WHEN it comes to putting out the spot-fire caused by the Army Reserves withdrawing support for the Manilla RSL this Anzac Day, there was only one crew for the job.
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The sub-branch was rattled when it was informed the Hunter River Lancer 12th/16th brigade would be unable to supply soldiers to mount the catafalque party at the town's war memorials.
It marks a significant break from tradition in the town's Anzac Day commemorations.
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But sub-branch secretary Ian Bignall says the town's memorial services will run as usual with a catafalque party and all.
The Manilla Fire and Rescue brigade will fill in for the reserves' soldiers on the day.
An army spokesperson told the Leader a recent restructure meant there weren't enough vehicles and soldiers in the region to support every service.
The spokesperson also said the Manilla RSL didn't formally apply for support.
It's a claim Mr Bignall denied.
"I will apply next year, I've heard that they said I didn't apply, which is wrong, I filled it all out," he said.
Mr Bignall encouraged people to go along and support the memorial services on Thursday.
"We will apply next year and hope [the Hunter River Lancers] will be here, but I'm sure our town fire brigade which will step into their place will be well-received," he said.
"We will still have a great Anzac Day and we will still remember or war people and that's what it's all about."