AFTER more than seven decades in an unmarked grave, a local First World War veteran will have his final resting place recognised.
James Vaughan Glanville was buried in the Lakes Terrace Cemetery in 1945, but due to tough times and a lack of funds, he was buried in a family plot without a headstone or grave marker.
Now, after 77 years, his grave will have a headstone installed, as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs Unmarked Graves of First World War Veterans Program.
Mr Glanville was only 18 when he enlisted in the First World War in 1915, where he was assigned to the 10th Battalion.
He was wounded in November 1916 and in 1917 he became ill with nephritis, which led to him being sent home and discharged in December that year.
He received a Military Medal for acts of bravery and a British War medal and a Victory medal.
After he returned home he married and had five children.
He enlisted in the Second World War, where he was stationed at Glenburnie.
When he passed away in May 1945, he was buried in a family plot, but there was no money to be able to purchase a headstone for the grave at the time.
His daughter, Mount Gambier resident Jan Persello said she was pleased that his grave would finally be marked.
“I was only seven when my father died,” she said.
“During most of those years, my father was stationed at Glenburnie, serving with the 10/27th reservists as this was during the Second World War and he had re-enlisted for service.
“I have always respected my father’s memory, trying to make him proud.
“The project of placing headstones for the First World War veterans is a way for the people to honour these brave persons who put their lives forward so we could live free and in peace.”
She said she hoped other families of soldiers buried in unmarked graves would come forward to have their loved ones recognised.
Mount Gambier locals who know of or be related to a World War One veteran in an unmarked grave can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs on 8374 3543.
