Kojonup adds names of long-forgotten soldiers to war memorial

Kojonup, a quiet farming town located 260 kilometers south of Perth, marked a poignant moment in its history on Saturday as it added the names of 14 long-forgotten soldiers to its war memorial. The ceremony coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Kojonup Memorial Hall, a structure originally built in 1926 to honor those who died in World War I. This year’s event saw the unveiling of two new plaques, each bearing seven names, bringing the total number of honored individuals to include those who perished in both World Wars. Among those present was Arnold Bilney, a 99-year-old local resident and former shire president, who has called Kojonup home throughout his life. Mr. Bilney, who attended the ceremony, emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by the town’s residents during times of conflict. “It's important that people remember what went on in Kojonup,” he stated. “I think it's very important. I think your future is controlled by your past.” His remarks reflected the deep-rooted connection between the community and its historical legacy. The Kojonup Memorial Hall, which stands as a symbol of remembrance, was funded by the local community and initially dedicated to those who lost their lives in World War I. Over the decades, the hall became a focal point for commemorating the contributions of local citizens during major conflicts. On this centenary occasion, the town took another step toward honoring its past by adding names that had previously gone unrecorded. These additions included soldiers from both World War I and World War II, many of whom had no known graves. Local historian Robert Sexton played a key role in identifying these missing names. He explained that communication challenges in the early 20th century likely contributed to the omission of certain individuals from the memorial rolls. “I’m guessing that it was because communications were so poor in 1914 to 1918, that if their family had left the district, nobody may not have known in time to correct those things,” he noted. Mr. Sexton also highlighted the emotional impact of the war on the community, noting that a total of 70 people were lost in both wars. The ceremony, which drew approximately 150 attendees, featured the playing of The Last Post, a traditional military salute marking the passing of those who fell in battle. Current shire president Roger Bilney described the event as deeply moving, emphasizing the enduring influence of the town’s wartime contributors. “Their contribution back 100 years ago, and even to today, is the core of our community spirit,” he said. The addition of the new names, he explained, aimed to provide a more accurate reflection of the town’s history and ensure that those who had been overlooked would finally receive recognition. The newly added names include members of the Treasure family, four brothers who served in World War I, as well as other local residents whose service in both wars remained largely undocumented. For many families, the act of adding these names represents a form of closure and acknowledgment of their ancestors' sacrifices. As the town continues to preserve its wartime memory, the Kojonup Memorial Hall stands not just as a monument to the past, but as a living testament to the resilience and unity of its people.