ONE local family’s proud heritage of service to the nation in times of conflict has been acknowledged by the Federal Government.
Two generations of Kerang resident, Ward Beecher’s family have served in three wars in defence of our peaceful lifestyle.
Certificates recognising the service of his father and an uncle were presented to Mr Beecher and his wife, Carol in front of the war memorial at Kerang.
Mr Beecher’s father, Colin served in major World War Two battles as a staff sergeant in the 2/2 Field Regiment 6th Division of the Royal Australian Artillery.
He served at Tobruk, Bardia, North Africa, Greece, Crete and Ceylon.
Colin Beecher returned home and died tragically in a hunting accident in 1956 when his son was just three.
His brother, Frank served as a Royal Australian Air Force navigator in World War Two and was in a Lancaster bomber shot down over Germany.
He is buried in a war cemetery in Antwerp, Belgium.
Mr Beecher said that he was proud of his family’s wartime service, enhanced by his grandfather’s record of serving in both the Boer War and World War One.
Mr Broad said that the government was prepared to recognise the ancestors of any family who wished to be acknowledged. Contact his office for information.
