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Vandalised war memorial soldier repaired in time for Anzac Day

From ABC Australia · (1d ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A vandalized war memorial's marble soldier in Dorrigo, Australia, has been repaired just before Anzac Day.
  • The soldier's rifle was damaged by vandals last year, leading to a public appeal for its repair.
  • Stonemason Matt Bath undertook the repairs, drawing inspiration from ceremonial rifles at a local RSL club.

Dorrigo, NSW – The spirit of Anzac Day in Dorrigo has been bolstered by the timely restoration of the town's beloved memorial soldier. The marble figure, a poignant reminder of sacrifice, had its rifle vandalized just days before last year's Anzac Day services, casting a shadow over the commemorations.

luckily

— Matt BathStonemason Matt Bath expresses his relief at completing the repairs in time for Anzac Day.

This year, however, the soldier stands tall and complete, thanks to the dedicated efforts of stonemason Matt Bath. Bath, whose own family has a strong military connection, described the repair as a "real privilege." He meticulously recreated the damaged rifle, drawing on detailed photographs and measurements taken from Lee-Enfield rifles on display at the Laurieton RSL Club.

The vandalism, which occurred during a drinking session at the Dorrigo Hotel, involved a man climbing the memorial and breaking off the rifle barrel. The act was widely condemned, and a couple later surrendered to police, pleading guilty to wilful damage and offensive behavior.

It does mean a lot to me, and it was a real privilege to be involved.

— Matt BathStonemason Matt Bath shares his personal connection and sense of honor in repairing the war memorial.

Dorrigo RSL Club president Jim McLeod expressed his relief and satisfaction with the repairs. "It does rather glow in the morning sun, we're really happy with the result," he said, noting the soldier's Italian origins and the slight incongruity of his hat, which resembles an Austrian military style rather than the typical Australian fur felt, but still suits the memorial well.

I went down to our local Laurieton RSL Club and noticed they had a couple of Lee-Enfield rifles on display.

— Matt BathMatt Bath explains how he gathered reference material for the rifle repair.

The restoration ensures that the memorial soldier is fully present for the dawn service and march, allowing the community to pay their respects without the painful reminder of the recent desecration. The event underscores the community's commitment to honoring its veterans and preserving its heritage.

I could use those ceremonial rifles to take much more detailed pictures and measurements of some of the finer details, like the sight and bolt mechanisms.

— Matt BathMatt Bath details his process of using RSL Club rifles for accurate replication.
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Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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