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Headstones a grave concern

Edition 1167, May 31, 2007
 
Laid to rest: Australian Light Horse Association volunteers flank Pte Ella May Thompson’s new headstone as James Webb plays the didgeridoo.
Photo by WO2 Wayne Ryan
A CEREMONY has been held at Karrakatta Cemetery, Perth to replace the headstone of World War II veteran Ella May Thompson.

Friends, family, and volunteers from the Indigenous War Graves Inc gathered around the grave, guarded by two representatives from the Australian Light Horse Association, to dedicate the headstone.

Musn Maeve Lander, Army Band Perth, played the Last Post.

Vietnam veteran John Schnaars was the man behind the event. He has established Indigenous War Graves Inc to place headstones on the graves of all indigenous veterans.

“We have completed 26 headstones, and have around 400 to go,” Mr Schnaars said.

“I would like to thank both the Army and the Australian War Graves Department, because without their help and support, a lot of this wouldn’t happen.”

Mrs Thompson, who died in 1983, was a member of the Australian Women’s Army Service, serving for two years at the 5th Australian Advanced Workshop, 42km south of Perth.