Many of our neighbours are returned soldiers. Many don’t share their stories. Those men often had amazing lives. The Museum would like to share some very special stories from our local volunteers.
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George Leggatt
George Leggatt was a horse breaker at Miandetta Siding in 1915. He enlisted in the Light Horse and served overseas until 1919. In August 1920 he was chosen to represent Nyngan again.
As part of a team, he rode a buck jumper for the Prince of Wales during the Royal Visit to Canonbar. The Prince had his camera ready, but was so impressed with the spectacle, he forgot to take the photo! What held his interest? George rode his bucking horse with no stirrups!
Norman Rae
Norman Rae joined the fourth Light Horse in August 1914. He spent seven months of continuous service in Gallipoli. He was promoted through the ranks to Major, and during his service was part of every engagement east of the Suez Canal.
He was awarded the Military Cross because he single handedly captured over sixty prisoners under extreme fire during the battle charge at Beersheba. He was also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
What did he do after the War? Sold his farm and bought “The Overflow” Station south of Nyngan. He was known locally as “The Captain”
Owen Howell Price
Lieutenant Colonel Owen Glendower Howell – Price Awarded a Military Cross at Lone Pine, and a Distinguished Service Order in France. He was 26 when he was killed in battle in 1916. He was the fourth of six sons of Reverend and Mrs Howell – Price.
Three of those boys were killed in WW1. An amazing bloke. He wasn’t born in Nyngan, didn’t enlist from here, isn’t buried here, so who was he? Before he enlisted he wanted to work on the land and be a farmer, but he came from a city family with no rural experience.
To be skilled enough to own his own land he took a job at the Nyngan Experimental Farm. He was only here for three months before he joined up but he is still remembered on the Nyngan Roll of Honour.
Humphry Evatt
Captain Humphry Evatt was awarded the Military Cross and Bronze Medal for Military Valour. He fought in WW1 at the Battle of the Somme and at Ypres. He survived the war and returned safely home to Australia. Humphry Evatt became Mayor of Nyngan.
John Hay
John Hay was a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. He flew a bi plane in the many battles over France. The day after his 28th birthday, he was shot down during an air battle. Witnesses reported he had been shot by a bright red plane flown by Baron Von Richthofen.
The farmer from Nyngan had been shot down and killed by the Red Baron! Nyngan volunteers were farmers, shopkeepers, labourers, teachers, policemen, shearers and railway workers. All sorts. Just like the people who made up the town then and now. All sorts that we are very proud of.