Percy and Di Thompson will have special reasons to march proudly on Anzac Day in Gulgong on April 25. 

Cr and Mrs Thompson will both wear the replica medals of family members who served in World War I. 

Cr Thompson’s great uncle, Sergeant Percy Henry Treasure,  served with the 1st Light Horse Regiment for four years in World War I.  

Born in Cowra, he was 21 years old when he enlisted.   He served at Gallipoli, where he was wounded, and later rejoined his unit.   He later served in Egypt and returned to Australia in 1918. 

Cr Thompson is named James Percy after his great uncle, who lived to the age of 98.  

Mrs Thompson’s grandfather, Private Eric Burns, a Goolma farmer, enlisted in the 7th Light Horse on September 6, 1917. 

He was only 20 years old at the time and  did not have his parents’ permission to enlist, so he lied about his age.  (The minimum age for enlistment without parents’ permission was 21 years). 

He was discharged due to rheumatic fever in 1918. 

Eric had two older brothers who also fought in World War I, both in the 2nd Battalion. 

Private Francis (Frank) Burns was killed in action at Ypres on September 19, 1917, aged 24. 

His brother, Edward, was wounded and returned to returned to Australia where he bought an acre of land from his father at “Roseview”. 

Mrs Thompson said her grandfather never told his family much about the war.

She only learned more about the family’s World War I history when a family member researched the records of the Burns brothers.

If you will be honouring a family member on Anzac Day, the Mudgee Guardian would love to hear about it. Call 6372 1455 or email robyn.murray@fairfaxmedia.com.au