The service and sacrifice of fallen Millicent soldier Private Edward John Mayell was commemorated at the Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Saturday.


In addition to the formal wreath laying and the sounding of the bugler, the story of the 22-year-old was told.


“Edward Mayell was born on May 2, 1894 in Millicent,” Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson said.


“Known as ‘Jack’, he was one of seven children born to Edward Mayell Senior and his wife Annie.


“Jack received his education at Millicent Primary School, where he was a keen member of the cadets’ program.


“As a young adult, he volunteered in the Citizen’s Forces and was working as a motor mechanic when the First World War broke out in 1914.


“Jack Mayell enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on March 9, 1916.


“After periods of training in Australia and England, in October 1916, he joined the ranks of the 48th Battalion and began his journey to the Western Front.


“On 11 April 11, 1917, Jack was among the thousands missing after Allied units attacked German forces near the French village of Bullecourt.


“It was later determined Private Jack Mayell was killed in action during the attack.”


Further information about Private Mayell can be found in “Honouring our Fallen: Stories behind the names on First World War memorials in Wattle Range Council”.


The Mayells were pioneers of Millicent and are commemorated with a street name near the Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre.


The family’s blacksmith’s forge, which was formerly on their Rocky Camp property, is now a permanent and operational exhibit at the Millicent National Trust Museum.