As you move to the WWI Exhibit, we share a few personal stories, titled, 'Love Story From Gallipoli', and the 'Lighthorse Men'. From WW2, is the story of the 'Mareeba Butchers'.
In 1914, Harold Colquhoun, a much loved son and brother, from a family in Mareeba, responded to the call to arms and enlisted in the army.
He was 17.
Meanwhile, back at home, Harold’s family and the Mareeba community were actively involved in activities that might help the war effort, in any positive way.
One of these, was the production of, ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’. The concert was to raise funds for gifts for ‘our wounded men and boys’. All of Harold’s sisters, Minna, Dorothy and Flora starred in this production, and one of them drew the poster to advertise the event.
Harold wrote letters to his family, with pictures on the sides of the letters. He was sent overseas to Gallipoli where he was wounded. After he recovered, and now a Sergeant, he returned to the Front, and led the charge up the battle of the Hill 60, where he was last seen, on 27th August 1915. His body was never found.
At home, his family were unaware of Harold’s death, although they were concerned by the cessation of his letters. A Court of Enquiry, held in Egypt April 1916, finally confirmed Harold’s death.
The folder, in our WW1 Exhibit, was donated by Harold's family, and depicts his story, titled, 'A Love Story from Gallipoli’.
