This Saturday, September 21, will see Wingham RSL Sub-branch hold a dedication service at Anzac Place, Central Park in Wingham commencing at 11.30 am marking the Centenary of Charter.
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As a special memorial to mark the event, a time capsule has been installed in this very significant section of Anzac Place and a short dedication service will take place with an invitation extended to all residents to join the Sub-branch on this occasion.
A number of historic items including photos, copies of photo books, RSL Reveille magazine, copy of the original Charter, list of Sub-branch members as of 2019, coins and notes, a Wingham RSL Sub-branch flag and other items have been placed inside with the date set for re-opening 50 years on Remembrance Day November 11, 2069.
A Centenary of Charter Luncheon, by invitation only, is to take place at Wingham Services Club following the dedication service.
At this time we also remember the many young men and women from the Manning Valley who enlisted for World War I, World War II and have fought proudly in conflicts since.
One young soldier who stands out is Private John Lancelot Andrews who paid the supreme sacrifice dying on the battle field at Polygon Wood, Flanders on September 26, 1917 at the very young age of 16 years and eight months.
John became known as a 'Boy Soldier' having been born January 26, 1901 at Charity Creek leaving school in 1915 and enlisting in December 1916 in Sydney at just 15 years, putting his age up to 19 when he enlisted. In July 1917 he landed in France and marched to the front in Belgium. John was killed in action in Flanders along with 12 other men when a shell hit the trench they were in.
Private John Lancelot Andrews No. 3346 of 54th Battalion Australian Infantry is buried at the New Irish Farm Cemetery, St Jean-les-Ypres, Flanders.
During his short time in France, John sent home to his mother a beautiful lace edged embroidered doily and several embroidered silk postcards in 1916 before his untimely death.
To learn more and see some of Private Andrew's personal mementos, I recommend a visit to the Manning Valley Historical Society's Museum in Wingham and also to read Margaret Clarke's recently published books "Manning Volunteers in the Great War" Volume 1 A-L and Volume 2 M-Z of men from the Manning who enlisted in WWI, which are also available for purchase from the Wingham Museum.
