The Parkes Historical Society has set up an impressive display at the Henry Parkes Museum to commemorate the special significance of Gallipoli this year.
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The official opening was conducted by local man, Terry Davis and coincided with the annual Smoke, Rust and Noise Day.
President of the Society, Mrs Yvonne Hutton OAM said numbers were down for the day, but those who attended were most impressed.
Our most popular person was John Bogle in his Light Horse uniform and horse,” she said.
“What a beautiful and gentle well trained animal.”
Terry Davis opened the World War 1 and Gallipoli Display with a short resume of his Great Uncles, Walter and Wiliam Whitlock who served in France.
Walter won a Military Medal and served again in World War 2. Both were wounded.
“He wore Walter Whitlocks medals,” Mrs Hutton said.
“Terry also commented that we lost 40 soldiers in Afganistan over four years, but in one day on the Somme, we lost 5,000 Australians and by the end of the month 20,000.
“He then said if that happened today we would not have an Army. Airforce or Navy.
“We don’t realise just how horrific World War One was.
“Terry cut the ribbon and we all went in to look at the display.
“We hope our Parkes community will come and visit the display because it is really an eye opener to see what our soldiers and nurses did and the conditions they fought under.
“It has been a history lesson for us all; something we have never questioned or really knew about.
“We have to be proud of all our men and women, but it has to be tinged with sorrow with such a waste of human life.”
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Mrs Hutton said members of the Central West Antique and Collectors Club visited on the day to assist in starting up stationary engines that locals had not been able to start.
“What a wonderful group of people,” Mrs Hutton said.
“We have now formed a very good friendship; they are such a valuable group to be involved with.
“We wish to thank them for such a wonderful day.
“Stationary engines were the most popular on the day and I am afraid tractors were not.
“It was one of the highlights to see and hear the Petter Engine going.
“It truly depicted our slogan Smoke, Rust and Noise Day.
“I would also like to thank the Historical Society members who have worked so hard over this last month to get the grounds and machinery ready, and the ladies for all their work in organising the display and museum for the day.”
