Kearsley Community Dawn Service Committee in Kearsley | Community organisation

Kearsley Community Dawn Service Committee

Locality: Kearsley

Address: 22 Allandale Street 2325 Kearsley, NSW, Australia

Website:

Likes: 132

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Community group
• Community organisation

25.01.2022 Tune in from 9:30am tomorrow morning to honour our local World War II veterans. #WeRememberThem

24.01.2022 We will start marching in just 30 minutes! How are you paying your respects to our service men and women this Anzac Day? #WeRememberThem

23.01.2022 Today we remember Private Thomas O’Hara of Abernethy who served during World War I. Private O’Hara was born at Sydney in 1894 and moved with his family to Abernethy. In 1915, at the age of 21, he enlisted in the 35th Australian Infantry Battalion and proceeded to the Western Front. His time on the front was colourful, with Private O’Hara often in the sights of commanding officers for failing to obey directions. He returned to Australia in 1919 and took up employment in the c...oal mines surrounding Abernethy. Private O’Hara passed away in 1962. Private O’Hara is honoured on the 'World War I Bench of Remembrance' in the Arthur Francis CSC OAM Remembrance Garden. #WeRememberThem

23.01.2022 This year's Remembrance Day service will be a little different. With physical distancing, hand sanitisers and COVID-19 safe plans, the Committee is doing everything to ensure our veterans are honoured and commemorated this Remembrance Day. Will we see you there?... #WeRememberThem

23.01.2022 Today we remember Driver William Smurthwaite of Abernethy who served during World War I. Driver Smurthwaite was born in England in 1887. After spending some time in Abernethy, he enlisted in the 30th Australian Infantry Battalion in 1916. Despite not seeing any frontline service, Driver Smurthwaite was instrumental in driving teams of horses on the Western Front. He returned to Australia in 1919 and passed away in 1949.... Driver Smurthwaite is honoured on the 'World War I Bench of Remembrance' in the Arthur Francis CSC OAM Remembrance Garden. #WeRememberThem

23.01.2022 On this day 103 years ago Captain Clarence Jeffries VC displayed heroic deeds during the Battle of Passchendaele. During the battle he led several parties of men in an attack that eventuated in the capture of six machine guns and sixty-five prisoners, before being killed himself by machine gun fire. As a result of his bravery, he was posthumously decorated with the Victoria Cross.... Prior to enlisting, Jeffries was employed at the Abermain No. 2 Colliery at Edenville. #WeRememberThem #LestWeForget

22.01.2022 The 2021 Kearsley Anzac Day march has started. The service in the grounds of Kearsley Community Hall will commence shortly. We are going to stream the service on Facebook Live for those unable to attend. #WeRememberThem

21.01.2022 A wonderful Saturday night reflection with this recoloured picture of Australian troops from World War I. An Australian gun crew, part of the 55th Siege Artillery Battery, serving a 9.2-inch howitzer. The men are stripped to the waist owing to the hot weather, at Fricourt during the Battle of Pozières Ridge, France, August 1916. The Australian official historian Charles Bean wrote that Pozières ridge "is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on eart...h." The crew have been identified as Sapper Walter Gunyon, Gunner Claude McCook, Corporal Leslie Frank Beagley and Sergeant Duncan McRae. #WeRememberThem

21.01.2022 If you are available next Saturday morning, this will be something you won't want to miss. #WeRememberThem

19.01.2022 Imagine the celebrations in small villages like Kearsley and Abernethy upon the announcement of the surrender. Many locals answered the call to duty during World War II, leaving behind their pre-war lives and loved ones. #WeRememberThem

19.01.2022 Today marks the fourth anniversary of the passing of Regimental Sergeant Major Arthur Francis CSC OAM (Ret). Arthur was born in Scotland in 1946 and migrated to Australia with his family when he was eight years old. Initially, Arthur’s family lived in Cessnock, but in 1956 they moved to Kearsley. Arthur attended West Cessnock and Kearsley Public Schools, and Cessnock High School. Arthur demonstrated his leadership capabilities early, and was appointed School Captain at Kea...rsley, and class captain at high school. In 1964, Arthur joined the Australian Army, serving with distinction until his retirement in 1997. From his early rank of Private, he rose to become Australia’s most senior soldier as Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army (RSM-A). In this position, Arthur reported to The Chief of the Army, with responsibility for discipline, dress and ceremonial, conditions of service, career management and advice and counsel to senior officers on soldier matters. In recognition of his distinguished career, among his many medals and awards, Arthur was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1986 for his services to the Parachute Battalion, 3rd Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), and the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in 1997 for his services to the Army. Arthur was instrumental in the establishment of the Kearsley Community Dawn Service Committee. Today we honour and remember the legacy Arthur left behind.

