There was a good crowd in attendance for the Centenary of the World War I Armistice Remembrance Day Commemoration Service, which was held at the Cenotaph in the Memorial Park in Eugowra.
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Sean Haynes representing the Eugowra Promotion & Progress Association, Carmel Doyle the Principal of the Public School and Cath Eppelstun Principal of St Joseph's Catholic School were the organisers of the event.
Sean Haynes was the MC and welcomed everyone.
Alyssa Gibson from the Public School read the Pledge of Remembrance and Eve Moore and Kirbie Mongan from St Joseph's Catholic School lead the prayers.
Sean Haynes read the commemorative address, published here, supported by Wal Townsend.
I would like to welcome Wally Townsend to join me as the commemorative address this morning is going to be made on behalf of Wally and the Townsend family, in which Wally’s father Corporal Walter, Wally Henry Townsend of the 6th Australian Cavalry Regiment, was killed in Libya in 1941 during World War II.
Notes have been taken for this address from a book put together by Wally titled ‘Memories of My Father’.
Prior to enlisting in the army in Bathurst in November 1939 at the age of 24, Wally worked on Nanima at Payton’s Bridge for Paul Wenz whilst his father share farmed with the Squire family across the road.
Wally had previously joined the 6th Light Horse brigade in 1935 and was a member of the 6th Mounted Rifles of the Forbes Troop.
After enlisting, two months was spent in Ingleburn training and whilst here he was promoted to Corporal.
The 6th division was the first division to go overseas in WWII and after marching through Martin Place Sydney, on the 9th January 1940, they sailed from Sydney, stopping at Fremantle before heading to the middle east
By the end of 1940, the 6th division was fighting the Italians along the Libyian coast with success at Tobruk. By the 23rd January 1941, the efforts were focussed on Derna in which an advance was ordered.
The following day to the south, Australian patrols in armed personnel carriers found the enemy to have uncommon determination and as proceeding forward to gain a better view of the enemy, anti-tank gun and machine gun fire opened up from concealed trenches only 10 metres from the leading vehicle.
Although the carrier troop was signalled to withdraw, some of the carriers were severely damaged in which these men were taken as prisoners.
As there was no wireless communications, other carriers continued in the V formation.
The carrier which Corporal Wally Townsend was driving detonated two mines which disabled the carrier and mortally wounded its Sergeant who was in the carrier.
Corporal Townsend was found nearby the carrier killed from machine gun fire.
A letter from Jim Crombie to Wally’s wife after his death reads, All of us here will remember him as the gamest of fighters and the most decent and straight forward of men.
Corporal Walter Wally Townsend, killed in action, gone at 26 – a life not yet lived.
The impact of wars and armed conflicts on families and communities has been significant therefore it is important to take to time to remember the men and women who have and continue to serve our country.
Thank you Wally and the Townsend family for allowing your father’s story to be shared.
As Sunday’s service continued, wreaths were laid by representatives from the Hospital Auxiliary, Red Cross, CWA, Eugowra Evening VIEW, Craft on the Creek, Lions Club, EPPA, Eugowra Public School, St Joseph's Catholic School, Eugowra Pre School, Murga Community and individuals.
Following the service the Lions Club served up a sausage sizzle for a gold coin donation with the funds going to Legacy.
Many thanks to Sean for a job well done, also to Carmel and Cath, to those who organised the sound system and the chairs and everyone else who assisted on the day.