With ANZAC Day approaching, we will recognise and honour some of our Old Boys who served (fallen and returned) so we can enjoy the freedoms we do. All 116 fallen Old Boys and 3 fallen Staff are recorded in The Field of Honour, a book authored by James Mason OAM (past Staff) which was commissioned by the school. Copies of this book are available for purchase online or at the Churchie Shop.

As part of Churchie’s Boarding on the Road program, Head of Cocurricular Mr Trent Goodrick (1994), Director of Engagement Mr David Miles (1985) and OBA President Dr Darren Marchant (1989), recently visited Papua New Guinea. These engagements are designed to spend time with Old Boys, current parents and future families. The official visit was supported by Old Boy and current parent Dadi Toka (1995), as well as current parent Mr Shaun Pini.

The visit to Port Moresby however also provided an opportunity to honour and pay respect to the seven Churchie Old Boys killed during the Kokoda Track campaign, which consisted of a series of battles fought between July and November 1942 as part of the Pacific War of World War II. 84 years on from the campaign, in a quiet ceremony of remembrance at Bomana War Cemetery, they were each honoured with a symbol of our blue and grey uniform laid at each headstone by OBA President Darren Marchant (1989). In further tribute, the story of each of these seven young men was recounted by reading from Churchie’s publication, The Field of Honour. It was a solemn reflection of their personal lives, their honour, their courage and their ultimate sacrifice.

The Old Boys interred at Bomana War Cemetery are:

• Corporal Herbert Cowdry (1938), attended Churchie 1935 to 1937
• Private John Drynan (1934), attended Churchie 1929 to 1931
• Sergeant William Hall (1937), attended Churchie 1934 to 1937
• Lieutenant George Jackson (1931), attended Churchie 1925 to 1931
• Lance Corporal Adolphus Leyshon (1940), attended Churchie 1936 to 1940
• Private Colin Roberston (1926), attended Churchie 1924 to 1926
• Lieutenant Wallace Sanderson (1938), attended Churchie in 1935

It is appropriate at this time to also acknowledge the following three Old Boys who, after the Kokoda campaign, also fought and died in Papua New Guinea. They are interred at Lae War Cemetery.

• Lieutenant Morris Hart (1940), attended Churchie 1937 to 1940
• Trooper Keith Heffernan (1944), attended Churchie 1942
• Captain Anthony Luetchford (1936), attended Churchie 1934