Forgotten soldiers adopted for memorial

Listening to Ipswich RSL Sub Branch Life Member Matt Rennie recount the backstories of veterans buried in unmarked graves that he’s been able to research and identify gives you goosebumps. 

Goosebumps for the sacrifice these men and women made for our country and for the way their stories haven’t had any closure until now. 

As part of the Sub Branch’s ‘Adopt a Soldier’ campaign, 150 veterans buried in unmarked graves at the historic Ipswich Cemetery will soon have the recognition they deserve. 

The Medal of the Order of Australia recipient started the ‘Adopt a Soldier’ project in 2005 to honour these forgotten individuals – many who fought in World War I, before returning home and eventually becoming patients at the Sandy Gallop Mental Asylum. 

Matt and his team were able to have all soldiers ‘adopted’ just before ANZAC Day this year, something Matt and Ipswich RSL Sub Branch Secretary Debbie Wadwell agree was special timing. 

“It was a wonderful community effort,” Debbie says. “We had locals and people from NSW, Victoria and Aratula adopt a soldier.” 

Matt says it brings him a sense of satisfaction to bring closure to these young men and women who lost ties to their families and communities when they needed them most. 

“What drives me to do this is giving them the recognition they deserve. They defended the people in this country, and they have nothing to show for it,” he explains. 

“I’m always pleased when I’m able to marry up a grave with a veteran. I get upset when I think of these veterans coming home and what they endured – both in battle and once they returned to Australia. There’s a young fellow from Dinmore, for example. He was 17 when he was badly gassed in France, and he had enlisted when he was 16. He was back in Ipswich when he was 18 and dead by the time he was 21.

“Or a chap like Alexander Marsden. He died in a mental home having returned to Australia in 1916. He was 70 when he enlisted. Can you imagine at 70 years of age? He told them he was 45. So, you find these things and it’s really tragic.

“This project ensures they’re not lost forever.”

A FINAL RESTING PLACE ACHIEVED

Matt Rennie with the Mayor of Ipswich Teresa Harding and a member from 26 Transport Squadron RAAF Base.

By Remembrance Day this year, Matt and his team will have completed a memorial wall at Ipswich Cemetery bearing brass plaques commemorating the service of each of the soldiers.

“It’s all on track for November, with construction already started on the memorial wall. In fact, we’re hoping to have the concreting and plaques in place by the end of August and then be able to prepare for the service in late October or early November.”  

The way it has resonated with the local community has spurred Matt on to bring more veterans ‘back to life’ – even if only in memory. 

“They’ve laid there for 100 or more years, and nobody has done anything for them. I can give them a life again by putting up their names, what years they served and when they died. So, it gives them a life, they become a person again.”

THE SEARCH CONTINUES

The Adopt a Soldier campaign has involved countless hours of research.

The incredible support shown for the ‘Adopt a Soldier’ project, alongside their passion to bring these veterans closure, sees Matt and Debbie now starting to research a new group of unmarked graves. 

Funded by RSL Queensland members and supporters, for $150 benefactors can still ‘Adopt a Soldier’ and support the memory of more local veterans. 

“I think we’ll have another 150 or more for the next stage, once I finish correlating all the names and sites,” Matt says. 

Debbie adds, “We have been inundated with other Sub Branches wanting to be involved, which is amazing. We thank everyone who has shown interest in adopting a soldier from our next list and we’ll be in contact as soon as we can.” 

“It’s surprising that it’s caught on around the state,” Matt says. “I think if they can find other unmarked veteran graves and mark them it’s tremendous. It’s so important they get the respectful farewell they deserve.” 

If you would like to donate, please contact the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch at secretary@ipswichrslsb.com.au. You can also follow the progress of the campaign via the Sub Branch Facebook page.