Honouring Shared Sacrifice: Australia’s High Commissioner Visits Beechwood

On the afternoon of July 14 2025 at the National Military Cemetery, we were honoured to welcome Her Excellency Ms. Kate Logan, High Commissioner of Australia to Canada accompanied by Captain Emma Gaudry, Royal Australian Navy, Defence Advisor, Australian High Commission - Ottawa, for a visit marked by remembrance, reflection, and friendship.

Her visit included a solemn moment at Section 29, where Leading Aircraftmen Douglas Mervyn Lord and Harry William Long - two young Australian servicemen are laid to rest.

Both men served with the Royal Australian Air Force during the early years of the Second World War and had come to Canada to train under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Tragically, their lives were cut short in separate flying accidents near Ottawa in 1941. Douglas Lord was just 22 years old, and Harry Long only 20.

Their graves at Beechwood stand as quiet reminders of the deep and enduring bonds between Australia and Canada - nations separated by oceans, but united in shared sacrifice and friendship.

As Her Excellency Ms. Logan paused at each headstone, the moment served as a powerful reflection on the cost of service and the ties that continue to link our countries today. This visit honoured not only the memory of these two brave Australians but also reaffirmed the strength of our shared history and commitment to peace.