Today marks the sixth anniversary of the public honoring of the first group of World War I soldiers from Kearsley, Abernethy, and Edenville. This significant occasion saw the then-Governor of New South Wales, General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Ret’d), unveil individual memorial plaques in a moving tribute to these 20 brave men.
The ceremony, held at Kearsley’s area of remembrance, was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by these soldiers. Their service will always be remembered with the utmost respect.
The honored soldiers are:
Abernethy:
- Private Edwin Apthorpe, 34th Battalion
- Private William Costello, 54th Battalion
- Sergeant Alfred Ellis, 35th Battalion
- Gunner Leslie Hines, 37th Battalion
- Private Kenneth McDonald, 34th Battalion
- Private Thomas O’Hara, 35th Battalion
- Private James Ridgely, 17th Battalion
- Driver William Smurthwaite, 30th Battalion
- Private Charles Staunton, 34th Battalion
- Sapper Cyril Todman*, 2nd Australian Tunnelling Corps
- Private William Warren*, 35th Battalion
Kearsley:
- Corporal Alec Barrett, 4th Battalion
- Private Charles Cook, 17th Battalion
- Private Henry Cooper*, 35th Battalion
- Private James Forrest, 34th Battalion
- Private Peter Lefevre, 36th Battalion
- Private George Masters, 35th Battalion
- Private Reuben Rundle*, 19th Battalion
Edenville:
- Sapper Henry Campbell, Tunnelling Company 4
- Sergeant Edward McEvoy, 4th Battalion
The dedication of these plaques remains a poignant reminder of their valor and sacrifice. We honor their memory and the enduring impact of their service.