Local schoolchildren will carry the memories of Manilla’s Gallipoli veterans when they lead off this year’s Anzac Day centenary march tomorrow.
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Of the 79 local men who served on the Turkish peninsula in the 1915 landing by the Anzacs, eight paid the supreme sacrifice and never returned.
But their identities and stories have been told and will be borne down the street of Manilla in this year’s march.
The students will carry commemorative panel banners of the eight Gallipoli victims, with their names and service details, as well as the date of their deaths.
One, George Baker, died on the day of the first landing on April 25, 1915; another, Tom Higgins, the following day.
The eight banners will join the display on stands of the returned and former service personnel.
The names of the 79 veterans who went to Gallipoli have been placed on two large banners and will be on display in front of the Memorial Hall for the two Anzac Day services.
Parade marshal is Manilla RSL Sub-branch vice-president Duncan Ellem, who will march wearing a replica WWI uniform, complete with webbing.
Two Vietnam-era restored Land Rovers will be used to carry any veterans unable to march.
The service guest speaker is Denis Creer, the research editor of the outstanding history book, Manilla’s Men in Marble, published last year.
The book was produced by the Manilla Historical Society to honour those who served in WWI.
Mr Creer will address the dawn and main services, and speak about the involvement of Manilla men in the landing at Gallipoli 100 years ago.
Songs sung by the men in war will be performed during the service.
The dawn service at Manilla begins at 5.30am in front of the Memorial Hall in Manilla St. The march leaves the RSL Club at 10.45am, and the service begins at 11am at the hall.
The Manilla museum is one of a number of shopfronts that have been dressed up with WWI displays, and inside there’s a replica Gallipoli trench for visitors to actually experience.
At a glance
The eight Manilla men who lost their lives at Gallipoli were:
* Edward Baker, blacksmith, born Muswellbrook 1893, enlisted September 4, 1914, private, A Coy, 3rd Battalion, killed in action (KIA) June 6, 1915.
* George Baker, born 1893, Portsmouth England, enlisted September 23, 1914, Private, 4th Battalion, KIA April 25, 1915,
& Alfred Burrows, carpenter, born Young 1885, enlisted August 31, 1914, Private, 3rd Battalion, KIA April 29, 1915.
* Charles Gibson, farmer, born Upper Manilla, 1887, enlisted August 28, 1914, sergeant, 1st Australian Light Horse, KIA August 7, 1915.
* Tom Higgins, bookkeeper, born Tamworth 1893, enlisted August 17, 1914, sergeant, 4th Battalion, KIA April 26 1915.
* Octavius Jones, labourer, born 1881, enlisted October 27, 1914, Private, 13th Battalion, died of wounds, May 12, 1915.
* Daniel Lock, railway fettler, born Tamworth 1885, enlisted September 24, 1914, Private, 13th Battalion, KIA August 27, 1915.
* Eric Smith, farmer, born 1894 Muswellbrook, enlisted July 14, 1915, Private, Third Battalion, KIA December 17, 1915.
