Remembering the NZ in Anzac

FIRST World War connections between Ballarat and district, and New Zealand will form a special part of this year’s Anzac Day service at the Arch of Victory.

The Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee has found 36 soldiers and one nurse who were either New Zealanders living in the district who served with Australian units or people from the district who served with New Zealand units.

Committee president Garry Snowden said the names of 17 of those who lost their lives, will be called at the service.

“The most tragic story is that of the Phelan brothers, originally from Enfield, just south of Ballarat,” said Mr Snowden.

“Francis Phelan served with our 39th Infantry Battalion and came home from the war, but he had three brothers who all died while serving with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.”

“Another NZ connection story is that of the Popplewell siblings, Edith and Cecil.

“Both were born in New Zealand but were educated at Ballarat’s Dana St State School.

“Edith trained as a nurse at the Ballarat Base Hospital before returning to New Zealand.

“At the outbreak of war, Cecil joined the AIF but was killed at Gallipoli.

“On hearing of her brother’s death Edith Joined the New Zealand Army Nursing Service, destined to be remembered for her courage and endurance when a ship carrying a group of nurses was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea.”

The service will be attended by the president of the New Zealand RSL, Victoria Branch.

Former New Zealand serviceman, Bob Maika, will sing the New Zealand anthem and Ballarat girl Freya McGowan will sing the Australian anthem.

The service will commence at 8am on Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April.