18.01.2022 This afternoon members of the Committee are at the Australian War Memorial paying their respects to the thousands of service men and women who sacrificed their lives during periods of conflict and peace. Today, in particular, we remember: - Private Reuben Henry Rundle of Edenville (WWI)... - Private Henry Reuben Rundle of Kearsley (WWII) - Lance Corporal Shaun Lewis of Kearsley (Bougainville) #WeRememberThem

18.01.2022 The march will set off in 15 minutes. You still have time to get to the Kearsley Tennis Courts to pay your respect to those local service men and women who answered the call to duty. #WeRememberThem

17.01.2022 Today, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, we pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by local service men and women. One of those being Kearsley-born, Private Henry Reuben Rundle. Henry was born at Kearsley in April 1918 as World War I continued to ravage Europe. ... This period was a traumatic time for the Rundle family, with Henry’s uncle, Private Reuben Henry Rundle being killed during the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. As a mark of respect to the elder Rundle, Henry’s parents had named him after his lost uncle. Understandably, conflict brought much pain to the Rundle family. It was a concept they preferred to avoid. However, 25 years after his namesake enlisted in World War I and the threat of Japanese invasion looming, Henry answered the call to duty, by enlisting with the 2/1st Pioneer Battalion of the Australian Army in June 1940. He was following in his uncle’s footsteps, intent on serving his nation, in the face of increasing hostilities. Despite suffering a variety of medical setbacks during his training and preparation at the Greta Army Camp, Henry disembarked for the northern hemisphere before arriving in Palestine in late 1940. In early 1941, Henry was moved to the port of Tobruk in Libya where he worked to repair the port's facilities, construct roads and collect captured engineering equipment. As hostilities continued to expand in North Africa, Henry’s battalion joined other Australian forces at the Siege of Tobruk in attempt to slow the advance of German and Italian troops through Libya. The battalion helped defend Tobruk by manning various posts and fighting as infantry. In May 1941 it was involved in bitter fighting, which saw 37 men killed in action. One of those was Henry. Like his uncle, his life was tragically cut short in the service of his nation. Henry is buried at the Tobruk War Cemetery. The inscription on his headstone reads To save a friend he gave his life, his all. Today, we remember the sacrifice made by Henry. #WeRememberThem #OneInAMillion #LestWeForget

17.01.2022 Join us for the Kearsley Community Remembrance Day Service as the villages of Kearsley, Abernethy and Elrington come together to commemorate out local service personnel. #WeRememberThem

17.01.2022 Paul Byrnes’ recently released book ‘The Lost Boys’ (published by Affirm Press) beautifully articulates the heroic deeds of many underage Australian soldiers who served during World War I. It is a timely reminder of the service of Abernethy’s Gunner Leslie Hines who attempted to join the AIF at just 17 years of age. Undeterred by his rejection, he eventually joined the 10th General Service (NSW) Reinforcements in April 1918, just weeks after turning 18. Gunner Hines is commem...orated on the World War I Bench of Remembrance in the Arthur Francis CSC OAM Remembrance Garden. Lest we forget.

15.01.2022 Our #AnzacDay2021 march starts in just 45 minutes. We will meet as a community at the Kearsley Tennis Courts and walk to our area of remembrance. #WeRememberThem

14.01.2022 This Remembrance Day we will gather as a community to reflect on the service and sacrifice of local men and women from Kearsley and Abernethy. Join us at 10:30am on Wednesday to pay your respects. #WeRememberThem

14.01.2022 Today we remember Private Ken McDonald of Abernethy who served during World War I. Private McDonald was born at Cessnock in 1897. As conflict came to an end at Gallipoli, and attention shifted to the Western Front, Private McDonald left his employment as a timber cutter and enlisted in the 34th Australian Infantry Battalion. ... Spending time on the Western Front in 1916 and 1917, his time in the trenches came to an end when shrapnel ricocheted off his rifle, taking out his eye. Private McDonald returned to Australia in 1918, just months before the Armistice. He passed away in 1981. Private McDonald is honoured on the 'World War I Bench of Remembrance' in the Arthur Francis CSC OAM Remembrance Garden. #WeRememberThem

14.01.2022 Today is Vietnam Veteran’s Day, where we pause and reflect on the contributions made by Australian service men and women during the Vietnam War. In particular, we thank the service personnel from Kearsley and Abernethy, including: - Warrant Officer Arthur Francis CSC OAM... - Warrant Officer Class 1 Charles Dawson - Leading Seaman Cecil Hill - Corporal Robert Trenholme - Lance-Corporal Llewellyn Conserdyne - Private Barry Allsop #WeRememberThem

14.01.2022 Our #AnzacDay2021 Dawn Service live from Kearsley Remembrance Garden. #WeRememberThem

13.01.2022 The Australian War Memorial is allowing members of the community to leave a personal message of thanks to those who have served and to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. #WeRememberThem

11.01.2022 What an amazing effort from an Australian World War II veteran! 101-year-old World War II veteran Bert Le-Merton is walking 96km to support veterans. He is clocking up one-to-two kilometres each day, aided by his walking frame and has already passed the 15km mark. Bert hopes to finish walking the Kokoda Track’s distance by late March, coinciding with Soldier On Australia’s annual fundraising event, MarchOn. ... I've got no intention of getting to Kokoda. I figure I am doing it by going around the block maybe an extra time or two, Bert said. Well done Bert and thank you for your service.

