THE presence of former serviceman Jack Hobbs was sorely missed this year at Bemboka’s Anzac Day commemoration, however his grandson Arthur Gazzard did him proud with a wonderful oration about the World War One service of Jack’s father Nicholas.
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The Bemboka community came out in force for its Anzac Day commemoration, which starts with a short march from Hobbs Store – once owned by Nicholas and his wife Lucy – to the War Memorial.
The march was led by a drummer from the Australian Defence Force Academy, Officer Cadet Jonathon Lowe and piper John Cross, retired Detective Inspector with the NSW Police.
They were followed by seven members of the Bemboka 7th Light Horse Brigade - Rowan Alcock, Wal Berman, Jacinta Alcock, Mick Symons, Daena Saye, Kristyn Hayman, Jake Goodlock – lead by Trooper Andrew Judge of the brigade carrying the Australian Flag.
Officer cadets from the Australian Defence Force Academy followed, then servicemen and women and children from the Bemboka Public School.
The service was emceed by Roger Jones and featured prayers read out by pupils from Bemboka Public School, who also sang Can You Hear the Children Marching.
Officer cadets from the Australian Defence Force Academy formed an impressive Catafalque Party, while another cadet, Matthew Sanderson, gave the Prologue.
Mr Gazzard, a sapper with the Royal Australian Engineers (a corps of the Australian Army), talked about the service of this great-grandfather Nicholas Hobbs in World War One, first in Papua New Guinea, then later in Gallipoli and France.
Mr Gazzard said Jack was due to give this oration, but died in January.
Jack was a beloved member of the Bemboka community and many people at the service had tears in their eyes as Mr Gazzard spoke about him.
Following the service, which attracted well over 100 people, there was a well-attended morning tea at Bemboka Memorial Hall.
Officer cadets from the Australian Defence Force Academy joined the community for the morning tea.