Late armed services members to be recognised with Commonwealth War Grave Commemorations at Old Harvey Cemetery

Several late Harvey veterans of the First World War are set to be honoured with a ceremony recognising their service.

The Harvey RSL sub-branch and the 10th Light Horse Harvey Troop will be holding a commemoration for the six ex-servicemen and women who have had their final resting places at the Old Harvey Cemetery recognised as Commonwealth War Graves.

Horace Jasper Barnecut of the 16th Battalion, Lawrence Roy Brookdale Charman of the 11th Battalion, Henry Gridley of the 48th Battalion, George Arthur Snudden and Herbert Butler of the 10th Light Horse Regiment and nurse Flora Maud Larsen will each be honoured in the April 15 service.

All but one have been buried in unmarked grave sites at Old Harvey Cemetery for the past 50 to 80 years, with no recognition of their contributions to Australia’s first major war effort.

An application was made to have their graves upgraded to Commonwealth War Grave status, which was approved by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs late last year and have now been installed.

Mr Charman’s gravesite has had a plaque added to recognise his military service.

They are the latest to receive the honour, with the late Lt Allan Bennison Black’s unmarked grave site upgraded to a Commonwealth War Grave last year.

Harvey RSL president Eric Hall said the sub-branch was happy to see the headstones put in place.

“Some of them have no next of kin in the region and it is good to see them get recognised,” he said.

The commemoration of the seven servicemen and women will take place at the Old Harvey Cemetery at 10am, with attendees wanting a seat advised to arrive 15 minutes early.

There will be the opportunity for the public to lay wreaths during the one-hour service, with refreshments to be held at the Harvey RSL Hall on Becher Street following the service.

Attendees are asked to RSVP to bbevans@skymesh.com.au by April 1.