ON Sunday afternoon, November 17, 1918, a very large crowd of Bathurstians attended the United Peace Church Service in Kings Parade, marking the end of World War One.
It was a united service where worshippers were addressed by various clergy. It was reported that some valuable snaps of the peace celebrations had been taken by Mr Gregory, photographer, of George Street, who was preparing them on postcards.
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This weekend, November 10 and 11, 2018, Bathurst will remember those servicemen and women who volunteered during the Great War and those who never returned.
The weekend is being organised by the Bathurst RSL Sub Branch and the Bathurst District Historical Society, marking a centenary since the Armistice was signed.
This coming Saturday there will be the Services Band playing in Machattie Park from 10am to 3pm and the Freedom Entry to City by the 1/19 Battalion ceremony at 11.30am on the corner of William and Russell streets.
There will be a family picnic in Kings Parade from noon with bands, singing, dancing and children’s games. Don’t forget the Remembrance Day commemoration with its 5000 poppies at 10.15am on Sunday. The Family History Group will be conducting a tour of veterans’ graves in the afternoon at 3pm.
Photos like the one featured this week will be among 350 photos on display over the Remembrance Weekend.
The Snapshots of World War One and the Wall of Valour photographic exhibition will be on display in the Walshaw Hall, near All Saints’ Cathedral, along with around 500-plus Great War artefacts, trench art, memorabilia, medals and militaria.
Snapshots of World War One has images from around Bathurst and the various battlefields overseas and many of the photos have not seen the light of day for more than 100 years. The Wall of Valour photos are of local servicemen and women, the majority from World War One, and each has a brief history if it is known.
There will be no charge to see the exhibition, which will be open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday.
With this week’s photo, one can see only part of the great crowd in attendance at the United Peace Service.
The Model Band was in attendance under Mr L. Lupp and rendered music for the various appropriate hymns. The band played a fine rendition of Lead Kindly Light and several plates went around to raise money for Jack’s Day.
The All Saints’ Cathedral choir led the singing. Seating accommodation was provided for several hundred elderly people. Commandant Walkins of the Salvation Army gave out the opening hymn.
Methodist minister Rev W.M. Woodhouse led the gathering in reciting the Lord’s Prayer, after which Rev Pendleton Stewart, B.A., delivered an address stating our soldiers and sailors died, our women suffered the loss of their hearts’ treasure, because they believed that it was the price that must be paid for some great, good cause.
“Our peace today is a great debt we owe to the men who have given dear life for us,” he said.
A portion of the scriptures was read by Rev L.H. Jaggers (Baptist Church), and Rev G.A. McDonald (Congregational Church) gave a short address.
The war from 1914 to 1918 took a toll on the inhabitants of Bathurst and district. Peace was finally secured by the signing of an armistice on November 11, 1918.
Many in the crowd got quite emotional as they sang the national anthem God Save The King and Rule Britannia with great gusto. Bunting, in the colours of the Allies, decorated the Boer War Memorial on which several young boys had climbed. Several large flags were also hoisted up for the occasion.
For further information on the Remembrance Weekend, contact Alan McRae on 6331 5404 or email amcrae@lisp.com.au
