44th Battalion Memorial Service Honours Town of Cambridge Soldiers

Published on 14 August 2024

A memorial service was held on 12 August 2024 at the Leederville War Memorial Gardens and Cenotaph to honour eight local men who enlisted in the 44th Australian Infantry Battalion and made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I.

Town of Cambridge Acting CEO Kelton Hincks, Mayor Gary Mack, and Wembley Ward Councillors Michael Le Page, Kate Barlow, and Gavin Foley attended the event. Wreaths, medals, and a portrait of a soldier were laid at the cenotaph in remembrance.

“The 44th Battalion Memorial Service reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of those from our community. We must honour their memory and share their stories,” Mayor Gary Mack said.

Councillor Michael Le Page paid tribute to his grandfather, Walter Le Page, one of the soldiers remembered during the service.

The service included a prayer by Chaplain Matt Hall, a reading of 'In Flanders Fields' by Wembley Primary School students, and performances by Churchlands Senior High School students.

Attendees included Mayor Gary Mack, Wembley Ward Councillors, Local Member Christine Tonkin MLA, and a Wembley Police Station representative.

The 44th Battalion, formed in Claremont WA in 1916, was part of the 11th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division. This week’s service was the 12th of 150 planned to remember the 2101 soldiers of the 44th Battalion.

The 44th Battalion Memorial Director Luca Muir Anderson says donations are being collected for the erection of a physical memorial. For more information, visit the 44th Battalion Memorial’s website.

The commemorative medals and wreaths are on display at Cambridge Library.