Family members of Capt. John McNamara MC at the track named in his honour last Thursday. From left; Katie Langford, Maureen Buck, Pam McNamara, Bill Gorman and Julie Lysaught.
Yarrawonga’s most decorated soldier, Captain John McNamara, was remembered on the 80th anniversary of his death last Friday, December 8.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
In a moving service conducted by Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub-branch members Ian Summers and interim president Lothar Agustat, family members and close friends paid tribute to Capt. McNamara at the entrance of the track named in his honour on South Rd.
Capt. McNamara’s nephew Bill Gorman, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, said that even though he was only just born when his uncle died in action, he grew up learning about his heroics and the impression he left on the town.
“He was a legend in the town; there were many great stories about him,” Mr Gorman said.
Niece Julie Lysaught retold the story that ‘Big Mac’ had always ordered that if he were killed in action, he must be buried with his size 16 boots on.
Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Sub-branch Ian Summers and Interim President Lothar Agustat conducted the service for the 80th anniversary of Capt. John McNamara’s death.
“When his body was found, his boots had been removed by the Japanese, and an unofficial patrol set out to recover them,” Mrs Lysaught said.
The storyboard signage commemorating Yarrawonga’s ‘favourite son’ had a makeover in time for Anzac Day this year.
Mark McNamara and Bruce Pigdon OAM, responsible for the original signage and the memorial service in December 2013, have come together again to complete the restoration.
Mr Pigdon said it was an honour for him to be associated with the project as his father, Jim Pigdon, was a very close friend of Capt. McNamara. Capt. McNamara was well known in the district working in the family business; John McNamara and Co. (Established 1881), Stock and Station Agents before he joined the army.
“Big Mac was a talented sportsman, a natural leader of men, he was tall, handsome, had a commanding presence and was especially popular with the young ladies of the district,” Mr Pigdon said.
Capt. McNamara had earned the Military Cross in 1942. He died aged 34 when he and eight others in the 2/24th Battalion were ambushed by the Japanese near Lae, New Guinea in 1943.
When the news of his death came through, Yarrawonga came to a complete stand-still and the businesses of Belmore St closed their doors and ceased trading for the day as a mark of respect.
The 2/24th Battalion’s war history described Capt. McNamara as follows:
“The death of John ‘Jack’ McNamara, who was a legendary figure in our division, cast a cloud over the closing stages of the campaign.
“He was typical of the superb leaders who commanded in the field at this time and whose unfailing courage, leadership and enthusiasm tempered with experience and skill played a great part in making Australia’s jungle army such a formidable fighting machine.
“Captain McNamara was a born leader, a man of kindness, courage and riotous good humour, who inspired his men to encompass seemingly impossible tasks by his own total disregard of danger.”
Locals are encouraged to learn more about Yarrawonga’s favourite son by visiting the memorial off South Rd and enjoy the cycling and walking track named after Capt. McNamara. Other memorial signs honouring Major B. Wright MM, Corporal W. Wright MM, Sergeant A. McColl MM and Sergeant H. Pettit MM along the track are also undergoing restoration.
Community members present at the service also urged council to look at upgrading the entrance of the track, which becomes very muddy and slippery after just a small amount of rain.
15°C