Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Yea chronicle, 5.7.1900

IN MEMORIAM PTE. WAKLEY. The residents of Kobyboyn have shown in a practical manner their esteem and respect for the late Private Victor Oak Wakley, by erecting a memorial tablet in the local hall. It bears the following inscription : " In loving memory of Private Victor Oak Wakley, member of the Ruffy detachment of V.M.R. who died of enteric fever at Kroonstad, South Africa, May. 31st, 1900, while serving his Queen and Country, as a member of the Victorian Second Contingent, aged 20. His simple, manly, spirit, and childlike heart, made him ever a true -soldier of Christ." On the right of the tablet is the "Grand old Flag "; on the left of. the tablet is the Australian flag. Surmounting all is the latest photograph of Her Gracious Majesty the Queen. On Sunday, 1st inst, a memorial service was conducted by Mr. Evans, the Presbyterian Missionary of the district. The members of the Ruffy Detachment of V.M.R., under the commandof Sergeant Maygar, attended in uniform. The service was largely attended, fully 80 persons being present, many of whom had to travel over 20 miles to attend the service. Religious differences were wisely cast aside, and the friends of the deceased, of various denominations, all united in showing their respect for him. Mr. Evans referred to the good qualities of the late soldier, his modest, kindly manner, and his brave and generous spirit, which caused him to be beloved by all who knew him. He was most anxious to go to the front, and though not great in stature, it is no vain boast to say that Her Majesty had no braver, stouter heart upholding the honour of the Empire in South Africa. As one of his comrades put it, "He was the man to have by one's side in a "tight corner." He was, indeed, a man on whom we could rely to make the name of Australia honoured wherever he might be. His untimely demise is a great loss to the district, and much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family. At the close of the service the organist played the " Dead March in Saul," after which Sergeant Maygar (on behalf of the Ruffy V.M.R.) presented Mr. and Mrs. Wakley with a hand painted " In Memoriam " executed" by himself, as a token of the esteem in which the deceased was held his brother soldiers.


Memorial plaque & photo - St Lukes Anglican church Yea

http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/military/display/34111-private-v.-o.-wakley