Waitaki Mayoress and Mayor Heather and Alex Familton
display the certificate presented to Mr Familton's
grandfather on his return from World War 1. Photo by Sally
Rae.
Speaking at the Anzac Day service at the Enfield
Presbyterian Church was particularly special for Waitaki Mayor
Alex Familton.
Mr Familton took along a framed certificate which was
presented by the Enfield Patriotic Committee to his
grandfather, William Lennox Atkinson, when he returned home
from World War 1 in 1919.
It thanked Private Atkinson for his services and wished him
health, happiness and prosperity.
He enlisted on July 5, 1917 and was discharged on September
17, 1919.
Mr Familton said he had very fond memories of his grandfather
and it was quite emotional to speak at the Enfield service.
He spoke of the mix of grief and elation when soldiers
returned home.
His father served in World War 2 and he recalled how for
years after he returned home, he would hear a noise and "dive
into the bushes".
About 70 people attended the service.
Maureen Malcolm and Joan Mulligan read the roll of honour for
the Enfield and Windsor-Ngapara districts.
Wreaths and poppies were laid in the church.
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