Anzac Day Feature 2015

WALKING IN A DIGGER’S SHOES… Local resident, Chris Clark is looking forward to commemorating his Uncle Frank this ANZAC Day, and to honour Frank’s time in WWI, Chris’s daughter, Megan Wright and her nephew, 15 year old Jono Clark are on their way to Belgium to walk in Frank’s footsteps.

Photo: Alicia Niglia.

Walking in the footsteps of an ANZAC 100 years on Family trek to pay tribute to relative’s WWI story

By David Lee COMMEMORATING 100 years of the ANZAC’s involvement in WWI is set to be a touching and memorable time for the whole country, but

there is something special about having the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of a relative who fought for Australia as a WWI soldier.

Story continued on page 18

Walking in the footsteps of an ANZAC 100 years on continued from front page LOCAL resident, Megan Wright (Clark) along with her nephew, 15 year old Jono Clark will be doing just that when they arrive in Belgium this week to follow her Great Uncle’s war journey, before attending the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate monument in Ypres on April 24, followed by centenary commemoration services at Polygon Wood and Tyne Cot cemeteries in Zonnebeke on ANZAC Day, Saturday, April 25.

Frank Clark joined the Australian Imperial Forces on March 8, 1916 at the age of 18 years and two months and served in the MATESHIP… Frank (left) in Belgium with a member 15th Reinforcement of the 24th Battalion of the 24th Battalion Band in 1917. Photo: Supplied.

(Infantry), which was part of the 6th Australian Brigade. On September 25, Frank embarked from Melbourne on the HMAT Shropshire, at Wimereux and then evacuated to England disembarking on November 11 at Plymouth. for further treatment. While being treated in Frank’s first real experience of the war was England, Frank was cared for by Miss Wilson, during ‘The operations on the Ancre’ from whose character was portrayed in the television January 11, 1917 through to March 13, where series, ANZAC Girls. his battalion were influential in the capture of On June 21, 1918, Frank was transferred Thilloys from February 25 to March 2 and the from the 24th Battalion to the 2nd Machine capture of Irles on March 10.

Gun Battalion and was declared fit for duty From then, Frank was part of several in August of 1918. Frank returned to France operations including The Arras Offensive where and marched out to meet the battalion on the battalion fought the German attack on September 15, 1918 where he continued Lagnicourt, The Battles of Ypres, but on March fighting until November 11, 1918 when 22, 1918, while stationed at Catacombs (8 armistice was declared at the 11th hour. miles south of Ypres), the 24th Battalion were As part of Quota 38, Frank was transferred attacked with Mustard Gas and Frank was back to England for return to Australia on April transferred from the 5th Field Ambulance 26, 1919, but was only able to leave England to the 11th Casualty Clearing Station in via the hospital warship, Mahia on June 4, Godewaersevelde before being transferred via 1919, arriving in Melbourne on July 17, 1919. ambulance train to the 14th General Hospital Jono said, “It’ll be good to see where he

Page 18 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1247 Wednesday, April 22, 2015

MUSIC TO SOOTH THE SOUL… The 24th Battalion Band on November 13, 1917. Frank can be seen in the back row, second from the right. Photo: Supplied.

OFF TO WAR… The HMAT Shropshire, which was the ship that took Frank from Melbourne to Plymouth. Photo: Supplied.

was and to pay respect to him and the other ANZACs. “I’ve heard a lot about Frank and read through his war records, so it will be interesting to visit some of the exact places that he fought at.”

Megan said, “It’s a huge honour to be able to be there and pay respect to Frank on the centenary. It’ll be fascinating.

“It has been interesting uncovering the clues, like that he was in the 24th Battalion Band, and following his story and it will really be something to see everything that we’ve put

together from the research, in the flesh. It was actually amazing that he managed to survive, knowing that 80 percent of his battalion died.

“I’m very much looking forward to it. The historical perspective is really cool.”

Megan’s dad, Chris Clark told The Adviser he is touched that his daughter and grandson will be paying tribute to his uncle Frank.

“In 1962 I worked with Frank in a clothing factory in Swanston Street, Melbourne, so I got to know him pretty well.

“It’s really quite special to see them travelling to Belgium to walk the steps of my Uncle Frank.”

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1247 Wednesday, April 22, 2015 – Page 19

ANZAC Day Services around the region

Marching F ANZAC Day 2015 marks 100 years for their a mates The ANZAC spirit lives on

Shepparton • Dawn Service from 5:45am at Memorial Park, corner of Wyndham and Fryers Streets, Shepparton • C ommemorative Service from 10am at the Shepparton RSL, 88 Wyndham Street, Shepparton.

Mooroopna • Commemorative Service from 8:30am at O’Brien Hall, McLennan Street, Mooroopna.

