25th April 2013

Commemorative booklet proudly presented by Michael McCormack MP Federal Member for MIA STORY LINKED TO WARS six years of that unprecedented THE remarkable story of the global killing ended ’S BRAVE POOLE BROTHERS Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area has in 1945, a surge of almost its entire plot interwoven with humanity escaping THE Poole family of Yenda endured harrowing the two World Wars. the devastation and heartbreak in World War II, losing two of four Diggers returning from The Great War troubles of Europe sons who went to serve the Australian Army. of 1914-18 became soldier settlers in this sought a new beginning. relatively new farming district. Gordon and Ralph Poole, sons of Frederick, – and the MIA – both died of illness as Prisoners of War. These were harsh, unforgiving times. offered that hope. Griffith hall Fittingly, their names are memorialised on There was much to be done. The water The MIA has proven a haven for those Yenda’s war monument (pictured) with the to the MIA had been turned on only seeking a new life and the development 22 other brave locals who made the ultimate through two years before the imperialistic foreign of this outstanding Riverina district sacrifice to defend our country’s freedom. policies of the great powers of Europe exemplifies the hard work of those early time descended into madness and bloodshed soldier settlers and grateful immigrants Ralph was 25 when he died on 14 June 1943 on a scale previously unknown to who followed. in Malaya whilst Gordon, 34, succumbed on 1 mankind. October the following year in Japan. Through perseverance and perspiration, Great Britain’s declaration of war they eked out an existence and turned a Both had enlisted at within against Germany meant Australia, as seemingly worthless, inhospitable region two days of one another in late June 1940 and part of the Empire, was also at war and into a fertile, bountiful landscape. served as Privates with the 2/20 Australian we were quick to enlist our services to Infantry Battalion. “God, King and Country” – volunteers The nation should always remember eagerly signing up for what seemed a what these people have done for the The Poole boys’ brother Jack fortunately great adventure. growth of inland Australia and our survived the war. ability to feed and clothe ourselves and Gallipoli sparked the ANZAC legend others with Riverina food and fibre – and the Western Front reiterated the just as we should and will never forget courage, tenacity and valour of our what 25 April and the ANZAC spirit troops. ABOVE: Opening day (picture mean to us all. courtesy Griffith Genealogical A young nation with a population of and Historical Society). not quite five million at the outbreak of World War I lost 59,341 of our finest BELOW: Way back then. and a further 39,649 died on active MICHAEL McCORMACK MP service in World War II. When the Federal Member for Riverina mixed emotions at opening THE opening of the Returned Soldier Settlers’ Hall on 30 September 1939 was a grand occasion for Griffith. The flag fluttered proudly in the breeze and townsfolk dressed in their finest yet a sense of both dread and uncertainty filled the air. Gordon Poole That same month, just 27 days earlier, Prime Minister Robert Gordon Menzies had announced the beginning of Australia’s involvement in what would become the deadliest conflict in history. Almost a million Australian men and women would serve in World War II and our country’s mainland would come under attack for the first time, with sustained Japanese air raids in the north-west and midget submarines entering Harbour as well as shelling Newcastle. Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area would play their part, with thousands actively engaged in the war effort both here and abroad. The RSS Hall became a focal point of activities during WWII and beyond. Today, it houses the office of the local sub-branch and a military museum since 2009 as well as the Regional Art Gallery and continues to be an important community building in Banna Avenue. OFFICES OF MICHAEL McCORMACK: : PO Box 6022, Parliament House, ACT 2600 P: 6277 4725 F: 6277 8563 Ralph Poole ABOVE: The hall today. GRIFFITH: 100 Yambil Street P: 6964 1212 F: 6962 7722 COVER: ’s WAGGA WAGGA: Suite 2 11-15 Fitzmaurice Street P: 6921 4600 F: 6921 5900 war monument in Carrington E: [email protected] www.michaelmccormack.com.au Street (Kidman Way). https://twitter.com/M_McCormackMP Peter mcduff: one of the riverina’s finest

