Walcha RSL Sub-branch president leads local service

The president of the Walcha RSL Sub Branch – Mr Roy Westfold – conducted proceedings and Mr Ross Hoy addressed the gathering. 

Mr Hoy welcomed those in attendance and thanked the Council for the fantastic condition of the memorial which was built in 1922.

“I believe it’s one of the best in Australia,” he said. “I’ve looked around and seen many memorials around the country.”

Mr Hoy then spoke of the importance of support in wartime, particularly from the community back home. He also congratulated the local historical society for publishing their book on Walcha’s involvement in the First World War well ahead of this year’s commemorations.

“One of the things that book illustrated was that many who enlisted in the First World War did so without birth certificates and in some cases they went without their parent's knowledge,” he said.

“Sometimes family only found out years later that one of their kin was killed over there. When you think about it, some of those soldiers didn’t come back until the 1920’s, the ones that were in hospital. It was a long time with a lot of uncertainty and as you all know there are still people missing over there.

“There was a Walcha Women’s group formed in 1915, and they supported the troops overseas. Every person who had knowledge of someone over there sent parcels or attempted to. They were active in raising money for the soldiers, and when they came home, they welcomed them and again raised money for their welfare and to get them back on the road. 

“In the second world war I would say that every man, woman and child was involved in some way.”

A letter from New England – Anzac Day

Guyra’s Anzac Day

Armidale’s Anzac Day parade

Women served with Gallantry

Anzac Day across the region