11.01.2022 The special commemorative event to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II is live now. Take the time this morning to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. #WeRememberThem

08.01.2022 Today we remember Private James Ridgely of Abernethy who served during World War I. Private Ridgely was born at Cessnock in 1881 and spent much of his early life working in the coal mines of the Lower Hunter. In 1917, at the age of 35, he answered the call to duty and enlisted in the 17th Australian Infantry Battalion. He saw action on the Western Front, which included 3 months in hospital after being wounded in action. Private Ridgely returned home to Abernethy in 1919. He ...passed away in 1970. Private Ridgely is honoured on the 'World War I Bench of Remembrance' in the Arthur Francis CSC OAM Remembrance Garden. #WeRememberThem

07.01.2022 During this time, 104 years ago, local soldiers were heavily involved in the Battle of Pozieres. Tonight #WeRememberThem

07.01.2022 The Committee have made another visit to the Australian War Memorial this afternoon to pay tribute to Sapper Cyril Todman who was killed in action at northern France in April 1918. A young man from our small little community who now lies peacefully in the Querrieu British Cemetery. Members of the Committee were honoured to attend his final resting place to commemorate the centenary of his death.... #WeRememberThem

06.01.2022 Thanks to The Advertiser, Cessnock for publishing the details of our Remembrance Day service. Will we see you there to commemorate? #WeRememberThem

05.01.2022 Today we remember Private William Warren of Abernethy who served during World War I. Private Warren was born in Victoria in 1894 and moved with his family to Abernethy at a young age. Enlisting in the 35th Australian Infantry Battalion, Private Warren joined with many young men from the Lower Hunter as they ventured to the Western Front. ... He spent a considerable amount of time on the frontline, but at just 23, was tragically killed on 12 October 1917, during the Battle of Passchendaele. He is buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium. The inscription on his headstone reads Peacefully sleeping far away from his dear mother. Private Warren is also honoured on the 'World War I Bench of Remembrance' in the Arthur Francis CSC OAM Remembrance Garden. #WeRememberThem

03.01.2022 Today we remember Sapper Cyril Todman of Abernethy who served during World War I. Sapper Todman was born in London in 1885 and lived in Abernethy prior to his enlistment in the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Corps in 1917. Arriving in France in March 1918, Sapper Todman utilised the skills he had developed in Lower Hunter coal mines to assist the tunnelling corps complete the placing and maintaining of mines under enemy lines. ... Tragically, Sapper Todman’s time on the Western Front was limited to only a few weeks. He was killed in action on the Somme on 29 April 1918. Sapper Todman is buried in the Querrieu British Cemetery in France and honoured on the 'World War I Bench of Remembrance' in the Arthur Francis CSC OAM Remembrance Garden. #WeRememberThem

03.01.2022 This years marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs are recognising every living veteran of the Second World War through the commission of a a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration. You can nominate a living veteran from our area at: www.portal.nationalmailing.com.au/DVA/certificate... #WeRememberThem

02.01.2022 Today we remember Private Charles Staunton of Abernethy who served during World War I. Private Staunton was born in Western Australia in 1899 and made his way to NSW in search of work. Settled in Abernethy, he enlisted in the 34th Australian Infantry Battalion in 1916, at just 16. Drawing on his trade as a horse driver, he was drafted to the Australian Army Veterinary Hospital while on the Western Front. He returned home in 1919 and passed away in 1979.... Private Staunton is honoured on the 'World War I Bench of Remembrance' in the Arthur Francis CSC OAM Remembrance Garden. #WeRememberThem

01.01.2022 #OTD in 1916 the 6th Australian Brigade attacks Mouquet Farm on the Somme. Mouquet Farm, near Pozieres, was the focus of nine separate attacks by Australian tr...oops between 8 August and 3 September 1916. Some 11,000 Australians were killed or wounded in fighting around Mouquet Farm. Learn about the Somme Offensive: http://ow.ly/mdHC50B35wA Image: Australian stretcher bearers coming in under a white flag, passing the old cemetery of Pozieres, having come from the line near Mouquet Farm. 28-08-1916 Photographer: Ernest Brooks. E04946.