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Service honours soldiers

Agnes, Eric, Silvia, and Andrea Lockyer at the Whim Creek Memorial Service at the weekend. Picture: Courtney Fowler

Not even a wet, stormy day could deter more than 150 Pilbara residents from making the long drive to the Whim Creek Memorial Service on Sunday to remember fallen Australian indigenous soldiers.

Held annually since its establishment in 2011, the service honours all indigenous servicemen and women but particularly remembers the service of the Pilbara's five Lockyer brothers, who enlisted with the Australian Army and air force during World War II.

After working on Pilbara pastoral stations, Edgar, the eldest, and Arnold Lockyer joined the Royal Australian Air Force.

Arnold never returned home after his plane was shot down over Indonesia.

The three younger brothers - Albert, Elliot and Eric - joined the army at the height of World War II. Eric, just 21, also never returned home.

Prayers were said before members of the extended Lockyer family addressed those gathered and gave their thanks to the Pilbara Regiment, special guests and members of the public for their attendance.

Australian Defence Force Brigadier Damian Cantwell said the Lockyers personified service and sacrifice.

"Two of the Lockyers … Arnold and Eric (were) killed in action and tragically their surviving brothers who returned from service waited for many years to see recognition of their service," he said.

"While serving as equals on the battlefield, sadly they were not recognised as such for their service when they returned home and continued to face the same discrimination they faced before their service.

"That sacrifice has helped to identify and protect the freedoms that we all take for granted to this day… they're our sons as much as anyone else's in terms of their services to our country."

Family member Ann Sibosabo said the brothers went to great lengths to enlist.

"They couldn't enlist as Australians because back then Aboriginals were not classed as citizens. They had to go to the King to serve their country," she said.

"I never like war myself, but we are so proud of what they done."

Silvia Lockyer said she grew up with the stories of her grandfather and his brothers' service in war.

"There was always a sense of loss because I grew up without a grandfather and I know it's something that made my dad very sad," she said.

"This is the first time I've come to the memorial. It's such an honour to be able to wear my grandfather's medals and to see them honoured by not only our own family but also other residents in the Pilbara and the Australian Defence Force."