Murchison • D awn Service from 5:30am at the Murchison Gardens.

Tatura • Commemorative Service from 10:45am at Private Robert Mactier Gardens.

Tallygaroopna • Commemorative Service from 12 noon at Tallygaroopna Memorial Hall.

Merrigum • Commemorative Service from 10am at the Avenue of Honour.

Undera • Commemorative Service from 11am at Undera Primary School.

Dookie • Commemorative Service from 11am at Dookie Railway Line.

IT’S a time to honour, remember and thank those who have served our country past and present. This ANZAC Day holds an extra special meaning, with 2015 marking the centenary of the Australian troops’ involvements in World War I. Across the city on Saturday, April 25 services will be held to commemorate our ANZACs and the Gallipoli campaign.

Shepparton will begin the proceedings with the Dawn Service at 5:45am at the Victoria Hotel on the corner of Wyndham and Fryers Streets, continuing onto Memorial Park on Welsford Street at 6am. A Commemorative Service will follow, beginning at the car park of the Shepparton RSL at 10:20am, the parade will depart at 10:40am for the service commencing at Memorial Park at 11am.

Mooroopna will see their Commemorative Service held from 8:30am through to 9:30am, congregating in front of O’Brien Hall and marching to Memorial Park.

Shepparton RSL ANZAC Day Coordinator Graeme Bayley, “During this year’s ceremonies at both Shepparton and Mooroopna, our guest speaker, Sergeant Shane Duncan, will reflect upon his life in the service.”

With a great grandfather that served in the World War I, and a father that served in the World War II, and a Vietnam Veteran himself, Graeme said, “It’s an important day to come along and pay your respects, and show your appreciation for the lifestyle we now have.”

For more information on this ANZAC Day’s Services and events, phone Shepparton RSL

COMMEMORATING CENTENARY… ANZAC Day Services are set to ring out across the region to commemorate Australia’s centenary in the involvement of WWI. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

Club on 5821 3124 or pop into the club at 88 Wyndham Street Shepparton.

HAVING lost 83,005 of their mates in both WWI and WWII and a further 109,045 injured, the Shepparton Indian Sikh community are banding together in commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary, to march under their own banner for the first time this ANZAC Day. March Organiser, Kamal Singh said, “We were are part of the war in Gallipoli and lost many of the Sikh community in both wars. This year we decided to remember those who we lost. We approached the Shepparton RSL and they were more than happy to let us march under our own banner.

“We currently have 20 to 30 locals who will be gathering to march, but we are inviting the whole community to help us pay tribute.

“This is going to be a very special event for the Indian Sikh community because we will get a chance to recognise the sacrifices made by our people for the very first time.”

Shepparton Display Home D rectory 2

1 Office: 374 Wyndham Street, Shepparton Phone: 5823 7100

2

Display Homes: Mortlake 292, Cosgrove 292 and Charlton 352 Canterbury Avenue, The Boulevard Estate, Shepparton Open: 7 days 1pm-5pm Phone: 5823 7180

Kittles Rd

GV HEALTH COMMEMORATES LOCAL WAR NURSES… An afternoon tea in recognition of and to honour the nurses who served Australia in WWI from 1914 to 1918 and who trained at Mooroopna Base Hospital, was held at GV Health on Monday, where a special presentation was given by the Mooroopna Historical Society to a number of descendants of some of the nurses.

Among the 3,000 nurses Australia wide who served in WWI, 22 were trained at Mooroopna Base Hospital, but perhaps the most famous nurse from the area is Elsie Jones, who was born in Mooroopna in 1883 and trained at Mooroopna Hospital from 1904 to 1907. Elsie enlisted in the army service in May 1917 and served in Salonika, before being discharged from service in July 1919. Upon discharge, Elsie was awarded the British War Medal, Star Medal, the Victory Medal and an Order of the British Empire and resumed position of Matron of the Hospital until retiring in 1957. This is why the Elsie Jones Education Centre at GV Health was named after her.

From left, WWI nurse descendant, Beth Stewart, Mooroopna Historical Society Secretary, Barry Campbell and WWI nurse descendant, Enid Lonie. Photo: Supplied.

N

Shepparton Display: 53 Canterbury Avenue, The Boulevard Estate, Shepparton Thursday-Monday 12noon-5pm Phone: 5831 2250

Display Office: 14 New Dookie Road, Shepparton Open 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday Phone: 5831 5920

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1 Th e Bo ul ev ar d

Funding granted to establish and refurbish memorials THE Federal Government has made funds available to build or rebuild many World War I memorials across the country and the Murray electorate has been fortunate to have had a great spread of these projects across the region.

