Descendants of war veterans have been left “horrified” and in some cases in tears after they were told not to display photographs of their loved ones during Anzac Day marches yesterday.

Neil Mitchell was alerted to the issue by several people, who all reported the same issue.

They said an “official” approached them while they were marching with photographs and told them to not display the images because it was “against” policy.

“I am really concerned about this,” Neil Mitchell said.

Colin was watching the march, located near the Shrine of Remembrance, and said he saw a “rogue official” approaching people for two reasons.

“He was clamping down on marchers not wearing medals and he would approach men and women who were carrying photographs of their loved ones, who had obviously passed away in one of the wars, and told them to take them down and that they weren’t allowed to carry the photos and said it wasn’t RSL policy to carry a photo in the march,” he said.

Colin said he was horrified by what he saw.

“You could see people were visibly upset,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear how the story progressed on 3AW on Tuesday

RSL Victoria has since confirmed the “display of photos or other memorabilia” was not permitted in a statement.

Here are the guidelines;

Commemoration March

The purpose of these guidelines is to remind RSL Sub-Branch members, Unit Association members and members of the general public of the criteria, as agreed by the ADCC, for participating in the Melbourne ANZAC Day Commemoration March. It is important that this information is distributed as widely as possible. There are three ways by which an individual can participate in the March:

1. As a former, or current, member of the Australian Defence Force;
2. As a Veteran of a Commonwealth or Allied Force, and
3. As a descendant of an Australian, Commonwealth or Allied Veteran and who are wearing the campaign medals of their forebears on their right chest.

The Melbourne ANZAC Day Commemoration March is not a parade and therefore no vehicle, animal, weaponry or memorabilia (including historical uniforms) may be included without the prior approval of the March organisers. Escorts to Colours etc., and catafalque parties may carry arms. As the head of each unit approaches the Eternal Flame, hats are to be removed (by following the unit leader’s movements or by order) and the right hand held over the heart and kept in that position until the unit is clear of the Eternal Flame, when the reverse is to be followed. Heads are to be turned right towards the Eternal Flame when passing it. Banners and Flags are to be dipped. Defence Force formations are to salute the Eternal Flame as they pass it. Marshals will be placed on the Shrine Forecourt to provide directions for the ‘Eye’s Right’ at the Eternal Flame and the ‘Left Wheel’ to proceed to the dismissal area past the flags. 

Descendants of Australian Veterans

A descendant of a veteran may participate in the March as a carer (one per veteran participating in the March), banner party or flag carrier, regardless of whether they are entitled to be a member of the RSL or not. Descendants, other than the above, will be directed to march in a place of prominence in front of the Commonwealth and Allies contingent. One descendant only of a veteran may honour their relatives service by wearing his/her medals on their right breast. Dress of all descendants should reflect the occasion and the display of photos or other memorabilia and the pushing of prams and pushers is not permitted.

Descendants of Commonwealth and Allied Veterans

Descendants of veterans are encouraged to participate to honour the fallen at the express invitation of the contingent leader/organiser. Descendants are to march behind the veterans within the national group. Once again, dress should reflect the occasion i.e. traditional/national costume or dress (including headdress) is inappropriate. The national group may have no more than 30 descendants of veterans participate, including banner party and flag bearers. The display of photos or other memorabilia and the pushing of prams and pushers is not permitted.

Picture: Getty iStock