IN THE words of his brother, 2nd Battalion soldier honours in the local cemetery. (Above) MEMORIALISED: Peter McDuff ’s name on the Australian War Peter McDuff of Darlington Point was “happy-go- Memorial Roll of Honour in Canberra. His funeral was one of the district’s saddest (Above) REST IN PEACE: L/Cpl Peter McDuff ’s headstone in lucky” … a young man who lived life to the fullest days. (Below) FRESH FACE: Peter McDuff, 22 years young when tragically the Darlington Point Cemetery. killed in Vietnam. until his tragic death in South Vietnam in 1967. A street in the town’s new residential sub- (Below) TRAGIC NEWS: The Daily Advertiser report on the division will bear the family name in Peter’s awful event which claimed Peter McDuff ’s life in Vietnam. A keen sportsman, Lance-Corporal McDuff was memory and his sacrifice is remembered on (Below right) WE REMEMBER: His inscription on the the unlucky victim of a training exercise which went the local cenotaph in Carrington Street as Darlington Point cenotaph. horribly wrong and which cost him his life at the age well as at the Australian War Memorial in of just 22. Canberra. Sadly, members of his family learned about his Peter McDuff, eldest of the five children of dreadful fate through media reports. World War II Royal Australian Air Force It was an awful way to find out and the Veteran Edward and his wife Lorna, was born heart-wrenching nature of L/Cpl McDuff ’s death in Wagga Wagga, spent part of his youth at made the loss even more difficult to bear. where he worked in the family sawmill before moving to Darlington L/Cpl McDuff and South Australian Privates Point. Dennis Nelson, 21, and Stanley Radomi, 22, were killed when a rocket from an American Army The McDuffs had a rich military heritage as gunship helicopter fell amongst them and exploded Peter’s uncle Leonard, from Yalgogrin North, during a training exercise. served in the Army in World War II. Ten other troops from 11 and 12 Platoons, 2 Royal “Peter was keen to serve,” Allan said. “He was Australian Regiment, were injured in the incident, proud of the Army uniform and he wore it some severely, and were flown to the American 36th with distinction. Evacuation Hospital at Vung Tau. “We were terribly shaken when the news of Allan McDuff has fond memories of his brave his death came through and we still miss him brother, who was in just the fourth month of his tour and remember him to this day.” of duty when the fatal accident occurred. Almost 60,000 Australians were involved in “He was my big brother … I was 20 when Peter died Vietnam from July 1962 until ANZAC Day and I still remember his smile, his easy-going manner 1975 during which time 521 – including and his great love of the outdoors,” Allan reminisced. stout-hearted Peter Edward McDuff – died as a result of the war and more than 3000 Allan still lives in Darlington Point, where Peter’s were wounded. body was returned to be buried with full military Leeton features 2013 ANZAC DAY SERVICE times and venues WAGGA WAGGA 6am Dawn service, cenotaph in 5.45am Dawn service arranged by in new book Memorial Hall grounds, Wade St. Legacy at the cenotaph, Victory A NEW book extols the virtues of the (Includes Darlington Memorial Gardens, Baylis Street. Australian Women’s Land Army and the Point) 6.30am Pilgrimage to Wagga Wagga critical farming role they played to help 5.45am Dawn service at John McInnes War Cemetery, Kooringal Road. feed the nation during the Second Square. 10.30am Baylis Street march begins. World War. 3pm Main service at John McInnes 11am Wreath laying at Victory playing their part Jointly produced by the Australian War Square. Memorial Gardens cenotaph. Memorial and the Commonwealth Address by 93-year-old World Department of Veterans’ Affairs and 3.15pm March from Goolgowi Hall to War II Veteran Jack Calder, a written by Robyn van Dyk, Serving on the cenotaph outside Rat of Tobruk and Prisoner of the Home Front tells how city women War. were called on to replace male rural Ex-Servicemen’s Club, labour. corner Combo and Napier Streets WHITTON for commemoration service. 