ISABELLA McBride had just the type of historical link the Taree RSL Sub-branch was looking for.
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The Forster resident answered the call from the local sub-branch, which was searching for descendants of the 36 servicemen and women from Taree who gave their lives in World War I and whose names are inscribed on the Taree memorial clock.
Two of the 95-year-old’s brothers served in World War I, with eldest brother William Holden killed in action on October 13, 1917 during the Battle of Passchendaele, two years before she was born.
Her older brother, E J survived the Great War, but died in a tree cutting accident in 1938.
Isabella was prompted to come forward as a descendant after a call from a relative, who just happened to be a member of the Taree RSL Sub-branch.
“My nephew Ray Holden, who lives in Taree, rang me and told me Bob Coombes (Taree RSL Sub-branch president) was looking for descendants,” she said.
“He told Bob about me and I got a call from him asking if I would like to be involved.”
Mr Coombes said it was a fantastic surprise to have Isabella come forward as a descendant.
“I was actually lining up her nephew (Ray Holden) to be the representative, and he came back and said ‘I’ve got something even better for you’,” he said.
“I phoned Isabella and we had a wonderful conversation and she was so honoured and she said ‘God willing I’ll be at the 2015 Anzac Day with my family’.”
Isabella has made the visit to the memorial for her eldest brother’s final resting place.
“I went to Belgium in 2001 and I found William’s name on the Menin Gate Memorial,” she said.
Coming from a family of seven brothers and three sisters, Isabella’s other siblings also saw military service.
“Two of my other brothers served in World War II, Andrew served in the Middle East and Cecil served in Borneo,” she said.
“I think my family’s done their fair share for the country.”
Isabella had fond memories of her older brother E J who returned from service in World War I.
“He was just a good hard working man, and after the war he was with a group that were helping to do up the war graves from the battles,” she said
“He was a month off 39 when he died and a year before I was married.”
Isabella said it would be a great honour to take part in next year’s Anzac centenary as she paid tribute to her brothers’ service to their country.
“It means a great deal to be recognised as a descendant and I hope my parents in some way can see that they are still remembered,” she said.
As part of next year’s Centenary of Anzac 2015, it is planned that Isabella and other descendants will be given a silver cross inscribed with the words “Lest We Forget” to be placed on the clock memorial, as a mark of respect from the people of the Manning.
Descendants are asked to contact the sub-branch secretary Dennis Lawrence via phone on 6552 1541 or via mail, the Secretary, PO Box 5, Taree, NSW, 2429.