The unmarked grave of Leading Aircraftman Frederick Field Walters, located in the Finley Cemetery, will finally have a memorial erected to recognise his service during World War II.
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This is the result of research carried out by his granddaughters, Ros Sanders, Wendy Frazier and the Finley RSL Sub-branch secretary Don McKellar.
Mr Walters enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in June 1942 and was discharged in January 1945, having been declared medically unfit.
Following his discharge, he received a soldier settlement block in the local area where he resided until his untimely death in August 1957.
Mr Walters’ granddaughter, Wendy, was told very little of her grandfather while growing up.
She remained unaware that he was interned in the Finley Cemetery until her sister, Ros Sanders, researched the information approximately 20 years ago.
When Wendy and her husband Lew moved to Finley from Cootamundra 11 years ago, she was extremely disappointed to find that her grandfather’s grave remained unmarked and neglected.
She was determined to have this rectified.
With the assistance of the local RSL Sub-branch secretary Don McKellar, she has finally received confirmation from the War Graves, Department of Veterans’ Affairs acting director that approval has been given to ensure Mr Walters receives the recognition for his service to his country that he deserves.
Work on the plaque and surrounds is expected to commence shortly.
Both Wendy and Don are delighted with the outcome, especially in the lead up to Anzac Day.
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Do you remember when the Anglican Parish of Tocumwal-cum-Finley had its own publication ‘Parish Times’?
Anglican Church history captured in the now defunct ‘Parish Times’
Prior to their departure from Finley recently, Peter and Lola Wilson left your correspondent with a copy dated September 14, 1984 containing history from 1848 to 1984.
One article of interest (no doubt the reason they were so proud of the publication) showed the pictorial story of three generations celebrating their marriage at Holy Trinity, Finley over the years.
They were Jim Gatley and May Horneman (October 31, 1928), Peter Wilson and Lola Gatley (November 29, 1952) and Neil Armstrong and Jenny Wilson (March 15, 1975).
Many thanks to Peter and Lola for entrusting me with such a special piece of Finley’s history.
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Items for “From Finley” may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922 or email anne.freestone@bigpond.com, or left at the Southern Riverina News office.
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