Gosnells primary school have donated a plaque to honour a Maddington WWII veteran on the newly built centenary of Anzac commemorative wall in Gosnells.
The wall, built by Kenwick rotary club, replaced an existing memorial to WWII veterans and included more space for people who were living or dead, had served in any war and had resided in the City of Gosnells.
Each plaque cost $100 to have installed and engraved and Gosnells primary school staff have raised enough money to donate four plaques, the first of which was donated to Alf Jenaway.
Mr Jenaway, who celebrated his 100th birthday in June, was working on a railway when war broke out in 1939.
His job was considered too important to allow him to leave and go to war but he managed to join the Narrogin light horse troop.
He was determined to join the Australian war effort and after two years with the light horse troop he found a way to enlist in the Australian army.
He served in the Middle East for 18 months before being deployed to New Guinea.
Mr Jenaway attended the school last week to accept the plaque and answer questions from students.
The wall’s project coordinator Steve Weychan, from the Kenwick rotary club, said the memorial plaques had been successful and while plaque applications had closed the school still had two more to donate.
“This is a once in a life time opportunity to be memorialised on the wall,” he said.
“While the school would still give the plaques to families of veterans they’ve been able to donate directly to two veterans so far and it would be nice to do that again.”
For more information call Mr Weychan on 0417 184 090 or email sweychan@bigpond.net.au.
