Tears fell as softly as the rain when World War II soldier Walter Albert Thatcher was honoured with an official RSL funeral service at the Yass Cemetery on Wednesday.
Relatives joined members of the Queanbeyan and Yass RSL Sub Branches to pay tribute to the local soldier who was buried in an unmarked grave 49 years ago.
Of the 50-strong crowd who made the pilgrimage from Canberra to Yass, most had never met the returned serviceman known as ‘Ned’ but all were touched by his story.
Ned joined the Second Australian Imperial Force in November 1939 and served in the Middle East, Greece, Crete and New Guinea before he was selected for the Z Special Unit in 1943. Honoured Secretary of the Queanbeyan RSL Sub Branch, Darryl Patch, gave an emotional address outlining Ned’s contribution to his country.
“Ned, somebody had their eye on you and appreciated your ability as an excellent soldier for you were selected NOT posted to the Z Special Unit in early 1943. After specialist training you were given an Oscar Kilo Number which identified you as a member of the Special Forces.
“As you are aware Ned, Z Force was the unofficial and popular media name for your unit. Your unit was one of Australia’s independent forces that operated behind enemy lines in the South West Pacific during World War II. It was the elite forerunner to the Australian Special Air Service and many of its operations remain secret to this day.”
Mr Patch, together with Queanbeyan RSL Sub Branch President Richard Stone, has spent the past eight months researching and re-living the life and times of Walter Albert Thatcher.
At the funeral service, Mr Patch paid Ned the highest of accolades.
“Ned, having read so much about you from official records, and having done so much unofficial research into you and your service, I feel that I know you as a brother and speaking from personal experience, I would be proud to share a weapon pit with you at any time.”
During the service, family members and new friends placed flowers at the foot of the granite headstone bearing Ned’s name, service record and photograph. A piper played a stirring rendition of ‘Coming Home’ before the Last Post sounded throughout the cemetery grounds.
Ned’s nephew Trevor Thatcher thanked the Queanbeyan RSL Sub Branch for their heartfelt contribution.
“The service today was completed in the most professional and spiritual manner, allowing our family complete closure. Ned has been put to rest.”
“Thank you for everything. It’s a big gathering here today, which should give you some idea of the magnitude of our gratitude.”
Julie Wheelhouse, Ned’s grand-niece, was overwhelmed with the emotion of the moment. She put the wheels in motion eight months ago by approaching Mr Patch and Mr Stone for help.
“I’m sure Ned will have many more visitors now people know he is here.”
Mr Patch made a special effort to thank Yass Valley Council for their co-operation and assistance and OSKAR Memorials in Canberra for donating the granite headstone, which proudly acknowledges Ned Thatcher and his service.