Post-World War II veterans remembered and honoured by the communities of Kearsley and Abernethy
Jordan FallonTwo veterans from the villages of Kearsley and Abernethy who served in the Australian Defence Force following World War II were today honoured at the Kearsley Community Remembrance Day service through the installation of individual commemorative plaques.
The Kearsley Community Dawn Service Committee is committed to preserving and commemorating local military history in a way that allows the stories of local service men and women to be recounted across the generations.
This includes the installation of commemorative plaques for individuals on benches of remembrance that line the perimeter of the area of reflection at the Kearsley Remembrance Gardens.
Plaques were unveiled for Warrant Officer Arthur Francis CSC OAM and Corporal Henry ‘Andy’ Wearing by descendants who had travelled from across New South Wales to attend the ceremony.
Warrant Officer Francis, originally from Kearsley, served with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment during the Vietnam War.
A distinguished and lengthy career followed, with Warrant Officer Francis serving as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Australian Army between 1993 and 1996.
“From his humble beginnings in Kearsley, Warrant Officer Francis achieved so much during his army career. It is only fitting that he is remembered and honoured by our community” Committee Chairperson Jordan Fallon said.
Corporal Wearing resided in Abernethy in his later life, however, prior to his arrival in the Hunter Valley he had a distinguished career in the Australian Army, including deployments during the Vietnam War with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment and the 3rd Squadron of the Special Air Service Regiment.
“Following his discharge from the army, Corporal Wearing remained committed to serving the community. A caring and compassionate man, he was committed to improving the life opportunities of so many in the villages of Kearsley and Abernethy”.
Local residents from the villages of Kearsley and Abernethy attended the ceremony to pay tribute to each of the local service men and women who have enlisted with the Australian Defence Force since 1901.
“It was wonderful to see such a wide cross-section of our local community attend the service to pause and reflect on the contributions of the hundreds of local men and women who have served our nation over the last 120 years” Chairperson Jordan Fallon said.
