Born in Currabubula, Private Robert Thomas Costelloe and Private James Herbert Costelloe both enlisted in Armidale in the army in 1916.

Werris Creek RSL Sub-branch president Chris Lyon will use his Anzac address to share the story of the brothers, who both paid the ultimate sacrifice when they were killed in action.

“We always like to look back at some of the names listed in stone at the Currabubula Hall and this year I found these brothers to be particularly interesting,” Mr Lyon said.

Mr Lyon said the Costelloe brothers boarded HMAS A74 Marathon for France but were soon separated.

“In November 1916 Robert was involved in an action called The Last Battle of the Somme. In heavy rain and through thick mud, Robert and his unit advanced on the enemy in conditions which have been rated as the most difficult the Australian Imperial Forces had ever faced,” Mr Lyon said.

Robert was listed as missing in action before being declared killed in action in 1917. 

Mr Lyon said both the men were buried overseas.

“In 1917, Private James Costelloe and his 1st Battalion proceeded to the Belgian/ French border near Ypres for what was known as ‘the third battle of Ypres’, but he was shot and killed during the last days of this battle,” Mr Lyon said.

Preparations for a bumper Anzac Day in Werris Creek have been smooth sailing for the local RSL sub-branch.

A dawn service will be held at 6am at the memorial just off the main street in Werris Creek before the 9am service at the Currabubula Memorial Hall.

Following this, school students and returned ex-service men and women will march through the main street.

Heading south and Quirindi has a full list of services to mark the day.

Sub-branch president Doug Hawkins says the day just gets bigger and bigger each year.

“I think the kids especially have a greater comprehension of the battles Australia fought in, and I think they have a better understanding of the Anzac story,” Mr Hawkins said.

“The dawn service always draws a strong turnout of Diggers but it’s really great to see more faces, not only at dawn but at the march, too.”

He will lead the dawn service at the cenotaph in the main street of Quirindi from 5.30am before a breakfast for returned service personnel.

A flyover at 11am from RAAF in Tamworth will kickstart the traditional march down George St before the full Anzac service at the cenotaph.

Former senator and Wallabadah local Sandy Macdonald will be the guest speaker this year.