The centenary of the Robe War Memorial was marked last week by a commemorative service attended by a 300-strong gathering headed by Her Excellency the Governor of South Australia, the Honourable Frances Adamson.
As well as marking the passing of 100 years since its unveiling, the Robe RSL arranged for plaques to commemorate the wartime service during World War II of 20 Robe men.
The families of these war veterans placed wreaths at the foot of the marble memorial.
They included John, Sandy and Roger Andre who remembered their kinsman and prisoner-of-war Private Neil Engelhart who perished on the Sandakan Death March in 1945.
Floral tributes were also laid by Ms Adamson, the presidents of the RSL State, Robe, Mount Gambier, Millicent and Penola branches, Robe Mayor Alison Nunan, Member for Barker Tony Pasin, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride and uniformed representatives from all three-armed services.
Speeches were made by Ms Adamson, Ms Nunan and a RAAF sergeant.
Among other guests were the granddaughters of Arthur Heinicke, the sculptor of the memorial of a Light Horseman.
The All Sorts Band provided music for the service while the Last Post and Reveille were sounded on the bugle by Royal Australian Navy Able Seaman Sergy Grynchuk.
Robe RSL president Fred Wasson was the master of ceremonies.
Tiger Moth pilot Ross Kilner gave the pre-service flyover in his vintage aircraft.
Two uniformed members of the Third Light Horse Naracoorte Commemorative Troop and their steeds stood in tribute.
There were three hymns sung while prayers were led by Pastor Rita Baker.
Robe Primary School students Holly Varga and Tess Gibbons handed out the programs.
Certain staging tasks such as seating and road closures were undertaken by the Robe Distict Council.
The luncheon in the Robe Institute featuring lobster sandwiches was supported by many local businesses including the Pastry Place, Robe Town Chocolates and Starling flowers.
Robe RSL secretary Marcia Dening said the event was successful.
“Overall, it was a true team effort in the planning, organising and wrap-up,” Ms Dening said.
“It was a fitting tribute to our past, present and future local defence community and their families.
“A special thankyou goes to the clean-up/pack up crew.”
