Anzac Day 1918

One hundred years ago, the Inverell Town Hall was packed for a combined denominational service held at midday to mark the third anniversary of Anzac Day. In the hall entrance, the district’s large Honor Roll was ‘draped in royal mourning and decorated with gold embroidered flags of the Allied Nations.’ Beautiful wreaths signified tributes for the fallen.

The Inverell Times newspaper, 26 April 1918 reported that senior cadets lined the entrance hall and the back of the stage. Many returned soldiers in uniform were also present. A massed choir and the Austral Band assembled for the service, chaired by the Mayor.

Hymns included ‘A God our help in ages in past’, ‘God of our Fathers,’ ‘Lord God of Hosts’ and ‘For all the Saints’. The district head of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. T.F. Johanson delivered a moving address. The service ended with the Austral Band performing Chopin’s Funeral March, then the Last Post, Benediction, the National Anthem and finally three cheers for the boys at the front.

Lest we Forget