opportunity to bring people together from all services and units, keep fit and also take those moments to pay our respects to those who have served before us,” Captain Castle said.
“Some of the exercises were quite challenging, but our general fitness and day-to-day training helped us take out first place and we look forward to events like this continuing.”