3pm March from Rice Bowl Hotel, The 32-page publication includes GRIFFITH Benerembah Street, to Memorial three photographs taken at Leeton, HEroes at Gates. which have been reproduced on 5.45am Dawn service, Memorial Park. THERE are two polished this page. 10.30am March from War Memorial YANCO wooden plaques containing Land Army recruits were aged Museum (RSL Sub-Branch Hall), Noon Service, Yanco Hall, Trunk Road 80. names etched in gold lettering between 18 and 50 and were usually Banna Avenue. YENDA in the Yanco Community GREAT STORY: The fantastic work done drawn from metropolitan areas, often 11am Main service, Memorial Park. Memorial Hall. ALL ABOARD!: Land by city girls in country places is told in this 6am Dawn service, Yenda Diggers’ being unskilled in rural work. Address by Royal Australian Army members outside their outstanding little publication. Club, East Street, corner The larger and more ornate Navy’s Rear Admiral Michael Avenue. living quarters at the Leeton Women on the land who were farmers The AWLA marked 70 years scroll (pictured) is dedicated to Uzzell, Head of Engineering. those who served the Empire Showground pavilion (from left) or employees or relatives of land-holders since its formation with surviving 10.45am March from Yenda Diggers’ Club. HILLSTON (Includes from the district in World Mary Vidler, Janet Burr, Stella were not eligible to enlist. former members receiving a superb 11am Main service, Yenda Memorial and surrounding districts) War II, with the Korean and Edwards, Peggy Williams (from These new workers had to be heavily commemorative brooch featured on the Park. Vietnam campaigns added later. whose personal collection the promoted to rural employers who were cover of the book. 10.30am March from Ex-Servicemen’s Capital city services: photo comes) and Jean Harrison. at first resistant to the use of female Club, High Street. A limited number of copies of the book CANBERRA Of the 228 men and 19 women labour, according to the book. 11am Service, cenotaph in Hillston from Yanco who served in are available, free of charge, from my 5.30am Dawn service at the Australian “However, over time, their scepticism Griffith electorate office for anyone who Memorial Park. WWII, 22 died - “They walk War Museum (suggested arrival in honour down the deathless generally gave way to praise and would like one. LEETON (Includes Gogeldrie, from 4.30am onwards). respect,” van Dyk wrote. Murrami, Stanbridge, ) years” is the board’s tribute. 6.30am The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Amongst the many heroes It was a tough slog, with the average leeton lady gave her all 6am Dawn service, short march from Islander commemorative working week 48 hours and pay Church Street corner to cenotaph. listed is -born Private ROBINA Guild Kirk was doing her ceremony at the Aboriginal starting at the minimum Land Army Ronald George McGregor, best for the war effort when struck 10am March from Leeton Courthouse Memorial Plaque on the side of wage of 30 shillings a week. to cenotaph. awarded a Military Medal for down with illness whilst serving with Mount Ainslie. “great courage regardless of A total of more than 6000 members 5 Service Flying Training School at 11.15am Leeton Soldiers’ Club, corner 10.15am National ceremony at the danger” at Tel el Eisa, north- served during the war years with . Yanco and Acacia Avenues, RSL Australian War Memorial west of Alamein, Egypt, on 22 peak enrolment of 2382 permanent and Sadly, Corporal Kirk passed away on Shrine, small service and wreath and Veterans’ march (suggested July 1942. 1039 auxiliary members in December laying. arrival 9.45am). HARVEST TIME: Reaping rice 1 March 1944 aged 26 and was buried Pte McGregor was with the 1943. near Leeton with Enid Gorman in the Wagga Wagga War Cemetery SYDNEY 2/2 Machine Gun Battalion. In her foreword to the book, Governor- driving the header team and on Kooringal Road. 10am Service starts with a march from 4.15am Dawn service at the cenotaph, General Quentin Bryce, praising the Ethel Hall overseeing the filling Born in Dundee, Scotland, she railway line. Martin Place. AWLA, wrote of the “range of physically of the bags. enlisted at Leeton for service with PLEASE NOTE: All demanding tasks including fruit picking, 8.30am Wreath-laying ceremony at the the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air (Includes ) times and venues have CABBAGE PATCH GIRLS: crop harvesting and wheat, sheep and cenotaph, Martin Place. Force on 5 March 1942. been supplied in good Proudly showing the results of a dairy farming” performed by members 6am Dawn service, Memorial Gardens, 9am ANZAC Day march starting faith by various RSL crop of cabbages grown at Leeton, which was done with “wonderful Her name is etched into Leeton’s corner East Street and Victoria Ave. at Martin Place/George Street/ circa 1943. moments of camaraderie, strength, memorial obelisk (pictured). 9am Service, Air Force war graves at Bathurst Street/Hyde Park. Sub-Branch officials and were correct at the time determination and fun”. Narrandera Cemetery, Douglas St. 12.30pm Commemorative service, of publication. Every care Her Excellency wrote of the AWLA’s 10.30am March from Narrandera ANZAC Memorial Park, Hyde has been taken to ensure as “vital importance to the Australian war Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Bolton St. Park South. effort”. many services as possible 11am Main service, Memorial Gardens. 