The Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) held a remembrance parade on Saturday night in honour of those who died during the battle of El Alamein.
The battle of El Alamein began on October 23, 1942, and is considered by most historians as the turning point in World War II, when the Allied Forces won its first decisive victory over the Nazis and Axis Forces.
The battle began when Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Montgomery launched the largest artillery barrage ever seen in desert war at 9.40pm on October 23, 1942.
More than 800 artillery pieces opened fire, lighting up the night sky and signifying the start of the Allied offence.
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The battle raged for 13 days, and on November 2, the Allied forces fired another tremendous barrage of artillery, marking the last phase of the ferocious fight.
During this time, 150 000 rounds were fired on a 400 yard front over the next four-and-a-half hours.
The enemy lines eventually crumbled, leaving them no option but to retreat.
While honouring the bravery of the Allied Forces was the main focus of the evening, MOTH members also celebrated the 70th birthday of Monte Stanco Shellhole.
The shellhole was founded on November 7, 1946 at the Coronation Masonic Lodge in Harding Street.
The Newcastle Municipality initially leased the old Armoury in Hardwick Street, before later donating it to MOTH.
MOTH member, Bim Philpot explained most of the founders fought in World War II, while others served in the Royal Natal Carbineers second regiment.
The name Monte Stanco comes from a mountain in Northern Italy, where the Natal Carbineers battled with German forces. The name Monte Stanco means sleeping or quiet mountain, which the members thought would be a fitting name for the shellhole.
After the formalities, MOTH members and their families enjoyed an evening of socialising.
