At the Gulgong Anzac Day service one family was singled out for commemoration, the Watt family whose three sons all died during service in World War I.

Gulgong RSL Sub-Branch President David Henderson said, “We chose three diggers who were local, who went overseas and unfortunately died, never coming back to Australia”.

A memorial picture, which will be placed in the Gulgong RSL, was unveiled at the ceremony on Saturday.

Walter Thomas Watt, aged 25, served in the 7th Light Horse Regiment in Gallipoli and was killed in action on September 30, 1915, by shrapnel.

Archibald James Watt, aged 21, served in 2nd Light Horse Regiment in Gallipoli, and died on December 23, 1915, of pneumonia while hospitalised in Mudros.

Frederick John Watt, aged 37, served in the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion in France and was killed in action on May 3, 1917, after previously being reported as missing. 

The newspaper report of Frederick’s death stated: “The Watt family has made almost as great a sacrifice as any family in the state”.

Hunter White spoke at the service on behalf of the Watt family of three men “who we know from their letters and the stories that have come down through the family”. 

“Part of the legend of Gulgong is those three brothers. They were great uncles to a number of us, they were Gulgong born, they were all single men, who went to war and did not come back,” he said.

“As we gather to remember their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of all men and women who have served, I also ask you to spare a thought for the mother of these boys.

“She was already a widow at the outbreak of war and lost three sons in the service of their country in less than two years, think of the mounting anguish that came with the news of each death.

“Remember all of the mothers, wives, and lovers of all of the servicemen and women who go to war.

“War changes lives for them just as it changes the lives of those who served.”