FALLEN soldiers were yesterday recognised at the small town of Lefroy, near George Town.
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Relatives of those sent to fight in World War I were among those who attended.
Victorian Allison Baensch said the rededication of the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue in the former gold mining town provided her with an opportunity to reconnect with some of her ancestors.
‘‘I actually didn’t know about the connection with the family, because my grandfather came from Victoria,’’ Mrs Baensch said.
‘‘Although Lefroy was mentioned now and then, I didn’t understand that these brothers had died in war.’’
She unveiled plaques for her great-great-grandfathers during the ceremony, run by George Town RSL Sub Branch at 11am.
Mrs Baensch said a family friend found a notice calling for descendants of the 11 soldiers from Lefroy who died in World War I and forwarded it her.
‘‘We didn’t realise this re-dedication was so soon,’’ she said.
‘‘I was just lucky enough to be able to come across and pack up the dogs and my husband.’’
Sub branch secretary Peter Harley said an avenue of trees was planted at Lefroy in 1918 in memory of the soldiers.
‘‘We have managed to trace and invite descendants of eight of those soldiers,’’ Mr Harley said.
A wreath-laying ceremony followed the unveiling of the plaques.