T h e s e m e m o ria l p roje c t s h e lp t o commemorate, honour and remember all of the heroic service men and women who have made sacrifices and offered their lives through serving their country.

New and refurbished memorials in Euroa, Tatura, Wedderburn and Rushworth have been granted for the Victoria Cross recipients through the ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program.

Federal Member for Murray, Dr Sharman Stone said, “Honouring Our Heroes Euroa and District Inc; Euroa received funding to go towards the installation of three plinths with bronze statues and plaques in honour of the three Victoria Cross recipients, who lived in the area. The new memorials on the lawns of the Euroa RSL now feature information boards that explain the sacrifices made during World War I. The gardens also received new lawn, garden beds and flowers.

“In Tatura, the RSL Sub-Branch received funding for the Robert Mactier Memorial. The project included a two metre high bronze statue of Robert Mactier, which was installed

in the newly upgraded and enhanced Memorial Park in Tatura. The park upgrade also included new gardens and information boards honouring locals who have served in past wars.

“The Loddon Shire Council was granted funding to help with a new memorial in Wedderburn, the project will include the installation of two bronzed sculptures of Albert Jacka and Albert Chalmers-Borella.

The sculptures will be installed at the Soldiers Memorial Park in Wedderburn, which is also known as Jacka Park. A damaged World War I commemorative statue at Borella Park in Korong Vale memorial precinct will also be replaced.

“The Rushworth RSL Sub-Branch has also received funding to upgrade the memorials in the town. The new memorial will contain two bronze busts, which will be situated on locally hewn ironstone plinths, with signage about the two busts on the plinths. The busts will be of local heroes Frank McNamara and George Jones.”

This year, commemorate the 100th Aniversary of the Australian soldiers landing in Gallipoli at the unveiling of the new World War I Memorial Wall by the Hon Dr Sharman Stone at Undera Primary School at 11am on ANZAC day.

MEMORIALS REFURBISHED… The Federal Government has helped to fund the refurbishment of WWI memorials depicting Victoria Cross recipients in Euroa, Tatura, Wedderburn and Rushworth including the Robert Mactier VC statue in Tatura. Photo: Supplied.

ANZAC DAY 2015 SEATING PLAN

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1247 Wednesday, April 22, 2015 – Page 21

WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM… To help commemorate ANZAC Day this weekend, we are sharing some photos of locals who served our country in the war and those who paid tribute to them. Pictured in the top left photo is Corporal, Len Mason of the 2/8th Infantry Battalion in the AIF, who was in active service from October 13, 1943 to December 5, 1945 at Aitape and Wewak in New Guinea. The 2/8th landed at Aitape in New Guinea on November 12, 1944 to undertake its only campaign against the Japanese and was involved in the Danmap River operations between December 1944 and February 1945, as well as the advance on Wewak and the clearance of the Prince Alexander Range between April and July, 1945. The capture of the dominating heights on Mt. Shiburangu on June 27 was the battalion’s greatest achievement of the campaign. Following the Japanese surrender on August 15, drafts of 2/8th men began returning to Australia for discharge. The remainder of the battalion departed Wewak on November 10 and disbanded at Puckapunyal on December 14, 1945.

The photo on the top right was taken in the 1953 and pictures Fryers Street State School students, Wendy Kittle, Suzanne Gawne, Gayle Temple-Smith, unknown boy, Bruce Allen and Lin Whitfield wearing their relatives medals and standing with wreaths for the fallen soldiers. The students wore their medals to school on that day to pay their tributes.

Former local, Marlene Kuhn said that she remembers when she was young, her mother would give her chrysanthemums to take down to the “Hand of Faith Statue,” and place the flowers on the statue with a card that read, ‘in Memory of Lloyd Chalker,’ who was a friend of her mother. Marlene would then go onto the ANZAC March that came to a finish at the statue.

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LEFT: MARCHING NURSES... War nurses marching along Wyndham Street after the war in 1945, with Mrs Voumard as their leader.

CENTRE: IN THE ARMY BAND... Taken in 1956-57, this photo shows locals, John Power and Allan Doody who played in the Army Band, standing with Yvonne Nelder. The boys were walking to a friend’s house in St George’s Road after having played in the ANZAC March earlier.

RIGHT: NOREEN BRIERLY... Taken in 1958, this is a photo of Mooroopna girl, Noreen Brierly, who joined the Air Force at the age of 18.

Snapshots of Shepparton’s past SHEPPARTON has been a thriving community for more than 155 years, and throughout that time many people and events have helped to shape the township into the community that it is today.

The Adviser, with the help of former local, Marlene Kuhn and the wider community, has decided to share some of those moments in time with you through a series of photographs.

If you have an old photograph of a local event or moment in time that you would love to see published, feel free to email the image to editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au