Service for teens who didn't return
When William Gannaway lied about his age to enlist in the army, little did the 16-year-old know that his decision would lead to a tragic end of which little was known until a century later.
William was one of seven West Australian teenagers under 18 whose memory was honoured yesterday in the first of six themed sunset services in Kings Park.
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The services have been co-ordinated by the Returned and Services League of WA but last night's event was run by students, some about the same age as the young boys who never had the chance to become men.
It is understood the youngest Australian soldier killed on active service was only 14 years and three months when he enlisted.
He told recruiters he was 18, but the reality meant he died before his 15th birthday.
Like William, Albert James Anderson (aka James Hegarty), Frank Rupert Grainger, 17, Edward Chichele Giles, 17, Hugh Brian O'Donnell, Horace George Poole and Reginald Tutton also lied about their age in their determination to serve their country.
Albert was only 15 when he enlisted in December 1915. He was discharged when his real age became known, but he was not dissuaded and re-enlisted with his mother's maiden name.
Using the name James Hegarty, he said he was 19. He died of bronchitis while training in England at the tender age of 16 years and four months.
Hugh, a 16-year-old miner from Kanowna near Kalgoorlie, was killed in action at Gallipoli in May 1915 while Horace, 16, served for two years in France before being killed.
Reginald was a farmer in Kirup when he enlisted in September 1915. Eleven days after joining the battalion he was wounded in action in France in May 1916 and died the next day aged 17.
William worked as a miller's assistant in Perth when he enlisted in October 1916. He was killed by a high-explosive enemy shell in May 1917 in Armentieres - only three days after joining the battalion. He was 17.
Hundreds of people attended last night's event, including descendants of the seven young men who wanted to honour the memory of a family member they never knew.
Among them was the family of Harry Gannaway - William's elder brother - including granddaughters Jill Nalder and her cousin Margaret Abbott, along with Margaret's 16-year-old granddaughter Laura.
Ms Abbott said it was heartbreaking to think of the young soldiers' deaths and the grief endured by their families.
"My grandfather also served in WWI but he came home, unlike his brother who I think died within 24 hours of landing in France," she said. "My grandmother lived with us and spoke of William, but we didn't know the details about his death until recently."
