A monument dedicated to two Victoria Cross recipients who lived and worked in Taree will be officially unveiled at Fotheringham Park on Saturday, July 21.
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Major General Sir Neville Howse and Warrant Officer Class II Ray Simpson will be forever etched at the site for their service during times of war.
The ceremony will begin at 11am and will be hosted by the Manning Valley Sub-branch of the National Servicemen’s Association.
The ceremony is open for the public, service and ex-service organisations of the Manning and Great Lakes areas to attend
The monument is situated next to the Memorial Clock.
Born in England, Neville Howse migrated to Australia in 1889 where he established a practice in Newcastle before joining Manning River District Hospital as a doctor.
He worked at the hospital from 1889 to 1895.
Major General Howse lived in Taree for several years before returning to England.
He returned to the area in 1898 before settling in the Central West town of Orange.
In January 1900 he became a NSW Medical Corps lieutenant.
On July 24 that year, he rescued a wounded man under heavy fire while serving with a mounted infantry brigade at Vredefort.
Major General Howse rode through heavy gunfire to rescue a trumpeter who had been struck by a bullet.
As he dismounted to collect the man, his horse was shot dead.
He dressed the man’s wound and carried him to safety before treating him for a perforated bladder.
Major General Howse was awarded the Victoria Cross for this effort.
He became the first person in an Australian unit and first Australian medical officer to be awarded the medal.
Major General Howse returned to Australia on January 8 1901 and received the Victoria Cross by then Chief Justice of NSW Sir Frederick Darley.
He also had a career in politics including a stint as mayor of Orange City Council.
Major General Howse also served as Health and Defence Minister during his time as federal member for Calare.
He was also involved in setting up the Australian War Memorial.
Major General Howse died of cancer in 1930 after returning to medical practice in England.
He is buried at London’s Kensal Green Cemetery next to his father.
Ray Simpson was schooled at Carlingford Public School and Dumaresq Island Public School (near Cundletown) before joining the second Australian Imperial Force in 1944.
He was appointed Lance Corporal in November 1951 before promotion to Corporal in 1953.
He later became Sergeant in 1955 and Temporary Warrant Officer Class 2 in 1964.
After briefly leaving the army, Mr Simpson reenlisted to serve during the Vietnam War.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross during this service after he rescued a wounded warrant officer and carried out an attack on a strong enemy position.
He also fought alone to cover the evacuation of a number of casualties.
Mr Simpson received his Victoria Cross from Queen Elizabeth II at Sydney’s Government House in 1970.
He also received the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for Valour from the United States.
During his life, Mr Simpson worked as a tram conductor, sugarcane cutter and sailor.
He also spent time as a labourer in Taree.
Mr Simpson took up a position with the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan in 1972.
He died in 1978 after a battle with cancer and is buried at the Yokohama War Cemetery.