Well do you? What do you know of those innocent young local chaps who went off on the great adventure? They may be your relatives. We have all sworn (at every ANZAC ceremony) that “We will remember them”, but do we? Sixty-nine names are listed on the Maclean Cenotaph. They were Australian soldiers from country New South Wales who died in Europe during World War 1, or in a few cases very soon after returning to Australia. Many were the sons of pioneer settlers of the lower Clarence River district, the Big River district as it was once known, and their families were very much dependent on the river for their transport and livelihood. This was an idyllic environment, which they left voluntarily. Before he died, one soldier pleaded ”please remember me”, and now we try and honour that wish by recording what we know of each man, what they did, how, when and where they died. Greg Towner who was born in Maclean, has recently published this extremely well researched volume. He has attempted to discover the stories of each of the sixty-nine men who are listed on the Maclean war memorial. It contains photos of the soldiers including some family photos, enlistment details, lists of personal belongings, scans of letters and details of their temporary and final resting places. We wish to acknowledge Greg’s accomplishment in completing this 300 page manuscript and his generosity in making these books available from Yamba Museum’s bookshop. The cost is $35. There is a limited supply so please make your purchase soon. Your relative could be amongst them! Opening hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs 10am – 4:30pm. Sat & Sun 2-4:30pm. Gai Pritchett