Christine Webster, Murray Pioneer

More than 300 people of all ages took part in a Remembrance Day Service at the Waikerie War Memorial Gardens on Monday.

Among the participants were 250 students from the Waikerie High School.

RSL Waikerie sub-branch president Paul Croft was MC for the commemoration and Father David Patterson, from the Anglican Parish, conducted the service.

The Waikerie Army Cadets provided the catafalque party.

RSL Waikerie Sub-Branch vice president Andrew Walker also spoke at the service.

Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone and Loxton Waikerie councillor Sonia Fowler were among those who laid wreaths at the Cross of Sacrifice.

Representatives from the Waikerie CFS, Waikerie Football Club, Riverland West Chamber of Commerce, Warrawee Lodge, and Pioneer Haven also laid floral tributes.

Students from the Ramco, Waikerie and Waikerie Lutheran primary Schools, and Waikerie High School, also took part in the service.

Mr Croft spoke about the late World War II veteran Douglas Howie, who was born in Renmark in 1915, and was instrumental in setting up the Waikerie Rowing Club.

During WWII, Flight Lieutenant Douglas Howie served in the Royal Australian Air Force’s Number One Squadron and was taken as a prisoner of war by the Japanese and held at Changi Prison, in Singapore.

He was later forced to work on the construction of the Burma-Thailand Railway.

Mr Croft told the younger generations at the service that if they were unaware of the history behind these prisoners of war, it was something worth researching online.

“Doug survived that horror and returned to Waikerie,” Mr Croft told the audience.

Mr Howie was discharged from the RAAF on 19 March 1946.

He passed away at Goodwood, in 2009, at the age of 94, and was laid to rest at the Waikerie Cemetery.

Waikerie High School principal Craig Griffiths said all year levels except for year 12 students, who were doing their SACE exams, attended Monday’s Remembrance Day Service.

Year 9 SRC members laid the wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice for the school.

RSL Waikerie sub-branch secretary Trevor Rainey also spoke to Waikerie High School students prior to the commencement of the service.

Mr Griffiths said the service gave the students a chance to learn and reflect about the sacrifices Australian men and women have given to their nation during times of war.

“These sacrifices allow us to live the life we lead,” he said.

“it is valuable for the students to hear the story behind the late Mr Howie’s war service.

“To be there in the moment and hearing those stories, it is important that this information is passed onto each generation.

“This enabled the students to learn about the value of community through respect.” 

He said it was important students understood about the history of those who have served for their country.

“Year 9 students were also studying World War I history as part of their humanities and social sciences curriculum.” 

“It was a valuable experience for Waikerie High School students to be involved in the Remembrance Day service though the laying of wreaths by the SRC.

“Waikerie High School students were also among the Waikerie Army Cadets involved with the service.” 

Mr Croft said it was good to see the strong community support for Remembrance Day at Waikerie during a working weekday.

See all the Remembrance Day coverage and photos in the issue.
This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 13 November 2024.