About the Event
The Mandurah Museum will be commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women by having a display of memorabilia from a private collection by local resident Sandra Playle and showcasing some Mandurah locals who served in the First World War.
Sandra Playle’s uncle, Private Harold George Day died in Belgium during WWI. Harold Day’s gravesite is cared for by Sergeant Real Desmarets of the Belgium Army.
Real Desmarets ‘adopted’ 12 Australian soldiers’ graves, which includes Sandra’s uncle. He visits Harold’s grave site on his Birthday, at Christmas, on Anzac Day and on the anniversary of his death. Real places messages and photographs provided by Sandra on Harold’s grave and sends Sandra photographs of the grave site and small gifts from Belgium. These gifts are on display as well.
Real’s grandchildren accompany him on his visits to the cemeteries and he teaches them never to forget and that they can live free because of these Australian soldiers who fought on the Western Front.
