PEOPLE across the Wimmera will gather today to commemorate Anzac Day.
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A guide to services across the region can be found here.
Mail-Times reporters and photographers will be in attendance at some services across the morning.
You can follow their coverage below and join the conversation using #WimmeraAnzac on social media.
Stawell’s Air Force hero
Stawell woman Andrea Hateley has continued the proud tradition of Australian soldiers serving in overseas battle following her involvement in the military combat against Islamic State.
The Middle Eastern battlefield is a stark difference from the quiet streets of Stawell, but Ms Hateley said she relished the challenges.
Celebrating 15 years service in the Air Force she has been deployed as part of the Air Task Group for Operation OKRA.
Read her story here.
The real spirit of mateship
Two mates taken as prisoners of war in 1942 by the Japanese Imperial Army at the fall of Singapore were soldiers of the AIF 8th division.
Private John James Pearce, VX41055, 2/29th Battalion was born in Penhurst, Victoria, on December 22, 1917. He enlisted at Caulfield Vic, on June 25, 1940, was discharged on January 14, 1946, and died on July 27, 1981, aged 64.
Corporal Walter Wilhelm Emil Muller, VX25379, 2nd/9th Aust. FD. Ambulance, was born in Altona, Germany, on January 2, 1908. His enlistment locality was Quantong Vic, on June 12, 1940, and he was discharged December 14, 1945.
After capture, John and Wally were imprisoned in Changi Prison, Singapore, and became part of the F-Force to build the proposed Thai-Burma Rail Way of Death. They travelled by lorry, rail trucks and, in April 1943, were force marched the last 300 miles, mainly at night, arriving at Sonkurai on May 17. There were 3600 AIF and 3400 British soldiers from their 18th division.
Lance Clayton, of the Horsham RSL military history and heritage section, completed this research.
Book to commemorate Rupanyup soldiers
RUPANYUP and District’s World War One soldiers will be commemorated in a book this Anzac Day,
Rupanyup RSL Sub-branch vice-president Sonny Johns said the book, They Came From Rupanyup, by Graeme Massey would go on sale this Anzac Day.
Read the full story here.