1pm Aboriginal ANZAC Day march have been included. For in Redfern. The scheme was based on a similar one RANKINS SPRINGS verification of other in Great Britain during the World Wars. 8am Start of march after assembling 5pm Sunset service at the cenotaph, services please contact your The AWLA began on 27 July 1942 and at Allan James Park. Service to Martin Place. local RSL Sub-Branch. was disbanded on 31 December 1945. follow at cenotaph. RECORD WRITING ENTRIES BY FAR the most entries for the Riverina school students’ ANZAC Day writing competition were received this year. Hundreds of poems and short stories were submitted from right across the region in the third annual competition. Authors of the best secondary and primary entries received book prizes from the Australian War Memorial with Ross Coulthart’s superb The Lost Diggers on offer for the senior students and the splendid picture book narrandera A Day to Remember by Jackie French with illustrations by Mark Wilson presented to the younger winners. remembers Each student who sent in an entry will receive a commemorative signed certificate. Winning entries from the irrigation areas and western Riverina feature below. FEW country war memorials could rival Narrandera’s Great memories of harry Legacy badges. Harry would War monument (pictured) for tell us stories of his time the number of names chiselled Bill Ryan, 11, Year 6, St Joseph’s Primary at war and we would listen thereon. School, Hillston (Pictured right) in awe, imagining what it ANZAC Day for me in the Riverina is would have been like Sadly, many of those are listed about the important men and women for him. “In memoriam”, indicating who served our now free country … a serviceman who did not My favourite story Harry Australia. return. told was a time when he One of those heroic people I was lucky was on the HMAS Hobart, manning Narrandera district gave enough to meet was a gentleman named the ship’s major guns, when a Japanese mightily to the nation’s call to Harry Bruce, who sadly passed away late torpedo struck the ship. The ship was arms in 1914-18. last year. severely damaged and Harry was trapped The town’s Memorial Gardens Harry was a wonderful man who lived inside the turret. While he was trapped, bordered by East Street and a magnificent life with many great Harry hoped and prayed that he would Victoria Avenue, is one of achievements such as the league’s highest see his Mum and Dad again. the Riverina’s finest parks award, the Meritorious Medal for his ANZAC Day in the Riverina will commemorating the local service in the RSL. always be special to me. I love watching sacrifice made. Two hundred and fifty words are men like Harry march proudly wearing The World War I circular definitely not enough to describe the their medals of bravery and raising the granite shrine was dedicated person Harry was or the life he lived, but Australian flag with pride. by Gallipoli and Western I will share the moments I most treasure. ANZAC Day in the Riverina won’t be Front hero Major General Harry and his wife Olive the same this year without Harry, but we Sir Charles Rosenthal KCB, would come to our school will remember him! CMG, DSO, VD (1875-1954) for our Remembrance (Pictured left) Arthur Henry “Harry” Bruce, on 21 November 1923. Day ceremonies and sell 1921-2012, Rest In Peace.

WE WILL REMEMBER back tears, A huge crowd has ON THIS day we will remember them, formed in the park, Australia and New Zealand Army Corps, The cenotaph stands tall Soldiers, bullets, explosions, death, with the marble stones Mates leaving mates to rest. carrying the names of the People line the streets of Banna Avenue, fallen. (Pictured above) Jorja Waring- The march begins and continues down Speeches are read which Bryant, 13, the road, takes us back, Year 8, Griffith Poppies, medals and sprigs of rosemary, Reliving moments and High School Young and old, with heads held high, remembering the Diggers, Proud to represent the Diggers who have “They fought to give us fallen. the best.” On they march to Memorial Park, The bugle plays the Last Post, A touch, an embrace, is seen in the This triggers the utmost emotion, crowd, We stand, silent for a minute. As past Diggers, men and women, fight We will remember them. Authorised by Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack MP, 100 Yambil Street Griffith NSW 2680. Printed by Chambers Whyte Design and Print, 5 Rabaul Place Wagga Wagga NSW 2650.