MOREE’s man of medals, Will Garrett, recently touched the hearts of three local families when presenting them with treasured keepsakes honouring service during times of conflict.
Mr Garrett, a United States returned serviceman now living in Moree, presented Errol Lawler, Sue Poole and Darryl Brady with medals and pins housed in commemorative display boxes made from traditional jarrah wood.
Mr Lawler, a well-known Moree local, was a Sapper in the Royal Australian Engineers in the late 1960s.
“Errol was doing his national service when deployed to Vietnam with the 17th Construction Squadron,” Mr Garrett said.
“He arrived in March, 1968 – the worst year of the Vietnam war – during the Tet Offensive, which was a massive offensive that overran several key cities and military installations nationwide.
“Errol arrived in Vietnam during the most chaotic time of the entire conflict,” he said.
“To commemorate his service in Vietnam, I wanted to give back to him in recognition of his devotion to Australia.
“While the world is getting more chaotic by the day, with so much negativity in the world, I figured some mateship would make things better,” Mr Garrett smiled.
Lost for words
Mr Lawler was lost for words when presented his medals.
“This is quite a surprise. I’m very humbled . . . dumbfounded, actually,” Mr Lawler said.
“Will has done this out the kindness of his heart, a terrific gesture, and I really can’t thank him enough.
“This is something I’ll always treasure. My kids will love these as well, and I’ll be able to tell the mates I went overseas with about what Will has done, not just for me but for Sue and Darryl as well,” he said.
“The Vietnam War wasn’t really acknowledged. We did get a welcome home march in Sydney years later.”
Vietnam veterans were officially recognised on October 3, 1987.
Known as the Australian Vietnam Forces Welcome Home Parade, the march finally provided public recognition and appreciation that many felt Vietnam veterans were denied when they came home from war in the 1960s and 1970s.
Nearly 25,000 veterans marched through the streets of Sydney, with many carrying Australian flags to represent the 521 soldiers killed during the conflict.
More than 100,000 spectators lined the streets to support the soldiers – a pivotal turning point in the public, social and political acceptance of Vietnam veterans in Australia.
“That was a big day . . . a very special day,” Mr Lawler said.
Pooley remembered
Sue Poole’s husband, Dave, sadly passed away earlier this year.
Dave, better-known as ‘Pooley’, was a Private in the Royal Australian Medical Corps.
“This was originally going to be a surprise Christmas present to recognise and commemorate Dave’s service,” Mr Garrett said.
“Vietnam veterans were notoriously mistreated, with a hostile public causing many veterans to feel discarded and forgotten.
“Unfortunately, Dave lost his battle with failing health. I can’t bring him back but I can give his widow, Sue, these medals and keepsakes to help with the grief, and commemorate his legacy as a true legend.
“While doing his national service, Dave received orders to be deployed to Vietnam, and arrived on October 22, 1970,” Mr Garrett said.
“He served honourably with A&C squadron of the 1st Armoured Regiment until he left in September, 1971.”
Sue Poole held back tears as she accepted her late husband’s medals.
“I can’t fully put into words how much this means to myself and our family,” Sue said.
“It’s been a little over a month since we lost Dave, and while the grief is still very raw, receiving this beautiful presentation is a powerful reminder of the life he lived, the service he gave, and how proud we are to call him ours.
“Seeing his medals displayed with such care and respect brought tears as well as comfort,” she said.
“I want to sincerely thank Will for organising this and for the kindness, thought and honour shown to Dave’s memory.
“It means more than he will ever know, and knowing Dave’s service is recognised and remembered helps us more than I can say. We will treasure this always,” Sue said.
Family generations remembered
Darryl Brady was presented with service medals for five ancestors, including his great-uncle Archibald William Cutmore, who was the recipient of the military medal for his service in World War 1.
Lance Sergeant Cutmore served as a Gunner with the 2nd Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery.
“He was awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry in the mud and blood of the trenches and would go on to serve again in World War II in the VDC volunteer defence corps – the Australian version of the British Home Guard,” Mr Garrett said.
Private George Allan Matthews was a Rifleman in the 3rd Battalion and Private John Theodore Matthews served in the 2nd Battalion.
“George was killed in action on June 21, 1916 and John was killed in action less than two weeks later,” Mr Garrett said.
Driver Edward Martin Brady served in World War II in the AASC Australian Army Service Corps and Private Norman Edward Cutmore served during World War II as a cook.
“Edward spent nearly two years in Papua New Guinea. Norman never left Australia, but he did serve in the Northern Territory during the Japanese bombing raids,” Mr Garret said.
Darryl Brady had been asked by Mr Garrett to help facilitate the medal presentations to Mr Lawler and Mrs Poole, but had no idea his ancestors were also being recognised.
“I was aware of what the meeting was about when Errol and Sue were presented with a group of Vietnam service medals, but I was totally shocked and in utter disbelief when Will presented me with service medals for five of my ancestors, including my great uncle who was the recipient of the military medal for his service in WWI,” Mr Brady said.
“This is a very special and emotional moment for me. When I opened the beautifully-crafted wooden case and saw the five groups of medals displayed, telling the stories of my ancestors’ exploits during the two major conflicts Australia was involved in during a very turbulent 20tth century, I was truly lost for words.
“Two of my great-grandfather’s brothers did not make it home. They lie in cemeteries in France, where they fell in 1916 within one month of each other.
“This presentation is a very special reminder of my ancestry, and I don’t know how I can ever repay the debt to Will.
“He is a remarkable man and I am forever in his debt,” Mr Brady said.
Words and Image: Bill Poulos
