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.