On Monday, 21st May 1917, a send-off was given in the Pleasant Hills School of Arts to Trooper J.E. (Billy) Dorman of the A.I.F., home on final leave. There was a large gathering of friends and the general public.
A Second Father's Tribute
Mr F.H. Haberecht, who occupied the chair, presented Trooper Dorman with a wristlet watch. Speaking with emotion, he mentioned that the young soldier had been his apprentice and had grown from a boy to a man under his supervision. He described himself as a "second father" and hoped for the soldier's safe return.
Community Presentations
- Mr J. Bunyan congratulated Trooper Dorman’s father for signing his consent for his son to enlist underage.
- Mr F. Klemke, on behalf of the Pleasant Hills Band, presented Trooper Dorman with a set of pipes.
- Mr O. Sticker, on behalf of the Tennis Club, presented him with a wallet.
The event raised over ten guineas, with nine guineas going to the Red Cross. The night concluded with the Pleasant Hills Band performing "God Bless our Splendid Men".
(Source: Henty Observer and Culcairn Shire Register, Friday 1st June 1917)
Researched and written by Fiona Beckett