Arch Anzac service remembers boy soldiers

THIS year’s Anzac Day commemorative service at the Arch of Victory will spotlight the youngest Australian soldiers of World War One.

Arch of Victory – Avenue of Honour Committee president Garry Snowden said Ballarat’s boy soldiers who fought and died will largely be the focus.

“In order to enlist, young men needed to be at least 18 years of age, but it is well known that many overstated their age in order to join up,” he said.

“Recent research has identified 20 soldiers, aged 18 or younger, who made the supreme sacrifice in World War One. The youngest of these was 16-year-old Harold Bell, who served under the name of Harold Wickham.

“He was wounded in the famous charge at Beersheba and died of his wounds on the following day, November 1st, 1917.”

Private Kenneth Norman McNamee was still only 15 and working at The Sporting World as a printer when he enlisted in the 14th Battalion.

He was a company runner in the Battle of Mouquet Farm on Pozieres ridge in August, 1916, where according to the Australian War Memorial, his “daring and coolness,” earned him a Military Medal.

Private McNamee died age 17 and nine months in April of 1917, having been shot during the Battle of Bullecourt, France, and his name is listed on the Villers-Bretonneux War Memorial.

At the service, Mr Snowden said two secondary school students will call the names of 20 young soldiers, and anyone is welcome to lay a floral tribute.

The other men who will be honoured are Albert Boyce, Edward Brownfield, Will Campbell, Frederick Clotz, Thomas Copperwaite, James Daly, James Eady, William Edmends, Arthur Grigsby, Robert Laverick, Ernest McLeod, Walter Monteith, Reginald Mounsey, Dave Powell, Henry Stevens, Sydney Wade, Joseph Webb and Leslie Worthington.

“By having their names read aloud, we believe we are genuinely remembering their service and sacrifice. The service will also include a couple of short, poignant readings,” Mr Snowden said.

The commemorative service is set for 8am on Sunday, 25 April at the Arch of Victory.