Nathanael Galagher was one of five Australian soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan in August 2012.

He was 23 years old when he died in the helicopter crash and was a former student of Forbes Public and Forbes High School.

A memorial plaque for Nathanael was unveiled at the service at Forbes High School, which was held on Saturday, November 8.

The service was well attended by family, friends and Forbes High School staff and representatives from the Forbes Returned Services League were on hand to pay their respects and deliver an address. Aaron Parry, also an ex student, played the last post and the current school captains read the prayer for the fallen. 

The ceremony was held just prior to regular remembrance day activities on the following Tuesday and was fitting due to the fact that it is the centenary of World War I.

Nathanael’s year master at Forbes High School, Sue Cunningham, was the driving force behind the ceremony and gave an address on the day.

“I believe it is important that the school acknowledge his achievements, and passing, in some way as he is one of the few students in the last 50 years from Forbes High School to lose his life in service to his country,” she said at the service.

“Nathanael was a member of our school community for six of his 23 years and was a great representative for the school in any sport that was going, showing sportsmanship and tenacity on the field and challenging himself in all facets of school life.

“Nate was a quiet, shy student until you got to know him, then that smile on his face was no longer a smile but a cheeky grin.

“He was a smart, level-headed guy, loved his hands-on subjects at school (woodwork and metal) and was quite the sportsman, enjoying both cross country and rugby league.

“Everybody that knew him loved him - he was just a genuine guy that would do anything for a friend and not bat an eye.”