UPDATE: The Charlton RSL Sub-Branch held a poignant ceremony on November 14, 2025, to mark the 107th Remembrance Day, honoring the sacrifices of three local servicemen from World War I and II. As families and community members gathered despite the chilly weather, the event underscored the enduring impact of these heroes on the present.
The ceremony highlighted the service of Private Frank Reginald Elder, who was killed at Pozieres, France, at just 21 years old, Private Gordon McGillivray, who lost his life during the Battle of Messines at age 26, and Corporal Frank Stewart Rich, a Second World War enlistee. These men were remembered not just as names but through heartfelt connections made by their descendants.
At 11 AM, a minute’s silence was observed, following the traditional service that included the Last Post and the recitation of the Ode. Bill Freeman, RSL Club secretary, powerfully recited John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Fields,”, adding emotional depth to the occasion.
RSL President Alan McGillivray led the proceedings, which featured the laying of poppies by relatives and the community in remembrance of the fallen heroes. The evocative imagery of tiny white crosses adorned with red poppies, along with rosemary bushes, enhanced the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony held outside the Charlton RSL Clubroom.
The connections shared by attendees were deeply moving. Robert Elder, great-nephew of Frank Elder, and members of the McGillivray family, along with Carmel Catherine, representing Frank Rich, discussed their relatives’ remarkable stories. This personal engagement transformed the event from mere commemoration to a celebration of lives filled with courage and sacrifice.
As the crowd braved the cool November air, the stories of these servicemen were woven into a rich tapestry of local history. The McGillivray family, having extensively researched their great-uncle’s service, and Catherine, with her ties to the Vale of Avoca, provided living links that breathed life into the history of these fallen soldiers.
In an era when the memory of World War conflicts can fade, this ceremony served as a critical reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom. The poignant losses of Elder, McGillivray, and Rich resonate deeply, especially as they occurred in distant lands—Elder in France, McGillivray in Belgium, and Rich in Greece.
Attendees were then invited to share morning tea at the RSL Clubroom, fostering community bonds and reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who served. The event concluded with a unifying spirit of remembrance, as the community came together to pledge their respect and gratitude.
As we reflect on these events, the Charlton Remembrance Day serves as a vital link between past and present, reminding us of the ongoing commitment of servicemen and women today in peacekeeping missions around the world. The stories shared during this commemorative event will undoubtedly inspire future generations to honor and remember those who fought bravely for their country.
